The purpose of a skills assessment

A career path is not always a straight and obvious one. Uncertainty, doubt and self-questioning are an integral part of our journey. In these moments of questioning, one tool proves particularly useful: skills assessment. But what is the real purpose of such an assessment? Here, we explore how skills assessment can be a powerful lever for your professional development.

What is a skills assessment?

Before going any further, let's define what a skills assessment is. It is a structured process, accompanied by a professional who is usually an expert in human resources, aimed at evaluating and enhancing your professional and personal skills, aptitudes and motivations.

The assessment helps you identify your strengths, areas for improvement, and explore opportunities available to you, whether in your current job or in a new direction.

Skills assessment: a recognised asset

The figures speak for themselves when it comes to the effectiveness of skills assessments. According to a study conducted by the Interinstitutional Centre for Skills Assessments (CIBC), 74% of people who completed a skills assessment realised a career or training project within two years of the assessment. In addition, 89% of respondents felt they had a better understanding of themselves following their assessment.

Similarly, a study conducted by the Association pour l'Emploi des Cadres (Association for Executive Employment)APEC) reveals that 65% of managers who underwent a skills assessment experienced positive career development within three years, whether through promotion, a change of company, or retraining.

Identify your skills and talents

The primary objective of a skills assessment is to identify your skills and talents. What have you learned during your professional career and life experiences? What natural talents or skills can you leverage? These questions may seem simple, but it is often difficult to answer them objectively without an outside perspective.

During the assessment, you will explore not only your technical skills or «hard skills», but also your behavioural skills or «soft skills». The latter, such as the ability to work in a team, manage stress, or solve problems, are increasingly valued and sought after in the professional world.

Direct your career

Another key objective of skills assessment is to guide your career. By gaining a better understanding of your skills and talents, you will be able to explore the various career paths available to you. This will enable you to identify opportunities that best match your skills, as well as your aspirations and personal values.

This could mean advancing in your current career, aiming for a new position or developing new skills. It could also mean considering a career change if you find that your current job no longer meets your aspirations.

Set training objectives

By identifying your skills and exploring your career options, the skills assessment will also enable you to set training objectives. What skills do you want to develop to achieve your professional goals? In which areas do you need to improve?

Thanks to the assessment, you will be able to draw up a personalised training plan that meets your specific needs. Whether through formal training, mentoring or self-directed learning, you will be able to continue to develop professionally.

Optimise your professional performance

Finally, the skills assessment aims to optimise your professional performance. By gaining a better understanding of your skills, you will be able to capitalise on your strengths and work on your weaknesses. You will also be able to adapt your working environment to your profile, for example by choosing tasks that match your skills or seeking to develop skills that will enable you to progress and achieve your goals.

Conclusion

In short, skills assessment is a powerful tool for taking control of your career. It allows you to identify your skills and talents, guide your career, set training objectives and optimise your professional performance. Whether you are at a crossroads in your career, looking to progress, or simply want to get to know yourself better, skills assessment can be a valuable lever for your professional development. Feel free to seek support from our institute to get the most out of this process.

Did you enjoy this article? Discover our skills assessments and Boost your career!

OSAM Training