What are your career interests? Take a free career test to find out!

When it comes to choosing a career, it can be tough to know where to start.

Maybe you have some ideas about what you want to do, or maybe you're completely lost. But one thing is for sure: understanding your likes and dislikes (your interests) is a crucial part of making the right career choice. In this article, we'll explore why your interests matter, how to take a free online test for your career interests, and what to do with your test results to choose the perfect career. 

Here are the topics we'll cover:

• Why your interests are important for your career choice

• How to take a free online test for your career interests and analyze the results

• What to do with your career interest test results to choose your career 

Why your interests are important for your career choice

Have you ever heard the saying, "do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life"? Well, it's true! When you choose a career that aligns with your interests, you're more likely to enjoy your work and be successful. That's because when you're interested in what you're doing, you're more motivated, engaged, and productive. You'll be excited to go to work every day, and you'll feel fulfilled by what you're doing.

On the other hand, if you choose a career that doesn't align with your interests, you'll likely be less motivated, less engaged, and less productive. You might find yourself dragging your feet to work every day, and feeling unfulfilled by your work. This can lead to burnout, dissatisfaction, and even career changes down the line. 

How to take a free online test for your career interests and analyze the results

Now that you understand why your interests are important, let's talk about how to identify them. One great way to do this is by taking a free online test for your career interests. Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Take the O*NET Interests Profiler

The O*NET Interests Profiler is a free online test that helps you identify your interests and how they relate to different careers. You can take the test at https://www.mynextmove.org/explore/ip. It only takes about 10-15 minutes to complete, and it's completely free!

Step 2: Review your test results

After you complete the test, you'll receive a list of your interest categories, ranked in order from highest to lowest. You'll also see a list of job zones that match your interests, as well as a list of careers that are related to your interests.

Step 3: Explore your career options

Now that you know your interest categories and related careers, it's time to start exploring your options. Look at the job zones that match your interests, and read about the different careers that are listed. Just click the link to learn more about each career. You can also search for additional information about these careers online, including job duties, salary information, and educational requirements. 

What to do with your career interest test results to choose your career

Now that you've identified your interests and explored some career options, it's time to choose your career. Here are some steps to help you make your decision:

Step 1: Narrow down your options

Start by narrowing down your list of career options to a manageable number. Consider factors such as salary, job duties, educational requirements, and work-life balance. Think about what's most important to you in a career, and use that to guide your decision.

Step 2: Research your top choices

Once you've narrowed down your list, it's time to research your top choices in more depth. Look for information about job growth, salary trends, and job satisfaction rates. Talk to people who work in these fields, and ask them about their experiences. This can help you get a better sense of whether a particular career is a good fit for you.

Step 3: Try it out

Before committing to a career, consider trying it out first. This can be done through internships, job shadowing, or volunteering in the field. This will give you a firsthand experience of the day-to-day work involved and can help you determine if it's a good fit for you. You may find that a career that seemed perfect on paper doesn't actually suit your interests and skills when you're doing the work.

Step 4: Plan your education and training 

Once you've chosen a career, it's important to plan your education and training. Look into the educational requirements for the career and consider whether you need to obtain a degree or certification. Research different programs and schools to find the best fit for you.

Step 5: Continuously evaluate and re-evaluate 

Remember that choosing a career is not a one-time decision. Your interests and priorities may change over time, and you may find that you need to re-evaluate your career choices. Continuously evaluate your job satisfaction and consider if your career is still fulfilling your needs and interests. 

Conclusion

Identifying your career interests is an important first step in choosing the right career path for you. By taking a free online career test, such as the O*NET Interests Profiler, you can gain insight into your interests and potential career options. Use this information to narrow down your career choices, research your options, and try out different careers before making a final decision. Remember to continuously evaluate your career satisfaction and be open to changing course if needed. With these steps, you can find a career that aligns with your interests and passions and provides a fulfilling and satisfying work life.

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by Elizabeth L. Campbell, PhD, LP, LMFT, CCC

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