Career Matchmaking: Use Your Personality to Find Your Dream Job

By Aimee Hosler

Are you in a job search rut? Need a career change? The secret to finding your dream job is figuring out which one fits your personality like a glove. It sounds easy--after all, who knows you better than you? But the truth is defining who you are and translating that into a career is a tricky feat requiring research and a whole lot of soul searching.

The Holland Code: Get to Know You a Little Better

While quick online personality tests can tell you which superhero you'd be in another reality, really getting to the root of who you are is a science. Psychologists throughout history have developed theories shedding light on our inner workings. Among them is Dr. John Holland, who believed that "the choice of vocation is an expression of personality."

Dr. Holland created what's known as the Holland Code, which defines six broad career personality types. We don't fit neatly into these groups; we're typically a mesh of 2 or 3. Consider each thoroughly and choose which most accurately represent who you are.

The Six Holland Codes

  1. Realistic. You're a do'er. You're practical, hands-on, and would enjoy a career working with tools or equipment. Potential jobs: Farmer, Chef, Engineer, Architect, Soldier.
  2. Investigative. You're a thinker. Analytical, scientific, and explorative by nature, you'd prefer a career that puts your problem-solving ability to good use. Potential jobs: Computer Scientist, Lawyer, Doctor, Statistician, Economist.
  3. Artistic. You're a creator. You consider yourself original, creative, and independent. You'd love a career that provides a means of self expression along with your paycheck. Potential jobs: Actor, Writer, Editor, Artist, Musician.
  4. Social. You're a helper. You would describe yourself as supporting, nurturing, and cooperative. You would prefer a career that lets you work with and assist people. Potential jobs: Teacher, Social Worker, Nurse, Therapist, or Theologist.
  5. Enterprising. You're a persuasive person. A natural born leader, you'd rather lead than follow. You'd prefer a career that features your decision-making ability. Potential jobs: Business Owner, Journalist, Public Relations Specialist, Politician, Real Estate Professional.
  6. Conventional. You're an organizer. You like rules and boundaries and perform best within them. Very detail-oriented, you'd enjoy a career that highlights your precision and attention to detail. Potential jobs: Accountant, Banker, Clerk, Librarian, Proofreader, Event Coordinator.

Begin Your Theoretical Job Search

After you've defined your career personality type, it's time to develop a list of dream jobs and degrees. It's best to start with a broad industry and work from there. Most careers and degree programs fall into the following industries:

Putting It All Together: Pinpointing Your Dream Job

Now the real job search begins. After pinpointing an industry or two, delve deeper to find specific careers. You may want to look up Holland Codes to find which suit your personality type. When you have a list of a dozen or so dream jobs, put on your research hat to learn the following:

Ideally, one of the jobs on your list meets your financial needs and is in demand. Research career training programs, online degree programs, and campus degree programs that meet the desired education requirements. You're ready to launch the career change you so desperately need.

Sources:

Guide to Holland Code

• http://career.missouri.edu

• http://career.missouri.edu/resources/pdfs/Guide%20to%20Holland%20Code%20S2010.pdf

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