In the world of emergency services, it’s easy to be so focused on serving others that you rarely stop to check in with yourself. But if you’re serious about developing your career, staying resilient, and growing as a professional, self-assessment is an essential habit. It’s how you figure out what’s working, what could improve, and where you want to go next.
Self-assessment isn’t about picking yourself apart, it’s about developing clarity, self-awareness, and direction. Here’s how you can make self-assessment part of your career development routine as a first responder.
1. Reflect on Your Recent Experiences
Start by asking: “What have I learned over the past few months?” Think about moments that stood out—both positive and challenging, and what they taught you.
Questions to guide your reflection:
- What was a recent call or shift where I felt confident and in control?
- What situations left me feeling unsure, frustrated, or overwhelmed?
- Did I try anything new recently? How did it go?
This process helps you spot patterns in your performance and identify what gives you energy, or what might be wearing you down.
2. Identify Your Strengths
Recognising your strengths helps you use them more intentionally and grow your confidence. Strengths aren’t just clinical, they can be interpersonal or leadership-related too.
Try this prompt:
- “When my team is under pressure, the skill they can count on me for is…”
- “A strength I’ve developed over the past year is…”
Write down 2–3 strengths, with examples of when you’ve used them. This becomes especially useful during performance reviews or career conversations.
3. Acknowledge Growth Areas (Without Judgment)
Everyone has areas they can improve. Self-assessment means acknowledging these without being overly critical. The goal is to spot what you want to work on, not to beat yourself up.
Start with:
- “One area I’d like to be more confident in is…”
- “A recurring challenge I want to improve is…”
Once you identify a growth area, pair it with one small action you can take to address it. This turns insight into progress.
4. Align Your Assessment with Your Career Goals
Once you’ve looked at your current performance, zoom out and ask: “Does where I am now align with where I want to be?”
Questions to consider:
- What is my next professional goal?
- Am I developing the skills I’ll need for that next step?
- Do I need more training, mentorship, or experience?
This step connects self-awareness to career planning, giving your development purpose and direction.
5. Create a Simple Personal Development Plan
Self-assessment should lead to action. Based on your reflections, write down a short development plan for the next 3–6 months.
Use this template:
- One strength I’ll continue to build on is...
- One skill I want to improve is...
- One step I’ll take this month is...
You can revisit this monthly or quarterly to track progress, adjust your goals, and stay on course.
🧠 Final Thoughts: Know Yourself to Grow Yourself
Self-assessment isn’t a one-off task, it’s a habit that builds self-awareness, resilience, and career clarity. When you regularly pause to evaluate your skills, experiences, and goals, you put yourself in a stronger position to lead, grow, and make informed decisions about your future.
So take 15 minutes this week. Find a quiet space. Reflect, write it down, and decide your next step. The more you know yourself, the stronger your career becomes.
