POPULAR PERSONALITY TESTS

Many types of tests are available online for free – and often you can pay for a more detailed version

There are many different types of career and personality tests – some more popular in particular countries and industries than others.

Several can be found online for free – and often a more detailed version is available at a fee.

Here are a few you may have heard of.

〉〉 Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) This test was created by mother-daughter duo Katharine Briggs and Isabel Briggs Myers and is based on the work of psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Carl Jung.

The principle is that essentially there are 16 distinct personality types. The test works out yours based on preferences related to whether you’re introverted or extroverted; if you prefer sensing or using intuition; whether you tend to move to thinking or feeling; and whether you judge (make quick decisions) or perceive (keep your options open).

〉〉Enneagram The origins of this test aren’t clear – but generally the version we know is believed to be inspired by the work of Brazilian spiritual teacher Oscar Ichazo and Chilean psychiatrist Claudio Naranjo.

The principle is that there are nine personality types and each is driven by a basic fear; has a particular virtue and vice; has key passions; and has two “wings”, which are two of the other personality types you can lean towards in a positive or negative way.

〉〉 Insights Discovery

This test was created by former talent agent Andi Lothian and his son, Andy Lothian, a former investment broker, about 20 years ago.

It’s also built on the work of Carl Jung and identifies eight personality types.

They’re divided into four colours: cool blue, fiery red, sunshine yellow and earth green, and are based on whether you’re an introvert or extrovert and if you’re task-focused or people-focused.