Reflection seems like an easy enough task but in reality it is hard work. This is where the process of Career Appraisal and Assessment begins. To successfully assess a career three areas need to be examined, values, skills and interests…

First is an examination of an individual’s values, what is really important to the person. Our values change throughout our lives. What was important at the age of 25 may be very different at 35. Family circumstances also change our values. If an individual is single without children versus someone who does have children and a spouse, what is important may be very different.

The next step is a careful review of an individual’s skill set through an appraisal and assessment of accomplishments and achievements. By taking the time to reflect upon significant events that have been recognized by others for their impact as well as those activities that have created personal satisfaction, an individual can cull from these statements basic skills. This information becomes a database about the individual that illustrates trends toward specific work and work environments.

The third step in the Career Appraisal and Assessment process is a review of an individual’s interests. Although having an interest in a specific career field will not guarantee career success, it may be a significant factor in career satisfaction. Where does an individual enjoy spending spare time? If you had no responsibilities, how would you spend your time? These explorations help determine interests. Skills, values and interests then can be examined to determine what the ideal career might be.

Complementing this process is the Birkman Method; A personality assessment tool that examines an individual’s Interests, Usual Behavior, Stress Behavior and most importantly Needs. Through a questionnaire that asks how an individual see’s oneself to how one sees others, an assessment of an individual’s interpersonal needs is determined. This is critical to achieving career satisfaction. When our interpersonal needs are not met we go into Stress Behavior. For most of us this is not a time when we are effective in our work or our interpersonal relationships.

The Birkman Method can help identify the best-fit professional environment. Too often we seek the job and do not examine the environment in which the work is done. However, when an individual finds work that reflects his or her values, skills and interests, complemented by the best-fit environment, success is almost guaranteed. The Career Assessment and Appraisal process brings together the essential elements for career satisfaction and success.