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If you are not sure about what kind of
career you should be in, or what your next step should be, there are several
steps you need to take. Click to explore each one:
1) Self Assessment
2) Assessment Tests and Inventories
3) Career Planning Processes
4)
Retirement Planning
To know what you really want to do, you
need to spend time looking first at yourself and your own interests and preferences.
Many people take a job because they are "qualified" for it (they have the
knowledge and skills). But the most important thing is that you choose a job because it is
what you WANT to do. When you love your job, you will be better at it.
There are many things besides simply the
WORK that you need to evaluate. The company size and culture, the type of boss and
co-workers you thrive with, the level of responsibility or freedom you have...these are
critical. They are the reason people leave their jobs--not usually because they can't do
the WORK.
Click here
to go to self-assessment exercises
A few people are born knowing what they
want to do. For the rest of us, we simply have to "muddle" along. We often
"fall" into our first jobs, or take a job trying to please someone else.
But if you aren't happy, it is time to self
evaluate. Luckily there are now many resources on the web where you can take some quick
tests. These tests are usually in the area of
- Preferences
- Temperaments
- Characteristics of certain careers
-
- One caution is not to put too much stock in
these. Contrary to popular belief, no one can TELL you what you should be. Well, maybe
they can TELL you, but it may be bad advice! You need to be the one making the decision.
You'll be able to feel it in your gut when you finally stumble on the right thing.
Temperament Links
Personality
Type
-Quick way to choose your Myers-Briggs Type
Indicator and get some ideal career choices. Also good if you already know your
Myers-Briggs Type
The Career Key
-Questions determine Holland code and jobs
associated; links to the Occupational Outlook Handbook. At the USERS page, select
"l", then select "lkj" to get to this site!
Keirsey
Character Sorter
-36 item questionnaire; feedback on personality
type and suitable jobs. Keirsey is similar to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
Keirsey Temperament II Sorter
-70 item questionnaire; feedback on temperament
and suitable jobs. Keirsey is similar to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
The Career Interests Game
-Simple game that culminates in Holland code,
which is a key resource for job-seekers. Once you have your Holland Code options you can
use the Occupational Outlook Handbook
The Platinum Rule
-Informal survey to determine how you interact
with others
Enneagram Personality Dynamics
-145 question test that relates 9 personality
types of individual motivation
Career
Search
- Career questionnaire that matches to possible careers with
links to the Occupational Outlook Handbook
What
Career Is For You?
- 21 question test that matches to specific careers
Test
Junkie
- Numerous on-line tests; look under Career Choice and
Preparation
Preferences Links
Princeton
Review Career Quiz
-A
24 item quiz uses the Birkman Method; possible careers with links to
information on them
Career
Storms
- Create your ideal job and vision--fun!
What Can I
Do with a Major In...?
-List of occupations associated with specific majors
What
Can I Do With This Major?
--Westfield State College lists majors and lots of career ideas
for them
Career
Map
--Select a
major or a career interest and see lots of jobs you can do
JobHuntersBible.com
One of Frankly Speaking favorite authors, Richard Bolles, author of "What Color is
Your Parachute?" has a site filled with wisdom for job seekers. Career resilience,
strategic thinking, high-quality public resources and thoughtful planning are emphasized.
Career Planning Process
-Discusses self assessment, career exploration and job search activities from Emory
University
Planning a Career
-Discusses steps in career planning
Explore Careers
-Links to various career information web sites
Career Search
-Career questionnaire that matches to possible careers with links to the Occupational
Outlook Handbook
Test Junkie
-Numerous on-line tests; look under Career Choice and Preparation
Career
Magazine
Career issues, employment topics, a resume bank, employer profiles and more. Click on the
USING CAREERMAG graphic link for an overview of this site's diverse content.
The Mining Company's Guide to Career Planning
Major topic areas here include "Tips for Dealing with Recruiters." "Job
Stress" and a public bulletin board. Good links to other resources and great
navigation are distinctive features of this site.
Retirement
Planners listing
Retirement calculators, model portfolios, and some great articles.
Quicken.com's Retirement Planning Area
One of the Web's most popular personal finance services sites, offering resources,
interactive tools and articles for retirement planning.
Go to Resume
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