About This Product

BY JOHN L. HOLLAND, PHD

Based on Holland’s widely accepted theory of careers, the SDS lets people explore the entire range of occupational possibilities. It frees counselors by eliminating or reducing the time they would normally spend proctoring, scoring, and interpreting a vocational interest inventory. It also provides career guidance to people who have no access to a counselor.

To use the SDS, the individual first completes a Self-Assessment Booklet, evaluating his or her abilities and interests. This allows the respondent to determine how similar he or she is to each of Holland’s six theoretical personality types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. Using the recently revised Occupations Finder, a booklet listing 1,300 specific job titles, including new technology-related positions, the individual can locate occupational groups compatible with his or her interests, skills, and education.

An alternative version, Form E (for Easy) is available for individuals with limited reading ability. The vocabulary (except for job titles) is at a fourth-grade reading level, the scoring system is simplified, and the Jobs Finder represents occupations appropriate for individuals with limited reading ability. In all other respects, it is similar to the standard SDS.

“You and Your Career” is an eight-page booklet that helps individuals make the best use of their SDS results. It explains the personality characteristics associated with each of Holland’s six vocational groups and offers suggestions for making good career decisions.