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Self-Assessment

Why is self-assessment important?

Individuals will devote a great deal of time throughout their lives to their careers and work-related activities. It is important that career decisions reflect personal values, interests, personality traits and skills to help support personal and professional success and satisfaction.

Individuals who do not take fully explore these personal factors may invest a lot of time and resources in pursuing a career path that is not best suited to them. They may also experience job stress, dissatisfaction or unsuccessful employment outcomes.

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Increasing self-awareness

Individuals generally learn about themselves and potential career options they may be interested in through:

  • self-reflection;

  • journaling;

  • life, work and volunteer experiences;

  • participation in career and employment exploration programs;

  • carrying out prior learning assessments; and 

  • carrying our career self-assessments, tests and quizzes.

An individual’s understanding of their personal interests, abilities and goals can vary according to personal circumstances and age.  For example, mature individuals with a long work history are more likely to have a better sense of their work preferences and personal goals than young students who are just thinking about their first career path.

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Career self-assessment

Career self-assessments can help guide individuals through the process of gathering information and exploring personal areas such as:

  • personal values;

  • interests and achievements;

  • unique skills and abilities;

  • likes and dislikes;

  • strengths and limitations;

  • life dreams and aspirations;

  • personal/social circumstances; and

  • personal barriers.

Some of the questions explored during a career self-assessment include:

  • What values are most important to me? (E.g. independence, respect, security,personal relationships relations, helping others)

  • What are my likes and dislikes? (E.g. flexible work schedules, outdoor work, leisure time, and high salary)

  • What types of activities and interests do I enjoy most? (E.g. reading, running, playing golf, painting, music)

  • What types of characteristics reflect my personality? (E.g. assertive, conscientious, adventurous, compassionate, open-minded)

  • What skills do I possess? (E.g. achievements, leadership skills, communication skills, essential skills)

  • What personal, family or social barriers may impact on my ability to pursue my career path at this time?

There are many career self-assessment tools and quizzes readily available online. Career, guidance and employment counselors can also assist and guide individuals through the career self-assessment process.

When carrying out a career self-assessment, it is important to recognize that many factors may impact the results such as an individual’s mood, learning style and even the environment. It is also important to recognize that:

  • there is no one test or assessment that is best suited to everyone;

  • test results should be used as a guide and support – they should not be the only source used to make career decisions; and

  • it is helpful to carry out several different types of assessments, at different points in time.

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Additional Resources