Apparently, my ideal career is in Human Resources. I am really more of a follower and I don't have the killer instinct to reach my goals. On the other hand, my forte is in Business or Marketing (as if that narrows it down). Another career aptitude test revealed that I should be an Administrator. Sigh.

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Online Career Aptitude Tests and Me
Three different online career aptitude tests revealed my true vocation(s) in life. Admittedly, I'd got bored by the time I tackled the last one (which was actually seven tests measuring THE seven abilities that consitute a person's aptitude). For this one, I simply selected the last answer choice for every question. The results declared that I am very good at reasoning with words accompanied by the ability to 'think' in numbers. Scary, given my methodology. These were all free tests, of course; all the other "serious" career tests I looked at required payment up front. However, even the non-frivolous tests seemed set to make similar judgments.

The Value of Career Aptitude Tests
In my opinion, any career test that supposes to recommend a career at the level of "human resources" is doubtful. By the same token, a career test that recommends as broadly as "business and marketing" is pretty useless too. I mean, come on! That's like someone saying they're going on vacation to Europe... Doesn't everyone KNOW that there are 45 countries in Europe, at least as many languages (not counting dialects), and people of as many creeds and colors as you care to imagine? But I digress.

Which Career Aptitude Test is Best?
Most dictionaries define "aptitude" in fuzzy terms like "inclination", "tendency", and "natural ability". "Capacity for learning" is about as definitive as it gets. That said, it is useful to know where our talents lie. I believe we are better off discovering these innate talents and then researching careers that support them. Career research takes dedication and committment. A ten-minute career aptitude test won't give you the answer. Ask yourself, are you a better communicator and empathizer or technical systemizer? You can take our (free) EQ SQ tests and find out. These career aptitude tests don't pretend to be crystal balls and won't proclaim the title of your next job. Nevertheless, they will give you insight into the kind of career or education most suited for your personality. The rest is up to you.

Biased, yes--but only because it makes sense.

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About the author

Katrina Boydon is a systemizing female with empathizing traits. She is as likely to be found crying over a sad film as balancing her bank account to the last cent.