Know Thyself: How Personality Testing Can Help

Personal interests are obviously something to consider when choosing a career, but, perhaps, it is more important to choose a job that fits with your personality. One of the most popular personality tests is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). Developed by a mother and daughter team of psychologists, the MBTI is used to help people better understand themselves and to make better career choices.

The MBTI determines an individual's personality type based on how s/he ranks in each of four different categories. These four categories are:

Extroversion/Introversion (E/I) refers to how we direct our energies. Extroverts (E) tend to be energized by the outside world. Introverts (I) are energized internally from thoughts and emotions.
Sensing/Intuition (S/N) refers to how we process information. Sensing (S) people tend to be fact-oriented and have well-developed sensing abilities. Intuitive (N) people tend to be more concept-oriented.
Thinking/Feeling (T/F) refers to how we make decisions. Thinkers (T) are those who make decisions based on logical, even dispassionate, thinking. Feelers (F) are those who make decisions on the basis of personal values or subjective feelings.
Judging/Perceiving (J/P) refers to how we structure our lives. People whose dominant trait is judging (J) tend to be highly decisive and organized. People whose dominant trait is perceiving (P) tend to enjoy being more flexible and spontaneous.

In making a personality assessment, one trait is obtained from each category. For example, someone may be rated ESTJ. This person would be an extrovert (E) who tends to be fact-oriented (S), logical (T), and highly decisive (J).

A great deal of research has been conducted to suggest possible career choices for each personality type. Some examples:

• ESTJs are considered natural leaders who like to take charge. A recommended career for an ESTJ is nursing administration.

• ISTPs have the ability to stay calm under pressure and tend to work well in a fast-paced, action-oriented environment. ER nursing might be a rewarding career choice for an ISTP personality.

• ISFJs tend to like structured settings and the ability to provide a safe and secure environment for others, which can make them good OR nurses.

• ESFJs are outgoing, and known for their warmth, compassion, and energy. These traits may make them good pediatric nurses.

• INTPs and INTJs are highly analytical and tend to draw more energy from their own ideas than from being with other people. Though they vary between wanting flexibility/spontaneity (P) and being highly organized (J), both personality types would likely find more job satisfaction in health informatics or in pure research.

• ENTPs are unlikely to be content in a clinical setting. These people thrive on freedom, breaking the rules, and a good argument. They'd probably be happier doing something as an entrepreneur.

If you want to take the MBTI, the test is offered only by accredited providers either on site or online. For accredited providers, go to MyersBriggs.org or type in "myers briggs" in your search engine. Many universities and healthcare employers offer these tests free to students and employees. Check with yours.

Whether you take the test to help you identify a career or a better job within your current career area, you will gain insights about yourself and others that you may not have had before.

This article is one of a series about self assessment exercises. See also: getting started, self assessment tips, early life/ideal childhood job, goals, motivations, previous work experiences, skills, values, work at home, and work environments.

Know Thyself: How Personality Testing Can Help

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