Understanding your type as well as being able to understand the type of others surrounding you including co-workers, your spouse, family members and friends can be invaluable. What am I referring to when I say “type”? Well, it’s your personality type, of course!
A commonly used personality test is called the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). Myers Briggs helps measure what motivates a person as well as identifying key strengths.
Four Key Components:
1. Where do you get your energy? An extravert gains their energy from the outer world of people and activities while an introvert prefers to focus on their ideas and experiences.
2. How do you take in information? A sensing person is one who takes in information that is real or tangible and an intuitive absorbs information by seeing the big picture, focusing on the relationships and connections between the facts.
3. How do you make decisions? A thinker mentally removes themselves from the situation and will examine the pros and cons objectively. A feeler will consider what is important to themselves and others when making a decision; the goal being to create harmony.
4. How do you deal with the outer world? People who prefer to judge like to approach the world in a planned and orderly way, seeking to manage their lives. Perceivers are those who like to live in a flexible manner; spontaneity is their mantra.
There are 16 possible combinations of personality types in this exercise and all can have a scale to them. Some clients I have worked with through the years have used a personality test as part of their vetting process. It can be a helpful tool for some environments or disciplines but, not all. And still, the overall tool does help you take a step back for self-assessment and can help you understand how others tick. It can also be a great interview preparation tool as well. Being adaptable to someone’s interview style can help you build rapport more effectively.
About Profiles:
Profiles is a unique staffing firm specializing in online marketing, creative, Web & IT jobs. Since 1998, we have served the needs of our Clients and Talent by matching the best candidates with the best companies in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Author Name – Laurie Allen
Title – Branch Manager
Location – Philadelphia, PA
Twitter – @lwallen
Byline – Laurie has over 15 years of staffing experience and has worn many hats including that of an in-house and agency recruiter, account director and direct hire regional manager. In her current role of Branch Manager for Profiles, she has the pleasure of aligning the industries best marketing, creative and interactive talent to the regions premier companies.
