Different Types Of Personality Tests (With Examples)

Personality tests are widely utilized by organizations to identify optimal roles for employees and to assess the compatibility of job candidates. This approach assists employers in understanding which work environments suit each individual and helps hiring managers gauge how well candidates align with the organization’s culture. Given the rise of remote and hybrid work models, these assessments have become crucial for evaluating fit in a more digital-first hiring landscape.

Even if taking a personality test is not a requirement from your employer, engaging in self-assessment can enhance your professional journey. Understanding your personality traits can empower you to leverage your strengths and address weaknesses, making it worthwhile to take an assessment on your own time.

Key Takeaways:

• Personality tests foster self-awareness, enabling better utilization of natural skills and promoting their development.

• Self-assessments can help guide you toward a career path that is energizing and fulfilling rather than draining.

• Several personality tests focus on different aspects and skill sets, including:

  • Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)

  • Enneagram

  • The Big Five

  • CliftonStrengths

5 Types of Personality Tests

Countless personality tests are available today, ranging from those that analyze leadership strengths to whimsical quizzes about which animal you resemble. Some tests offer detailed insights, while others provide a more generalized view of your personality traits.

Here are some of the most popular tests frequently used in corporate environments:

1. DISC

   This test provides scores in four categories, helping individuals understand their strengths across various traits instead of just identifying a single dominant characteristic.

   Widely used in team-building exercises, especially within corporate contexts, the DISC assessment reveals how individuals naturally fit into team roles and highlights their strengths in relation to others. The DISC model categorizes personalities into four primary traits:

   • Dominance

     • Strong-willed

     • Results-oriented

     • Direct

     • Forceful

   • Influence

     • Enthusiastic

     • Energetic

     • Social

     • Optimistic

   • Steadiness

     • Courteous

     • Supportive

     • Tactful

     • Patient

   • Conscientiousness

     • Logical

     • Fact-focused

     • Analytical

     • Reserved

2. Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)

   MBTI remains one of the most popular personality assessments, yielding detailed insights into how individuals think and interact. It categorizes respondents into one of 16 personality types based on their preferences in four areas:

   • Energy source

   • Information processing

   • Decision-making style

   • Organizational approach

   Each type is represented by a four-letter code, such as ESFJ or INTP, where each letter denotes a specific preference:

   • Extroversion or Introversion

   • Sensing or Intuition

   • Thinking or Feeling

   • Judging or Perceiving

   Numerous resources are available based on MBTI results, showcasing how these traits manifest in personal and professional contexts.

3. Enneagram

   The Enneagram test has surged in popularity for both personal and professional development. It categorizes individuals into nine personality types, including:

   • Type 1: The Perfectionist

   • Type 2: The Giver

   • Type 3: The Achiever

   • Type 4: The Individualist

   • Type 5: The Investigator

   • Type 6: The Skeptic

   • Type 7: The Enthusiast

   • Type 8: The Challenger

   • Type 9: The Peacemaker

   This test offers a primary type and secondary insights into other types, presenting a comprehensive view of personality nuances.

4. CliftonStrengths

   This assessment focuses on identifying and enhancing individual strengths, encouraging growth in areas of natural talent rather than merely addressing weaknesses.

   Participants receive insights into their top five strengths from a list of 34 themes, categorized into four domains:

   • Strategic Thinking

   • Relationship Building

   • Influencing

   • Executing

   While commonly utilized for professional development, CliftonStrengths also serves personal growth objectives.

5. The Big Five

   This model posits five core personality traits: Extroversion, Agreeableness, Openness, Conscientiousness, and Neuroticism. The Big Five assessment provides insights into behavioral tendencies and interpersonal dynamics, assisting individuals in identifying suitable career paths or helping employers evaluate candidate fit.

Why You Should Take a Personality Test

1. It can help you understand your unique strengths and weaknesses. While personality tests won’t capture every aspect of your individuality, they can clarify where you excel and where you face challenges.

   Even if you disagree with some insights, the process can increase your awareness of your behaviors and reveal unique abilities you may have overlooked.

2. It can help you identify what makes you unique to potential employers. Even if a test isn’t mandatory for a job interview, its results can aid in articulating your strengths and weaknesses during interviews, ultimately enhancing your self-presentation strategy.

3. It can help you understand why you get along well with some people and not others. Have you ever questioned why certain colleagues irk you while others are easy to collaborate with? A personality test might shed light on how your traits interact with theirs.

   While it won’t resolve interpersonal conflicts, it can equip you with tools to navigate those differences and foster productive conversations.

4. It can help you identify which types of careers would be the best fit for you. Although a personality test can’t provide a complete career roadmap, it can highlight aspects of your personality to consider when selecting a career.

   For instance, if your results indicate strong introversion and a dislike for conflict, a role as a public relations specialist at a high-pressure firm might not be ideal.

5. It can help you understand what drains you and what energizes you. Have you noticed that some tasks invigorate you while others deplete your energy? Understanding these dynamics can not only provide insight into your preferences but also guide you toward activities that recharge you.

6. It can help you discover your leadership strengths. Leadership isn’t solely about being the loudest voice in the room. Effective leaders cultivate a culture of excellence, maximizing team strengths and ensuring everyone feels valued.

   A personality test can reveal hidden leadership strengths that you can develop further and apply in various contexts.

Where You Can Find Free Personality Tests

Many personality tests offer free versions that provide a general overview of results. While detailed reports may be available for a fee, the basic insights can be beneficial without any financial commitment.

Here are some accessible personality tests:

• DISC. This assessment typically takes under ten minutes to complete. A detailed analysis is available for purchase, but the basic insights are free.

• 16 Personalities. A free MBTI-based test that provides an in-depth look at your personality type and its implications for your career and relationships.

• Truity. This site offers a variety of free personality tests, including the Enneagram, DISC, MBTI, and Big Five, along with career assessments.

Personality Tests FAQ

1. What is the most commonly used personality test?

   The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) remains the most widely utilized personality assessment. The personality types generated include:

   • Extroversion or Introversion

   • Sensing or Intuition

   • Thinking or Feeling

   • Judging or Perceiving

2. Why do people use personality tests?

   Personality tests are designed to reveal insights about an individual’s motivations, interests, and interpersonal styles. They help individuals determine suitable job roles or workplace environments by providing clarity on personality-driven preferences.

3. Can you fail a personality test?

   No, you cannot fail a personality test. These assessments are intended to showcase your personality type, aiding in career alignment. Companies utilize them during hiring to assess cultural fit rather than test for “success” or “failure.”

References

1. The Myers & Briggs Foundation – MBTI Basics

2. Western Michigan University – CliftonStrengths for Students

Author

Abby McCain

Abby is a writer who is passionate about the power of story. Whether it’s communicating complicated topics in a clear way or helping readers connect with another person or place from the comfort of their couch. Abby attended Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she earned a degree in writing with concentrations in journalism and business.

Expert

Matt Warzel, CPRW, CIR

Matt Warzel a President of a resume writing firm (MJW Careers, LLC) with 15+ years of recruitment, outplacement, career coaching and resume writing experience. Matt is also a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR) with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing Focus) from John Carroll University.