How to Identify Characteristics of Personalities

The Big Five Personality Traits is what psychologists believe to be the five fundamental dimensions of a person's personality. These traits are: open, conscientious, extrovert, agreeable and neurotic. These personality traits are said to affect our lives in many ways, from the hobbies we pursue to our careers. Many jobs now require their applicants to take a physiological test, known as the McQuaig survey, which determines whether the potential employee has the right personality trait to match the job. These personality characteristics can be determined at home, however, by answering a few simple questions.

Instructions

• 1

  Determine if you posses characteristics of an open personality. This includes a curious nature and a need for adventure. People who have the "Open" personality trait have a love for unusual ideas and art. They prefer to spend their time alone reflecting on ideas or pursuing hobbies that require a vivid imagination, such as writing or drawing. Open personalities also tend to be overly sensitive or emotional. They excel in jobs that give them creative freedom, such as author or a musician.

• 2

  Determine if you posses the characteristics of a conscientious personality. This includes strong ambition and self discipline. Those who have the "Conscientious" personality trait prefer planned events and hate surprises. They are rarely impulsive and find control by sticking to a strict schedule. This can cause obsessive behavior due to the need to be perfect. Conscientious personalities excel in jobs that require perfectionism.

• 3

  Determine if you posses the characteristics of an extrovert personality. This includes being very outgoing and energetic. Those who have the extrovert personality trait love socializing and are the life of any party. They love attention and will gladly approach strangers and start talking. Extroverted personalities will go out whenever possible and seek out thrills, such as riding roller coasters or going sky diving. Extroverted personalities have trouble accomplishing goals due to their trouble focusing. They excel at fast-paced jobs with thrills, such as emergency response worker or lifeguards.

• 4

  Determine if you posses the characteristics of an agreeable personality. This includes being genuinely interested in other's lives and problems. Those who have the "Agreeable" personality wear their heart on their sleeve and sympathize more with others. They have a strong need to be accepted but will rarely stand up for themselves if needed, believing that others are honest and trustworthy even if they're not. Agreeable personalities will never rock the boat if they can help it. They excel at jobs that require compassionate and understanding, such as social worker or veterinarian.

• 5

  Determine if you posses the characteristics of a neurotic personality. This is the rarest personality of all. Those who are neurotic are nervous and on edge most of the time. They react strongly to unpleasant emotions, such as anger or depression. Those who have the "Neurotic" personality spend their time worrying about life and become stressed easily. They are prone to mental health issues, such as bi-polar disorder and depression. Neurotic personalities struggle with jobs and earn significantly lower salaries than the other four personalities.