Home    |    Career Contents    |    Employer Contents    |    Contact Us

Milepost 7:   My Work Personality Traits Assessment

At this stop, let's look at your personality traits!

You may not realize it, but how you act, think, and communicate can reveal a great deal of information about yourself -- information that can be particularly useful when considering career fields and specialties.

Psychologist and vocational counselor John Holland has identified six career personality types.  Identifying your personality type - or perhaps a combination of types - can play an important role in your making satisfying career choices and decisions.

In the following exercise, see if you can identify your dominant personality traits.  When you finish the exercise, you'll be able to view career samples of workers who share your personality type.

Have fun!

________________________________________

My Personality Traits Assessment

In the following exercise, circle item numbers that clearly sound like you.  (36 items)

1.     I take pride in my strength and coordination, and I like being physical.

2.     I view things logically and am intellectually curious.

3.     I can spend hours reflecting on my thoughts, feelings, and sensory experiences.

4.     I'm sensitive to other people's feelings, and how people feel is important to me.

5.     I'm assertive and like being in charge.

6.     I pride myself in my orderliness and organization.

7.     I enjoy working with my hands -- making things, fixing things, or using tools or
        equipment.

8.     I prefer expressing myself through intellectual ideas, thoughts, and analysis.

9.     I delight in beautiful surroundings and am drawn to colors, forms, textures, and 
        sounds.

10.  I think and act based on my feelings.

11.  I'm not afraid to take risks or engage in high risk activities.

12.  I feel a strong need to attend to every detail and be sure things are done correctly.

13.  I prefer expressing myself through actions rather than words, thoughts and feelings.

14.  I solve problems through logic - by intellectualizing and analyzing.

15.  I enjoy spending time alone with my imagination.

16.  I pay close attention to body language and expression to gauge how people are 
       feeling.

17.  I make quick decisions with confidence.

18.  I approach tasks methodically;  I like to be careful, accurate and precise.

19.  I solve problems by doing something physical.

20.  I become absorbed when exploring ideas through reading and discussions.

21.  I like to express myself in creative ways.

22.  I make decisions based on "gut" feelings -- what feels right.

23.  I'm drawn to people with power, money, status and influence.

24.  I have a strong desire to get things done;  I dislike procrastination.

25.  I'd rather do an activity than sit and discuss a topic.

26.  I enjoy spending hours thinking through complex problems.

27.  I tend to solve problems by creating something.

28.  I prefer unstructured settings to allow for flexibility.

29.  I enjoy organizing activities and becoming engaged in innovative projects.

30.  I like things in their proper place -- and things done in a proper way.

31.  I enjoy exploring things and seeing how things work -- even if my hands get dirty.

32.  At social events, I gravitate toward people who get into thought-provoking discussions
       and debate.

33.  I look for variety in sight and sound.

34.  I solve problems based on feelings and intuition -- and by helping.

35.  I'm energetic and enthusiastic, and I enjoy leading others.

36.  I'm a careful planner;  I don't leave anything to chance.

That's it!  Now, let's score your answers....

________________________________________

Scoring Your Answers

To score, circle the numbers below that correspond to the items you circled in the above Assessment.

Physical  =                     1          7          13          19          25          31    

Mental  =                        2          8          14          20          26          32    

Creative  =                     3          9          15          21          27          33

Assisting  =                    4        10          16         22          28           34

Leading  =                      5        11          17         23          29           35

Organizing  =                 6        12           18        24          30           36

Now, count the number of circles in each row (across) and write the totals in the space below.

Physical total:           _____
Mental total:              _____
Creative total:           _____
Assisting total:          _____
Leading total:            _____
Organizing total:       _____

According to your highest score, which type is first?  ____________________

Which one is second?  __________________   Third?  ______________________

Fourth?  ______________  Fifth?  ___________________  Sixth? _____________

Is there a tie score?  That's okay!  When you look at the next section, you'll get a good sense which type of personality and career samples resemble the "real" you.

As you look at your scores, you'll likely notice you're not just one personality type.  Most people have one or two dominant types that are followed by others of less intensity.  If you happen to be a person with many interests, you may score high in all areas.  If you're a person who doesn't have many strong interests, you may score low in all areas.

Now, let's look at the personality profiles of workers that share similarities to your personality type and sample careers!  When you finish, we'll head to Milepost 8 at the Assessment Contents Page.

_________________________________________

Careers by Type

Back to Top

Back to Assessment Contents Page

Physical / Hands-On Careers

Following are careers enjoyed by workers who like working with their hands, fixing things, making things, and doing things rather than expressing thoughts and feelings.  Are you practical-minded? Independent?  Well-coordinated?  Do you enjoy being outdoors?  Do you enjoy physical activity? Do you tend to prefer structure and organization?

To learn more about an occupation listed, visit:   The Occupational Outlook Handbook

To learn more about career options by college major, see:  Major Decisions 

Career Samples:

Mechanical

Auto mechanic                                           Aircraft mechanic
Diesel mechanic                                        Vending machine repair
Maintenance mechanic                             Farm equipment mechanic
Industrial machinery repair                        Air condition, refrigeration, or heating
Small engine repair                                    Power tool mechanic

Craft Trades

Autobody repair                                           Jeweler
Welder                                                          Appliance repair
Television repair                                          Computer and business machine repair
Machinist                                                      Electronics repair
Millwright                                                      Cable-TV technician
Electrician                                                    Tool-and-die maker
Shoe repair                                                  Line installer
Structural steel worker                                Sheet metal worker
Telephone installer                                      Telephone repair
Upholsterer                                                   Film laboratory technician
Carpenter                                                     Dry-wall installer
Plumber                                                        Painter
Insulation installer                                        Cement mason
Carpet installer                                            Wallpaper hanger
Tile setter-installer                                       Glass installer
Plasterer                                                      Roofer
Bricklayer                                                    Cabinetmaker
Stonemason                                                Woodworker

Food Trades

Cook, chef                                                    Caterer
Baker                                                            Meatcutter
Waitress/waiter                                            Bus person

Production

Production assembler                                 Machine operator
Printer                                                           Electronic semi-conductor processor

Engineering Technology

Drafting                                                         Electronic engineering technician
Surveyor                                                        Broadcast technician
Software technician                                     Engineering technician

Quality and Materials Control

Building inspector                                        Quality control inspector
Stock clerk                                                    Safety inspector
Pharmacy technician                                   Shipping and receiving clerk
Library assistant                                           Dispatcher

Transportation

Truck driver                                                   Train engineer
Bus driver                                                      Taxi driver
Ship captain                                                  Pilot
Ferry captain

Nature

Groundskeeper                                             Lawn and yard maintenance
Nursery, greenhouse grower                       Farmer
Forestry worker                                            Animal caretaker
Fisheries worker                                          Park maintenance worker
Wildlife management                                   Landscape designer
Horticulturist                                                  Dog groomer

Protective Services

Law enforcement                                          Fire fighter
Security guard                                               Park ranger
Private investigator                                      Criminal justice
Corrections officer                                        Flagger (road construction)

Physical Fitness

Fitness Trainer                                               Physical education
Sports player                                                  Coaching
Umpire                                                            Referee

Equipment Operator

Bulldozer operator                                          Paving equipment operator
Crane operator                                               Construction equipment operator

Back to Top

Back to Careers by Type List

Mental / Intellectual Careers

Following are careers enjoyed by workers who display intellectual curiosity, enjoy mental tasks and challenges, and enjoy solving complex problems.  Do you tend to think logically?  Analyze a great deal?  Think independently?  Read for ideas?  Do you enjoy delving into the complex and abstract?

To learn more about an occupation listed, visit:   The Occupational Outlook Handbook

To learn about career options by college major, visit:   Major Decisions

Career Samples:

Life Sciences

Biologist                                                    Agricultural scientist
Food scientist                                           Botanist
Conservation scientist                             Environmental scientist
Entomologist                                            Geneticist
Soil / water scientist                                 Microbiologist
Forestry scientist                                      Marine biologist
Zoologist                                                   Toxicologist
Nutritionist

Physical Sciences

Chemist                                                    Geologist
Oceanographer                                       Meteorologist
Physicist                                                   Astronomer
Atmospheric scientist                             Geophysicist

Medical Sciences

Dentist                                                      Optometrist
Pharmacist                                               Physician
Audiologist                                               Chiropractor
Surgeon                                                    Radiologist
Veterinarian                                             Speech pathologist
Veterinary technician

Laboratory Technology

Medical laboratory technician               Biomedical technician
Dental laboratory technician                 Environmental technician
Ophthalmic laboratory technician         Agricultural technician
Pharmacy assistant                               Chemical technician

Mathematics and Statistics - Applied

Computer programmer                         Actuary
Mathematician                                       Statistician
Systems analyst                                     Research analyst
Computer and Information system
   technician

Engineering

Civil engineer                                         Electronics engineer
Aeronautical engineer                           Electrical engineer
Computer science                                 Environmental engineer
Mechanical engineer                             Architect
Material engineer                                  Chemical engineer
Nuclear engineer                                   Landscape engineer
Transportation engineer                       Mining engineer
Bio engineer                                          Agricultural engineer

Social Sciences

Historian                                                 Psychologist
Economist                                              Experimental psychologist
Anthropologist                                       Archeologist
Research analyst                                  Marketing research analyst
Sociologist                                             Political scientist
Urban planner                                        Ethnologist
Archivist, curator

Back to Top

Back to Career Type List

Creative / Expressive Careers

Following are careers enjoyed by workers who enjoy being creative, appreciate aesthetics (beauty), and appreciate creative expression.   Do you enjoy creativity?  Are you a person who tends to prefer an unstructured environment (to allow room for creativity)?  Do you usually prefer working alone and independently?

To learn more about an occupation listed, visit:   The Occupational Outlook Handbook

To learn more about career options by college major, visit:   Major Decisions

Career Samples:

Visual Arts

Interior designer                                     Video photographer
Artist                                                        Photographer
Cartoonist                                               Commercial artist / designer
Landscape designer                             Illustrator
Fashion designer                                  Architect
Graphic designer                                   Industrial designer
Model builder                                         Technical illustrator
Makeup artist                                         Hair designer

Literary Arts

Writer                                                      Editor
Screenwriter                                          Playwright
Editorial writer                                       Biographer
Ghost writer                                           Speech writer
Poet                                                        Foreign language translator

Music

Singer                                                    Musician
Composer                                             Conductor
Choral director                                      Band leader
Disc jockey                                           Music producer

Dance

Dancer                                                  Choreographer

Drama

Actor / actress                                      Play director
Radio announcer                                 Television announcer
Movie director

Back to Top

Back to Career Type List

Assisting / People-Oriented Careers

Following are careers enjoyed by workers who enjoy helping and assisting people.  Do you tend to be sensitive, supportive, and helping?  Caring and tactful?  Do you often think and act based on your feelings?  Do you prefer unstructured settings to allow for flexibility (and humaneness)?  

To learn more about an occupation listed, visit:   The Occupational Outlook Handbook

To learn more about career options by college major, visit:   Major Decisions

Career Samples:

Human Services

Social worker                                         School teacher
Preschool teacher                                 Teacher assistant
Child care worker                                  School Psychologist
Counselor                                               Librarian
School counselor                                   Library assistant
Employment / career counselor           Religious worker
Psychologist                                          Priest, Minister, Rabbi
Social service assistant                       College professor
Dental hygienist                                     Dental assistant
Home health aide                                  Nurse aide
Nurse                                                      Physical therapist
Physician assistant                               Physical therapy assistant
Occupational therapist                         Medical assistant
Occupational therapy assistant           Respiratory therapist
Nuclear medicine technician               Psychiatric technician
Radiologist                                            Recreational therapist
Dietitian                                                 Emergency medical technician
EEG technician                                    Surgical technician
Massage therapist                               Physical trainer

Accommodating Services

Hair stylist / beautician                          Hostess / host
Waiter / waitress                                   Tour guide
Travel agent                                           Customer service representative
Usher                                                      Personal buyer
Ticket taker                                            Ticket clerk
Parking valet                                          Receptionist
Manicurist                                               Airline flight attendant
Bus person                                             Hotel clerk
Car washer                                             Hotel service assistant
Caterer                                                   Cashier
Sales clerk                                             Luggage check-in porter
Reservation agent                                 Bartender
Fast-food worker                                   Recreation attendant

Back to Top

Back to Career Type List

Leading / Managing Careers

Following are careers enjoyed by workers who tend to be energetic, enthusiastic, self-confident, and assertive.  Do you enjoy taking on productive projects independently?  Do you take risks?  Do you demonstrate good leadership skills?  Organizational skills?  Management and persuading skills?  Do you like to be the person in charge?  Do you make quick decisions?  Do you demonstrate self-confidence?

To learn more about an occupation listed, visit:   The Occupational Outlook Handbook

To learn more about career options by college major, visit:   Major Decisions   

Career Samples:

School teacher                                        Business administrator / manager
College professor                                   Accountant
Advertising agent                                    Health care administrator
Insurance salesperson                           Lawyer
Manager / supervisor                             Office administrator
Public relations specialist                      Fashion / retail merchandising
International trader                                  Marketing / sales specialist
Politician                                                  Retail purchaser / buyer
Realtor                                                     Retail sales clerk
Legal assistant                                       Sales agent / representative
Financial salesperson                           Travel agent
School administrator                              News reporter
Funeral director                                      Newscaster
Food service manager                          Financial planner
Retail manager                                       Human resources specialist
Labor relations specialist                      Customs inspector
Appraiser                                                Loan officer
Hotel or motel manager                         Apartment manager
Claim examiner                                      Claims collector
Construction contractor                         Budget analyst
Research analyst                                   Tax examiner
Credit analyst                                         Security sales agent
Insurance underwriter                            Securities trader

Back to Top

Back to Career Type List

Organizing / Detail-Oriented Careers

Following are careers enjoyed by workers who like to be orderly, organized, accurate, and careful.  Are you practical-minded?  Quiet?  Responsible?  Do you prefer working in a structured environment?  Is organization important to you?  Are you task-oriented?

To learn more about an occupation listed, visit:   The Occupational Outlook Handbook

To learn more about career options by college major, visit:   Major Decisions

Career Samples:

Accounting clerk                          Billings clerk
Bookkeeper                                 Payroll clerk
Cashier                                         Bank teller
Post office clerk                           Mail carrier
File clerk                                       Secretary / administrative assistant
Court clerk                                    Information clerk
9-1-1 dispatcher                          Receptionist
Data entry clerk                            Medical records clerk
Reservation agent                       Computer operator
Court reporter                               Ticket salesperson
Word processing                         Insurance claim examiner
Telephone operator                     Rental clerk
Dispatcher                                    Credit clerk
Office manager                            Records clerk
Hotel or motel desk clerk            Repair-order clerk
Loan processor                           Legal assistant

Back to Top

Back to Career Type List

Back to Assessment Contents Page