Unlocking Your Superpowers: Build Your Career Portfolio Like a Pro

Let’s be real—the job market right now isn’t exactly a walk in the park. Whether you’re aiming for a promotion or considering a complete career pivot, the process can feel like navigating a never-ending maze. But fear not! We’ve got some smart strategies to help you boost your career and take control of your professional journey.

Our founder Jesse recently shared some great insights during a talk with our VC firm – Initialized. Although his tips were focused specifically on landing a job in tech, they’re applicable no matter what industry you’re in. Let’s get into it!

1. Identify Your Superpowers

We’re all pretty quick to zero in on what we’re not good at, but when was the last time you took stock of your strengths? Take a moment to think back on your career. Are you great at collaborating across teams? Do you have an uncanny ability to thrive under pressure? Reflect on the skills and traits that make you stand out. Recognizing these “superpowers” isn’t just a boost to your confidence—it’s the foundation of a career strategy that highlights your value. As this alludes to, in addition to identifying your superpowers it's a persona to embody throughout the interview process as the best version of yourself.

2. Bring Those Superpowers to Life with Real Examples

Now that you’ve identified what you’re great at, it’s time to back it up with real-life examples. Think of the times when your superpowers made a difference at work. Maybe you managed to keep a complicated project on track, or you turned a crisis into an opportunity. Gather these moments like tools in a toolkit, ready to pull out in job interviews, on your resume, or even casual networking chats. The key is to have them at the ready, to show potential employers exactly how you can make an impact.

Jesse puts it perfectly: “It’s all about how you present yourself. Let’s not roll the dice—figure out how you can stand out.”

3. Acknowledge Your Weaknesses, But Use Your Strengths to Overcome Them

We all have our weak spots, but that doesn’t mean they have to define us. The beauty of identifying your superpowers is that you can use them to mitigate your weaknesses. Maybe time management isn’t your strong suit, but your ability to prioritize and streamline workflows helps you get the job done efficiently. Or perhaps public speaking isn’t your forte, but your research and preparation skills allow you to nail every presentation. The key is to show growth and how your strengths help you overcome challenges.

4. Thought Experiment: Let’s Get Practical

Now that you’ve got these tips in your arsenal, let’s put them to work. Choose a company you’ve been eyeing and head over to LinkedIn. Here’s what you can do:

Research Their Resumes: Find people who already work at that company and — if you’re lucky — locate their resumes. This is an excellent way to see exactly what that company considers a winning application. It’s not cheating; it’s just smart research.

Reach Out: If you can’t find resumes, don’t hesitate to reach out directly. Ask for advice or insights about their role and how they got there. Not only do you gain valuable information, but you’re also building connections that could be helpful down the road.

5. You’ve Got an Interview... Now What?

Landing the interview is a win in itself, but now it’s time to really shine. Look at the job description again and think about how your superpowers align with the role’s needs. Prepare to talk about how your unique skills can be a direct asset to the company. And don’t forget those people you reached out to — tap into their insights to get a sense of the company culture or any interview tips they might have. The more informed you are, the more confident you’ll be.

6. Persistence: The True Superpower

Here’s the truth: You might not land the job on your first try, or even your second. And that’s okay. Persistence is the key to success in any job search. Each rejection isn’t a failure — it’s an opportunity to learn and improve. Maybe it’s a chance to refine your resume, practice your interview responses, or even reframe how you’re presenting your strengths. The important thing is to keep going, because the right opportunity is out there, and it’s worth the wait.

Final Thoughts

Building your portfolio of superpowers isn’t just about knowing your strengths—it’s about learning how to communicate them effectively and staying persistent even when things get tough. Jesse’s talk is full of great insights for navigating the job market, so make sure to give it a watch if you’re looking for more tips.

So, go ahead—take control of your career, put these strategies to work, and remember that you’ve got the skills to succeed.