“This quiz will solve all your problems”

Which One Of Daenerys’ Allies Are You?

What Kind Of Genius Are You?

Who Would Be Your Boyfriend If You Went to Hogwarts?

Online quizzes are inescapable these days – and we’ve all succumbed to at least one, because they’re fun, and silly. Whether they’re right about which color our aura is or not, they also entice us because they make us reflect on who we are. Like horoscopes and Tarot cards, these quizzes hold up a mirror (even if a distorted one) and allow the participant to take a moment out of their hectic life to ask “Who the heck am I, anyway?”

Career coaches usually provide a number of personality and interest tests to their clients to collect data for the career search process. In fact, anyone can search the internet for career interest tests and find an endless number of them. But just like the silly quizzes on your Facebook feed, there are a lot of career tests that are as accurate as a monkey throwing darts. While these tests can be a good way to jump-start one’s self-reflective imagination, those seeking real answers about their career need data-driven tests rooted in sound theory. A good career coach has done the research to know which tests are evidence-based tools worth your time and money that can really help you move forward on your path.

In my career coaching practice, I give tests that use long-standing bodies of research as their basis and are common tools used by professionals in the field. I’m always keeping my eyes out for new tools to try, too – always with a skeptical eye, however. I recently discovered a new test that builds on long-standing career theory and links to a well-respected database of job information. I was pumped!

On the flip side, I also tried out a new career test from a site I usually find helpful and reputable. But this time, the test turned out to be a dud. I’ve often recommended Goodtherapy.org as a fantastic resource for finding a mental health counselor that has been vetted by this organizations’s knowledgeable staff. So when I discovered their free online career test, I gave it a whirl.

I started out hopeful, but with each new page of questions I realized these were the wrong kinds of questions to be asking. Most asked me what tasks or kinds of work I am already good at. From my training I know this kind of question isn’t helpful for determining future career paths, because it assumes an individual is incapable of learning new tasks or expertise in the future. A test that bases its results on present skills ignores a person’s hidden interests and possible passions that can lead to life-changing careers when ignited by a little training.

In the end, this test told me that I was meant to be a law professor. (Confusing for many reasons, particularly because I distinctly remember rating my interest in law as close to none.) More importantly, this result is completely inconsistent with all reputable tests I’ve taken before. Usually my first career test result is Mental Health Counselor, Art Therapist, Career Counselor, etc. When I plugged Law Professor into ONet, the Department of Labor’s data-driven resource for job seekers, I found this profession has a Holland Code of SIE (Social, Investigative, Enterprising). This code category also includes Business Teachers and Administrative Law Judges. Anyone who knows me knows that these jobs would lead me to inevitable self-destruction. And I can tell you why – it’s because my code is SAI (Social, Artistic, Investigative), and without a creative component, I get bored at my job and want to run for the hills!

Can one quiz tell you exactly what career fits you best? No. That’s why good career coaches use multiple tests to collect varied data for comparison. But the quality of those tests can make all the difference when you’re searching for a career that you’ll love. By consulting with a knowledgeable career coach, you can save time, money, and wasted effort by taking the tests that really can help you solve problems. And in the meantime, finding out which Star Wars character you secretly want to be can help you get inspired to start learning more about who the heck you are.

Alysa Haas provides career coaching services at www.alysadhaas.com.