Self-Directed Search
What It Measures
The Self-Directed Search is a career interest inventory built on John Holland's theory that both people and work environments can be sorted into six types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. The premise is that a good match between the two predicts satisfaction at work.
The person answers questions in several sections: occupational daydreams, activities they enjoy, competencies they believe they have, occupations that appeal to them, and self-ratings of ability. Responses produce a three-letter summary code — RIA, SEC — naming the three types they most resemble. That code is then used to look up matching occupations, fields of study, and leisure pursuits.
Additional Notes
Licensing Notes: Available through PARiConnect, in paper and pencil, or directly from the self-service website for $15 per online administration. Reproduction requires publisher permission.
Learn More: The SDS is self-administered and self-scored by design. It simulates what a counsellor and client would do together — reviewing preferred activities, occupations, and competencies — which is what makes it usable in a school or community setting without a psychologist. Several versions exist for different ages, reading levels, and languages, and it has been translated into over 25 languages.