How do you support clients facing uncertainty from career assessments?

1 Explain the purpose and limitations of career assessments

The first step is to clarify the purpose and limitations of career assessments with your clients. Career assessments are not tests that measure their abilities or worth, but rather self-report inventories that reflect their current perceptions and preferences. They are not meant to prescribe a single or perfect career path, but rather to suggest some possibilities that may align with their profile. They are also not static or final, but rather dynamic and evolving, as clients may change over time and in different contexts. Therefore, career assessments are best used as a starting point for further exploration and reflection, not as an end point for decision making.

2 Validate their feelings and concerns

The second step is to validate their feelings and concerns about their career assessment results. Uncertainty can trigger anxiety, doubt, frustration, or disappointment, especially if clients have high expectations or pressures from themselves or others. It is important to acknowledge and empathize with their emotions, and to reassure them that they are not alone or abnormal in feeling uncertain. You can also help them identify and challenge any negative or limiting beliefs or assumptions that may arise from their results, such as overgeneralizing, catastrophizing, or dismissing their strengths or interests.

3 Encourage curiosity and exploration

The third step is to encourage curiosity and exploration of their career assessment results. Rather than just focusing on the labels or categories, help them delve deeper into the meaning and implications of their results. Ask open-ended questions to stimulate their curiosity and reflection, such as what surprised them the most or how the results align or conflict with their experiences, goals, or values. Suggest they research different careers, industries, or trends online or offline or talk to people who work in the careers that interest them. Encourage them to take courses, workshops, or online learning platforms to gain new skills or knowledge. Volunteering, interning, or freelancing in different fields or roles can also provide hands-on experience.

4 Support their action and evaluation

The fourth step is to support their action and evaluation of their career exploration. Career exploration is not a passive or linear process, but rather an active and cyclical one, where clients need to try out different options, evaluate their fit and satisfaction, and adjust their plans accordingly. You can help them set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) for their career exploration, and monitor their progress and outcomes. You can also help them review and update their career assessment results periodically, as they may discover new aspects of themselves or encounter new opportunities or challenges. Finally, you can celebrate their achievements and learning, and encourage them to keep an open and flexible mindset towards their career development.

5 Refer them to additional resources or support

The fifth step is to refer them to additional resources or support that may benefit them in their career exploration. Depending on their needs and preferences, you can suggest they access other career development tools or services, such as different types of assessments like skills assessments, values assessments, or aptitude tests. Additionally, career counselors, coaches, mentors, and networks can provide personalized guidance and advice. You can also recommend career books, podcasts, blogs, or newsletters that offer inspiration and information. Career assessments are beneficial for discovering more about oneself and career options; however, they can lead to uncertainty and confusion. By following these tips, you can support clients facing uncertainty from career assessments and help them navigate their career development journey with confidence and clarity.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?