How do you know if career assessment tools are reliable?

1 Check the source

The first thing to do is to check who developed, published, and administered the career assessment tool. Is it a reputable organization or institution with expertise in the field of career development? Is it accredited by a professional association or a regulatory body? Does it provide clear and transparent information about the purpose, content, format, scoring, and interpretation of the test? If the source is unclear, unknown, or dubious, you may want to look for another option.

3 Consider the context

The third thing to do is to consider the context in which you are taking the career assessment tool. Is it appropriate for your age, education, experience, culture, and goals? Is it relevant for the current and future labor market trends and opportunities? Is it compatible with your learning style and preferences? A good career assessment tool should be adaptable and flexible to suit different needs and situations, and provide realistic and actionable feedback. If the context is irrelevant, inappropriate, or unrealistic, you may want to seek another perspective.

4 Compare and contrast

The fourth thing to do is to compare and contrast the results of different career assessment tools. No single test can capture the complexity and diversity of your career potential and aspirations. Therefore, it is wise to use multiple sources of information and feedback to get a more comprehensive and balanced view of your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges. A good career assessment tool should complement and supplement other methods of career exploration, such as self-reflection, research, networking, mentoring, and coaching. If the results are contradictory, confusing, or incomplete, you may want to dig deeper.

5 Apply your judgment

The fifth thing to do is to apply your judgment and critical thinking to the results of the career assessment tool. Remember that the test is not a magic bullet or a final answer, but a tool to help you discover and clarify your career preferences and options. You are the expert on your own life and career, and you have the final say on what works best for you. A good career assessment tool should empower and inspire you to take action and pursue your career goals, not limit or dictate them. If the results are discouraging, misleading, or unrealistic, you may want to trust your intuition.

6 Seek professional guidance

The sixth thing to do is to seek professional guidance from a qualified and experienced career counselor or coach. A career professional can help you understand, interpret, and apply the results of the career assessment tool in a meaningful and constructive way. They can also provide you with additional resources, tools, and strategies to support your career development and decision-making process. A good career professional should respect and value your individuality and autonomy, and help you achieve your career satisfaction and success. If you need more help, guidance, or feedback, you may want to consult a career professional.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?