The terms "trait" and "factor" refer principally to abilities (including general intelligence, special aptitudes, academic achievement, and job skills), vocational interests, and personality characteristics.

Assumptions:

1. By virtue of each person's unique psychological characteristics, each worker is best fitted for a particular type of work
2. Groups of workers in different occupations have different psychological characteristics
3. Vocational adjustment varies directly with the extent of agreement between worker characteristics and work demands

Williamson's 5 general techniques for trait and factor career counseling:

1. Establish rapport
2. Cultivate self-understanding
3. Advise or plan a program of action
4. Carry out the plan
5. Refer if needed

Different systems and theories of career development all mean to draw a blueprint from which to construct a pragmatic model of client behavior and life options.