You’ve probably taken the 16 Personalities Test—or at least heard of it. It’s that popular quiz that tells you if you’re an INFJ, ESTP, or something equally cryptic-sounding.
But here’s the thing: the 16 personality types aren’t just internet fluff. When applied to hiring or team dynamics, they offer real, usable insights. Especially when you map those types to job roles.
In this blog, we’ll break down:
- What each personality type really means
- What kind of roles each type thrives in
- And how you can use the test results during hiring, team-building, or career planning
If you’ve ever wondered how to make the 16 Personalities Test actually useful, you’re in the right place.
What Is the 16 Personalities Test?
The 16 Personalities Test (also known as the MBTI-style or Jungian-based test) categorizes people into 16 personality types based on four core dimensions:
| Dimension | Meaning |
| Introversion (I) vs Extroversion (E) | How you recharge and focus energy |
| Sensing (S) vs Intuition (N) | How you process information |
| Thinking (T) vs Feeling (F) | How you make decisions |
| Judging (J) vs Perceiving (P) | How you prefer structure vs. flow |
Each personality type is a combination of one letter from each of those four dimensions—for example, ENTJ, ISFP, or INFP.
Still confused by the letters? Check out Understanding the 16 Personality Letters and Types
The 16 Personality Types with Real Job Examples
Below, we’ll explore each type and highlight roles where they’re most likely to thrive.
Analysts (INTJ, INTP, ENTJ, ENTP)
| Type | Nickname | Best-Suited Roles |
| INTJ | The Architect | Data Scientist, Strategist, Systems Designer |
| INTP | The Thinker | Software Developer, Academic Researcher |
| ENTJ | The Commander | CEO, Project Leader, Executive Manager |
| ENTP | The Visionary | Entrepreneur, Marketer, Creative Director |
👉 These types love logic, structure, and challenges. If you’re hiring for problem-solving or strategic planning roles, these are your go-to profiles.
Diplomats (INFJ, INFP, ENFJ, ENFP)
| Type | Nickname | Best-Suited Roles |
| INFJ | The Advocate | Counselor, Writer, Nonprofit Director |
| INFP | The Mediator | Creative Writer, Social Worker, Therapist |
| ENFJ | The Protagonist | HR Manager, Teacher, Public Speaker |
| ENFP | The Campaigner | Brand Strategist, Recruiter, Creative Director |
These are your empathy-driven humans. If the role involves people, persuasion, or purpose—these types shine.
Sentinels (ISTJ, ISFJ, ESTJ, ESFJ)
| Type | Nickname | Best-Suited Roles |
| ISTJ | The Logistician | Accountant, Compliance Officer, Analyst |
| ISFJ | The Defender | Nurse, Librarian, Admin Support |
| ESTJ | The Executive | Operations Manager, Law Enforcement, Banker |
| ESFJ | The Consul | Customer Service, HR Coordinator, Event Planner |
They love structure, process, and loyalty. Think of roles where consistency, reliability, and service matter.
Explorers (ISTP, ISFP, ESTP, ESFP)
| Type | Nickname | Best-Suited Roles |
| ISTP | The Virtuoso | Mechanic, Engineer, Data Analyst |
| ISFP | The Adventurer | Graphic Designer, Chef, Counselor |
| ESTP | The Dynamo | Sales Executive, Trader, Emergency Responder |
| ESFP | The Performer | Actor, Public Relations, Hospitality Leader |
Fast-paced environments? Lots of variety? These types are built for it. They love learning by doing and jumping into action.
Matching Personalities to Job Roles: Why It Matters
Using the 16 personality types test during hiring or team placement can help you:
- Place people in roles where they’ll naturally excel
- Build balanced teams (e.g., pairing planners with doers)
- Reduce early turnover due to poor role fit
That said, don’t use the test as the only decision-making tool. Combine it with behavioral interviews, skill assessments, and practical task trials.
Need to know how many questions are in the full vs. quick version? Read: Quick vs Full: How Many Questions Are in the 16 Personalities Test?
Popular Use Cases for the 16 Personalities Test
| Use Case | How It Helps |
| Hiring | Understand candidate preferences and behaviors |
| Team-Building | Balance teams with complementary strengths |
| Career Coaching | Match individuals to ideal career paths |
| Conflict Resolution | Improve team communication and tolerance |
| Leadership Development | Help managers understand their own tendencies |
If you’re wondering what this test actually reveals in practical terms, see What the 16 Personalities Test Reveals About Candidates
Get Started with Our 16 Personalities Test
At AssessGrow, we offer a professionally developed version of the 16 Personality Types Test tailored for the workplace—not just general personality curiosity.
- Short and full-length options
- Built-in explanations and coaching guides
- Ideal for HR teams, managers, and recruiters
Perfect for employers who want to align personality with performance.
Related Resources
- What Is the 16 Personalities Test and How Does It Work?
- Printable and PDF Options of the 16 Personalities Test
- Alternate Versions of the 16 Personalities Test You Should Know
- Languages and Translations of the 16 Personalities Test
- How Accurate Is the 16 Personalities Test for Hiring?
FAQ
Q: Is the 16 Personalities Test reliable for hiring?
It’s not a crystal ball—but when used with other tools, it offers strong insights into candidate behavior, motivation, and cultural fit.
Q: Can people fake the test?
Some try, but most tests (including ours) include internal consistency checks and language patterns that catch inconsistencies.
Q: Should I only hire certain personality types for certain roles?
No. Personality is just one piece of the puzzle. Skills, values, and past behavior matter just as much—if not more.
Q: What is the rarest 16 personality type?
INFJ is often cited as the rarest type, known for deep empathy and visionary thinking.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the 16 personality types isn’t just fun—it’s useful. When applied thoughtfully, this framework helps you hire better, manage smarter, and build teams that actually work.
Whether you’re building your leadership bench or helping a new hire thrive in their first 90 days, knowing someone’s personality preferences can shape your entire approach.
If you’re ready to go beyond just resumes and gut feelings, start with the 16 Personality Types Test from AssessGrow. It’s practical, scalable, and designed for real-world hiring.