Myers-Briggs Personality Test – How to Prepare?
Applying for a new job is stressful. You have to complete assessments, training and sometimes even personality tests. A personality test allows potential employers to get a glimpse into the kind of person you are, both professionally and personally.
Nerve-wracking, right? Don’t be worried! This article breaks down everything you need to know about the Myers-Briggs Personality Test, so you aren’t surprised when the test nails your exact personality.
Table of Contents
What is the Myers-Briggs Personality Test?
In 1920, psychologist Carl Jung studied human personality. He became so invested in the idea that he developed “The Theory of Psychological Type”. This research yielded two results: people either perceive information and digest it, or they reflect on it and make judgements. Furthermore, a perceiver = an introvert and a judger = an extrovert.
Being the intelligent psychologist that he was, Jung wrote the research in indecipherable scientific language so the average reader did not understand his findings.
Mother-daughter duo Katharine Cook Briggs and Isabel Briggs Myers wanted to make Jung’s findings accessible to everyone, so they furthered the research by inventing a test that differentiates 16 personality types.
Four factors affect the results:
- Favourite World– Do you prefer to stick to your own company while recharging your own social battery: Introversion (I), or do you need to be around people to feel whole while recharging your social battery: Extroversion (E)
- Information- How do you navigate the world? Do you take information as is and not question it- Sensing (S), or do you feel information that is given to you, formulate your own thoughts around it and question it?- Intuition (N)
- Decision- When you need to make a decision, how do you go about the process? Do you base your choices on what makes the most logical sense, takes less time and rewards you more in the end?- Thinking- (T), or do you weigh all of the personal factors? Who will the decision affect? Who will you get to spend time with? – Feeling- (F)
- Structure- How do you complete tasks? Are you someone who needs to plan out every moment and have a set schedule?- Judging- (J), or are you someone who is more happy-go-lucky and casual? Perceiving- (P)
How Do I Prepare for the Myers-Briggs Personality Test?
Myers-Briggs asks 93 different questions. The content reads at a seventh-grade level and each question asks which scenario you prefer out of two options.
Are you wondering how you can possibly study for this test? We highly recommend using a reputable job preparation site such as Job Test Prep, which specialises in preparing potential employees for assessments of all kinds.
Their Myers-Briggs test prep includes:
- Mock tests
- Study guides
- In-depth score explanations
Mock tests help you get a feel for the format and see what kind of questions will be on the test. These practice tests help reduce nervousness and fear when you go in for the real thing. The score you receive on a mock test resembles your actual score.
The study guides allow you to get a comprehensive look at the content you should brush up on before you embark on your assessment journey. Studying the different factors affecting personality types can help you appreciate the test more.
Once you complete your mock test, your personality score based on those answers is provided in a thorough explanation. For the in-depth score explanations, each question will have detailed information explaining why you scored the way you did.
Personality Types
The Myers-Briggs test analyses your personality based on responses to questions, but what exactly are the sixteen personalities?
1. ISTJ- Introvert, Sensing, Thinking, Judging
Those who receive ISTJ personality scores are quiet folks who prefer to stick to their own company while prioritising order, loyalty and honesty. Stress does not affect ISTJ as severely as other personality types due to their ability to rationalise scenarios and make logical decisions.
Professions
- Accountant
- Clerk
- Scientist
- Police Officer
- Fire Fighter
2. ISFJ- Introvert, Sensing, Feeling, Judging
ISFJs prefer their own company, but they care deeply for friends and family. In fact, they focus more on others than on their own well-being. They complete tasks as assigned with no room for disarray. ISFJs need structure in the workplace and at home.
Professions
- Social Worker
- Librarian
- Paralegal
- Baker
- Painter
3. INFJ- Introvert, Intuition, Feeling, Judging
This personality type plays into the creativity and deep feelings INFJs feel. Rather than operating on logic, INFJs follow their heart, dreams and wishes. They are passionate to no end, but if you criticise them, they feel it for an extended period of time.
Professions
- Writer
- Musician
- Artist
- Sociologist
- Photographer
4. INTJ- Introvert, Intuition, Thinking, Judging
INTJs focus on solving problems with reason while exploring creative projects. If faced with criticism, they take it as fuel to improve. They refrain from opening up about emotions and prefer to keep quiet about feelings, but they are good listeners.
Professions
- Computer scientist
- Surgeon
- Executive
- Actuary
- Architect
5. ISTP- Introvert, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving
This personality type loves to problem-solve. If something is broken, they’ll find a way to fix it. They stray away from expressing emotions and are not the best at understanding the emotions of others, causing them to be depicted as cold or insensitive. They are quieter daredevils.
Professions
- Criminologist
- Railroad worker
- Firefighter
- Police Officer
- Surveyor
6. ISFP- Introvert, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving
ISFPs favour alone time, but when in company, others find them to be kind, caring, sensitive and artistic. This type doesn’t let fear prevent them from trying new activities or expressing themselves in a unique manner. They live in the moment and make every moment count when doing so.
Professions
- Botanist
- Interior designer
- Preschool teacher
- Dietician
- Translator
7. INFP- Introvert, Intuition, Feeling, Perceiving
If you score an INFP on the Myers Briggs test, you are probably creative, loyal and set on your dreams. INFPs feel emotions deeply and long for several meaningful relationships throughout their lifespan. Value is based on relationships and bonds. The downside of this is that it can cause INFPs to feel lonely or alone in the world if others don’t understand them.
Professions
- Graphic designer
- Fashion designer
- Teacher
- Counsellor
- Chiropractor
8. INTP- Introvert, Intuition, Thinking, Perceiving
INTPs are finely tuned into their own interests. They keep to themselves unless confronted with conversation applying to their interests. For example, in an English classroom, an INTP might be zoning out of the lesson and focusing on their newest science experiment. They prefer to complete tasks their own way.
Professions
- Software developer
- Engineer
- Statistician
- Mathematician
- Lawyer
9. ESTP- Extrovert, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving
These types love two things: people and thrills. They learn through experience and enjoy the journey accompanied by learning. They take on a lot at once, sometimes to the point where they can’t handle it all. ESTPs are skilled at reading people and adjusting behaviour based on the emotions of others.
Professions
- Detective
- Athlete
- Mechanic
- Bartender
- Pilot
10. ESFP- Extrovert, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving
This personality loves to please others. Whether singing, dancing or acting, ESFPs thrive with attention. They also are good listeners and caring friends. Since they find joy in other people, they know how to interact with others to make them feel included and welcomed. ESFPs are not scared to stand out or take a stand against something they don’t like or appreciate.
Professions
- Musician
- Artist
- Actor
- Cosmetologist
- Teacher
11. ENFP- Extrovert, Intuition, Feeling, Perceiving
This score indicates people who love surrounding themselves with people but aren’t as confident as ESFPs. For example, if an ENFP paints a portrait, they need a lot of people to tell them they are talented to believe it as truth. They tend to live in their own world, dislike routine, and can act spontaneously.
Professions
- Actor
- Writer
- Travel agent
- Museum curator
- Photographer
12. ENTP- Extrovert, Intuition, Thinking, Perceiving
These people love to talk about concepts. They can go on and on for hours about one specific topic without getting bored. They adore problem-solving and love to see the different ways the world works. They might take on a lot of tasks but complete few due to a fond interest in everything. ENTPs tend to start a lot of things but not finish them.
Professions
- Historian
- Lawyer
- Detective
- Architect
- Reporter
13. ESTJ- Extrovert, Sensing, Thinking, Judging
ESTJs operate well under strict rules and deadlines. Think of the vacations where one family member planned out every minute of the trip. ESTJs find joy in planning, and they want others to as well. They follow the rules, are honest, and can be kind but firm. Routines ease them.
Professions
- Real estate agent
- Attorney
- Paralegal
- Auditor
- Police officer
14. ESFJ- Extrovert, Sensing, Feeling, Judging
This personality type stays true to itself. These social butterflies enjoy interacting with others and they push for community values. They are the life of the party and they are willing to help out in any way they can. ESFJ can be quick to judge.
Professions
- Elementary teacher
- Counsellor
- Fitness Trainer
- Nurse
- Real estate agent
15. ENFJ- Extrovert, Intuition, Feeling, Judging
This group favours everyone. They find positive traits in every person they meet and they love to watch others grow. They take on a lot, and they can discern when their plate is full. ENFJs are goal-oriented, which can get the better of them when they forget to focus on other matters.
Professions
- Principal
- Marriage counsellor
- Interior designer
- Flight attendant
- Professor
16. ENTJ- Extrovert, Intuition, Thinking, Judging
This gaggle of leaders knows how to manage a group and implement the best guidelines for others. They recognise common problems in rules and laws and know why certain methods don’t work to control the masses. Charismatic speakers, the ENTJs charm others while presenting important data to others.
Professions
- Lawyers
- Presidents
- Managers
- Executives
- Surgeons
Some Sample Questions
Now that you know the difference between the 16 personality types, let’s take a look at some examples of questions that could be on the test.
Introvert/ Extrovert
a) I want to work alone
b) I want to work with others
Choice a) correlates to an (I) personality while choice b) correlates to an (E)
a) Life comes as is
b) It is more complicated
Choice a) correlates to an (S) personality while choice b) correlates to an (N)
a) I can’t skip school when my family is in town because I’ll lose a letter grade
b) I will skip school when my family is in town because I don’t see them often
Choice a) correlates to a (T) personality while choice b) correlates to an (F)
a) I will plan my vacation minute by minute
b) I won’t plan my vacation, I will go with the flow
Choice a) correlates to a (J) personality while choice b) correlates to a (P)
Let’s say you picked choice (a) for the first question, (b) for the second question, (a) for the third question and (a) for the last question. Based on your answers, you would earn an INTJ personality score. These are the format and types of questions on the practice tests as well as on the real assessment.
How Do I Get Accurate Results?
- Study. Job Test Prep has the resources for you. They will make sure you are prepared for the exam, utilising mock exams, study guides, and a score sheet to help you best understand what the assessment includes.
- Make sure you are well-rested the night before the assessment. You don’t want to get your answers confused due to fatigue.
- Eat a healthy meal before the test to ensure focus and accurate results.
- Take your time. If you rush through your test, your results might not be accurate. Although the personality test does not have any right or wrong answers, you want to give each question proper attention and thought. Read the material carefully and answer accordingly.
- Relax. Make sure you breathe during the test, take a few moments at the start of the test to do some deep breathing exercises, or take a few breaths when you feel the nerves start to creep in.
Final Thoughts
The Myers-Briggs Personality Test helps future employers see where you fit in the workplace, how you work in group settings, your personality traits and the kind of person you are.
Use study guides and practice tests to prepare for the real test. When taking the actual test, make sure you read the questions thoroughly and breathe. You got this. Soon you will find out which personality type you are!
Click here for test prep resources.
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Sarah is an accomplished educator, researcher and author in the field of testing and assessment. She has worked with various educational institutions and organisations to develop innovative evaluation methods and enhance student learning. Sarah has published numerous articles and books on assessment and learning. Her passion for promoting equity and fairness in the education system fuels her commitment to sharing insights and best practices with educators and policymakers around the world.
