Why Self-Assessment Matters
Understanding yourself is the foundation of effective career planning. These assessments provide valuable insights into your strengths, working style, values, and areas for growth—all critical inputs for making informed career decisions.
The Career GPS framework works best when combined with deep self-knowledge. Use these tools to inform your MOVE Matrix ratings, identify your non-negotiables, and plan development activities in your 90-Day Action Plan.
Recommended Assessment Tools
CliftonStrengths (StrengthsFinder) →
Identifies your top talents from 34 themes and shows how to leverage them for success. Excellent for understanding natural abilities and career fit.
Best For:
- • Understanding your natural talents
- • Role and team fit evaluation
- • Leadership development
- • Career transition planning
Details:
Cost: $19.99 (Top 5) or $59.99 (Full 34)
Time: 30-45 minutes
Reports: Detailed, actionable insights
DiSC Personality Assessment →
Measures Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness. Helps understand communication style and team dynamics.
Best For:
- • Communication style awareness
- • Team collaboration improvement
- • Leadership development
- • Conflict resolution strategies
Details:
Cost: $60-90+ (varies by provider)
Time: 15-20 minutes
Reports: Professional development focus
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) / 16Personalities →
Identifies personality type based on preferences in four dimensions. Useful for understanding work style and career preferences.
Best For:
- • Career path exploration
- • Work environment preferences
- • Communication style insights
- • Team composition understanding
Details:
Cost: Free (16Personalities) or $49.95+ (official MBTI)
Time: 10-15 minutes
Reports: Comprehensive personality insights
HIGH5 Strengths Test →
Free alternative to StrengthsFinder that identifies your top 5 strengths and provides actionable insights for applying them.
Best For:
- • Quick strengths identification
- • Budget-conscious assessment
- • Team building exercises
- • Personal development planning
Details:
Cost: Free (basic) or $29 (premium)
Time: 20 minutes
Reports: Practical application focus
VIA Character Strengths Survey →
Free, research-backed assessment identifying your signature character strengths. Great for values-based career planning.
Best For:
- • Values clarification
- • Purpose-driven career planning
- • Well-being and fulfillment
- • Character development
Details:
Cost: Free
Time: 10-15 minutes
Reports: Research-based insights
Enneagram Personality Test →
Identifies your core motivations, fears, and growth path. Particularly useful for understanding interpersonal dynamics and leadership style.
Best For:
- • Self-awareness and growth
- • Relationship dynamics
- • Stress response patterns
- • Leadership development
Details:
Cost: Free (basic) or $19 (full report)
Time: 10 minutes
Reports: Growth-oriented insights
How to Use Assessment Results
- Inform your MOVE Matrix ratings: Use strengths insights when evaluating Opportunity and Value dimensions
- Identify non-negotiables: Let your values and working style guide your Environment evaluations
- Plan development: Build skill development goals in your 90-Day Action Plan based on growth areas
- Improve communication: Leverage style insights when networking and interviewing
- Guide role selection: Choose opportunities that align with your natural strengths and values
Assessment Tips
- Take multiple assessments over time to get a comprehensive view. No single assessment tells the whole story.
- Answer honestly, not aspirationally. These tools are most valuable when they reflect reality, not who you wish you were.
- Review results periodically. Your strengths and preferences may evolve as you gain experience.
- Share selectively. Discuss results with trusted mentors, coaches, or advisors who can help you interpret and apply insights.
- Start with free options. VIA, 16Personalities, and HIGH5 provide solid insights without financial investment.
Recommended Assessment Sequence
If you're new to self-assessment, consider this sequence for building comprehensive self-awareness:
Start with VIA Character Strengths
Free, values-based, good foundation for career planning
Add 16Personalities or HIGH5
Free options for personality type and strengths identification
Invest in CliftonStrengths or DiSC
If budget allows, these provide deeper insights for career development
Explore Enneagram for growth
Particularly valuable for leadership development and relationship dynamics
