Whether you’re just out of college or a professional with decades of experience… are you confident you’re in a position that matches with your personality? Do the things that make someone successful in your chosen career align with who you are? Do you feel fulfilled and energized by your position? Are you looking to change your career path?
It’s a bit of an insult to tell someone they are not “self-aware,” but the reality is… many of us don’t truly know, beyond our gut, what makes us tick. Self-awareness has multiple layers, so taking a personality test might be just what the doctor ordered if you want to find out either what role you should be pursuing or why you may not be thriving in your current position.
When graduating from college, I was faced with a lot of options for paths to pursue. When I took the Myers-Briggs personality test, it helped me realize that I was on the right path for my career. I was an extravert and love being in contact with people. It also opened my eyes to the way I problem solve as well as the kind of structure I would perform best under. I still use my understanding in these areas to improve and excel at my career today.
Many professionals fell into a job or had no idea what they wanted to do when they entered the workforce. Take the time now to examine where you belong in the workforce while you can. It’s a candidate’s market as unemployment remains low – so there’s no better time than now to examine where you’d best fit and thrive according to your personality type as never been a better time to find your ideal career or improve your current career.
A personality test uncovers not only your personality “type,” but also your values and interests. There’s a myriad of tests available simply by Googling “personality test,” but understand what kind of test you are taking and what it will reveal.
The OG – Basic Personality Tests
More than anything, these tests (e.g., Myers-Briggs) will show you who you are – give you self-awareness into what makes you tick and hopefully steer you into the right type of job.
Skills Tests
Skills or aptitude tests are tests that will measure your ability to solve specific tasks within a given field. Think of a math test that is measuring whether you can “solve for x.” You can use these tests to filter out of or into a specific field. If you are 35 years old and can’t solve for x? Maybe writing is your thing! Skills/aptitude tests are available for almost all subjects and industries.
Career Tests
Career tests (also Google-able) will ask about your interests, values, and skills and kick out possible career paths based on your personality and capabilities.
IQ Tests
Intelligence Quotient (IQ) tests measure intelligence and mental comprehension… moreover, can get you into Mensa! At this point in your career either you’ve already taken one, but if you haven’t and you find yourself extremely bored with everyday tasks, maybe it is because you’re not challenged. Consider taking an IQ test!
Psychological Tests
Tests like the Emotional Intelligence test measure your emotional makeup, ability to handle adversity, and personal characteristics. Knowing your own psychological health helps you address and develop your weaknesses and helps you determine what type of work would put you in the best position for success and overall workplace satisfaction.
If you have any questions, I’d love the opportunity to discuss your HR/payroll skills and aptitude. Let me know one thing you found after completing one of these tests and how you will use it to improve your career. Drop a comment below.
