There are multiple personality assessments on the mar-
ket. One of the most popular assessments is called the
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). The Myers-Briggs Type
Indicator (MBTI) measures a person’s psychological prefer- )
ences in making decisions and his or her view of the world.
The assessment measures a person’s preferences toward
extroversion versus introversion; sensing versus intuition;
thinking versus feeling; and judging versus perceiving.
Understanding one’s personality preferences is a good
way for a person to explore the type of career for which
he or she is best suited. For example, if a person is intro-
verted with a preference toward logical, step-by-step
instructions, he or she is probably not well suited for a
career in broadcasting, but rather engineering or com-
puter programming. Taking a personality test can help
determine these preferences.
Employers often rely on personality tests in order to
predict job success for potential candidates. Although
these tests are not always perfect indicators of workplace
success, employers use them to select candidates who fit
the position best. Before you start your career, it is wise to
begin your own personality assessment so that you can
investigate the type of career that works best for you.
Values
Values are principles and beliefs that a person considers
important. They are the things that matter most to an indi-
vidual. A value represents what a person believes and how
he or she chooses to work and live. Values affect every part
of life, including relationships and work decisions. Some val-
ues change with time, and others remain constant. Values
that are not likely to change can be used as guideposts or
directional markers toward a great career match.
Examples of values include believing in working hard
or the importance of caring for others. Other examples
of values include:
• accountability
• commitment
• growth
• inner harmony
• trust
• work-life balance
All people have values, but many have not taken the
time to identify them. It is possible for two people to
have the same values. Values are important principles
in working relationships and environments. It is impor-
tant to identify your values in order to focus on finding
a career that aligns with them.
Complete 1-5 Values Assessment, pg 22
CONNECT TO YOUR
CAREER
Skills Assessment
A skills assessment is another step in creating a career
plan. A skill is something an individual does well. Unlike
aptitudes, which come naturally, skills develop over
time. However, skills fluctuate in their level of intensity.
For example, skills can be gained by repetition or lost
when not used. People are not born with skills. Instead,
skills must be practiced and require consistent work. For
example, a person who practices piano every day and
then stops for an entire year will likely lose at least some
piano-playing skills. A skills assessment should take into
consideration both soft skills and s hard skills.
Soft Skills
Soft skills are applicable skills used to help an individ-
ual find a job, perform in the workplace, and gain suc-
cess in any job or career. They involve behaviors that a
person uses to relate to others, and they are not easy to
measure. Soft skills are also called employability skills
or foundational skills. These skills often transfer from
job to job. Examples of soft skills include leadership,
charisma, tact, personal and professional time manage-
ment, conflict resolution, and professionalism.
Employers include skills as part of specific job
requirements. They select words that best describe the
skills required for the position they are looking to fill.
These words are known as keywords. Keywords are
words that specifically relate to the functions of the
position for which the employer is hiring. For example,
an employer might post an advertisement including
keywords that describe someone who has developed
time-management skills. Another employer might post
an ad for someone with social skills. Social skills are soft s
skills that enable a person to work well with others.
Hard Skills
Hard skills are measurable, observable, and critical
skills necessary to perform the required, work-related
tasks of a given position. They are job-specific skills that s
a person is required to perform as an employee. Some
hard skills include software and technology skills,
speaking or writing in a foreign language, keyboard-
ing, programming, and graphic design. All of your skills
are marketable commodities. Figure 1-6 lists examples
of soft skills and hard skills that employers look for in
today’s job market.
Technology skills are of special importance in today’s
workplace. It is almost guaranteed that you use a great
deal more technology than your parents did when they
were your age. You might not realize that the technol-
ogy you use to communicate with friends, such as social
media, texting, taking photographs, and conducting
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
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Chapter 1 Preparing for Your Career