Last Updated on 15/10/2025 by Liza Brits

career test

Learn More About the Best Career Test Tool for Skills Assessment
and Tips and Advice for a Career Change

So, you’re thinking about making a career change. Whether you’ve had a lightbulb moment, feel burnt out, or just want to explore something new, switching careers can be both exciting and intimidating. Don’t worry, though, we’ve got you covered! Here’s your ultimate guide to navigating the big leap into a new career.

1. Know Why You Want a Career Switch

First things first, take a step back and think about why you’re making this change. Is it for more flexibility? Better pay? More passion or work-life balance? Understanding the root of your decision will help guide the rest of the process.

  • Reflect on Your Current Role: Are you unhappy because of a specific aspect of your job, or is it the entire field that’s making you restless?
  • Pinpoint What You Want: The clearer you are about your ideal career, the easier it will be to target the right path.
2. Do Your Research

Before diving headfirst into your new career, take the time to research the field you’re interested in.

  • Explore Different Industries: Maybe you’re interested in tech, healthcare, or marketing. Whatever it is, dive into what roles are available and what skills are in demand.
  • Talk to People in the Field: Connect with people who are already doing what you want to do. LinkedIn, networking events, and informational interviews are goldmines for real-world insights.
  • Skills Gap Check: Do you need to upskill or earn certifications to break into the field? If so, look for online courses or workshops that can help you make the transition smoother.
3. Identify Transferable Skills

One of the biggest challenges in career transitions is determining which of your current skills will transfer to a new industry or role. This is where Assessment.com can be incredibly valuable. Assessment.com provides an array of skill assessments that can help you evaluate your current skill set and identify areas where you excel. It can pinpoint the strengths that will serve you well in your new career and highlight any gaps in knowledge that need to be addressed. Whether you’re transitioning from marketing to project management, or moving from a technical field to a creative role, understanding your transferable skills is crucial to making a smooth transition.

How Assessment.com Works:
Key Features
  • MAPP Career Assessment: A detailed and scientifically backed assessment that identifies your strengths, interests, and potential career matches.
  • Personalized Feedback: Offers tailored suggestions for industries and roles that align with your individual skills and interests.
  • Comprehensive Career Insights: Receive in-depth reports that outline career paths aligning with your skills and motivations.
  • Actionable Insights: Provides practical advice and clear next steps for exploring or transitioning into new career opportunities.
  • Customizable Reports: Access tailored reports for specific industries or job roles to make informed career decisions.
  • Educational and Career Planning Tools: Resources to help you explore educational opportunities and plan your career trajectories effectively.
  • User-Friendly Platform: A simple interface that makes navigating the site and accessing your results straightforward.
  • Highly Accurate Assessment: The MAPP test is based on well-researched methodologies, offering reliable insights into your professional potential.
  • Global Recognition: Trusted by professionals and educational institutions worldwide, giving it credibility as a reliable resource.
  • Free Basic Assessment: You can take a free version of the test to gain initial insights, with the option to access more detailed results through paid plans.
  • Broad Applicability: Useful for individuals at various stages of their career, from students to experienced professionals considering a career change.
  • Time-Efficient: The test can be completed quickly, offering fast results for users seeking immediate guidance.
Considerations
  • No Real-Time Coaching: It does not offer live coaching or direct interaction with career advisors.
  • Some Assessments Can Be Time-Consuming: Depending on the complexity of the assessments, some tests might be time-consuming, however they provide valuable data about your skill level.
Pricing
  • $89.95 for the Starter package
  • $119.95 for the Career Seeker package
  • $149.95 for the Executive package

Visit their website for more information.

4. Fill in the Knowledge Gaps

Depending on the career you’re eyeing, you might need to learn new things or sharpen some skills.

  • Online Learning: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning offer affordable courses on pretty much any subject.
  • Certifications: If the industry requires specific certifications (like project management, marketing, or IT), invest the time to get those under your belt.
  • Volunteer or Freelance: If possible, try getting some hands-on experience through volunteering or freelancing. It’s a great way to build a portfolio and test the waters in a new field.
5. Update Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile

When you’re switching careers, your résumé and LinkedIn profile need to reflect your new goals. By leveraging your results from Assessment.com, you can pinpoint the skills that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for, ensuring that your resume showcases your strengths effectively.

  • Highlight Transferable Skills: Make sure your résumé emphasizes skills that can be applied to your new career. For example, if you’re moving from sales to marketing, your communication, persuasion, and customer insights are valuable.
  • Revamp Your LinkedIn: Tailor your LinkedIn profile to reflect your career transition, making it clear that you’re open to new opportunities. Don’t forget to engage with posts, join groups, and follow companies in the industry you want to join.
  • Consider a Functional Résumé: If your experience doesn’t directly relate to your new career, a functional résumé where you highlight skills and achievements rather than job titles can help.
6. Network, Network, Network

Networking is a huge part of any job search, especially when switching careers. The more people you know in your target field, the better.

  • Attend Industry Events: Virtual or in-person events, webinars, and networking groups can connect you with people in the field.
  • LinkedIn Outreach: Reach out to people in your desired industry for advice and informational interviews. You’d be surprised how many professionals are willing to offer insights or job leads.
  • Leverage Your Existing Network: Even if your current connections aren’t in your new field, they might know someone who is. Don’t be afraid to ask for referrals or introductions.
7. Prepare for Job Interviews

Once you’ve identified potential job opportunities, it’s time to prepare for interviews. Switching careers means you might face questions from employers about why you’re making the change and how your previous experience will translate into success in the new role.

How to Prepare:
  • Practice Interview Questions and Answers: Leveraging interview preparation AI platforms can greatly assist you in preparing for upcoming interviews.
  • Leverage Your Assessment Results: Use the insights you gained from Assessment.com to confidently discuss your strengths and areas of expertise during interviews. This will demonstrate that you’ve done your homework and are serious about your career transition.
8. Be Ready to Start at a Lower Level (for a While)

Switching careers might mean you have to take a step back to move forward.

  • Expect a Pay Cut: You may not land the same salary right off the bat, especially if you’re entering a new industry where you don’t yet have experience.
  • Start Fresh: It’s possible that you’ll need to take a more junior position to gain experience, but remember, this is temporary. The long-term goal is to set yourself up for growth in your new career.
9. Stay Positive and Keep Learning

Career changes can be tough, and there will likely be bumps along the way. However, staying positive and keeping an open mind will help you stay on track.

  • Embrace the Learning Curve: Even if you don’t know everything right away, showing a willingness to learn and grow will set you apart.
  • Celebrate Small Wins: Whether it’s landing an informational interview or finishing a course, celebrate your progress. Every step forward brings you closer to your goal.
10. Apply Strategically

When you start applying for jobs, don’t just blanket apply to everything. Tailor your applications and target roles that closely align with your transferable skills and passion.

  • Customize Your Cover Letter: Show employers that you understand the industry and are excited about transitioning.
  • Target Entry-Level or Transitional Roles: Look for jobs that cater specifically to career changers, such as entry-level positions or roles that allow for skill development.
11. Be Patient with Yourself

Switching careers doesn’t happen overnight. Be patient and give yourself the time you need to learn, grow, and adjust. Trust that with persistence and hard work, you’ll get where you want to be.

Conclusion

Making a career change is a big move, but with the right mindset, planning, effort, and utilizing a career test tool, it can be one of the most rewarding decisions you ever make. Whether you’re looking for more passion, flexibility, or a fresh challenge, this guide will help you navigate the journey. So, take a deep breath, roll up your sleeves, and dive in. You’ve got this!


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Affiliate Disclosure
Some of our articles may include links to products, services, or resources that we believe could be helpful to job seekers and employers, some of which are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. These commissions help support our research team, so we can continue reviewing, testing, and sharing the most effective tools and resources for job seekers and employers.

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