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Big Five Career Test

Using the scientific Big Five framework, Kätlin Anni and colleagues at the University of Tartu studied the personality profiles of 263 occupations with a sample of 68,540 individuals and cross-validated the findings. This test provides an interactive way of engaging with their data, allowing you to see where you belong in the job market.

Where in the job market do you fit in? To take the test, enter your input below.

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Loves to daydream.

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The Big Five Career Test is based on the study: Anni, K., Vainik, U., & Mõttus, R. (2023, October 17). Personality Profiles of 263 Occupations.

Building on the study's foundational insights, one of the critical observations is the degree to which personality traits not only align with specific jobs but also potentially influence job performance and satisfaction. For example, individuals with high conscientiousness—who are generally organized, reliable, and disciplined—were found predominantly in occupations like accounting and administrative roles. These traits naturally support the demands of structured, detail-oriented professions. Conversely, careers that thrive on interpersonal interactions and creativity, such as teaching, social work, and artistic roles, attracted individuals with high extraversion and openness, highlighting the importance of adaptability and innovation in these fields.

Another interesting dimension of the study is its implications for organizational culture and workforce diversity. By understanding which personality traits are prevalent within certain occupations, organizations can develop better support systems, training programs, and team structures to cater to these traits, ultimately improving productivity and employee well-being. For example, jobs requiring high levels of social interaction may benefit from team-building activities, while roles favoring autonomy might prioritize flexible, low-supervision environments.

Furthermore, this research can influence recruitment by enabling companies to design more personalized hiring processes. By identifying traits linked with job success, recruiters can match candidates more effectively, benefiting both the individual and the organization by fostering a more harmonious fit between employee personality and job demands.

The study "Personality Profiles of 263 Occupations" by Anni, Vainik, and Mõttus (2023) offers a comprehensive analysis of how personality traits vary across a wide range of professions. By examining data from 68,540 individuals in 263 different occupations, the researchers aimed to identify distinct personality profiles associated with each job role.

Methodology

Participants were assessed using the Big Five personality traits model, which evaluates individuals on five dimensions: conscientiousness, agreeableness, openness, neuroticism, and extraversion. Within these broad categories, specific facets such as creativity, curiosity, and competitiveness were also measured. The large sample size and detailed assessments allowed for the creation of nuanced personality profiles for each occupation.

Key Findings

The study revealed that certain professions tend to attract individuals with specific personality traits and that these traits often align with common occupational stereotypes. For instance, estate agents and sales managers were found to score lower on agreeableness, suggesting a more competitive or assertive nature. Actors and artists exhibited higher levels of neuroticism, indicating a tendency toward emotional sensitivity. Conversely, accountants were noted for lower creativity scores, aligning with the structured and detail-oriented nature of their work.

Additionally, the study explored political inclinations across professions. Authors and IT managers were among the most likely to support liberal political candidates, while religious professionals and lorry drivers showed less support for liberal politics.

Implications

These findings suggest that individuals often select or are selected for professions that align with their inherent personality traits. Moreover, the work environment may reinforce and further develop these traits over time. Understanding these personality profiles can be beneficial for career counseling, recruitment, and personal development, as it highlights the importance of aligning one's personality with their occupational role.

The study by Anni, Vainik, and Mõttus provides valuable insights into the relationship between personality traits and occupational choices. By mapping the personality profiles of a wide array of professions, it underscores the significance of considering personality in career development and organizational settings.

This test cannot be used to provide clinical assessments or an accurate evaluation of your personality. Clinical assessments should always be done in cooperation with a mental health professional. For more information about any of our online tests and quizzes, please consult our Terms of Service.

Why Use This Test?

1. Free. The Big Five Career Test is provided to you free of charge.

2. Statistical controls. Test scores are logged into an anonymized database. Statistical analysis of the test is conducted to ensure maximum accuracy and validity of the test scores.

3. Made by professionals. The present test has been made with the input of people who work professionally in psychology and individual differences research.