Best Career Assessment Tests for Adults
Career assessments have evolved beyond the simplistic tests of yesteryear that tried to pigeonhole people into narrow roles based on limited criteria. Today’s tests are dynamic, data-driven, and designed to explore multiple facets of an individual’s personality, strengths, interests, and professional aspirations. But with so many options available, which ones stand out as the best for adults?
If you’re an adult looking to either shift careers, advance in your current role, or simply explore new possibilities, this guide will cover the top career assessment tests for adults, why they matter, and how they can significantly impact your career journey. Here, we break down the most impactful tools based on ease of use, depth of insight, and proven effectiveness.
1. CliftonStrengths (formerly StrengthsFinder)
Why it’s impactful: CliftonStrengths is all about discovering what you’re naturally good at. Developed by Gallup, this test is ideal for people seeking to focus on their talents. Rather than identifying weaknesses, the test hones in on 34 themes of talent to give users a clear picture of their dominant strengths. The logic is that by concentrating on what you do best, you can excel faster and more effectively.
The assessment asks participants to respond to paired statements, selecting the one that resonates more in 177 timed questions. It gives valuable insights into how you perform in work settings, interact with others, and how you can lead or follow. Many employers also use this test for team building, making it relevant both for personal career development and corporate settings.
2. Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
Why it’s a classic: The MBTI is one of the most widely used personality assessments in the world. It categorizes people into 16 personality types based on how they perceive the world and make decisions, using four dichotomies: Extraversion vs. Introversion, Sensing vs. Intuition, Thinking vs. Feeling, and Judging vs. Perceiving.
What makes MBTI particularly valuable for adults is its application not just to career but to personal development. The MBTI can help you understand your preferences and natural inclinations, which may not always align with your current job but could point to new, more satisfying roles.
3. Strong Interest Inventory
For those unsure about their career direction: The Strong Interest Inventory (SII) is an excellent tool for adults looking to find careers that align with their personal interests. Developed by psychologist E.K. Strong, it identifies areas of interest across a broad range of activities and matches them with potential careers. This is particularly useful for those considering a career change or exploring new fields.
The test assesses preferences for various tasks, occupations, hobbies, and activities. It then matches your interests with professionals who have similar profiles. This test is ideal for adults who have a rough sense of what they like but need direction on translating those likes into a viable career.
4. CareerLeader
For the aspiring business leader: CareerLeader is a test designed for those in business or aspiring to a leadership role. It evaluates not only your interests but also your abilities and values, with a specific focus on business-related fields.
Developed by Harvard psychologists, CareerLeader looks at your business personality and helps to pinpoint the best path within fields like finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, and more. It’s particularly useful for mid-career professionals considering shifts within the business sector or those contemplating an MBA.
5. The VIA Character Strengths Survey
For values-driven insights: The VIA Character Strengths Survey measures positive traits in individuals and reveals what is most important to them on a core, intrinsic level. The assessment is rooted in the science of positive psychology and measures 24 distinct character strengths, such as creativity, bravery, love of learning, and teamwork.
This test can be particularly valuable for adults in purpose-driven roles or those looking to find more meaningful work. If you’re in a place where making an impact or finding purpose is as important as climbing the corporate ladder, this test can help you better align your career with your personal values.
6. The DISC Personality Assessment
For team dynamics: The DISC Personality Assessment is a behavior-based test that helps individuals understand how they interact with others in professional settings. It breaks down behavior into four key traits: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness. Knowing where you fall on this scale can help you improve teamwork, communication, and leadership.
DISC is widely used in workplaces to improve team dynamics and communication, but it’s also valuable for individuals who want to better understand their behavioral tendencies and how to work more harmoniously with others. It’s a powerful tool for leadership development, particularly for those managing diverse teams.
7. 16Personalities
For a quick, free option: 16Personalities is a free, online personality test based on the MBTI framework. It’s a simplified version of the full MBTI assessment and provides similar insights into personality type. While not as in-depth as some paid assessments, it offers a comprehensive report on strengths, weaknesses, communication styles, and workplace habits.
It’s an accessible and quick way to get started on understanding your personality type and how it affects your career choices. Many people use it as a first step before investing in more detailed tests.
8. Sokanu Career Assessment (now known as CareerExplorer)
For those seeking breadth of insight: CareerExplorer is one of the most comprehensive career tests on the market. It takes into account personality, interests, history, and goals to recommend career paths. The test itself is very detailed and results in a comprehensive report covering your top career matches, required education, salary expectations, and more.
This assessment is ideal for adults who want to explore a broad range of career options and are looking for in-depth information to make a well-informed decision. It’s especially useful for those considering a significant career change and want to evaluate all possible avenues.
Why Take a Career Assessment as an Adult?
It’s common to think of career tests as something for high school or college students, but career assessments are equally valuable for adults at any stage of their professional life. Here’s why:
Reassess Career Satisfaction: Over time, priorities shift. What once felt like the right path may no longer fulfill you. A career assessment can help pinpoint new directions that align with your current values and interests.
Plan for Career Growth: Career assessments often highlight not just ideal roles but the skills needed for those roles. Understanding these gaps can help you plan professional development.
Make Informed Career Changes: Whether you're looking to switch industries or move to a more fulfilling role, these assessments provide clarity and confidence in your decisions.
Improve Team Dynamics: Some assessments, like DISC or CliftonStrengths, are also powerful tools for improving workplace dynamics and collaboration, making them a dual-purpose tool for personal and professional growth.
How to Choose the Right Test
Not every assessment will fit every person. Here’s a quick guide to help you determine which test may be the best fit based on your current situation:
| Assessment | Best For | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| CliftonStrengths | Focusing on natural talents | Paid, around $50 |
| MBTI | Understanding personality and decision-making | Paid, around $50-$100 |
| Strong Interest Inventory | Discovering careers based on interests | Paid, around $35 |
| CareerLeader | Aspiring business leaders | Paid, around $95 |
| VIA Character Strengths | Values-driven individuals | Free basic, Paid for premium |
| DISC Personality Assessment | Enhancing team dynamics and leadership | Paid, around $24 |
| 16Personalities | Quick, accessible personality insights | Free |
| CareerExplorer | Broad career exploration | Free |
Choosing the right test depends on your goals, whether it's identifying new career opportunities, enhancing personal awareness, or improving workplace dynamics.
Conclusion
Career assessment tests are no longer just a one-time exercise for young adults choosing their first job. For adults, these tests offer a fresh perspective and new possibilities in an ever-changing job market. The best career assessment tests for adults can be game-changers, unlocking potential, guiding decision-making, and bringing clarity to even the most complex career dilemmas. Whether you're considering a shift or simply want to understand your strengths better, these assessments provide the map to a more fulfilling career journey.
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