KNOW YOURSELF

Who are you?  What do you enjoy?  What skills would you like to use in your job?  Spend some time to get to know yourself and understand your skills, interests, motivations and values to make it easier for you to define your goals and market yourself to potential employers.  If you can't clearly state to an employer what skills you have and how they relate to the position you want, chances are the employer won't spend any time figuring it out on your behalf.  In addition, working in an field that matches your interests is a critical step towards obtaining job satisfaction.

You should be thinking of two main types of skills: technical/specialized (eg. computer skills), and transferable/personal (also sometimes called soft skills, eg. communication skills).  Many personal and transferable skills consistently rate as the most important in the eyes of employers, so make sure you spend adequate time identifying yours.  It is worth the time reviewing the Employability Skills 2000+ developed by the Conference Board of Canada to see what skills and personal attributes are most valued by employers.

Note that self assessment is not an exact science; the exercises contained in many of these sites are introductory.  Put more emphasis on what you learn about yourself rather than any specific occupations that may be suggested.  In order to get the most out of the exercises contained in these sites, use your findings as a starting point for discussions with friends, family or a professional career counsellor, not as a replacement. 

• CareerStorm - free online career planning tools; you'll need some time to work through the exercises
• Career Development Manual - University of Waterloo A comprehensive career development resource.
• Career Planning Articles about the job search, planning, activities, education and more.
• Guide to Information Interviewing Our own guide to help you set up and conduct an information interview.
• Holland Career Interests Game - match your interests and skills with similar career areas
• JobHuntersBible.com - the online supplement to What Color is Your Parachute?
• Keirsey Temperament and Character Web Site  - a popular online personality indicator
• nextSteps.org   - employment and career related information developed in Calgary
• Self-Directed Search  - match your interests with occupations; there is a charge for this 15 minute test
• Canada Career Consortium - Career planning information for Canadians.
• Careerpath Adventures - A Canadian site which may help you with your career options.
• Career Paths Online - An interactive online tool to help you explore your skills, interests and values.
• Charity Village: Career Assessment - Identify and communicate your skills, interests, strengths and career goals.
• Employability Skills 2000+ - The critical skills required in the Canadian workplace from The Conference Board of Canada.
• JVIS.com - Download the test or complete it online.  If possible, discuss the results with a career counsellor.
• Mazemaster - Includes a good self assessment area.
• WorkSearch - From the Government of Canada. Select "Knowing Yourself" for a number of interest and values worksheets.

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