What’s Your Ideal Career Based on Your Personality Type? [Flowchart]
It's no secret that some personality types are happier in different roles — for example, you'd be hard-pressed to find a numbers-loving introvert that's thrilled about public speaking. But did you know that personality traits, job performance and environmental fit are all determinants of career success, not just career satisfaction?
Some of the world's most successful people started on completely different career paths than where they are now. Even Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States, began his career as a community organizer in Chicago before setting his sights on politics — and his Enneagram type 9 "peacemaker" personality likely played a factor in his rise to the top of the political world.
Whether you've set your sights on becoming an all-star politician or a hard-working veterinarian, it's important to factor in your personality type when searching for a career with high job satisfaction.
But how exactly does understanding your personality type benefit your career? Keep reading to learn about your career personality type and how you can succeed in the workplace.
Why Personality Type Matters
Finding a career suited to your personality type can not only help with overall job satisfaction, but it can also lead to tangible indicators of success like promotional opportunities and raises. Long story short: When you're happy with your job, you naturally perform better.
Many top companies, like consulting firms JP Morgan and Deloitte, use psychometric testing in their applications to test the personality and work abilities of their applicants. While it may seem intimidating, this type of personality assessment can actually be a good thing. Companies are increasingly caring about employee satisfaction — and understanding that employee personality fit can be a strong predictor of both success and happiness.
However, that's not to say that you need to fit a cookie-cutter personality type to succeed in a given career. According to Dr. Greg Barnett, head of science at The Predictive Index, "When it comes to true, high-performing, highly interdependent teams, the need to build a diverse team is important. In this way, you are building a team that both complements and supplements one another. When hiring for these types of teams, it becomes more of a balancing act."
How Understanding Personality Type Benefits Your Career
It's clear that employers are starting to value personality assessments to build their teams, but how can you improve your career trajectory by understanding your personality type?
- Identify areas where you stand out: Some people love to work with others, while others would much prefer working from home with minimal contact. Figure out how you work best to determine areas where you can set yourself apart from the rest.
- Answer interview questions: You've likely spent the night before an interview coming up with answers to questions like "what is your biggest strength and weakness?" to no avail. If you understand the root of your personality, what motivates you and how you work best, you can candidly answer interview questions insightfully and honestly.
Understand your ideal work environment: Do you prefer an orderly environment with a clear hierarchy, or are you the type of person who likes to "wear many hats?" From corporation to startup, understanding the best environment for you to work in makes a sizable difference in your long-term career satisfaction.
Career Personality Types of the Enneagram
The Enneagram is a trend in personality testing based on a circle model representing interconnecting points between each type. In the enneagram model, each personality type is rooted in a core belief about how the world works.
Enneagram personality types are unique because of the "wings" surrounding your primary type — for many personality types, people don't fit neatly into cookie-cutter images of the personality type they are. The enneagram reflects these nuances by showing what direction of the chart you move in: For example, you could be a three wing four, meaning that, while your personality predominantly fits into type three, there are essential aspects of type four present as well.
The enneagram is most often used for self-knowledge and personal development and is becoming popular in counseling, business management and education.
How The Enneagram Works In Your Career
Learning about how your enneagram interacts with your career can help you understand the root causes behind your behavior to pivot your skillset to the types of job positions you're best suited for. Check out this flowchart to learn more about your Enneagram type and how your personality type can find career success.
Careers By Personality Type
So you figured out your enneagram career type — now what? Keep reading to learn the ins and outs of your personality type in the workplace.
The Reformer – Type One
Who they are: The reformer personality type is principled, purposeful and self-controlled. This personality type has a strong moral compass with a natural sense of right and wrong. While type ones are always striving for perfection, they can be fearful of making a mistake due to their perfectionist nature.
In their careers: Type ones like working in situations where their fine attention to detail and problem-solving skills earn them accolades from others. This personality type prefers jobs where they have a clear idea of their performance and thrives under a clear set of rules.
Career ideas:
- Sales Manager: $141,690 | B.S. in Marketing, Sales, or related field
- Judge: $141,180 | Juris Doctorate
- Professor: $90,830 | Ph.D. in relevant field
- Accountant: $79,520 | B.S. in Accounting
- Police Officer: $67,620 | Police Academy
- High School Teacher: $64,800 | B.S. in Education or specialized subject
- Social Worker: $54,190 | B.S. in Social Work
Tips to succeed at work: You're a responsible, detail-oriented worker — but your desire for perfection means you can become your own biggest critic. Take time to remember your strengths and build your confidence in the workplace.
- Dress for success: Match your wardrobe to the job you want, not the job you have. Whether for the office or a remote zoom meeting, dressing up can help build your confidence and set you up for success.
- Set measurable goals: As a born perfectionist, you naturally strive for recognition from others for your achievements. Setting short- and long-term goals helps you measure your progress and celebrate your successes and achievements.
The Helper – Type Two
Who they are: The helper is a naturally caring, empathetic and warm-hearted person. This personality type is friendly and generous but can sometimes be people-pleasing in their desire to be close to others. In their quest to be needed by others, the helper can sometimes forget to acknowledge their own needs.
In their careers: The helper has a huge, caring heart and thrives in a job where their focus is on making other people happy — but for this personality type, it's essential to end up in a job where their kindness and generosity isn't exploited. The helper finds joy in making other people smile and should generally avoid positions with lots of rejection or negative feedback.
Careers ideas:
- Doctor: $213,270 | Doctoral degree
- Doula or Midwife: $108,810 | B.S. or A.S. in Nursing
- Therapist: $80,850 | Master's in Psychology
- Special Education Teacher: $65,230 | B.S. in Education or specialized subject
- High School Teacher: $64,800 | B.S. in Education or specialized subject
- School Counselor: $61,000 | Master's in School Counseling
- Mental Health Counselor: $59,950 | Master's in Mental Health Counseling
- Physical Therapy Assistant: $58,520 | B.S. in Kinesiology or related field
- Coach: $44,910 | none
Tips to succeed at work: As a naturally empathetic person, it's crucial for you to set workplace boundaries. You may need to actively work towards becoming assertive (while still being polite) at work.
- Ask others for help: It's probably your instinct to try to please others — but you can build bilateral relationships with coworkers by asking them to complete small tasks for you. It may seem trivial, but a willingness to ask for help is a big step towards kicking your people-pleasing tendencies to the curb.
- Practice saying "no": Type twos often end up in over their heads because of their willingness to take on any tasks. Try rehearsing phrases that politely decline unnecessary requests, like, "I'm sorry, but I have X coming up, which I need to focus on because Y."
The Achiever – Type Three
Who they are: The achiever is self-assured, attractive and charming. This success-oriented personality type is ambitious but can be very image-conscious in their quest to achieve. Type threes are often workaholics and are generally well regarded and popular. However, type threes can begin to put their image before themselves, and, as a result, become distanced from their true feelings and interests.
In their careers: Type threes are often very competitive and strive to be the best at what they do. Type threes prefer positions with clear career trajectory and opportunities for advancement. This personality type enjoys work when they can set and achieve new goals and values relationship-building opportunities to pursue their ambitions.
Career ideas: (source)
- Surgeon: $252,040 | Doctoral degree
- Business Owner: $193,850 | Varies
- Lawyer: $145,300 | Juris Doctorate
- Financial Analyst: $94,160 | B.S. in Finance or related field
- Marketing Specialist: $71,570 | B.S. in Marketing or related field
- Advertising Agent: $64,660 | B.S. in Marketing or related field
Tips to succeed at work: As a natural leader, you're at your best when you feel valued by colleagues. You need to stand out at work, and you perform best when you receive praise from peers.
- Find your specialty: Whether it's being an Excel whiz or social media savant, being known for a particular skill around your company can give you the edge you need to make yourself memorable.
- Predict your peers' needs: Stand out by predicting when coworkers need help and offering assistance before they have to ask. Not only will this earn you brownie points with peers, but it'll cement your reputation as being an indispensable part of the team.
The Individualist – Type Four
Who they are: Individualists are self-aware, sensitive and reserved. This introspective personality type is very creative and emotionally honest but can become moody or withdrawn due to their vulnerable nature.
In their careers: Type fours have the highest job satisfaction when they can express their emotions, form connections with coworkers and have clear communication with direct reports. However, type fours can struggle when they don't have an outlet for creativity or experience criticism from higher-ups. Type fours thrive in job positions with the capacity for self-expression and creativity.
Career ideas:
- Actor or Director: $84,290 | Varies
- Therapist: $80,850 | Master's in Psychology
- Creative Writer: $73,680 | B.S. in English, Journalism, or related field
- Artist: $67,750 | B.A. in Arts or related field
- Graphic Designer: $56,510 | B.A. in Graphic Design or related field
- Fitness Instructor: $45,110 | None
- Cosmetologist: $31,530 | Trade school
Tips to succeed at work: You work best when you're able to express yourself and think outside the box. However, it's essential to balance your desires with the needs of your colleagues.
- Focus on overarching goals: If you're frustrated with certain aspects of what you're currently doing, frame it through the lens of your entire career — are you "doing your time" now so you can succeed later on?
Find productivity hacks: Do you ever feel like you try to do so many things at once that you don't get anything done at all? To achieve your overall career goals, it's crucial to find time management strategies that work for your individualist style.
The Investigator – Type Five
Who they are: Investigators are alert, insightful and curious. They have a natural talent for developing complex ideas and often become preoccupied with their thoughts. You'll often find type fives asking "why?" and constantly questioning things in their quest for understanding. However, due to type fives' constant search for knowledge, they can become detached and isolate themselves from others.
In their careers: Type fives love the search for information. They have the most job satisfaction when they have high levels of independence or autonomy, are given recognition by bosses and colleagues, and can discover or learn something new. Type fives become frustrated in their careers when they aren't given personal space or have direct reports that require too much guidance.
Career ideas:
- Computer Scientist: $127,460 | B.S. in Computer Science
- Engineer: $100,770 | B.S. in Engineering
- Data Analyst: $100,560 | B.S. in Business, Data, or relevant field
- Professor: $90,830 | Ph.D. in relevant field
- Research Analyst: $90,600 | B.S. in Market Research or related field
- Scientist: $88,770 | B.S. in Biology, or related field
- Technician: $66,240 | Trade school
Tips to succeed at work: You're likely the type of person who loves working from home. No commute, no distractions — why did people ever work in an office? However, you need to maintain balance in your professional life by creating a middle ground between completely withdrawing and sacrificing your own productivity for others.
- Try "heads-down" days: To get the space you need to work successfully, institute "heads-down" days each week that are free of meetings and other one-off tasks that end up eating up your productivity.
- Set clear contact policies: Try setting clear work guidelines on when and how coworkers can contact you. An important, urgent question? That's probably worth disrupting your heads-down day. But if it's a small question or update — that can go in an email or wait until tomorrow.
The Loyalist – Type Six
Who they are: The loyalist is committed and security-oriented. They are reliable, responsible workers that are naturally skilled in troubleshooting and conflict resolution. As their name suggests, this personality type is fiercely loyal and prefers to "go down with the ship." However, their loyalty equates to a deeper fear of being abandoned and, as a result, loyalists often have issues with suspicion and self-doubt.
In their careers: Type sixes value a clear work structure and prefer to keep things the way they are. They are natural worriers and enjoy stable work where they can make safe, secure decisions. This personality type experiences high job satisfaction when they feel safe and supported, have authentic connections with peers and feel appreciated for their input. However, they may become frustrated at work when they experience an unstable environment or are surrounded by unreliable, critical coworkers.
Career ideas:
- Accountant: $79,520 | B.S. in Accounting
- Nurse: $77,460 | B.S. in Nursing
- Creative Writer: $73,680 | B.S. in English, Journalism, or related field
- Police Officer: $67,620 | Police Academy
- High School Teacher: $64,800 | B.S. in Education or specialized subject
- Paralegal: $55,020 | B.S. in paralegal studies or related field
- Administrative assistant: $43,410 | None
- Caregiver: $26,440 | None
Tips to succeed at work: You're the rock of your team and can be trusted to put in the work to make sure end goals are met. But this may come at the sacrifice of your own smaller goals — which is why it's important not to get lost on your way to the finish line.
- Take up journaling: Journaling is a great way to reflect on the progress you've made and look back on how far you've come. Journaling will help slow down any tunnel vision you might have and remind you to appreciate the journey.
- Set office hours: It can be tempting to have work notifications on 24/7, but you need to create separation from your work. Stick to set work hours so you don't end up constantly bending over backward at work and neglecting your personal life as a result.
The Enthusiast – Type Seven
Who they are: The enthusiast is extroverted, optimistic, versatile and spontaneous. This personality type is high-spirited and playful but can become over-extended due to their natural affinity for seeking new experiences. Type sevens may have problems with impatience or impulsiveness, but their approach to life with optimism and curiosity makes them natural multitaskers.
In their careers: Type sevens succeed in creative environments where they can strive for new opportunities and experience the world around them. They find job satisfaction when they can explore new career ideas and build genuine relationships with colleagues. However, when bored at work, type sevens may struggle more than the average person because they can respond negatively to repetition or lack of enthusiasm from others.
Career ideas:
- Publicist: $70,190 | B.A. in Public Relations or related field
- Artist: $67,750 | B.A. in Arts or related field
- Interior Designer: $60,990 | B.A. in Design or related field
- Flight Attendant: $56,230 | Trade school
- Photographer: $45,440 | B.A. in Photography or related field
- Coach: $44,910 | None
- Tour Guide: $30,670 | None
- Bartender: $28,000 | None
Tips to succeed at work: You naturally light up a room when you walk in, but it can be easy to end up becoming burnt out in the workplace as a result. Learn to recognize when you're pushing yourself too hard so you can step off the gas and give yourself time to recharge.
- Delegate: To avoid feeling overwhelmed or burnt out, figure out what tasks need to be done by you and what can be handed off to someone else to complete.
- Prioritize: If you're a bit scatterbrained at work, it's crucial to take time to prioritize your work day. Schedule time at the beginning of each day to create a plan of what you need to do, how long each task should take and what order you're going to complete it in.
The Challenger – Type Eight
Who they are: The challenger is self-confident, strong and assertive. This personality type is resourceful and decisive but can sometimes let their egos get the best of them due to their desire for control. It's common for type eights to have short tempers and difficulty being vulnerable.
In their careers: Type eights enjoy positions where they are challenged to succeed. They are incredibly charismatic and have an affinity for convincing others to follow them, making them natural leaders. Type eights find job satisfaction when their opinions are valued and they have opportunities to show their natural leadership. However, challengers may struggle at work when they are overlooked, have direct reports that require hand-holding or aren't able to discuss with colleagues.
Career ideas:
- Doctor: $213,270 | Doctoral degree
- Business Owner: $193,850 | Varies
- Lawyer: $145,300 | Juris Doctorate
- Sales Manager: $141,690 | B.S. in Marketing, Sales, or related field
- Financial Analyst: $94,160 | B.S. in Finance or related field
- Marketing Specialist: $71,570 | B.S. in Marketing or related field
- Real Estate Agent: $66,100 | B.S. in Business or related field
Tip to succeed: Because you are a natural leader, you're able to inspire and motivate your peers. Find opportunities for advancement by showing colleagues how you're willing to help out and cover more duties at work.
- Take on more responsibilities: Show initiative by being cognizant of your colleague's workload and looking for opportunities to take on additional responsibilities.
- Always come prepared with a solution: If you want to impress your colleagues, you should already have a possible solution when explaining a problem. This initiative will lighten the workload for others and highlight your autonomy and value.
The Peacemaker – Type Nine
Who they are: The peacemaker is accepting, trusting and stable. This personality type is optimistic and supportive, but values keeping the peace and can sometimes be too willing to compromise on their values. Peacemakers want to avoid conflict, and, as a result, can become complacent.
In their careers: Type nines do best when they have a position that provides stability while caring for others. Type nines generally prefer slower-paced work and place more value on working together over working efficiently. Type nines find job satisfaction when they can help others with their problems, talk through issues with others and maintain a warm and appreciative relationship with colleagues. Type nines may run into trouble in the workplace when they are in fast, cut-throat environments, cannot build relationships with peers or have pushback from colleagues.
Tips to succeed at work: While your natural tendency to go with the flow makes you able to evaluate many sides of a situation, it's important to remember that sometimes, a bit of productive conflict can be a good thing.
- Practice speaking up: The biggest hurdle with speaking up about something that is bothering you is opening your mouth in the first place. Try preparing what you're going to say ahead of time to ease the nerves while you're speaking up.
- Make a habit of journaling: Prioritize your own needs by making a habit of journaling each day. Write down wins and losses and how you feel each day to look back at your growth over time.
Career ideas:
- Veterinarian: $104,820| Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine
- HR Specialist: $67,760 | B.S. in Human Resources or related field
- School Counselor: $61,000 | Master's in School Counseling
- Archivist: $57,500 | B.S. in Library Studies or related field
- Social Worker: $54,190 | B.S. in Social Work
- Coach: $44,910 | none
Salary information was extracted from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Finding your career path is not always a comfortable journey. Whether you've known your dream career since you were five or are still in the process of figuring it out, understanding your Enneagram type can give you unique insight on your strengths and weaknesses to find a career that challenges and satisfies you. No matter your enneagram type, you're going to need a stellar resume to get started on your dream job today.