Everyone knows how hard it is to get along with others when there is a personality clash — so imagine how hard it is to be happy in career that does the same thing.

Just the way when you are looking for a mate, you want to find a career that complements your character, not conflicts with it. For example, if you are active and outgoing, you might not do well sitting behind a desk all day.

By the same token, if you’re shy and soft-spoken, you might not do well in a job that requires a lot of social interaction, and if you like working alone, you would not thrive in a team setting.

Here are six personality groups that seem to encompass the majority of people and jobs that are sure to complement your temperament.

Please note that each requires different education, training and qualification requirements.

Personality: Artistic

Artistic personalities are creative by nature, with imaginations that stretch further than others can conceive. These people like to express themselves through their work versus completing structured tasks. They like to work without rules, and enjoy working with forms, designs, colours, words and patterns.

Job matches:

•Editor

•Graphic designer

•High school drama teacher

•Landscape architect

•Producer

Personality:

ConventionalConventional people like conventional things: Rules, procedures, schedules and instructions are all things that appeal to them.

They prefer working with details and data versus ideas; they are practical and like routine and order.

Job matches:

• Accountant

• Actuary

• Financial planner

• Technical writer

Personality:

Enterprising Enterprise people are leaders. They like to see projects through from start to finish, business ventures in particular.

They are doers more than thinkers and are more interested in the “big picture” than the small pieces that make it up.

Job matches:

• Advertising sales agent

• Financial officer

• Management analyst

•Programme director

•Sales representative

• Sales manager

Personality:

Investigative Investigative people prefer to work alone. They like using logic over

imagination, solving problems and mysteries, putting together pieces of a

puzzle, precision and science, and they pay extreme attention to detail.

Job matches:

•Computer systems analyst

•Librarian

•Optometrist

•Science professor

•Software engineer

•Statistician

Personality: Realistic

True to their name, realists are ... well, realistic. They are results-driven, hands-on people who like problems and solutions. They like working outdoors, as well as with machines, tools and jewellery.

Job matches:

•Diagnostic medical sonographer

•Electrician

•Locksmith

• Nuclear engineer

• Orthodontist

Personality:

Social

Social people like helping others and working with teams. They communicate well and thrive on human interaction, and they would rather talk than work with machines or data.

The best jobs for them are ones that let them be with other people.

Job matches:

•Personal coach

•Personal trainer

•School psychologist

•Teacher — Agencies