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Select the job advertisement that you wish to apply for. This can be an old or current job posting. Write down the position requirements on paper, in a notebook or on a whiteboard.​

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Review your skills, experiences and qualities from Phases 1–2. Compare these with the job requirements for the position you are planning to apply for. Select five to ten of your characteristics that are relevant to the job, for example, industry experience, foreign language proficiency, technical skills, certifications or soft skills. Write these characteristics on sticky notes in one colour.​

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Rate the five selected skills and characteristics on a scale of 1–5. One is the lowest number, and five is the highest. Write the score on the sticky notes next to the characteristics.​

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Create a profile of the 'ideal candidate' based on the job advertisement. List five to ten skills and characteristics for this persona. Write the score next to each characteristic on a sticky note of a different colour.​

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Create a competitive matrix on a sheet of paper or a whiteboard. Draw two axes on it: Put 'Expected Salary' on the X-axis and 'Level of Competencies' on the Y-axis.​

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Place both yourself and the ideal candidate in the matrix and compare the two profiles. Colourful sticky notes make this easy. How do you and the ideal candidate compare? Identify areas where you are positioned low on the matrix and areas where you are positioned well.

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Write down your findings on skills, knowledge, and areas for development. Identify your unique selling points – the things that set you apart from the competition. Consider whether this sector aligns with your strengths and aspirations.