Free or Paid Career Assessments: Which is Better?

There are many different career and personality assessments. Still, the most famous is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®), which assesses how you make decisions and perceive the world based on your psychological preferences.

The MBTI was created by Katharine Cook Briggs and her daughter, Isabel Briggs Myers. It is based on Carl Jung’s theory that humans experience the world using four essential psychological functions – sensing, intuiting, feeling, and thinking.

Jung believed these behavior variations were more consistent than they seemed because of the differences in how people use their perceptions and judgment. 

Your answers will indicate that you are one of 16 personality types

Here’s how the assessment works. In the Myers–Briggs Type Indicator, there are four pairs of preferences:

• Extraversion or “E” (people and things) vs. Introversion or “I” (ideas and information)

• Sensing or “S” (facts and reality) vs. Intuition or “N” (possibilities and potential)

• Thinking or “T” (logic and truth) vs. Feeling or “F” (values and relationships)

• Judgment or “J” (well-structured lifestyle) vs. Perception or “P” (“go with the flow” lifestyle)

When you take the assessment, you choose one answer in each of the four groups of pairs to get the code for your personality type. For example, having preferences for I, N, F, and P gives a personality type of INFP. Sixteen personality types help us understand and improve interpersonal skills and relationships, manage conflict, and inform career choices.

One personality type is not better than another. The assessment aims to provide knowledge and encourage further exploration and understanding of our personality, including our likes, dislikes, strengths, weaknesses, possible career preferences, and relationships with others. This is a quick overview of the 16 personality types

• The Inspector (ISTJ) tends to be reserved, practical, and quiet and prefers order and organization.

• The Craftsperson (ISTP) is exceedingly independent, hands-on, and likes to think and work at their own pace.

• The Artist/Composer (ISFP) is aesthetically inclined, sensitive, and easygoing.

• The Protector (ISFJ) is reserved, compassionate, and responsible.

• The Advocate/Counselor (INFJ) is a gentle, caring, and creative nurturer who is driven to help others realize their potential. 

• The Provider (ESFJ) is a helper, sensitive to the needs of others, and intensely dedicated to their responsibilities. 

• The Performer (ESFP) is a charming, fun-loving entertainer who loves spontaneity and attention.

• The Supervisor (ESTJ) is a rule-abiding, methodical, hardworking traditionalist dedicated to getting the job done. 

• The Dynamo (ESTP) is thrill-seeking, with an energetic talent for putting out fires.

• The Healer (INFP) is an idealist, with their sights set on the future’s potential. 
  Their core beliefs and values guide them. 

• The Mastermind (INTJ) is a problem-solver, analytical in nature, and always
  looking towards improvement and innovation.

• The Architect (INTP) loves logic and analysis but constantly searches for what unifies everything underneath it all. They are fascinated with systems and design.

• The Champion (ENFP) is an energetic, warm, and passionate creator centered on developing new ideas. 

• The Commander (ENTJ) is the strategic leader with a vision, quick to see new solutions and organizational change. 

• The Teacher (ENFJ) is often an organizer and catalyst for human growth due to a profound ability to persuade others and see their potential. 

• The Visionary (ENTP) is a true innovator inspired by complex challenges. They are continually searching for new ways to solve problems. 

What’s the difference between the free version of Myers Briggs and the test MBTI coaches at Life Working® use?

The official Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is usually administered by educators, coaches, and career counselors, is copyrighted, and only accessible by individuals who are MBTI certified.

While there are free versions of the “Myers-Briggs” online test, that DIY assessment has some significant drawbacks. While they’re convenient and provide instant results, the assessments are often unproven and unreliable. Plus, you won’t receive in-depth feedback about your profile without a qualified coach or counselor.

In contrast, a certified MBTI assessment administered by Life Working® is psychometrically validated and continually updated by new research. The assessment can only be taken through accredited professionals, like the coaches at Life Working®. They keep their skills current through training and extensive experience and discussing and interpreting the results are among their favorite things to do. Clients often have the "aha" moments that make this process a great joy for all involved.

Upon completing the MBTI, you receive a personalized report from Life Working that describes your type and clarifies your natural abilities and preferences. Although we primarily focus on career exploration to clarify your career options, depending on your specific goals, you can ask for a report that focuses on your communication style, decision-making style, work style, conflict style, stress management, or personal impact. 

You will also receive, along with your results, a personalized feedback session with your certified MBTI Life Working® career coach. This session will help you translate your results into insights that can immediately improve the quality of your work and personal life.

It's worth investing in the professional MBTI. It’s a scientifically validated instrument with a proven track record of over 50 years. Learn more about other life and career-changing tests here and in our blog, Let’s be honest. How well do you know yourself?