The Holland Code Test is a Key Tool for New Job Seekers & We’re Making It Free

The Holland Code Test is a helpful tool for new college grads and all early-career job seekers who are looking to find their right career path and land their first job. Given the pandemic and the associated uncertainty in the job market, Truity is making this career diagnostic tool and the 10-page instructive report detailing your job preferences and potential career types free for new graduates and all job seekers through December 31, 2021. 

“Our mission is to help make research-backed personality tests more accessible for all, and as a new wave of graduates prepares to enter an uncertain job market, we wanted to make our Holland Code test and in-depth report free now through graduation season -- to help new graduates and all early-career job seekers,” said Molly Owens, Founder and CEO of Truity. “It is more important than ever that job seekers know what they want in their careers and understand what roles can drive lasting fulfillment based on their unique personality preferences.”

Even in tough economic times, finding a career that matches your personality and fulfills you is critical. Research has shown that people are more likely to jump jobs when they feel bored or the job doesn’t synch with their values. Also, graduates who successfully “sprint” out of the gate after college tend to feel sure about the path they’re on. 

Why take this test? 

Whether you like to tinker with physical projects, would rather explore science through research over invention, or prefer making speeches to writing reports, the Holland Code -- also referred to as Holland Occupational Themes, or the RIASEC system -- is a means by which you can measure career interests based on your inherent personality type. 

Developed by psychologist Dr. John Holland, the Holland Code personality test is an excellent tool for college-aged students (and beyond) who are exploring potential occupations and career paths, and who may value deeper insight into finding what they love to do and why. 

What Does The Holland Code Measure? 

The Holland Code proposes six broad occupational areas, where all jobs can be classified. For instance, if you like using your hands or working outdoors, a “Realistic” or “Building” role might be best for you. (Think pilot, mechanic or carpenter.) Meanwhile, someone who likes exploring or researching new ideas might be more inclined to choose an “Investigative” (a.k.a. “Thinking”) career like engineer, physicist or lawyer.

“There are so many ways to measure personality and better understand yourself. How interests can inform career choices is just one way to analyze who we are, but it’s an important way,” added Owens. 

Here are the six occupational categories the Holland Code test helps measure. These apply to all fields and careers: 

BUILDING | REALISTIC 

Building jobs involve the use of tools, machines or physical skills. Builders like to work with their hands and bodies, work with plants and animals, and work outdoors. Examples of roles where “Building” types thrive, include:

• Chef
• Chemist
• Physical Therapist
• Mechanic 
• Carpenter 
• Model
• Musician 
• Biologist 

THINKING | INVESTIGATIVE 

Thinking jobs involve theory, research and intellectual inquiry. Thinkers like working with ideas and concepts, and enjoy science, technology and academia. Examples of roles where “Thinking” types thrive, include:

• Engineer
• Lawyer
• Surgeon
• Finance Analyst
• Physicist 
• Dietitian

CREATING | ARTISTIC 

Creating jobs involve art, design, language, and self-expression. Creators like working in unstructured environments and producing something unique. Examples of roles where “Creating” types thrive, include:

• Graphic Designer
• Poet
• Copy Editor
• Journalist 
• Architect 
• Photographer 
• Psychologist 
• Fashion Designer

HELPING | SOCIAL 

Helping jobs involve assisting, teaching, coaching, and serving other people. Helpers like working in cooperative environments to improve the lives of others. Examples of roles where “Helping” types thrive, include:

• Librarian
• Community Organizer
• HR Manager
• Financial Planner
• Social Worker
• Speech-Language Pathologist
• Veterinarian 

PERSUADING | ENTERPRISING 

Persuading jobs involve leading, motivating, and influencing others. Persuaders like working in positions of power to make decisions and carry out projects. Examples of roles where “Persuading” types thrive, include:

• Agent
• Entrepreneur
• Public Relations 
• Management Consultant
• Fitness Trainer
• Salesperson
• Market Research Analyst 

ORGANIZING | CONVENTIONAL 

Organizing jobs have to do with managing data, information, and processes. Organizers like to work in structured environments to complete tasks with precision and accuracy. Examples of roles where “Organizing” types thrive, include:

• Real Estate Agents
• Pharmacists 
• Office Administrator
• Customer Service
• Actuary 
• Computer Engineer
• Paralegal