Career assessments are frequently used in career counseling to aid in self-awareness, and validation and expansion of options. I use both formal and informal assessments in my work with clients.

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     Aligned with my narrative/constructivist approach, I favor a narrative assessment that is qualitative and focuses on you and me constructing your career story together. Most commonly, I use a seven question assessment created by Dr. Mark Savickas that identifies enduring themes in your life – we attempt to answer the question of why you do what you do.

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     I also find some formal assessments helpful, including the Myers Briggs Type Indicator and the Strong Interest Inventory. These provide a framework for understanding how your strengths, interests and personality preferences align with the world of work. They provide a positive language and good starting points for exploration. Formal career assessments should only be used as one piece of the puzzle.

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     Depending on client goals and needs, other assessment tools could include an appreciate inquiry interview for strengths and skills, skill inventories and values card sorts, to name a few.

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