Personality and aptitude assessments are useful tools for objectively evaluating your strengths, interests and potential career fits during times of transition. While not definitive career determinants alone, validated tests provide insight into compatible roles worth exploring further. Here are some trusted, free-to-use online assessments to kickstart meaningful self-reflection:
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) assessment evaluates how you perceive information and make decisions to place you into one of 16 personality types, each with common career paths. Despite some validity criticisms, MBTI remains popular for introducing the concept of personality-work fit in an engaging way. Complete the questionnaire carefully reflecting on your true tendencies rather than social desirability to gain actionable self-knowledge.
Relatedly, the Enneagram assessment categorizes fundamental personality styles into 9 types through their core fears and desires. While less empirically studied than MBTI, the Enneagram illuminates lifework tendencies and how varying types approach career issues differently. Take time understanding your type’s traits, motivations and recommended careers matched. Reducing inertia by better self-awareness aids change.
For a simplified, lighter approach focused entirely on interests over tendencies, theRIASEC Holland Codes model codes occupations and personal interests into six themes: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising and Conventional. The assessment generates a three-letter code reflecting areas of best fit while exposing new kinds of roles worth exploring further. Compatible careers aligned to interests foster greater achievement and satisfaction.
StrengthsFinder 2.0 helps identify your top 5 talent themes shining light on innate tendencies that bring you satisfaction when applied consistently each day at work. While critics argue strengths aren’t predictive, rating 34 themes provides clarity on where to focus development. Building on your natural gifts through compatible roles leads to thriving long-term.
For deeper analysis of cognitive skills and career matches, assessment giants like Myers-Briggs, 16Personalities and Truity administer the well-validated OPQ32 or OPQ34 personality and occupational interest questionnaire online. While paid, comprehensive reports surfaced potential strengths, derailers and occupations aligned to user traits provide clarity guiding development paths from any starting point.
Advising platforms like Careercafe offer consultations for in-depth analysis of assessment results, resume critique, interview preparation guidance and comprehensive career counseling programs. Work through individualized plans created by certified experts to address transition needs holistically.
Additional assessment categories worth consideration include skills and values identification. SkillSurvey evaluates abilities like organization, communication and initiative employers seek using a simple self and peer assessment. Understanding transferable skills and abilities aids communicating qualifications for any role. The Values Card Sort helps crystallize core values like achievement or work-life balance priorities when choosing paths aligned.
To deepen self-awareness, journal reflections on motivations, satisfiers, stressors and daily habits connecting to assessment feedback themes. Career change requires sufficient understanding of root drivers to find truly fulfilling replacements. Make a collage or vision board illustrating target careers sparked by discovery. Finding fulfillment exceeds financial factors sustaining transitions long-term.
Revisit assessments periodically as perspectives evolve, accessing feedback history to track growth pacing recommendations. Growth mindsets perceive results not as fixed determinants but starting points enhancing discernment through ongoing life experiences. Assessments never replace jobs chosen by self-discovery, passion or business acumen but inform those walking unknown paths considering possibilities previously unseen. With open-minded application, they fuel potential-driven change allowing new strengths, skills and interests to shine.
While insightful, avoid overreliance on any one assessment as career gospel. Integrate multiple tools re-taken months apart validating results over time. Compare themes across instruments for converging areas flagging strongest signals. Note inconsistent findings indicating immaturity necessitating further exploration into situational preferences versus enduring traits.
Consider occupational outlooks, required education levels and economic realities when applying assessment guidance to real openings. Compatibility alone won’t guarantee opportunities suiting multiple transition factors together.
Assessments shouldn’t stifle ambition but uncover possibilities deserving investigation. Be open-minded towards related, less obvious roles surfaced addressing preferences differently yet satisfyingly. For example, consider scientific writer over researcher if communications appeal more. Target assessment discussions connecting discoveries to networking contacts pursuing advice.
Finally, treat all results privately avoiding public oversharing preserving professionalism. Use certified counselors unpacking sensitive data for career navigation alone avoiding ascribing rigid labels upon self or others. Focus outward on applying new awareness growing transferable skills adaptable across industries rather than seeking perfect-fit roles not guaranteed.
Self-directed personality and skills research paired with professionally interpreted assessments provides invaluable self-knowledge fueling informed decision making. Make a plan incorporating insights gained with experimentation and further exploration. Periodic reassessment tracks evolving interests as lives continuously develop post-transition. With openness and patience, science-based tools serve lifelong career custodianship far better than fate or chance alone.
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