Planning a career can feel overwhelming, whether you’re considering a new direction, re-entering the workforce, or just starting out. The U.S. Department of Labor offers valuable resources to make this process easier. They have launched a suite of free, self-directed career exploration and assessment tools specifically designed to help adults like you navigate career options, prepare for the future, and manage career transitions effectively. These tools are also beneficial for students transitioning from education to employment. Among these resources, the Interest Profiler and Work Importance Locator stand out as excellent starting points for self-discovery.
These tools are built upon a “whole-person” assessment approach. This means they are designed to help you gain a comprehensive understanding of yourself in relation to the world of work. By using these assessments, you can identify your key work-related interests, understand what you truly value in a job, and recognize your abilities. This self-awareness is crucial for exploring occupations that align with your unique profile.
The best part? These tools seamlessly connect you to the extensive O*NET database, which provides detailed information on over 900 occupations. Furthermore, they link to CareerOneStop, offering a smooth transition from self-assessment to exploring real-world career paths. You can easily move from understanding your interests and values to researching job skills and requirements within your local job market.
You can find more information and access the Career Exploration Tools directly on the O*NET Resource Center tools page.
O*NET Testing and Assessment Guides for Deeper Insights
To further support your career journey, the O*NET team has also developed a series of insightful Testing & Assessment Guides. These guides offer valuable knowledge for both individuals and professionals involved in career development.
For Employers and Workforce Professionals
Testing and Assessment: An Employer’s Guide to Good Practices is an essential resource for managers and workforce development professionals. This guide demystifies employment testing and assessment practices, explaining key concepts in clear, accessible language. It empowers organizations to effectively utilize testing to achieve their human resources objectives and build stronger teams.
For Individuals Making Career Decisions
Tests and Other Assessments: Helping You Make Better Career Decisions is specifically tailored for individuals seeking to understand career assessments. This guide clarifies the different types of assessments available and provides practical advice on how to use them effectively in making informed career choices. It helps you navigate the world of career testing with confidence.
For Workforce Investment Professionals
Testing and Assessment: A Guide to Good Practices for Workforce Investment Professionals (December 2007) provides targeted guidance for professionals in workforce development. It focuses on the strategic use of assessment instruments to foster talent development. By using this guide, professionals can enhance their ability to assist clients in:
- Exploring diverse career paths.
- Identifying skill gaps and educational needs.
- Applying for suitable job opportunities.
- Obtaining industry-recognized credentials.
This guide also provides valuable insights into evaluating and selecting assessment tools, understanding administration and scoring, interpreting results accurately, and adhering to professional and legal standards in assessment use.
Explore these Testing and Assessment Guides further on the O*NET Resource Center Reports page. These free resources from O*NET and the U.S. Department of Labor are invaluable tools for adults at any stage of career planning and development.
