How do you explain career assessment results?

1 Understand the purpose

Before you explain the results, you need to understand the purpose of the assessment and how it fits into the overall coaching process. Different assessments have different objectives, such as identifying skills, exploring options, matching preferences, or planning strategies. You should be able to explain why you chose a particular assessment, what it measures, and how it can help your client achieve their career goals.

2 Use simple language

Avoid using jargon, acronyms, or technical terms that may confuse or intimidate your client. Instead, use simple and concrete language that your client can easily understand and relate to. For example, instead of saying "Your Holland code is ISFJ, which means you are introverted, sensing, feeling, and judging", you could say "You prefer to work in quiet and structured environments, where you can use your senses, emotions, and logic to help others". You can also use examples, stories, or analogies to illustrate the results and make them more engaging.

3 Highlight the strengths

One of the main goals of explaining the results is to help your client recognize and appreciate their strengths and how they can use them in their career. You should emphasize the positive aspects of the results, such as the skills, talents, values, or interests that your client has or can develop. You should also acknowledge the achievements, successes, or contributions that your client has made or can make in their current or future roles. You can use phrases like "You have a strong ability to...", "You are passionate about...", or "You can make a difference by..." to highlight the strengths.

4 Address the gaps

Another goal of explaining the results is to help your client identify and address any gaps or challenges that may hinder their career progress or satisfaction. You should be honest and constructive when pointing out the areas that your client needs to work on, such as the skills, knowledge, attitudes, or behaviors that they lack or can improve. You should also provide suggestions, resources, or action steps that your client can take to overcome or minimize the gaps or challenges. You can use phrases like "You may benefit from...", "You may want to consider...", or "You can try to..." to address the gaps.

5 Relate to the reality

The final goal of explaining the results is to help your client relate them to their current or desired career situation and goals. You should help your client see how the results can inform their decisions, actions, or plans regarding their career path, direction, or transition. You should also help your client explore the opportunities, options, or alternatives that are available or suitable for them based on the results. You should use questions, scenarios, or exercises to stimulate your client's thinking and reflection. You can use phrases like "How do you feel about...", "What does this mean for you...", or "What are some possible ways to..." to relate to the reality.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?