I was preparing for my common entrance examination or tests in 1998 when I came across a book titled “GMAT.” Intrigued by the title, I put aside my “Ugo C. Ugo” book and eagerly opened the chapters of the GMAT book, only to drop it immediately upon seeing the abundance of calculations. I have never been a fan of calculations, and the sight of the aptitude questions left me tensed and infuriated. In primary 6, quantitative reason was the subject that I dreaded the way the South Africans dreaded nightfall in Oswald Mbuyiseni Mtshali’s poem “Nightfall In Soweto”.
The book belonged to my neighbour. When I returned to our apartment, I immediately asked my older sister about it. At the time, she was an undergraduate in the accounting department at Olabisi Onabanjo University. She patiently explained that the GMAT is a book designed to help job seekers prepare for aptitude tests before interviews. From that moment on, I began to worry if I could ever answer any of the questions. After all, calculations were not my strength.
As the years went by, I never attempted to solve the GMAT questions. Instead, I avoided them completely. Eventually, when I entered university, I had already made up my mind. I decided that I would not chase a white-collar job. The reason was simple: the thought of facing those daunting GMAT questions haunted me. Each time I remembered, I shivered with fear.
Fast forward to 2024, the story had shifted. Preparing for interviews now requires more than just acing the GMAT. In fact, it demands a clear understanding of one’s career path. Furthermore, it also requires readiness for career personality tests. As an avid reader and researcher on career-related topics, I have come across many stories. Time and again, candidates explained how they spent weeks preparing for personality assessments. Consequently, I realized these tests were no longer optional—they had become essential.
More recently, I discovered through SEO research that interest in the “Career Personality Test” has surged. According to the data, searches increased by an astonishing 4,450 percent. This sharp rise clearly shows a growing awareness among job seekers. Additionally, it highlights that many now see these tests as vital in the hiring process.
Understanding your personality traits and linking them with career paths can truly change everything. Moreover, these tests provide insights that guide candidates to present their authentic selves in interviews. As a result, they stand out in today’s competitive job market. Ultimately, personality tests not only prepare candidates for interviews but also help them choose careers that align with their strengths and passions.
By sharing insights and strategies on how to prepare for career personality tests, we empower job seekers. With the right guidance, they can navigate their career journeys with confidence and clarity. These tests offer useful insights into natural inclinations. They also help people discover career paths that match their unique traits and preferences.
I agree with Dr. Akinyemi, a career consultant in Lagos. He explained that career personality tests reveal innate strengths and preferences. According to him, these insights guide individuals toward roles where they can excel and find satisfaction.
What Are Career Personality Tests?
Career personality tests are tools that assess different aspects of an individual’s personality. They measure interests, values, skills, and traits. In turn, they highlight career paths that align with natural strengths. Furthermore, they provide insights that can guide people toward fulfilling and successful careers.
Popular Career Personality Tests
1. Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
The MBTI is one of the most widely used personality assessments, categorising individuals into 16 distinct personality types based on four dichotomies: Introversion/Extraversion, Sensing/Intuition, Thinking/Feeling, and Judging/Perceiving. Each type offers a unique combination of traits that influence how a person interacts with the world and makes decisions. For example, an INTJ might excel in strategic roles like project management or engineering, while an ESFJ might thrive in social-oriented careers like teaching or healthcare.
The RIASEC model, developed by John Holland, identifies six personality types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. Each type is associated with specific career environments that match an individual’s interests and skills. For example, a Realistic type might enjoy careers in engineering or construction, while an Artistic type might find fulfillment in graphic design or writing. It is suggested to take these tests periodically as your career progresses and interests evolve.
3. CliftonStrengths, can provide a comprehensive understanding of an ideal career path. CliftonStrengths focuses on identifying and leveraging an individual’s top strengths, revealing talents and providing actionable insights into how to apply them in a professional context. The assessment identifies these strengths, allowing individuals to focus on their most natural abilities. By emphasising strengths rather than weaknesses in career planning, individuals can find roles that maximise their potential and job satisfaction, leading to more fulfilling and effective career trajectories.
4. The Strong Interest Inventory measures your interests and links them to possible career paths. It compares your interests with those of professionals in different fields. As a result, the test suggests careers that may suit you. For instance, someone with strong social interests may thrive in counselling or social work.
In addition, many of these tests are available online, at career counselling centres, or through professional development programs. In Nigeria, platforms like Jobberman and other career services often provide access to them. To understand your results, you must examine your personality type and strengths. Then, you can see how they align with potential career paths.
Moreover, working with a career counsellor or coach adds more insight. They can guide you on how to use your test results effectively. Ultimately, career personality tests play a key role in matching you with jobs that fit your unique traits. This alignment leads to greater satisfaction and long-term success.
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