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