The Big Five utilizes a combination of five traits to assess an individual’s personality: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extroversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism. An easy way to remember the five traits is through the acronym OCEAN. Everyone has a different amount of each of these traits; rather than saying people either possess a trait or don’t, the Big Five test notes that each person ranges on a spectrum between the two extremes.
What is Extroversion?
The Extroversion trait is a measure of how energetic, friendly, and sociable a person is. Those who are more extroverted tend to draw energy from being around others. Those who rank lower in extroversion tend to prefer being by themselves.
More Extroverted people tend to…
- Be energetic and confident
- Process their thoughts externally
- Have a variety of peers and friends
- Seek out time for socializing
Less Extroverted people tend to…
- Avoid large groups of people
- Dislike attention from others
- Seek time alone to think and recharge
- Be more emotionally reserved
Working with someone who is high in Extroversion
When someone scores higher in this category, they are more likely to be comfortable speaking to larger groups of people, dynamic, and bold. They are confident and outgoing, thriving in situations that offer them room to socialize. Extroversion generally makes them more talkative and more comfortable with attention.
Communicating with someone who is high in Extroversion
Connect with them on a personal level by asking questions and being engaging, allowing them to process their thoughts out loud. Make sure they feel they’ve been heard by repeating their main points back to them.
Careers for someone who is high in Extroversion
People who are more extroverted tend to communicate easily with others and may make great leaders, thriving in environments that allow them the opportunity to build genuine connections with others.
Potential job ideas for those who rank higher in this area are:
- Counselor
- Event Planner
- Bartender
- Actor
- Motivational Speaker
- Photographer
- Journalist
The Big Five embraces five very different personality traits, and each person has a different combination of each. It’s important to note that potential jobs for highly extroverted people could vary if the person has an additional strong trait.
Working with someone who is low in Extroversion
When someone is lower in this trait, or introverted, they tend to dislike being around large groups of people. They generally draw energy from being alone and prefer to think and process internally. Introverts don’t enjoy attention and are usually more reserved.
Communicating with someone who is low in Extroversion
Allow them to have their space when they feel overwhelmed; avoid small-talk and appreciate their careful, thought-out communication.
Careers for someone who is low in Extroversion
Because introverts thrive in environments that offer them space, careers that allow them to pursue a passion, while allowing them to spend time alone, help them flourish and grow.
Potential job ideas for those who rank lower in this area are:
- Freelance Writer
- Engineer
- Mechanic
- Artist
- Pilot
- Librarian
- Programmer
Each person is different and has a unique blend of the Big Five traits. Potential jobs will differ if some decide to pursue a career that favors a different personal attribute.
