Feeling unhappy at work? This could be more than just a bad day. It’s a serious issue that, if left unaddressed, can affect your mental health and well-being. According to a study by Mental Health America, 71% of employees are seeking new job opportunities due to work-related stress or dissatisfaction. Chronic workplace unhappiness can lead to anxiety, depression, and burnout. If this sounds like you, it’s crucial to understand the source of your dissatisfaction. This article will explore the best free career assessments for finding work you love

Finding the right career assessment can be overwhelming, with many options available. That’s why we’ve researched the top free career assessments. Whether you’re a recent graduate, contemplating a career change, or seeking a new career direction, using the best career assessments can help you make great career decisions.

Types of Career Assessments Available

Career assessments come in different forms, measuring various aspects of your personality, interests, and skills:

• Interest-Based Assessments: Help you explore what activities or subjects engage you the most.
• Personality-Based Assessments: Evaluate your personality traits to suggest possible career options.
• Skills-Based Assessments: Identify your strengths and developmental areas in key skills.
• Aptitude Tests: Measure your abilities in areas like logic, reasoning, and problem-solving to suggest careers where you may excel.
• Hybrid Tests: Some assessments, such as the Career Fit Test, evaluate your interests, personality, and skills, providing a more comprehensive career test.

When exploring career assessments online, remember that they are also known as career interest inventories, career aptitude tests, career quizzes, and personality tests. 

Free and Fee-Based Career Assessments

Of the many free career assessments, a few provide the option of upgrading to a premium report.  This can be a great option if the career assessment is valid, reliable, reasonably priced, and guaranteed.  These career tests, such as CareerFitTest.com, will allow you to take the career test for free and then purchase a premium report. 

Premium fee-based career reports are typically created by reputable professionals and offer in-depth analysis that can provide a clearer picture of your strengths, weaknesses, and ideal career choices. The CareerFitTest.com, for example, was developed by National Certified Career Counselors.

Don’t be afraid to invest in yourself by purchasing a premium report—it’s a small investment that can help you find fulfilling, meaningful, and rewarding work.

Top Free Career Assessments for 2024

Here are some of the top free career assessments:

1. CareerFitTest.com

Combining interest, personality, and skills assessments, the Career Fit Test provides comprehensive career suggestions.

Pros:

• Provides a well-rounded assessment that includes transferable skills, personal qualities, and content skills.
• Goes beyond matching careers to help you pinpoint your top marketable skills, areas for development, and ‘killer’ skills.
• Helps you create a career mission statement and set SMART goals for career development.
• Offers practical tools for writing resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn profiles, and job search strategies.
• Ideal for career changers, students, and professionals seeking career clarity.

Cons:

• May take more time to complete than simpler tests due to its comprehensive nature.
• The depth of insights can overwhelm individuals seeking a quick career recommendation.

2. O*NET Interest Profiler

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, this tool links your interests to potential careers.

Pros:

• Offers detailed career suggestions based on interests.
• Backed by government data, providing reliable information.

Cons:

• Focuses only on interests, without personality or skill evaluations.
• The interface may seem outdated to some users.
• Based on Holland’s RIASEC model to measure vocational interests, it has been found to have some issues with its Enterprising scale

3. 16Personalities

Based on the Myers-Briggs model, a widely used personality assessment tool that categorizes individuals into one of 16 personality types, this free test offers insights into your personality type and working environments that could fit a person.

Pros:

• Widely known and respected.
• Easy-to-understand personality profiles.

Cons:

• The career suggestions may be broad and need further refinement.
• Primarily focused on personality, not skills or interests.
• Not known as a “career assessment”.

4. Skills Matcher by CareerOneStop

A skills-based assessment that matches your abilities with career options.

Pros:

• Focuses on practical skills and their relevance to careers.
• Provides career matches based on concrete abilities.

Cons:

• Does not evaluate interests or personality traits.
• The interface can be less engaging compared to other tests.

5. Truity Career Personality Profiler

Offers a detailed report on how your personality relates to potential careers.

Pros:

• Combines personality and career insights.
• Detailed reports with actionable insights.

Cons:

• The free version may offer limited insights compared to the paid versions.
• Focuses heavily on personality, leaving out skills.

How to Take a Career Assessment

Taking a career assessment is simple:

1. Choose the Right Tests: Choose one that focuses on areas you want clarity on, such as skills, interests, or personality.
2. Set Aside Time: The best career tests take 20 to 30 minutes to complete.
3. Answer Honestly: Your results will only be as accurate as your responses.

Interpreting Career Assessment Results

After completing a career assessment, carefully review the suggested career paths, skill gaps, and personality traits.

• Recommended Careers: Explore why specific careers match your profile, even if they seem surprising.
• Skill Gaps: Use identified gaps to guide further skill-building efforts.
• Personality Traits: Consider how your personality aligns with your ideal work environment.
• Review Results Carefully: Reflect on your results and how they align with your career aspirations. Consider consulting a career counselor to fully utilize your results.

Using Career Assessment Results to Make Informed Career Decisions

Once you’ve received your results, use them to take action:

1. Explore Career Options: Research the suggested careers to see if they align with your interests and skills.
2. Create a Development Plan: Focus on learning and growing in areas where you have skill gaps.
3. Set Career Goals: Use the assessment results to set achievable career goals.

Additional Resources for Career Exploration and Development

Enhance your career journey by exploring resources like:

• Career Counseling: Work with a career coach for personalized advice.
• Online Learning Platforms: Use sites like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning to develop new skills.
• Professional Networks: Join industry groups to connect with professionals in your field of interest.

Conclusion: Finding Your True Calling with Free Career Assessments

Now that you know how valuable career assessments can be, why not take the first step toward a more fulfilling career? In 2024, these free career assessments offer a fantastic opportunity to reflect on your skills, interests, and professional future. Whether you are looking for your first job or considering a career change, these assessments can guide you toward a path that aligns with your strengths and passions. Start your journey today by choosing a free career assessment and taking action based on the insights you gain.