Self-assessment includes:
 

Things you enjoy doing can give you important clues about work or career interests. Fixing things, using computers, cooking, and caring for children are just a few examples of everyday activities and skills that can be transferred into a career.
 

Each person's unique combination of emotional and behavioral characteristics constitutes their personality. Different careers fit better with different personality traits. For example, an outgoing, friendly person who enjoys meeting and talking to people all day would be suited for jobs in sales, customer service, or public relations.
 

Skills are acquired not only from past work experiences, but also from community service and other roles in your life. Skills are divided into three types:

Talents and natural abilities often indicate potential in a particular area. People often take for granted the skills that come easily to them, yet those are precisely the areas that should be explored when considering careers. With training, natural aptitudes may turn into career options.
 

The motivation or personal incentives needed for job satisfaction are unique to each person. By examining your work values, you can prioritize what role work plays in your life. However, as you grow and mature, some of your values may change. Therefore, a job or career chosen at age 20 may not match the values held at age 40 or 50.
 

Your preferred living conditions can affect your career and occupational choices, and vice versa. By assessing how you want to live and considering the finances required to support that lifestyle, you can evaluate how your career decisions may impact you and the significant people in your life, and whether there are existing or potential barriers to overcome. Financial needs are an important consideration. Knowledge of monthly expenses and having realistic financial goals can help in choosing appropriate occupations.
 

Preferences regarding working conditions can be just as important as what you choose to do. Work environment can play a large part in how you feel about your job. Often, your comfort level with where you work can make the difference between a successful and an unsuccessful career choice.

Many self-assessment instruments are available, both informal exercises and formal tests/inventories. They are often available at your local high schools, colleges, and workforce development agencies.