Your Personality Type and How it May Affect Your Job Choices

Have you ever wondered if you’d be happier in a job if you matched it to suit your personality? You’re not alone.

Numerous studies suggest that paying attention to your personality traits can help you to better tailor your job choices and succeed in attaining a happier work/life balance.

Yet, how can you identify your personality? How can you classify it?

One popular way is to do a Myers-Briggs test. This test works by asking you a series of questions designed to help you recognise your preferences.

Take the following:

Extraversion (E) or Introversion (I)

Extraverts tend to be outgoing and can ‘recharge’ in busy environments. Introverts are the opposite and prefer quiet places/periods to recharge. They are happiest when they get some time alone.

Sensing (S) or Intuition (N)

Sensors like to collect information from what they hear, feel and see. They will draw from their immediate environment and will use it to inform their decisions. Intuitive people prefer to gather specific knowledge by looking at things more widely. They will look at the broader context, connections, and patterns.

Thinking (T) or Feeling (F)

Thinkers thrive on logical solutions, while Feelers are more emotionally driven when making decisions.

Judging (J) or Perceiving (P)

Judgers like structure and regulation, while Perceivers prefer flexibility and openness.

Now, as you can see, each type is represented by a letter. This is because we are all more than one type and tend to be a combination of three or four. For instance, some are classified as ISTJ. This means you have elements of Introversion, Sensing, Thinking, and Judging.

Are some combinations more common that others?

Yes. There are 16 types in total. Let’s take a look:

ISTJ/The Inspector

They don’t like chaos but prefer to dedicate their time to make sure things remain in order. Overall, they are responsible, organised, reliable, and fact-driven.

ISFJ/The Protector

Also known as Defenders, this group will go out of their way to protect those they love and care about. They are incredibly loyal to the institutions and traditions in their lives, including those they work for.

INFJ/The Counsellor

Loyal, creative, and with a strong sense of integrity, Counsellors are idealists and are known to inspire those around them.

INTJ/The Mastermind

Great strategic thinkers, Masterminds have always got a plan and excel at analytical thinking.

ISTP/The Craftsperson

Great and practical problem solvers, they tend to be observant and bold, thriving when thrown into hands-on situations.

ISFP/The Composer

Easy-going, caring, and known to quietly enjoy new experiences; they like to live in the present.

INFP/The Healer

Always happy to help, Healers have altruistic personalities and are very kind and imaginative.

INTP/The Architect

Best known for their love of learning, Architects are innovative, philosophical thinkers who crave knowledge.

ESTP/The Dynamo

Energetic and highly perceptive, Dynamos are thrill-seekers at heart and aren’t afraid to push boundaries.

ESFP/The Entertainer

Enthusiastic, energetic and passionate about life, Entertainers love to entertain those around them.

ENFP/The Champion

Highly positive, Champions are reputed to see potential and possibilities everywhere they look.

ENTP/The Visionary

Renowned debaters, Visionaries are naturally curious and will never back down from an intellectual challenge.

ESTJ/The Supervisor

Hard-working and with a tendency to take charge, Supervisors excel at managing people, teams, and situations.

ESFJ/The Provider

Social, well-loved, and incredibly caring, Providers will dedicate their lives to assisting those around them.

ENFJ/The Teacher

Charismatic, caring, and known to use their influence to do what is best for others, Teachers will always strive to do what’s right.

ENTJ/The Commander

Hugely imaginative, Commanders make fantastic leaders as they aren’t afraid to make change happen when it is necessary for the greater good.

While these are the most common personalities, you may find that you match to more than one.

However, by gaining a stronger understanding of who you are deep inside, you can use your personality type to find a career that is perfectly suited to you.

For more information on how to analyse your personality, why not take a look at our range of online psychology courses? Designed to help you understand the inner workings of your mind; by learning how the brain works, you’ll attain a greater understanding of who you are at your core.

Visit our website to check out our online courses.