Who are you?

Have you ever noticed how quickly new students in your school or new families in your community find people who are most like them? If you have ever been the "new" person yourself, You have probably spent your first few days sizing up the general population and then getting in with the people who dress in clothes a lot like yours, appreciate the same style of music, or maybe even root for the same sport teams.

Given that this process happens so naturally-if not necessarily on purpose-it should come as no surprise that many people lean toward jobs that surround them with people most like them. When people with common interests, common values, and complementary talents come together in the work place, the results can be quite remarkable.

Many career aptitude tests, including the one developed by the U.S. Department of Labor are based on the theory that certain types of people do better at certain types of jobs. It is like a really sophisticated matchmaking service. Take your basic strengths and interests and match them to the strengths and interests required by specific occupations.

It makes sense when you think about it. When you want to find a career that is ideally suited for you, find out what people like you are doing and head off in that direction.!

There is just one little catch.
The only way to recognize other people like you is to recognize yourself. Who are you anyway? What are you like? What is your basic approach to life and work?

Now is a good time as any to find out. Let's start by looking at who you are in a systematic way. This process will ultimately help you understand how to identify personally appropriate career options.

On a sheet of paper create a list of adjectives that best describe you. You should be able to come up with at least 15 qualities that apply to you. There is no need to make judgements about whether these qualities are good or bad. They just are. They represent who you are and can help you understand what you bring to the workforce.

(if you get stuck, ask a trusted friend or adult to help describe especially strong traits they see in you.)

Some of the types of qualities you may choose to include are:

How you relate to others:

Are you shy? Outgoing? Helpful? Dependent? Empathic? In charge?
Agreeable? Challenging? Persuasive? Popular? Impatient? A loner?

How you approach new situations:

Are you adventurous? Traditional? Cautious? Enthusiastic? Curious?

How you feel about change-planned or unplanned:

Are you resistant? Adaptable? Flexible? predictable?

How you approach problems:

Are you persistent? Spontaneous? Methodical? Creative?

How you make decisions:

Are you intuitive? Logical? Emotional? Practical? Systematic? Analytical?

How you approach life:

Are you laid back? Ambitious? Perfectionist? Idealistic? Optimistic? Pessimistic?
Self-sufficient?

Pick the best adjectives that paint an accurate picture of the real you.
Get more ideas from a dictionary or thesaurus if you like.