In our previous blog, we explored different personality traits using the Big Five principle. Understanding your personality can significantly help in identifying which roles might suit you best. In this blog, we delve deeper by introducing a simple personality test based on the Big Five personality dimensions—Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism. This test will help you identify your dominant traits and better align yourself with the right cybersecurity career.

This high-level personality test is designed to help you identify your dominant traits based on the Big Five personality dimensions. Answer the questions honestly to get an accurate sense of your personality profile.

Instructions:

For each statement, rate yourself on a scale from 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree).

Openness to Experience

1. I enjoy trying new things and exploring new ideas.
   • 1 2 3 4 5
2. I am imaginative and creative.
   • 1 2 3 4 5
3. I am curious about many different things.
   • 1 2 3 4 5

Conscientiousness

4. I am organized and pay attention to details.

• • 1 2 3 4 5

5. I follow through on commitments and get things done.

• • 1 2 3 4 5

6. I am reliable and dependable.

• • 1 2 3 4 5

Extraversion

7. I enjoy being around people and socializing.

• • 1 2 3 4 5

8. I feel energized when interacting with others.

• • 1 2 3 4 5

9. I am talkative and outgoing.

• • 1 2 3 4 5

Agreeableness

10. I am considerate and kind to others.

• • 1 2 3 4 5

11. I am cooperative and get along well with others.

• • 1 2 3 4 5

12. I am empathetic and understand others’ feelings.

• • 1 2 3 4 5

Neuroticism (Emotional Stability)

13. I often feel stressed or anxious.

• • 1 2 3 4 5

14. I get upset easily.

• • 1 2 3 4 5

15. I worry about many things.

• • 1 2 3 4 5

Add up your scores for each set of three statements to get a total score for each personality dimension.

• Openness to Experience: Statements 1, 2, 3
• Conscientiousness: Statements 4, 5, 6
• Extraversion: Statements 7, 8, 9
• Agreeableness: Statements 10, 11, 12
• Neuroticism: Statements 13, 14, 15

Interpretation: Understanding your personality traits for a perfect cybersecurity career

High Scores (12-15):

• Openness: You are creative, curious, and open to new experiences.
• Conscientiousness: You are organized, dependable, and diligent.
• Extraversion: You are outgoing, energetic, and enjoy social interactions.
• Agreeableness: You are cooperative, empathetic, and get along well with others.
• Neuroticism: You tend to experience stress and worry frequently.

Moderate Scores (8-11):

• Openness: You have a balanced approach to new experiences, combining curiosity with practicality.
• Conscientiousness: You are generally reliable and organized but may sometimes lack focus.
• Extraversion: You enjoy social interactions but also value time alone.
• Agreeableness: You are generally considerate and cooperative but can assert your own needs when necessary.
• Neuroticism: You handle stress reasonably well but may experience occasional anxiety.

Low Scores (3-7):

• Openness: You prefer routine and familiar experiences over new and untested ones.
• Conscientiousness: You may struggle with organization and following through on commitments.
• Extraversion: You are more reserved and may prefer solitary activities.
• Agreeableness: You may be more competitive or less inclined to prioritize others’ needs.
• Neuroticism: You are emotionally stable and generally calm.

Example Role Alignment Based on Scores

High Openness

Roles: AI Security Specialist, Blockchain Developer, Cyber Psychologist

High Conscientiousness

Roles: CISO, GRC Manager, Data Security Analyst

High Extraversion

Roles: CSO, Security Awareness Training Specialist, SOC Manager

High Agreeableness

Roles: Data Privacy Officer, Cyber Insurance Policy Specialist, Security Awareness Training Specialist

Low Neuroticism (High Emotional Stability)

Roles: Incident Responder, Digital Forensics Analyst, Malware Analyst

Conclusion:

Using this personality test can provide valuable insights into which cybersecurity careers might best align with your personality traits. This alignment can enhance job satisfaction and effectiveness, ensuring that you are both happy and productive in your chosen career. Understanding your personality can be a crucial step in finding the right role within the diverse and dynamic field of cybersecurity.

In our next & concluding part of this blog series, we provide an example of a personality test result and how it maps to a cybersecurity career.