Identifying and Overcoming Skill Gaps: Practical Strategies to Bridge the Distance to Your Career Goals

Picture this: we're sitting in a cozy cafe, a warm latte in hand, talking about something that’s been on your mind for a while—making a leap in your career. You’re at that spot where you’re comfortable but craving a challenge, maybe even a new role. But there’s this little voice whispering, “Am I ready for that?” Sound familiar? It’s not uncommon to feel like there are gaps in the skills you need to move forward.

The good news is that identifying and filling skill gaps doesn’t have to be overwhelming or mean a complete career overhaul. With some thoughtful strategies and small, consistent steps, you can turn those gaps into stepping stones. Let's break down a straightforward approach to pinpointing and closing skill gaps.

1. Identify Your Skill Gaps

Before we can fill in the gaps, we need to find them. This sounds simple, but it takes a bit of digging, honesty, and even a bit of vulnerability. Here are a few ways to get started:

Reflect on Your Role and Aspirations

Think about where you are now and where you’d like to go. What’s the difference between the two? Let’s say you’re an HR manager in Fredericton, New Brunswick. You love the work but want to step up into a senior leadership role. When you look at job postings for roles like an HR Director, you might notice requirements you’re not fully confident about—maybe it’s HR analytics or strategic planning.

Seek Constructive Feedback

Feedback is essential here. Chat with your supervisor or a trusted colleague who can give you insight into where they think you could strengthen your skills. Sometimes, we’re too close to our day-to-day tasks to see where we need to grow.

Benchmark Against Industry Standards

If you’re unsure what skills are “standard” or emerging in your field, use resources like the National Occupational Classification (NOC) database in Canada. The NOC lists out duties, responsibilities, and skill expectations for many job roles across the country and is a solid starting point to see what’s expected in your industry.

Grab a few more tips on the reflection process here.

2. Categorize Your Skill Gaps: Soft Skills vs. Hard Skills

Let’s break it down even further. Skill gaps usually fall into two categories: soft skills and hard skills.

Soft Skills

Soft skills are your “people” skills. Think communication, emotional intelligence, leadership, and adaptability. These might seem intuitive, but they’re often challenging to master. In the HR example, you might notice that your emotional intelligence (the ability to navigate sensitive or tense situations) could use some refining to handle a more significant leadership role effectively.

Hard Skills

Hard skills are the technical, job-specific skills you need to do your work well. They might include software proficiency, analytical abilities, and knowledge of specific methodologies or tools. Maybe you need to sharpen your Excel skills for HR reporting, or you’re looking to gain a stronger understanding of HR analytics.

3. Action Steps to Close the Gaps

Once you know where the gaps are, let’s get practical. Here are some steps you can take to start building those skills today:

Take Advantage of Online Learning Resources

If you’re looking to add a new hard skill, Canada offers various low-cost and free options. Sites like Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning can provide access to classes taught by top industry experts. Suppose you’re an HR professional who wants to dive deeper into analytics; look for “HR Analytics” or “People Analytics” courses on these platforms.

Seek Mentorship or Join a Professional Group

A mentor can be invaluable for growth, especially in soft skills. The Happy Hour Club is a wonderful space for networking and connecting to other local professionals, for example. Being part of a professional network can also expose you to industry insights and practical tools that enhance your skills.

Practice Skills on the Job

Real learning happens through doing. Look for ways to practice your skills in low-stakes environments. Maybe you lead a small project or work on a committee at your current job. If you’re looking to improve in strategic planning, for example, propose a small initiative where you can work through each step, from goal setting to measuring success. Small, hands-on experience can lead to real growth and confidence.

Set SMART Goals for Your Development

When you’re ready to build skills, set SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. For instance, if public speaking is your gap, aim to give three presentations over the next six months. Each one will feel a little less daunting, and before you know it, you’ll be far more comfortable.

Wondering how to actually fit this skill development into your day? Read more about that here. 

4. Track Your Progress and Reflect

As you develop new skills, take time to reflect on what’s working and where you still feel challenged. Keep a journal of what you’re learning and any feedback you receive. Regularly check in with yourself to ensure your new skills align with your career goals.

Real-Life Example: Meet Megan, a Marketing Coordinator

To bring this closer to home, let’s look at Megan*, a marketing coordinator in New Brunswick who wanted to become a brand manager. Her main skill gaps were in data analysis and project management. Over six months, she took an online data analytics course, found a mentor in her marketing team, and volunteered to lead a social media campaign. Each step taught her something valuable, and she was promoted to brand manager. This didn’t happen overnight, but her consistent effort paid off.

*names and details are changed for confidentiality purposes

Embrace Lifelong Learning

One of the most empowering steps in bridging skill gaps is shifting your mindset from “I have to know it all now” to “I’m continuously growing.” The workplace is evolving faster than ever, and lifelong learning is part of keeping up. Look at each skill gap as an opportunity to expand your potential rather than something to “fix.” You’re simply building up your toolkit for wherever your career takes you.

Read more on how to showcase your skills here.

Filling skill gaps isn’t a sprint; it’s a journey. With these steps—identifying where you need to grow, finding resources, setting realistic goals, and tracking your progress—you’re setting yourself up for lasting success.

So, next time you feel a bit of imposter syndrome creeping in, remember that it’s a sign you’re stretching yourself. And every small step you take is a step closer to the career you want. Let's keep learning and growing together.

~Jess