Are you looking for a new job, but don't know where to start? Or would you like a better idea of your qualities in the workplace? Discover your strengths and interests with a career choice test. Expert Xander van Riele, intensive services advisor at UWV, explains how this test will help you in your career.
When do you take a career choice test?
'Many people take a career choice test because they don't want to go back to their old jobs and need inspiration,' Xander explains. 'They want to explore their options or learn what the job market has to offer. They are looking for new insights.' But a career choice test can also provide answers to other questions. 'Often people don't know what their qualities are. Such a test is then ideal, because you immediately have a structured overview of your qualities and pitfalls. You can also use a test as confirmation of what you already think or feel. This way, you can test which jobs really suit you and you can apply for them more specifically.
Types of occupational choice tests
There are different career choice tests, but with most of them the main components are similar. They are: your personality, skills and interests. 'The personality section asks questions about your personal characteristics. Whether you are sociable, curious and helpful, for example. In skills, capacities such as language and numeracy are tested. And with interests, you often have to choose between different professions or tasks that most appeal to you.'
These components can be tested separately, but according to Xander, the combination offers a much more complete picture. 'You then know simultaneously what your qualities, skills and areas of interest are. That is a good starting point and helps you make more conscious choices in your career'.
After the test: next steps
You should always see a vocational test as a starting step. 'No specific profession comes rolling out. That sometimes causes disappointment because you don't get one clear answer. You have to work by yourself to discover what your next step is.' That starts with understanding the outcome of the test. 'Usually, you receive a report stating what skills you have mastered and where exactly your interests lie. So the report does not say "become a potter", but it does show that you like being creative.'
Personalised advice
Xander recommends combining the test with a career interview for best results. 'Then you get personalised advice based on the test results. UWV offers this for people on unemployment benefit. There are also all kinds of free career tests available, but these are generally more superficial. Although they could offer clues.'
'A good online tool is the Vocational On werk.nl,' says Xander. There, you can, among other things, search for jobs with high job opportunities that match your qualities or previous work experience. This way, you playfully research what opportunities there are on the labour market and what suits you. That combination of interactivity and personalisation makes it unique.'
Source of this story: UWV
Would you like to know more about career guidance or a career choice test? The advisers at Werkcentrum Helmond-De Peel will be happy to tell you more. So you can move forward again!