FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How does the career testing process work ?
It's just a couple of steps! We send you a packet of assessments, which you take in the comfort of your home. Some assessments are completed online and some on paper. You can easily complete these in one sitting of 2-3 hours, but you can spread it out if you wish. Complete your online assessments and return your paper questionnaires to Personality Science, and we will begin scoring and analysis. We then arrange for your personal, live career consultation (either in person, over the phone, or videoconference).
How long does it take to get my career, personality, and interest results?
Once we receive all completed assessment materials, we contact you within 20 business days to set up your career consultation.
How much does your career testing process cost?
The complete package includes:
An assessment series
A customized, detailed analysis of:
- your personality
- interests
- vocational values
- personal information
- suggested careers based on your unique attributes
- a written report summarizing your results
- a personal, live consultation with a trained professional
Who is qualified to properly interpret and analyze personality and career tests?
Individuals interpreting and utilizing many of the validated and reliable testing instruments must have had appropriate training. Depending upon the type of assessment administered, the required training is often a Master's degree with specific courses in Tests and Measurement, or a specially designed instructional program unique to that instrument.
Is there a minimum age for your clients?
Our clients include anyone 16 and older. We see high school and college students, and any adult looking for the right career path.
I already know what I'm interested in. Does pursuing a career in my field of interest make sense? Does this mean I'll probably be good at one of those careers?
Your interests often inspire you to work harder at understanding that subject or doing it better. As a result of greater involvement and practice, you may increase your ability level in it, and even broaden your skill set. However, a high interest score does not automatically mean you you should pursue a career along that path. Keep in mind, interests are broad categories which have multiple careers associated with them. We can help you discover career fields which incorporate your interests as well as the other factors which will be important to your job satisfaction.
How important is finding an environment that suits me?
Feeling comfortable in an environment in which you spend a large portion of your life contributes greatly to your overall sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. You should not have to change drastically in order to fit in with the company's mission and values or your fellow employees.
I've been out of the workforce for over ten years. I don't think I want to work in the same type of job or in the same career I had before, but I really have no idea what else to do. How should I start?
One way you can get in touch with what you would really enjoy doing with your life is to imagine that you have all the money you need, and no other limitations or constraints. What can you envision doing with your time? For many people, once they get past thinking of beach walks and naps, they are usually able to see themselves getting involved in something that intrigues them. For some people, this is an easy process. Others have a vague notion of what they might enjoy. Others can think of several careers they might like to do, but feel constrained by their lack of training or education in that field. An assessment with Personality Science can help people discover how to become involved in a rewarding career, even if they do not want to return to school. Those who are willing to get additional education or training can gain confidence in choosing the career path that is right for them.
I really want try a career that makes me happier, but I am afraid to leave my job while I explore something new. What do you usually recommend?
Before quitting your current job, take advantage of any opportunities you may have to experience some other fields. Volunteer work, weekend jobs, or classes can give you excellent exposure to other work environments. Some people discover that they are in the right field, but need the challenge or variation of another workplace. An assessment can give you an understanding of why you may be unhappy in your current situation, and what steps you could take to enjoy your work life more.
My employer had me take a personality test. Why?
Employers identify the qualities that it takes to do well at the position they wish to fill. As a result, they want to see how you compare to an "ideal" candidate. Employers know that a good fit between the company and the employee makes for happier employees. Happier employees are less likely to look for other jobs. Prospective employees must be careful not to answer these tests in a way that they believe the employer wants them to answer, but rather should answer accurately and honestly, or both the employer and the potential new employee run the risk of being disappointed.
I am currently unemployed and looking for a new career path.
Many people find that this is an opportunity to start over, to re-evaluate their priorities, and to finally focus on finding the best career fit. For some, the answer is right in front of them. They only need to act upon their decisions. For others, the need to change is obvious, but the direction they should go is less clear. Having an objective assessment can clarify your direction. Once you have a direction, the information you receive from Personality Science can help you either select an appropriate educational course of action, or prepare a new resume, along with questions you should ask of prospective employers.
Selecting a career takes a thorough self-understanding. The ability to answer key questions about yourself is crucial to determining your best career fit.
I am starting my junior year of college. My classes are OK, but I am worried that I may not be in the right major. I am already halfway finished with this one, and I'm getting very stressed out. Does this happen to a lot of people? What do you tell them to do?
Many students are faced with this same conflict. They may have started school with a general idea of what they might like to do, but time on campus, experience in the classes, part-time jobs, time, and personal growth have contributed to an unease with their initial choice of major. So often, students start school without a clue as to what their major should be. It is not unusual for students to select a major by default… that is, they take a certain number of classes and discover that they only need a few more classes to major in something, so they stay on the same path. It is not ideal, nor does it sound like they are following their passion.
Most people change their majors at least once in college, so it is not unusual, but it is frustrating and expensive! Do NOT worry that you could be letting people down. If you are unhappy with your career choice, the only person who really could be let down is you. It is never too late to find your best career path in life, and if you know that you are not yet on the right career path, start looking for it!
I'm still in high school, but I am really interested in lots of things. I like writing, acting, politics, literature, and working with children. I have absolutely NO IDEA what classes I should take, or even which colleges would be best for me. Can you help me figure this out?
Multiple interests can pose a unique challenge. While it is not advisable to narrow your focus to only one area of interest while still in high school, it is also difficult to become proficient in or take all the classes you need if you are interested in too many things. Fortunately, it is often the case that interests overlap, and one class can help further your progress in more than one of your interests. Remember, many of our interests turn out to be our vocations (jobs) and others turn out to be our avocations (hobbies). Therefore, you can always continue your involvement in your passions. We will utilize all of the data from your assessments to give you informed advice on career options that you should find fulfilling.
Could you share some links for career, interview, and resume resources?
Though we are not affiliated with any of these groups, you may find some of these links helpful.
US News and World Report Best Colleges: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges
National Center for Education Statistics (College Navigator) : https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
Peterson's College Guide: https://www.petersons.com/
Purdue Online Writing Lab: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/564/1/
Tips and Expert Advice for Writing Your Resume: https://www.learnhowtobecome.org/resume-guide/
Interview Dos and Don'ts: https://www.learnhowtobecome.org/interview-dos-and-donts/
Grad's Guide to Getting Hired: https://www.learnhowtobecome.org/grads-get-hired-guide/
Crushing the College Employment Hunt: https://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/college-resource-center/student-employment/
“Thanks for the time and valuable resource I now have--- about me!”
"Our daughter was very impressed with the amount of time you took to help her on her road to finding a career path that was fulfilling for her."
