How to find the perfect job for your personality

SICK of the day job? We can't all be superstars, but if you're not living the dream quite yet, take this simple test to find the perfect job for your personality.

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You've probably heard the saying "You are what you eat." But how does this apply to the job that allows you to bring home the bacon?

Everything you do is a reflection of your personality, and work is no different. Remember the high school guidance counselor who made you fill out a questionnaire that ultimately revealed which career paths you were suited for?

He might have actually been on to something.

As the workforce expands and new jobs are created, you have a bigger selection of employment to choose from than your parents did way back when. And although they might not have had the luxury of being picky with their new jobs, you can.

Choosing a position to match your character is as important as getting a job. No one wants to end up in a job they abhor, day in and day out.

When looking for work, it's likely that you subconsciously pick certain jobs titles over others while skimming the classifieds, although you might not even realise it.

If you're the creative type who likes to sketch and paint, then it's no surprise that you'd skip the bank teller and teaching positions.

Years spent with the same company will place you in a comfortable routine, which will ultimately keep you from even considering a different career path. The problem is that although you don't necessarily hate your job, there are probably other professions out there that are better suited to you.

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If you find yourself to be a mix of characters, the "Holland Personality Types" model probably has a profile for you.

Using six types of personalities — Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional — Holland's Personality Types matches potential jobs to your like/dislikes, aptitudes and different work environments.

People who possess a combination of traits (most do), like Social-Artistic, or Enterprising-Social, will have career options that span over a multitude of diverse work environments.

Which one are you?

Realistic
The realistic individual is practical, persistent and mechanical. They likes to work with their hands, build and repair things.

Likes: Working with tools, machines and animals.
Dislikes: Social activities, teaching and informing others.
Secondary Personality Types: Investigative and Conventional.
Professions: Farmer, police officer, electrician, truck driver, locksmith.

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Investigative
The investigative type is intellectual, independent and precise by nature. A curious individual, they always try to be more efficient and solve problems through experimentation and science.

Likes: Problem-solving, math and science.
Dislikes: Social interactions, persuasion, rules, and regulations.
Secondary Personality Types: Realistic and Artistic.
Professions: Chemist, dentist, pharmacist, veterinarian, architect.

Artistic
The artistic type is sensitive, unconventional, free-spirited, and emotional. They enjoys working on their own as they need to express themselves through their own ideals.

Likes: Independence and creative tasks like writing, dance and crafts.
Dislikes: Routine, structure and strict schedules.
Secondary Personality Types: Investigative and Social.
Professions: Dancer, clothes designer, disc jockey, literary editor, actor.

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Social
A responsible character, this person is concerned with the well-being of others. They love to share opinions and thoughts, and are able to express themselves well. Understanding at heart, this generous personality is the epitome of altruism.

Likes: Helping and informing people.
Dislikes: Working with machines, tools and animals.
Secondary Personality Types: Artistic and Enterprising.
Professions: Librarian, counselor, teacher, social worker, athletic trainer.

Enterprising
The enterpriser values money and material things. Being eloquent, they like to persuade and lead others. They are also adventurous, energetic and ambitious.

Likes: Persuading people, talking, selling products and services.
Dislikes: Repetitive tasks like data-entry and analytical thinking, and working with machines and tools.
Secondary Personality Types: Social and Conventional.
Professions: Salesperson, travel agent, school principal, auctioneer, real estate agent.

Conventional
The conventionalist is stable, dependable and conforming. They function in an orderly manner, when everything is in place. They see themselves as a structured person with guidelines who likes to follow a routine. They also like well-defined tasks and not having to ask questions.

Likes:  Enjoys routine, working with numbers, computers and guidelines.
Dislikes: Ambiguous tasks and unstructured activities.
Secondary Personality Types: Enterprising and Realistic.
Professions: Bank teller, secretary, bookkeeper, mail carrier, post office clerk.

This article originally appeared in AskMen