Career Tests
Monday, February 8, 2010 at 10:00AM 
Taking a career test is a little like playing "what do you want to be when you grow up?" with a twist. The twist is that career tests can give you ideas about what you possibly should do rather than you simply pondering what you want to do. A personality test can give you an indication of which jobs match your personality type and which careers you may have an aptitude for. You do need to remember that the test results are only an indicator and should not be relied on as an absolute assessment of which career is best for you.
Take a Career Test
That said, spend some time taking a career test or two, conduct a career assessment, review career options and consider how they may fit with your personality. Evaluating your goals and life style can provide insight into what types of jobs you are best suited for. You may also get some information on career options that you hadn't even thought of before. Also some of the tests are actually fun to take. If nothing else, you will gain information on potential careers that you can explore to see if they really are a good fit.
Online Career Tests
A variety of career tests are available online. Some are complicated, others are quick and easy. There are fees for some assessments, others are free. Start with the free tests to see how they work for you.
- Princeton Review Career Quiz (http://www.princetonreview.com/cte/quiz/career_quiz1.asp) - An estimation of your personal interests and usual style, followed by a description of types of occupations and work environments that seemingly match.
- The Career Key, by Lawrence K. Jones (http://www.ncsu.edu/careerkey/) - Based on John Holland's idea of a person-work environment fit: that the choice of an occupation is an expression of one's personality.
- The Career Interest Game, by the University of Missouri (http://www.self-directed-search.com/)
Standard Career Tests
Consider the more in-depth analysis provided by the top rated assessment instruments like Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, the Strong Interest Inventory, Campbell Interest and Skill Survey, Sigi3, or the Keirsey Temperament Sorter which do charge a fee for products and services but may be well worth the investment.
Check to see if your career services department offers these tests for free and consult with a career counselor about the results.
For more information, be sure to visit http://jobsearch.about.com/od/careertests/a/careertests.htm
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This is an excerpt from Finding Your First Job After College Guide which is included in our Real World 101 Care Packages. Visit our Care Package page to find out how to get one for yourself or for a lucky college grad!
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