The Importance of Matching Your Job to Your Personality

Posted by Denise Allen on August 1st, 2019

Everybody has different ways of being productive in the workplace. Some people thrive in busy, collaborative environments, while others prefer to be left to their own devices. Despite the UK consisting of such a rich medley of workers, not all jobs are designed to complement the various personalities that exist in the working world.

In other words, having the right personality for a role can be just as important as having the rights skills. And the sooner you realise that, the more success you’ll have in your career.

Establishing your personality type

According to recent studies, almost 60 percent of companies have increased their use of assessment testing to match a job to a candidate’s personality. It makes sense, really. Hiring someone is a financial investment, and organisations want to be absolutely sure they’re bringing in the best fit for their team.

Personality tests give hiring managers a better understanding of your skills and your individual strengths and traits. In other words, it helps them weed out the people whose personalities and capabilities just don’t quite mesh with the role at hand.

If you’re looking for a new job, it’s important that you take into account not only the benefits of a role, but how much it aligns with your strengths and your skills. Let’s take a closer look at how matching your jobs to your personality will benefit you.

You’ll avoid applying for unsuitable jobs

Reducing turnover is important for businesses—it means less money spent on short-term employees. But thinking about job retention from the candidate perspective, it’s just as vital to find a position that’s going to last.

Consider how much work goes into applying for a new job. You have to create bespoke CVs and cover letters; you have to prep for several different interviews. It can be exhausting, not to mention emotionally draining. So, wouldn’t it be more beneficial for you to find a job you’ll not only excel in but that will make you happy long-term?

Taking the time to figure out what job is right for your personality type means you’ll avoid investing in a job that leaves you unsatisfied. According to the Wrike’s Happiness Index, nearly a fifth of UK adults are unhappy in their jobs. That all comes down to mismatched working environments, forced social interactions and not feeling connected with the company’s mission.

A personality test will allow you to gain a better sense of your unique qualities, and this will help you research what work environments are conducive for your personality type. If you’re an extrovert, you may prefer to work in a more collaborative position with lots of social interaction (sales, marketing, customer service). Introverts, on the other hand, may be more drawn to analytical or introspective work that allows them to pop some head phones in and get deep into the work (finance, accounting, IT, web design). It all just depends on what influences your productivity.

You’ll find a long-term career, not just a stepping stone

People often choose their careers based on location and income, without thinking about how well they’ll mesh with the job’s environment and responsibilities. But that’s not taking into account the long-term. Sure, a job may pay well at first, but if it isn’t right for you, you’ll be less motivated to work your way up the career ladder. And studies have shown that employees whose personality traits match the traits that are ideal for a job can actually earn a higher income.

Figuring out your personality type will not only allow you to find the next job that’s the right fit, it will help you think about the big picture. On average, a person will change jobs 12 times during their career. That’s a new job approximately every 4-5 years. And for the younger generations, that’s even more frequent, with millennials likely to change jobs roughly every 2 years.

But when you find a career and a company that aligns with all your skills and personal quirks, the chances of you sticking around and advancing through the ranks are much higher.

You’ll be more motivated to make a difference in your career

There’s no question that motivation is directly correlated to how your job makes you feel. If you wake up every morning dreading going into the office, you’re probably not going to put 110% in every single day. But if you’ve found a career that really speaks to who you are and what you want to achieve, you’ll be more driven to go above and beyond to ensure that the organisation is succeeding.

Let’s say, for example, that you’re a hands-on type of employee that thrives in social interactions and likes to work with directly with other people. Then maybe a career in the charity sector is right for you. Or you could be more adapt working in the education sphere. True, you can’t just up and become a teacher one day without the proper training, but that doesn’t mean you can’t work at a university or for a larger educational body using the skills you already have.

And taking the time to figure out what career will fuel your passion and motivation, based on your personality and interests, will mean you’ll be more invested in your personal and professional success.

Don’t panic if you’re asked to complete a personality test!

If you’re asked to complete a personality test as part of a job application try not to be too concerned. They provide just as many benefits to you as they do to a potential employer. After all they may help you discover what makes you thrive and push for a career that speaks to your strengths and your unique personality.