Can anyone recommend any good self assessment tools for career development purposes. I've already found 'Career Anchors' by Edgar Schein which seems useful, but I'm also looking for something more simplistic that can be used on an Intranet site. The Strong-Campbell Interest Inventory looks interesting but complex. Is it any good?
Sally Hawkridge
4 Responses
Change Magic
A useful site I have found that acts as a good catalyst for thinking through any issue (career development, problem solving, or whatever) is http://www.changemagic.com/i_index.htm.
The basic premise is to help us use questions effectively to challenge the status quo and to ‘unblock’ our thinking from what are often cycles of habit rather than effective systems.
It may not be quite what you are after, but as I say I find it a useful starting point.
Regards
Self assessment tools
Sally
One of the best recognised sources is the book ‘What color is your parachute’ – a practical manual published annually. It is unconventional in style yet very practical and accessible. Do avoid ‘Career Tests: 25 revealing self tests’ – not one that does what it says on the tin!
And a word of caution, whatever your source, do check copyright issues before publishing on your intranet.
Graham
A site with more ideas for research
I would strongly agree with the recommendation to use
‘What color is your parachute’. Please try to ignore the strange title – this book made a very positive impact in my own career. Your audience should be able to find the book in a local library. Anyone who is motivated to develop their careers will find a way !
Meanwhile, have you researched here :
http://www.quintcareers.com/online_assessment_review.html
They have rated a long list of career related tests, and give a high rating to a Campbell Interest Survey – which may or may not be the same one that you’ve found.
Hopefully their ratings will give you a range of ideas. If you find one or more that are suitable for the needs of your audience, make a link across from the intranet site.
Career Anchors Inventory
What did you decide to use in the end? We are having a similar debate at the moment, we would like to use the Career Anchors Inventory, but are having problems getting the copyright. I would be interested to know if anyone else has managed to use this tool within a company?