John Holland's vocational choice theory proposes that there are 6 main personality types - Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. People are a combination of these types and are most satisfied and productive in environments that match their personality types. Holland identified three methods to determine a person's personality type code based on their interests, skills, and previous jobs: informal assessments, interest inventories, and analyzing their last three jobs held. The theory aims to help individuals choose careers aligned with their personality types.

1. John Holland’s
Vocational
Choice Theory
Chris Cammarano
CDF Course
Spring, 2012

2. Background
 One of the 5 “Trait-and-factor” theories.
 Consists of 4 basic concepts
 Identifies 6 personality types
 An individual can be described by an
combination

3. 4 Basic Concepts:
 People can be a combination of 2 or
more types
 Environments can be a combination
 People seek out similar types of
environments
 Satisfaction/Productivity tied to a match

4. 6 Personality Types
Their names and characteristics

5. Personality Type Descriptions
 Likes …
 Develops …
 Prefers occupations/jobs …
 Test to be …

6. Realistic (R)
… to work with tools, machines, animals
 … mechanical, electrical skills*
 … that involve building/repairing
 … down-to-earth and practical

7. Investigative (I)
… engage in physical science activities
 … math and science ability
 … in the scientific and medical fields
 … curious, studious and independent

8. Artistic (A)
… creative activities (free from routine)
 … language, art, music, drama skills
 … using creative talents
 … creative and free thinking

9. Social (S)
… activities that involve
 Informing, teaching, helping others
… ability to work with people
 … jobs such as teaching, nursing
 … helpful and friendly

10. Enterprising (E)
… activities that permit leading
 … leadership ability, people skills
 … involving sales or management
 … ambitious, outgoing, energetic, self-
confident

11. Conventional (C)
… activities that require organizing info
 … organizational, clerical skills
 … involving record keeping, data entry
 … responsible, dependable, detail-
oriented

12. Individual’s Code
How is it identified?

13. 3 Methods for Identifying a
Code
 Informal Assessments
 Interest Inventories
 Use of last three jobs held

14. References
arris-Bowlsbey, J., Suddarth, B.H., & Reile, D.M. (2008). Suddarth, ReileInformation
Facilitating Career Development Student Manual (2nd ed.). Arrow, OK: National Career
Development Association