Sample SWOT and GAP Analyses and Worksheet
A key tool in the strategic planning process can also be applied to career planning. This tool is a
marketing analysis using the SWOT Technique. A SWOT analysis focuses on the internal and
external environments, examining strengths and weaknesses in the internal environment and
opportunities and threats in the external environment. Imagine your SWOT analysis to be
structured like the table below.
Use what you learned in the SWOT analysis to focus on the part you have control over: your
weaknesses. Also use it to be aware of external threats in your career field and to clarify your
strengths and opportunities. Use the Gap Analysis and Action Plan to start bridging the gaps.
SWOT ANALYSIS
INTERNAL
Strengths you have
Weaknesses you have
you can
control
skills, knowledge, abilities
lack of certain skills, etc.
•
•
work experience
lack of certain experience
•
•
positive characteristics
negative characteristics
•
•
network of connections
lack of goals and /
•
•
or education
EXTERNAL you
Opportunities in your career field
Threats in your career field
can't control
likelihood of job growth
likelihood of downsizing
•
•
chances to increase skills
amount of competition
•
•
for jobs
chances for advancement
•
dead-end type of work
•
GAP ANALYSIS and ACTION PLAN
Employer Needs
I Have
Gaps
Action
Who Can
Timeframe
(job
Help? (people I
Needed (steps
(skills,
(difference)
(start / finish)
requirements)
know)
knowledge)
to bridge gap)
enroll in short
e.g. know
know only
software
Silvia will babysit
June 5 - July 8
course at
word
spreadsheet
knowledge
while I'm at class
community college
processing
software
The result is:
The type of job I'm looking for is: _____________________________
(Sources: -
; Work in -
; Quintessential -
http://
)