“I don’t want to be put into a box.” “I already took that test online.” “I feel like I know myself.”
As career and educational consultants, we utilize assessments regularly and sometimes hear statements like these. Contrary to what one might think, we also recognize that the results from inventories aren’t the end all be all. They aren’t perfect, and they certainly don’t have all the answers. So why use them?
At the Know You Project, we believe each person is uniquely wired and shaped through their personal experiences. When clients have questions, concerns or apprehension around the idea of using inventories, we completely understand. No one deserves to be limited or “put in a box.”
Here’s the catch: assessments can be incredibly valuable. Whether you’re in a season of discovery, transition, seeking confidence, or wanting to grow personally or professionally, these kinds of tools are important for allowing us to gain deeper understanding into who you are.
From our experience, here are four major reasons why we encourage the use of assessments:
1. Insights: We use these exercises to help us determine an array of information – such as personality, passions, strengths, interests, career fields and more. However, the data is simply a jumping off point for conversation. Inventories allow our consultants to help guide clients toward determining which of the results are true for them… and which are not. This all leads to identifying undiscovered potential and possibilities.
2. Blind spots: As important as it is to know your strengths, it’s also valuable to understand your blind spots. We can all acknowledge that everyone has areas where they can continue to grow. Assessments help clients identify common stressors, potential unhealthy tendencies, and the possible down-sides of their strengths. By growing in self-awareness, as well as understanding the “why” behind certain aspects of who they are, clients are able to take ownership of their growth and confidently move forward in their strengths.
3. Branding: Communicating about yourself can be both awkward and scary. Most people are unsure of how to present themselves, whether in person or in written form. Oftentimes, clients know certain things about themselves, but they aren’t able to verbalize who they are and what they have accomplished. Assessments are full of rich and valuable language. When we find words and phrases that resonate with our clients, we utilize them in resumes, cover letters, elevator pitches, interviewing, and networking techniques. Together, we work on how to articulate who they are and what they’re capable of in an applicable and authentic way. This is how we help develop a personal brand.
4. Outside Perspective: One of the major benefits of going through the Know You Project is our personalized, one-on-one consulting. This process can be uncomfortable and feel quite vulnerable. But we’ve found that asking hard questions in a trusted space reveals honest truths, which ultimately leads to clarity. Anyone can go online and take a free assessment. It may provide interesting information or a few take-aways, but it isn’t truly individualized. Our process allows our team to gain a full picture of each client. We’re not only trained in the tools, we’re also able to see patterns, outliers and key pieces that allow us to take the information to a much deeper, more personal level.
Assessments are truly a launching pad for possibilities. Our intent is not to create labels, but rather to help reveal the incredible intricacies of our clients and what they’re capable of, through conversation and thoughtful questions. These discussions lead to clarity, then action, and ultimately a path that is meaningful and fulfilling.
Which is why we like to ask a different question: Why not assessments?
We strive to equip clients with the knowledge, support, and customized tools needed to gain forward momentum. 
