How can your Enneagram personality type help you to thrive in your career? Career personality tests are nothing new. Some workplaces even have potential hires take personality assessments to determine if they would be a good fit.
It’s no secret that certain types are more suited to certain jobs. For example, introverted people probably wouldn’t be thrilled to be in a public speaking job. But there are many other ways introverts can shine in a small, comfortable setting. If you’re not sure of your Enneagram personality type, try taking the Enneagram test before going any further. If you already know your number, keep reading to learn about your Enneagram career type.
Type 1
This type of personality prefers a job where she has a clear idea of her performance and develops according to clear rules. These kinds of people are not afraid to make mistakes because they always strive for perfection. In their careers, type ones like to work in a position where they earn the praise of others through hard work and dedication to their job.
Type 1 Career Examples: Environmental Specialists, Activist, Social Worker.
Type 2
It is probably your instinct to please others, but when the situation flips type twos are hesitant to ask others for help. Type twos are natural givers and can get in over their heads, unable to look to others for assistance, wanting to seem ready to take on any task. This may seem trivial, but it’s important for type twos to practice saying no and asking others for help.
Type 2 Career Examples: Non-Profit Leader, Counselor, Humanitarian, Religious Leader, Nurse, Customer Service Representative, Human Resources Manager, Teacher.
Type 3
Throughout their careers, type threes are often very competitive, striving to be the best in what they do and wanting to achieve the highest level of success in everything they work at. This type of personality likes to work in a place where they can set and achieve new goals and create opportunities to pursue their ambitions. They usually prefer to work in an environment with high pressure and high expectations of themselves.
Type 3 Career Examples: Advertising Consultant, Marketer, Journalist, Entrepreneur.
Type 4
Type fours are most satisfied when they can express their emotions, connect with colleagues and communicate clearly as a direct message. Type fours thrive in this position because they can express themselves and because they are creative. They have difficulties when they do not have an outlet for creativity in their work, but thrive in more artistic positions because they can express themselves.
Type 4 Career Examples: Actor, Writer, Artist, Personal Trainer, Photographer, Dance Instructor, Hair Stylist, Designer.
Type 5
Type five are most satisfied when we have a high degree of independence and autonomy, when their bosses and colleagues recognize them, and when they can discover and learn something new. Type five people get frustrated in their careers when they don’t get personal space or have direct reports that require too much guidance, or they don’t have access to the right resources. As a solution, try scheduling a “heads-down” day without meetings, so you can get space and be productive.
Type 5 Career Examples: Engineer, Computer Programmer, Scientist, Mathematician, Author, Technician, Scholar.
Type 6
Type sixes are very loyal but have a deep fear of being let down, and as a result, loyalists often have problems with mistrust and self-doubt. As the name suggests, this type of personality is extremely loyal, and would rather “go down with the ship” than jump on a lifeboat to save themselves. Type six emphasizes a clear work structure of his career and prefers to leave everything as it is. They are natural carers and enjoy stable jobs where they can make safe decisions, but they do not have to be everything.
Type 6 Career Examples: Teachers, Caretakers, Au Pair, Veterinarians, Executive Assistant.
Type 7
Type seven can succeed in creative environments where they can seek new opportunities and experience the world around them. They build quick and easy relationships with colleagues and find satisfaction when they discover new ideas. When things get boring at work, type sevens may have a harder time than the average person, as they react negatively to repetition and lack of enthusiasm from others. This type must be strong and confident, to control their ego over their actions.
Type 7 Career Examples: Fitness instructor, Event planner, Flight Attendant, Entrepreneur, Blogger, Life coach, Publicist.
Type 8
Type eights are natural leaders and can inspire and motivate their colleagues. They can show initiative at work by being cognizant of their colleague’s workloads and looking for ways to ease what’s on their team’s plate. You can find career opportunities by showing colleagues how to help you and be open to taking on more tasks in the workplace.
Type 8 Career Examples: Lawyer, Politician, Director, Advertising Executive, Financial Advisor, Business Owner, Marketing Strategist, Sales Director.
Type 9
Type nines are optimistic and supportive, but sometimes they would prefer above all else to keep the peace and choose to compromise their values. Their non-confrontational personality makes it easier for others to work with them, but type nines need to stand up for themselves in the workplace or they risk being stepped on.
Type 9 Career Examples: Counselor, Diplomat, Psychiatrist, Librarian.
Understanding your career enneagram type is just one part of the puzzle of finding career success. If you’re also working from home right now, you’ve likely experienced the frustrations and lack of motivation that come with being isolated. Alternatively, introverts working from home may think it’s the best thing ever!
Like your Enneagram, thriving at work is largely based on your personality. I hope this guide helped you learn personality-specific tips to succeed in your career.
Words by Michaela Wong | Photography by Annie Spratt
