Some adults dismiss the idea of career assessment tests as tools only high-schoolers need to assess their future careers. Well, guess what? If you're in a job transition or seriously considering moving from your present position, then you, too, need to assess your future career. Career assessment tools help you evaluate your present skills, strengths as well as those areas you need to build up. Even if you're in a stable position right now, it may not effectively employ all of the skills you have - and that could be costing you money you can earn in a better position.

If you need career direction, consider taking advantage of career assessment tools that will not only gauge your skills but your aspirations, as well. Remember, you're never too old to start a new career or make a life change. If you've always wanted to become a chef or writer, now is the time to determine whether you have the skills and personality for those types of careers.

A quick web search will bring up pages and pages of career assessment tests. Although most are free, others may cost a fee (cheaper ones are under $30). If you decide to take advantage of some of these online tests, compare the tests to find one that suits your career needs. Ask yourself questions: Does one stress personality over skill? Or career competency? Are the details comprehensive enough to really give you a valid assessment? How many career fields of interest do they list? To find the best one for you, do a self-evaluation on what your present goals are. If you just want to assess your skills, then find a test that stresses career competency that looks at the strength of day-to-day performance. If you're looking at a personality-job match, then, of course, look at tests that takes a criteria of various personality traits and which fits best with what career areas.

Again, career guidance isn't just for high school seniors. Career counseling is for job seekers of every age. Some services are specialized toward careerists at different phases in their lives: new employees; those already employed but seeking better positions; mid-lifers looking to make a drastic change; and those who have been out of the job market for a while and are looking to return. Sometimes you need some coaching to get you on the right track. Counselors will assess your aptitude, skills and personalities through the types of tests you find online; but they go further by taking the answers and guiding you toward career choices that best fit your needs. Unlike close relatives and friends whom you might seek advice from, career counselors can give you an objective assessment and well as offer placement experience. They understand how HR departments work, the contacts you will need, and the benefits and problems that accompanies any job change.

Although not a comprehensive list, here are a few online sites that offer great career assessment tools either for free or at little cost:

CareerPlanner.com - offers online career assessment, job-search information, and tests to determine your ideal job. For high schoolers and career changers.

CareerDirections at LiveCareer - helps you identify your career interests and workplace fit preferences.

JOBehaviors - offers dozens of job-specific assessments in high-demand industries for the best behavioral fit.

JobDiagnosis - provides career assessment for students, career-changers, job-seekers, retirees at various experience levels to assess interests, skills, abilities, and competencies.

Again, career assessment isn't just something for high-schoolers. No matter what phase you're at in your career, you can always find career assessment tools to meet your specific goals and needs.

Learn more about this author, Sharon Cullars.
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