Career Assessments 
Explore Options and Offer Insight

-Caroline Davison

Career Assessments, which can also be known as Interest Inventories, can be a great asset for finding direction not only in your career search but in Life as well.  

Optimize the process of self-discovery by following these rules of thumb:

• Explore your options and open your mind!  There are many assessments available on   the internet free of charge. Use them to pinpoint your strengths and interests.  Do not expect to find all the answers (after all, the assessments are free and online).  
  

• Take more than one assessment and compare the results. Similarities may be worth thinking over. Odd or unrealistic results could be a result of testing error or just a fluke- disregard them!  Remember to be insightful AND sensible throughout the entire process.  
  

• Research identified occupations before passing them off without consideration.  Though some of your results are sure to be surprising, new ideas are often inspiring.  
  

• Retain a copy of your test results to use as a source of reference and guidance as you begin your search.

Check out the following links!

MAPP (Motivational Appraisal of Personal Potential) Assessment- My personal favorite.  This assessment is tedious to go through (a series of 71 questions that you rate from least to most appealing) but well worth the trouble.  After receiving your narrative analysis and list of vocational matches, this assessment allows you to select occupations and assess your fit in the profession. 

Keirsey Temperament Sorter- A twist on the Myers Briggs personality assessment.  Examines temperament and classifies individuals by type: Guardians, Artisans, Idealists, or Rationals.

Ansir's 3 Sides of You Self Perception Profiling System- Very thorough- addresses Working Style, Emoting Style, and Thinking Style.  This assessment takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.  Focuses on your perception of self.

The Career Key- Uses Holland Codes to separate test takers by personality type, then creates a list of careers that can be further explored through the Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Career Questionnaire- This brief but informative assessment explores your Temperament, Abilities, Work Conditions, Interests, Education, and Occupation Outlook.

Holland Interest Inventory- A quick checklist of personal interests is used to compile a list of relevant careers.