Choosing a career path can be a stressful situation for anyone. We grow up listening repeatedly about becoming something when we grow up, and it is normal for the anxiety to build in as the decisive moment approaches.
What is a career test?
A career test is a type of exam designed to learn more about an individual’s particular skills, values, interests, and motivations. The questions found within career assessment tests challenge a person’s way of thinking and recommend different types of careers depending on their personal preferences.
How effective are career tests?
The effectiveness of a career test is remarkably high. There are no right or wrong answers on a career test. In fact, the effectiveness of these tests will depend on the way they are answered, as the quality of the data will determine the accuracy of the results.
How do career tests work?
Career tests work by asking people for information that correlates with known data about skills, values, interests, and motivations. Professional psychologists and test developers design career tests to give participants the insights they need to make an informed decision about their professional future.
What is the best career test?
Previously known as Test 20/20 career, the ID-Career Test (Car) is the best option for those who wish to identify their career interests. By taking the test, you can learn what types of jobs fit your skills and personality.
The ID-Career Test consists of 226 multiple-choice questions and can be completed in the span of half an hour. Those interested in taking the test can choose to take it in English or French.
The ID-Career Test is based on the RIASEC model, considered to be more accurate when it comes to career assessment and preferences. This system identifies six distinct career domains.
The Six career domains measured by the RIASEC model are:
- Realistic: People who score high on this factor are better suited for going out and getting their hands dirty. From operating machinery to dealing with animals, these people can capitalize on their brawn. Things realistic people enjoy can be: having pets, gardening, fixing cars, and the great outdoors.
- Investigative: These people are driven by curiosity. Investigative individuals are interested in learning new things and spend a lot of time thinking. Naturally, these individuals may be drawn to a role in academia but being investigative can help you fit into many fields. Some things these people enjoy can be learning new subjects and languages. They also like partaking in intellectual sports like chess.
- Artistic: These people are able to transform their thoughts and emotions into original creations. Artistic people are better at thinking out of the box, bringing in new perspectives and solutions to challenges. Their hobbies include photography, painting, writing, cooking, and frequenting museums. Artistic individuals will often opt for advertising, design, and other creative professions.
- Social: People who score highly on this factor enjoy being around others. They tend to be extroverted and work great in a team. Social individuals have a wide range of options that can go from teaching to working for the government. As the name implies, social individuals love spending time with friends, performing team sports, and having fun. They also take an interest in activities such as volunteering.
- Enterprising: These individuals are ready to get out the door and conquer the world. They are risk takers, natural leaders, and always looking for the next opportunity. Their assertive nature makes them a good fit for a career in business, marketing, trading, or administration. Enterprising individuals enjoy working out at sports clubs and are interested in investment, self-improvement, and politics.
- Conventional: These people may not make a lot of noise, but they get the job done. They are able to stay organized and can work with pinpoint precision. They are needed virtually everywhere, so they have a lot of career options. Conventional people enjoy collecting things and researching things that interest them.
The ID-Career Test is especially beneficial to:
- Students exploring different career options;
- Job seekers;
- Employees seeking career mobility.
8 tips to find the right career
1. Think about what type of future you wish to have
The career you choose will have a deep impact on the life you will have. Some people get out of high school ready to become doctors, lawyers, and engineers, while for others the prospect of deciding on a career can be quite intimidating.
Instead of thinking about settling for a specific job title, you should consider what sort of things you wish to do and then learn more about jobs where people get to do those things. If, for example, you feel you’d enjoy helping other people for a living, then you’ll be happy to know there are many types of jobs that focus on that. The job market is so varied that you can become a psychologist, a first responder, or even work for the government.
2. Discover your goals
The question “where do you see yourself in five years?” has become a clichéd staple of both employment applications and newspaper cartoons alike. Nonetheless, it is still a very valid thing to ask oneself. Instead of thinking about achieving your professional goals someday, you can start to move toward them by setting realistic goals to follow.
3. Know your strengths and weaknesses
Everyone is good at something, whether they realize it or not. You may not be the best person with words, but you can handle solving logic puzzles without a hitch. On the other hand, perhaps an office job isn’t suited for you, and you’d rather find a career path that gets you on your feet. You may even be able to find a position where you do things you enjoy doing in your free time.
Personality type also plays a role in a person’s career decisions. An individual’s satisfaction and capacity to get involved in work environments depends on how they act and behave in a team. Fret not, both extroverts and introverts can find a career their personality can fit into. Employers nowadays often use personality assessment tests when screening for potential employees.
Why do employers use personality tests?
4. Explore the job market
For better or worse, there’s not much demand for elevator operators these days. Many professions come and go, and you can guarantee your job security by looking at what is needed in the job market. For example, writing code has erupted in popularity due to how crucial it has become for businesses, consumers, and all types of organizations. If you find coding interesting and have the right mindset, you may be able to make a living as a software engineer.
5. Take things one step at a time
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Just as an architect doesn’t design an opera house on their first day on the job, neither should you have it all figured out from the get-go. If you learn more about entry-level jobs in an industry you’re aiming for, then you may find where your skills will be more appreciated.
While some positions will ask for a considerable amount of experience and credentials, others may be more lenient and even offer on-the-job training. Every job opportunity is a chance to become more skilled and experienced. Aptitudes you develop for an entry-level job may be transferable to future jobs, giving you an advantage over other job candidates.
6. Broaden your horizons
You could be looking for new job opportunities because you’re unhappy with your current position. Sometimes, one must sacrifice their stability for the chance of achieving their goals. While the prospect of changing careers may be daunting, taking the right steps toward it can help you keep your footing through the transition.
If you haven’t given career assessment tests a try, then you should put them on your to-do list. A career or personality test will give you many valuable insights on what types of careers fit your skill set and life aspirations best.
7. Reach out to a future colleague
Networking is an important part of job searching. People who already work in an industry can provide you with a lot of valuable information about their chosen path. By talking with experienced professionals, you can learn more about your salary expectations and what your day-to-day would be like.
8. Consider what makes you happy
Regardless of what job you do, you should be motivated to do it. Some people enjoy facing big challenges and can do a hard or risky job with a smile on their faces. Meanwhile, others prefer tackling small challenges one at a time. Likewise, some individuals are lone wolves, happy and capable of managing their own time, while others find joy in belonging to a team of goal-oriented people.
Why is an emotional intelligence test important?
Why work with HRID to find the right career?
HRID’s ID-Career Test (Car) is an effective method of learning your preferences for more than 1500 types of jobs. Additionally, you will understand your professional self better and receive insights on how to become better at your current or future job.
Taking a career assessment test can be useful for any type of professional, even those who are satisfied with their current job position. Career tests can give you information about what personal traits distinguish you as a professional.