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 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 behaviours 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 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 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. 8 Chapter 1 Preparing for Your Career