First of all, what do we mean by “personality?” Personality is defined as a relatively stable set of characteristics that influence an individual’s behavior. There is a widely accepted model of personality theory resulting from decades of research referred to as OCEAN (“The Big 5”). It stands for 5 major factors (using each letter of the OCEAN acronym) that cover a large number of personality-related terms. The Big 5 can help you learn more about your unique personality and help you decide where to focus your energy and how to use your strengths to find the job that suits you best.

OCEAN 

Openness to Experience: Those who score high on this factor are often daring, imaginative, prefer variety over fixed routines, and have broad interests. People who identify more with these factors are good managers, and love learning and meeting new people. The types of jobs that work best for them are those that involve interacting with guests, making decisions, and solving problems:

• Front Desk Agent
• Hotel Manager
• Executive Chef
• Restaurant Manager

Conscientiousness: These individuals are hardworking, organized, dependable, energetic, and are excellent planners. These people are generally great leaders, committed to meeting goals with determination and following the rules. The types of jobs that work for them are special projects that involve complex planning and persistence and plenty of energy:

• Event Planners
• Conference Managers
• Special Program Directors
• Wait staff
• Sous Chef
• Housekeeper
• Director of Hotel Operations
• Valet

Extroversion: Many of those in this category are highly social, fun-loving, friendly, and talkative and find they’re energized by social activity. These people are the “life of the party,” full of joy and draw energy from being with other people. They are gregarious, socially confident, and ready for action. The types of jobs that really take advantage of these factors involve plenty of social interaction, getting guests to participate and enjoy themselves

• Social Director
• Party Planner
• Sales/Marketing
• Wait staff
• Greeter
• Wedding Coordinator
• Public Relations
• Golf/Tennis/Ski Instructors

Agreeableness: These people tend to be sympathetic and kind, cooperative, and likely to volunteer. They value kindness, and concern for others, and are polite, helpful, and considerate. They are well-liked and respected by their peers and sensitive to the needs of others. The types of jobs that suit this personality type are:

• Hotel Concierge
• Bellhop
• Driver
• Hostess

Neuroticism: People who fall into this category are a bit more nervous or anxious, worry a lot, and may be temperamental. Falling into this category does not indicate incompetence or meanness, but is more about how comfortable you are in your own skin. People who identify with this factor are often a little more nervous, moody or timid and may be fearful of trying new things. They prefer doing what they know and may be less comfortable interacting with new people. The types of jobs that may work best are often the “back of the house” positions such as: 

• Accounting
• Computer Technology
• Engineering/Maintenance
• Groundskeeper
• Night clerk
• Night auditor
• Pool Manager

Clearly, no one is just one type and we all have a variety of traits across the spectrum. However, you may find that you more closely identify with one set of descriptors and that may help you to better define a career path that leads to success.