Regardless of which stage one is in his or her career, taking a career personality test can provide valuable insights that can make career-related decisions easier. In “Using Personality Testing to Ensure Career Success and Happiness,” Suite 101 writer Anne O’Connell says that people who understand their skills and personality are “more likely to make a wise career choice and interact more effectively with others in the workplace.”
There are numerous online career assessments. This is a small selection of career tests available for free or for purchase.
Free Career Aptitude Tests Online
Fun Education offers various career surveys, including “What’s Your Perfect Career?,” “Are You Management Material?” and the “Ultimate Sales Challenge.” Two IQ tests are also available (Ph.D. and ISIQ certified).
The Keirsey Temperment Sorter on Keirsey’s website is a popular assessment tool used worldwide. The Keirsey Temperament Sorter defines four temperaments: Guardians, Idealists, Rationals and Artisans. A free temperament report is available after completing the test.
The UK iVillage website has a free test called “What career will suit your personality.” This career quiz gives a brief description of one’s working skills and preferences. It also includes a list of several career options.
Paid Career Personality Tests Online
More detailed reports and career advice are available with paid career tests. Although numerous websites sell career assessment packages, these are three well established organizations:
Both Career Key (“Career Key™ Test”) and Career Planner (“Career Interest Test”) assessments are based on John Holland’s career choice theory. A career development theorist, Holland defined six personality types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising and Conventional. Career Key’s test has been recommended by career coach Richard Bolles in his book, What Color Is Your Parachute?
Discover Your Personality offers two extremely popular personality and career tests: the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI) and the Strong Interest Inventory®. Testing is also available using the FIRO-B™, CPI 260™ and 16PF® assessment instruments. A phone consultation with a career advisor is included in the cost of a test package. This site has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and is also endorsed by Richard Bolles.
The MBTI defines 16 personality based on four dichotomies: extroversion vs. introversion, sensing vs. intuition, thinking vs. feeling and judgment vs. perception. In contrast, the Strong Interest Inventory® is based on Holland’s theory of career choice.
Next Steps After Taking a Careers Test
After taking an career personality assessment, test-takers can research the career choices that appear in their results. Research can be conducted in the library, online or through informational interviews. Another step is to make an appointment with a career counselor. The International Coach Federation has an online directory of certified coaches.
This list is just a sampling of online career personality tests available. These can aid in decisions made about career choice, career development and interpersonal relationships with coworkers.
References:
The Myers-Briggs Foundation: MBTI® Basics (accessed July 22, 2010).
North Carolina Career Resource Network: Holland Theory (accessed July 22, 2010).
Suite 101: Using Personality Testing to Ensure Career Success and Happiness (accessed July 22, 2010).
Readers may also be interested in reading Career Personality Assessment Guides and How to Choose the Right Career.
Rhona-Mae Arca - Rhona-Mae is a Registered Music Teacher. She has an ARCT in Piano Performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music, B.A. (Music) and ...
