Ever heard of an engineer with poor spatial awareness?
Or an accountant with low attention to detail?
Imagine a project manager with no time management skills?
Our skills shape our career interests, and psychological research supports this notion – research shows that about 70% of individuals who align their career choices with their strengths report higher job satisfaction.
No pressure – but choosing a career is probably one of the most important decisions you will make. Considering your strengths when choosing the thing you will do for the rest of your life will likely contribute to whether you enjoy what you do and the level of success you achieve.
Spatial awareness, mechanical manipulation, inductive and deductive reasoning, verbal fluency, numerical proficiency, business thinking – you name it, and there is probably an aptitude assessment that measures it.
What are Aptitude Tests?
Aptitude tests measure your natural abilities in various areas. They sound scary but think of them as an insightful way to discover what you might be really good at. When you take an aptitude test, the results can help identify careers that might suit you best. A recent study showed that graduates who choose a job that fits their skills are twice as likely to feel fulfilled at work. Imagine waking up excited to go to work because you’re doing something you’re naturally good at!
No getting away from them, I’m afraid
Sceptical of their validity? It’s very likely that your future employer won’t be. Aptitude assessments are one of the best predictors of future job performance, so many companies rely on them to help identify candidates who have the potential to thrive in specific roles. This means they’re more likely to hire someone who fits the job well, leading to better performance and happier employees.
Limitations to Consider
While aptitude tests are very helpful, they’re not the only factor that needs to be considered in finding your dream job. You may be a mathematical genius, but if your passions lie in fashion design, it’s very likely that you will choose sequins over algebra. Taking a holistic approach is what we opt for time and time again – combine aptitude, personality, interests, school marks, and available resources to make informed decisions on your Career Exploration Journey. After all, what you love to do is just as important as what you’re good at!
Final Thoughts
So, if you’re thinking about your future career, consider taking an aptitude test. It could give you valuable insights and help steer you towards future job satisfaction.
Want to know more about our holistic approach to Career Guidance? Get in touch
