John Holland's Theory

John Holland believed that there are six basic personality types and one of those is dominant in each person.  He also believed that personality and career should match up in order for one to be happy and successful. 

The six types are:

Realistic:  Enjoys working with things more than people (woodworking, auto repair, outdoor work)

Investigative:  Searches for solutions to problems and prefers to work independently

Artistic:  Likes to be creative and expressive

Social:  Enjoys working with people, especially in helping others

Enterprising:  Likes working with people, but interested in acquiring wealth and influencing others

Conventional: Prefers to be conservative in work environment, likes to plan and organize, rules are important

There are also six work environments with the same names.  Work environments must coincide with the personality type in order for one to be happy or satisfied.

Differentiated individuals have 2-3 dominant types and clear interests. 

Undifferentiated individuals have interests that fall across many types and do not show a clear preference.  It may be more difficult to find an environment to fit the needs of this individual. 

Consistency refers to the relationship between type and environment

Congruence refers to the fit of the type and environment

For more information about John Holland's Theory please visit http://www.careerkey.org/choose-a-career/hollands-theory-of-career-choice.html#.VOFSKrlOVhE.