Interviews and BeyondInterviews and BeyondOnline TestsComprehensive tests The sites listed below contain a range of self-assessment activities. More detailed comment on some of these sites is provided in chapter 8 [of Working The Web by Col McCowan, Head Careers and Employment, Queensland University of Technology]. www.cdm.uwaterloo.ca/index2.asp Career interest tests Sites which attempt to assess career interests vary considerably in quality, complexity and style. Some of them are quite simple and light-hearted, others contain a checklist and a report is returned to you. Some of the sites require a fee, while others are designed for career professionals only, so it’s important to know what you’re up for before you begin.
Launched in July 2002, the Australian Government’s myfuture site has an extensive section for self-assessment, called My Guide, which helps job-seekers through all stages of the process.
In Australia, Careers Online has a career interest section.
Also in Australia, the Job Guide 2002 site from the Department of Education Science and Training provides comprehensive Australian contacts and information.
The University of Technology, Sydney’s Career Development subsite offers a range of resources for career path development, including a useful 'Interests Quiz'.
The Career Key was developed by Professor Lawrence Jones at North Carolina State University and provides a free professional career test which measures skills, abilities, values, interests and personality.
Columbus State University career centre provides seven online activities including ExPAN, Birkman, The Career Key, The Holland Game, My Future Quiz and Kaplan’s Career Match Game.
Holland’s Self Directed Search is a reputable instrument that is used extensively in paper and pencil form. The test on this site is hosted by Psychological Assessment Resources, and is taken online with an eight to 16-page report available for a small fee.
Pearson Assessments is a national online assessment company that provides character assessment in a number of professional areas. It provides a range of career instruments for professionals to use including the Interest Determination Exploration & Assessment System (IDEAS) as well as a detailed introduction to the Campbell Interest & Skills Survey (CISS). You’ll need to pay if you choose to proceed with this test. Values tests Values play an important part in career development because they provide the underlying feelings that influence career decisions. The number of possible values is too long to list here but some of these sites attempt this, so take a look.
Marist College (New York) provides a range of activities including online course and assessment instruments, one of which uses career values.
Ball State University career centre lists over 24 values with a short description of each and asks the user to select five of them. Unfortunately, it doesn’t do anything with the information although it does provide other career activities. Personality tests Personality tests can help you understand how you operate. A clear understanding of your particular style or personality type can be a major factor in finding more rewarding or satisfying careers. Take a look at the following sites:
The Keirsey site links to a large range of other sites providing information regarding temperament and how this relates to a range of circumstances. A simple Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) test can be undertaken.
Personality online provides everything from personality tests to a comprehensive database of personal development related resources. You must register to undertake any of the tests available on this site.
The Platinum Rule will help you identify your dominant behavioural style. It uses an 18-question instrument to identify your dominant style and on completion of the instrument your responses will be evaluated.
The coaching for success site links to a number of other self-assessment sites. These include some of the above and others to do with personality and communication skills. There are also links to search engines with information on personality tests.
Human Metrics also provides a free web-based Jung Typology personality test. Skills tests The skills you develop through education and life can be broadly broken down into two main categories. The first category is technical (or vocational) skills which include skills related to your area of training, manual and computing skills, and the second is generic or transferable skills, which are skills that are used across a range of occupations and situations. Examples of generic skills are leadership and communication skills. Identifying your skills means that you will have a good idea of your strengths, and you will also be better able to market yourself to an employer. Onetest’s Cognitive Ability Test includes a mix of aptitude questions (numerical, verbal and abstract reasoning) to assess your ability to:
www.onetest.com.au/test/test_demo.cfm
The Skill View site has great skills assessment information.
Seven Dimensions produces skills assessment tests in 10 areas, for example, service skills, team skills and people skills. Check the website for the current cost of the tests. Issues about testing For more information about the ethics of tests and other associated issues, and some frequently asked questions, the following sites are useful:
Australian Psychological Society
Department of Psychology, Northwestern University (US)
American Psychological Association
This article was taken from the internet job-seeking guide Working The Web. © Graduate Careers Australia 2000-03 |