Four Personality Types of People

Most authorities divide people into four personality types:

Type 1: Outgoing and Direct

This person is called the "socializer." He or she is energetic, friendly, and self assured.



Ways to spot this personality include:

• A flamboyant style of dress. Even in a conservative business suit, a brightly colored tie or scarf might be worn. He or she prefers current fashion to classic styles.
  
• Many pictures and personal mementos in the office.
  
• A cluttered desk, or at least a covered one.
  
• Little time consciousness so could keep you waiting. In most cases, he or she is juggling a hundred things at once.
  

These types gravitate toward personnel jobs because they're outgoing "people people."

If you're a methodical, reserved type, you can get into trouble with this kind of interviewer. You'll have to smile more, talk faster, and get to the point. They have to like you before they'll listen to you. And listening is not on their list. If you're this type, be careful. You don't want to out talk, out smile, or out interview the interviewer.

Besides, lunging across the desk might frighten him or her away.

Type 2: Self Contained and Direct

This type is referred to as the "director." "Dictator" is more descriptive, though. They differ from socializers because they're far more reserved and conservative. Before unconventional computer kids started running companies, it was believed you had to be like this to make top management. They're still among the high achievers in every field. Clues to this personality are:

• A conservative, quality, custom tailored wardrobe impeccably worn.
  
• A neat, organized work space. A few expensive personal desk accessories. Perhaps one or two classic picture frames containing family photos. Nothing flashy. Understated.
  
• A firm handshake, but not much of a smile. Not as talkative as the first type. They'll size you up critically and wait for you to make your mistakes.
  
• Someone who's time conscious and annoyed when others are not. Goal  and bottom line oriented. Believes that all work and no play is the way to spend the day.
  

To get along with this type, be all business. Don't waste his or her time. Eliminate unnecessary words and be sincere. This type itches around "touchy freely" people. You won't find this interviewer saying, "Oh, I just adore this." You shouldn't, either. Don't let him or her intimidate you, either. If you do, he or she will sense it and reject you immediately. Don't be defensive about weaknesses in your background. Just explain them by turning them into strengths.

Type 3: Self Contained and Indirect

They're called "thinkers" and might be found in analytical professions. They don't speak up, socialize, or editorialize. They go about their work quietly, and they get it done properly. Evidence of this personality includes:

• Uninteresting, understated clothes. Gray and beige predominate. Style and looks aren't a priority. Function is. This person is nothing if not practical.
  
• Few personal items and "warm fuzzies."
  
• Unless he or she has been looking for a job and reading this article, this type's hand will probably dangle at the end of his or her wrist. Shake it anyway it will confirm your suspicions that he or she is a "thinker."
  
• Time conscious and work oriented. The thinker's work ethic is just as strong as the director's, but he or she doesn't want to run things. He or she is a loner.
  
• An organized desk, with neatly arranged work. Maybe even a "To Do" list with half the items crossed off.
  

This person is hard to draw out, and may become annoyed if you try. If you're pushy and aggressive, he or she will withdraw and your offer will be withheld. Answer questions directly and succinctly, and volunteer as much information as he or she needs to make a decision. This interviewer thrives on data, but needs time to analyze it. So don't rush.

Type 4: Outgoing and Indirect

The most common word for them is "helpers." They're friendly like socializers, but without the aggressiveness. Helpers tend to gravitate toward "human resources" they're the closest business gets to providing psychiatric social work for employees. Helpers take time to know you before the actual interview begins. They're "nice," but will do almost anything to avoid making a decision. In that area, you need to help them. You're probably talking to a helper when there is:

• A nonthreatening appearance that matches the interviewer's demeanor. Neutral shades, soft fabrics.
  
• A number of personal items on his or her desk often handmade. The office will reflect that other people are important to him or her.
  
• A friendly, expressive, and concerned approach. This type may apologize for keeping you waiting because he or she was busy solving everyone else's problems. He or she will smile warmly, reach out to take your hand, and might never let it go.
  
• A phone ringing, work piling up, and many uncompleted projects. To this interviewer, "people" are all that matter.
  

This person is the opposite of the "director" type, and they rarely play opposite each other. Certainly not in love scenes. That's why CEOs tend to be on the top floor while personnel is in the basement. The helper never gives up trying to convince the director to "humanize," "personalize," and "realize." To get hired, take time to establish rapport, become friends, and accentuate the importance of the "person" in "personnel." But remember to limit interviews to forty five minutes.

With a helper, it's your responsibility to get your job qualifications across. If you don't, you may leave the interview with a friend but not a job. The interviewer won't ask you to give him or her a reason to hire you or even recommend you for a second interview.

Emotionally, he or she doesn't realize that's why you're there. He or she thinks it's because you're taking a hiring survey. This type helps, but doesn't hire.

This is a remarkably accurate way to out stereotype the stereo typers. Some will fit the description exactly, others will fit several. No matter just know and play to your audience. Study the four profiles and practice typecasting a few of your friends, co workers, and relatives. Learn to pick up on the clues to someone's predominant personality style. Then practice playing to them. They're your audience, too!

Picking up clues from a person's appearance, speech, and body language can serve you in many ways throughout your career. Use this little system well!