You're a professional looking for career assessment tools. How do you know which ones are the best?

Assessment combinations can be essential in certain situations, especially in a career pivot or a career change. So understanding your why is essential, as well as committing to the quality of your assessment responses for best results.

Career assessment tools vary in their focus, from personality assessments to skills inventories. Clarify your goal—whether it's exploring new careers or refining your current path. Choose a tool aligned with your objectives to ensure meaningful insights.

If you are working with people, there's a reason to use an assessment! Well, at least a Communication Style and Behavioral Strengths DISC assessment, with ProfilingPro. They are validated and reliable. There are various versions for various objectives. Develop rapport, enhance communication, write in the client's voice, help with educational planning or career transition, sales training, team building.... just ask!

Start with your goals for wanting to take career assessments, which should always include wanting to understand yourself better. Next, what are the reasons you want to understand yourself better within a career context? What benefits will that provide? How will you be able to leverage this new information? Next, understanding the purpose, what is being measured, assessment format, and type of information that will be gathered and shared with you through the results provided are four additional important aspects of determining which assessment is best for you. Keep in mind that taking more than one assessment might be best for you. Many of the robust assessment tools are useful, and they all have insightful information to offer.

To find the best career assessment tools, start by identifying your specific needs, whether it's understanding your strengths, interests, or suitable career paths. Look for tools that are scientifically validated and have positive reviews from career counselors and users. Consider tools recommended by reputable career development organizations or professionals. Try out a few free versions to see which resonate with your goals. Read the detailed descriptions and methodologies of the tools to ensure they align with your objectives. Also, consider tools that offer actionable insights and recommendations, not just generalized conclusions.

Evaluate the credibility of the assessment. Look for tools developed by reputable organizations or those backed by sound psychological principles. A reliable tool should have clear methodologies and transparent reporting, instilling confidence in the results.

Be sure the assessments have validity and reliability studies available, by an outside qualified source and that the provider is current with the review requirements.

While the Communication Style and Behavioral Strengths DISC Reports through ProfilingPro can be considered self-facilitating... it is best to have a "debriefing" with a qualified Authorized DISC Administrator and Behavioral Consultant to maximize the benefits. People need to understand any statements they may not understand and/or agree.

Before committing, gather insights from professionals who have used the tool. Personal experiences can offer valuable perspectives on its effectiveness. Online reviews, testimonials, or recommendations from colleagues provide a broader understanding.

A good career assessment tool evolves with changing job markets and industries. Ensure the tool you choose receives regular updates to stay relevant. Features like contemporary job market insights or emerging trends enhance the tool's utility over time.

Engagement is crucial for accurate results. Opt for tools that make the process enjoyable. A user-friendly interface, interactive elements, or gamification can enhance the experience, making the assessment more engaging and conducive to authentic responses.

Before diving into tests, take some time for introspection. It's like taking a magnifying glass allowing you to see things you might have otherwise missed. 1) What are your interests, strengths, and values? 2) What kind of work environment do you thrive in? 3) Writing down your thoughts can help you identify areas where assessments might be beneficial. One strategy that usually works is the 'active recall' technique. Take a specific event or experience from your recent past and revisit it in detail. What happened? How did you feel? What did you learn from it? This exercise can help you draw valuable insights from your experiences and apply them to future situations.

Consider supplementary resources. A robust career assessment tool should be part of a comprehensive career exploration strategy. Look for tools that offer additional resources like career counseling, educational content, or networking opportunities, providing a holistic approach to your professional development.