Jobs for introvert and extrovert personality types

A job interview is usually the time when an employer gets to know the job candidate's personality to see if he's the right fit for the job. But what if you could choose a job that's the right fit for your personality?

A new CareerBuilder study reveals the positions that are better suited for introverts and extroverts. While extroverts tend to be enthusiastic, talkative, assertive and gregarious, introverts tend to be more reserved and less outspoken in groups. Though these characteristics aren't the only factors in choosing a job, it can help to know what kind of role you could be best suited for.

The study found that extroverts were more likely to report being in management roles -- 22 percent compared with 18 percent of introverts. "The data does indicate that extroverts may be better suited for higher-level positions, many of which involve a lot of collaboration and public speaking," says Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources at CareerBuilder. "But that doesn't mean an introvert can't still rise high in a company. It may be the case that many of the respondents began as introverts and gradually became more extroverted as the situation demanded."

When it comes to salary, the two personality types are on equal footing: Both extroverts and introverts were almost equally likely to earn six figures.

Want to know what job may be right for you? If you're outgoing or social, consider the types of roles to which extroverts are drawn. Or, if you tend to be more withdrawn or reserved, check out the positions that introverts tend to choose.

Types of roles extroverts are drawn to:

• Construction worker
• Pharmacist
• Therapist (occupational, physical, speech)
• Event planner
• Nurse
• Advertising professional
• Police officer
• Firefighter
• Sales representative
• Accountant
• Financial analyst
• Customer service representative
• Entertainer/performer

Types of roles introverts are drawn to:

• Artist/designer
• Engineer
• Chef
• Physician
• Information technology -- computer programmer/software developer
• Machine operator/assembly/production worker
• Mechanic
• Editor/writer
• Scientist
• Veterinarian
• Truck driver
• Lawyer
• Teacher

Susan Ricker is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.