Assessing what’s right for you
We’ve all seen the “personality” tests on Facebook, “What’s your perfect career?” or “Which Disney princess is your dog?” While those are just for fun, wouldn’t it be nice if someone could help us find the right path before you graduate college or spend 20 years in a career you hate? In a Sept. 2014 report in “The Daily Princetonian,” a survey found that 70 percent of students change their major after enrollment. And really, how many of us are working in the exact field dictated by our degrees?
Finding direction
One of the most obvious examples of someone getting into a field that is evidently wrong is putting an introvert into sales. While some people who are reserved can definitely be successful, it does take a lot of motivation to want to talk to customers all day long when you’d prefer to be alone.
Knowing your personality traits before you start your education and job search saves time and money.
Instead of wasting tuition in classes that don’t work toward your degree or in getting into a field that isn’t fulfilling, take a real career assessment or personality test. College and high school students may have access to different tests through their school. Check with a career counselor. If you don’t fit into one of those categories, here are some tests that you can use to help find the direction you want. You might be surprised at the results.
Assessments for individuals
1. Sokanu
The questions are very career-minded. At the end of the test, which does take about 30 minutes, you get matched with jobs
2. Mapp Career Assessment
This test is for high school and college students, or adults at all stages in their career path. It is free, but you can purchase upgrades. Plan to spend about 15/20 minutes through the process.
3. My Next Move
A very short assessment, but with some valuable information. You can easily see if you’re more artistic, realistic, or scientific within the evaluation and get some career paths that can help you.
4. Career Key
For $13.00, an individual gets access for one year. There are different assessments for adults, high schoolers, and college students, and even middle school students. It would be worth the investment if you saved money at college by starting out on the path you’re really interested in.
Assessments for employers or those who are already employed
Personality tests can often tell you where you need to grow. You may have a good idea of your strengths, but we often overlook our weaknesses. Many employers use these tests in hiring to build a team with a variety of strengths. Make sure you check with all the laws should your business implement personality testing in your hiring process.
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® costs $49.95, and it’s available online or in testing centers. Counselors who give the test can help you better interpret the results. Whichever option you choose, you will have a better understanding of yourself and how you fit into a team dynamic.
The Achiever, from CRI, measures cognitive skills and behavior dimensions. CRI created and copyrighted the first job assessment test in the United States. They’re a small business with personalized service, based in the DFW area, and they work with employers to find team members who are a good fit for a specific position.
