Career Planning - Self Assessment Tools

Self-Assessment
Tools & Instruments

Discover who you are, what your skills and abilities are, and then find a career that fits you

Assessment tests and self-assessment activities provide a useful means for learning more about yourself, particularly as it relates to career decision-making. All personality and vocational assessments have limitations, however, and you should be cautious in how they are used and interpreted. Consider consulting a career counseling professional to assist you in your career planning.

The following assessment tools and instruments may be helpful:

Birkman Method Career Style Summary ─ A short exercise that provides a description of your interests, skills, and preferred style.
Campbell Interest and Skill Survey^TM ─ Developed by career-planning expert Dr. David Campbell, this instrument/questionnaire helps users evaluate their interests and skills, and relates the results to specific occupational areas. This instrument focuses on careers that require postsecondary education and is most appropriate for those who are college bound or college educated. The cost for taking this instrument is currently $37.90.
The Career Key^TM ^─ Short self-assessment measure, developed by Dr. Lawrence K. Jones, professor Emeritus in the College of Education at North Carolina State University. It provides a three-letter Holland Code, which represents your personality and preferred work environment, as well as information about related occupations. The test is available for a fee of $7.95. Profits from test fees support a number of charitable organizations. However, Dr. Jones has licensed the assessment for free through the following web sites:

     — www.cfnc.org
     — www.careerbuilder.com
     — www.educationplanner.com
Keirsey Character Sorter and the Keirsey Temperament Sorter ─ These interactive personality instruments are relevant, based on the idea that your job or career choice should match your personality. Results are provided in Myers-Briggs language.
Budget Worksheet ─ This simple budget worksheet helps you examine your income needs as one factor in exploring career options. You may also want to compare the cost of living in different cities, because where you live can affect how you live.
Self-Assessment Exercise ─ A short checklist activity that provides you with a three-letter Holland code. You can then explore Career Briefs to learn about occupations with related Interest (Holland) profiles.
Self-Directed Search (SDS) ─ Developed by Dr. John Holland, whose theory of careers is the basis of many career inventories in use today. The SDS is based on a theory that both people and work environments can be classified according to 6 basic types. People who choose careers that match their own types are most likely to be both satisfied and successful. This inventory takes about 15 minutes to complete. The 8 - 16 page personalized report is available for a credit/debit card payment of $9.95.