The 9 Enneagram types explained

You only have limited time to get to know your candidates, and if you rely on resumes, it’s tricky to understand what genuinely drives them.

Therefore, many recruiters use the Enneagram test to assess personality. The test determines an individual’s motivations, desires, and fears and splits them into one of nine Enneagram types.

Below, we examine each Enneagram type and what they say about candidate personalities and work ethics, as well as explore how the test aids skills-based recruiting.

What is the Enneagram test?

The Enneagram test is a simple psychological assessment, usually consisting of 100 questions, that asks people to explain how they perceive themselves.

At the end of an Enneagram test, people discover their type. The nine respective type descriptions cover core motivations, strengths, weaknesses, ambitions, and fears. 

The nine types also form part of the Enneagram wheel, which maps out how the personalities connect and sometimes overlap.

Many people use the Enneagram system of personality to support their personal growth or find new career paths. In fact, research into the Enneagram test finds that it’s “practically useful” and “comprehensive” in terms of breaking people down into typical personality types.

However, the system has value beyond individual testing and self-development. Many recruiters use the test for skills-based hiring to learn more about what drives applicants and which roles they might thrive in.

Extensive studies also show that Enneagram typing is useful in finding empathetic candidates for sensitive medical and patient care roles.

Enneagram testing, much like other personality tests, should ideally form part of a multi-measure assessment where you test for hard and soft skills to find suitable candidates. That way, you’re more confident you’re hiring well-rounded people.

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The 9 Enneagram types

The nine Enneagram types are the same regardless of the test you take, though their names might vary. They are:

1. The Improver

2. The Giver

3. The Go-getter

4. The Contemplator

5. The Pioneer

6. The Devoted

7. The Cheerleader

8. The Master

9. The Agreeable

Here’s a quick breakdown of each type’s strengths and weaknesses before we explore each in more detail.

Enneagram types: Strengths and weaknesses

Type 1: The Improver

Type Ones tend to be rational, morally principled, and conscientious reformers. They have a strong sense of right and wrong, holding themselves and others to high ethical standards. They’re disciplined, diligent, and strive for perfectionism.

However, they are also idealistic and prioritize doing things the “right way,” which sometimes comes at the expense of productivity.

The Improver in the workplace

Improvers strive to act with high integrity in all their endeavors and inspire others to do the same. They’re efficient leaders and energizing colleagues to have on your team.

Their dedication and eye for detail often make them great editors, accountants, attorneys, and architects.

However, the Improver’s biggest challenge is accepting when something is “good enough,” leading them to be critical of coworkers who aren’t working up to their standards. They’re also prone to micromanaging others.

To help an Improver grow, encourage them to be less critical of themselves and others, invite them to share responsibility, and teach them to accept what can’t be changed.

Learn more about the Enneagram Type 1.

Type 2: The Giver

Type Twos tend to be empathetic, generous, and compassionate. They thrive on creating strong connections and meaningful relationships both in and outside of work.

However, they are also emotional sponges that soak up the positive or negative energy of those around them. 

The Giver in the workplace

At work, Givers are great team players. They’re dedicated to their profession and support others in their growth and success.

Givers’ genuine interest in aiding others means they’re often reliable doctors, nurses, therapists, and customer advisors.

Conversely, they struggle to understand or prioritize their own needs, which sometimes leads to overwhelm at work. 

To support a Giver, always encourage them to prioritize their own needs, set boundaries, and take personal time.

Learn more about the Enneagram Type 2.

Type 3: The Go-getter

Type Threes are ambitious, enthusiastic, and productive over-achievers who strive for excellence and recognition. They’re adaptive and versatile, appearing well-presented, charismatic, and charming. 

That said, they’re often workaholics who neglect self-care and become highly competitive and envious of others’ success.

The Go-getter in the workplace

Go-getters are highly motivated and determined to achieve their goals. They’re excellent at networking and building relationships with others. 

Type Threes often thrive in roles where their charisma and drive help them get results – for instance, working as talent scouts, journalists, and public speakers.

That said, a Go-getter’s biggest workplace challenge is to see the big picture. Their love of recognition leads them to lose sight of what matters.

To support Go-getters, show them that they have value as individuals and not just as productive employees. Provide them with opportunities for growth and progression, too.

Learn more about the Enneagram Type 3.

Type 4: The Contemplator

Type Fours are creative, expressive, and emotionally sensitive. They’re highly introspective and seek depth and meaning in their lives. As individualists, they value authenticity and self-awareness, focusing on finding their own identity that differentiates them from others.

Unfortunately, Fours’ emotional sensitivity and individualism sometimes cause them to take criticism too personally. 

The Contemplator in the workplace

Contemplators are empathetic, inspiring colleagues who thrive on creative projects with diverse tasks. However, they may not respond positively to procedural and administrative parts of work.

On the other hand, the creativity and introspection of Type Fours make them talented in graphic design, novel writing, sculpting, topiary, and even counseling.

Managers support Type Fours by giving them a safe space to express their emotions but encourage them to stay balanced. Try to help them see the impact their actions have on others.

Learn more about the Enneagram Type 4.

Type 5: The Pioneer

Type Fives tend to be curious, independent, and highly observant. They strive to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the world.

However, Fives also tend to live in their own heads. They don’t enjoy being rushed for decisions, and their tendency to withdraw may lead them to withhold information or opinions.

The Pioneer in the workplace

At work, Pioneers are self-reliant, perceptive, and analytical as thoughtful decision-makers. They’re, however, susceptible to analysis paralysis owing to their traits, which means they struggle to make snap decisions under pressure. 

Regardless, Type Fives’ thirst for knowledge means they’re suited for engineering, game design, data science, and web development roles.

You should always let Pioneers work independently. Give them space to strategize, plan, and work systematically in their way. Then, encourage them to communicate openly with others and to maintain working relationships.

Learn more about the Enneagram Type 5.

Type 6: The Devoted

Type Sixes are loyal, committed, and hard-working individuals. They place a high value on security and focus on building stable relationships with those they rely on. 

Conversely, Sixes’ love for rules and safety also makes them pessimistic or skeptical when they’re unsure of where they stand.

The Devoted in the workplace

Type Sixes make excellent leaders who foster a sense of safety and stability for those around them. Yet, they can become demotivated and rebellious if they don’t believe in the purpose of a workplace goal. 

Their stable, conscientious personalities draw them to roles like reliable bank tellers, paralegals, and tutors – people you trust with sensitive information and projects.

When training Sixes, recognize them for their loyalty to the company and commitment to their roles. Try to place them in a stable and positive environment with a supportive manager.

Learn more about the Enneagram Type 6.

Type 7: The Cheerleader

Type Sevens are adventurous, spontaneous, and spirited enthusiasts with varied interests. They crave new experiences and want to feel content and satisfied with their lives. They’re highly energetic, optimistic, and upbeat and enjoy forming new connections.

However, Cheerleaders sometimes struggle to acknowledge problems or give a subject the appropriate depth of thought.

The Cheerleader in the workplace

At work, Cheerleaders are highly versatile and excel in various roles and projects. They’re quick at problem-solving and out-of-the-box thinking.

Their enthusiasm and adaptability mean they’re great in creative marketing, entertainment, life coaching, and many sales roles.

The main workplace challenge for Sevens is staying focused on the task at hand. With improper management, they are prone to leaving tasks or projects unfinished.

Try to place Cheerleaders in non-repetitive roles that are not bound by strict rules and schedules. Encourage them to take their good ideas to completion. 

Learn more about the Enneagram Type 7.

Type 8: The Master

Type Eights tend to be assertive, self-confident, and powerful. Often considered natural leaders, they’re courageous and not afraid of making difficult decisions. Being loyalists at heart, they seek to defend and protect themselves and others – especially the underdogs.

Eights like doing things their way, so they aren’t always big on rules. They can be bossy or confrontational when things don’t go their way.

The Master in the workplace

Masters make excellent leaders who offer guidance and a sense of security to others. They’re also highly resilient and comfortable making difficult decisions at work.

Type Eights are consequently well-suited to high-pressure roles handling extremely sensitive project situations. For example, they make reliable sales directors, public relations specialists, and wealth managers.

However, Masters struggle to accept criticism and, at worst, don’t admit mistakes. Their tendency to dominate a conversation can also be intimidating.

To bring the best out of Masters, managers should train them in delegation, empowerment, and leading with empathy.

Learn more about the Enneagram Type 8.

Type 9: The Agreeable

Type Nines tend to be easygoing, adaptive, and agreeable. They strive for peace and harmony within themselves and the world around them. They’re great mediators and bring stability to others. 

That said, they may go out of their way to avoid conflict because they value peace and harmony. They also have difficulty setting priorities and creating structure.

The Agreeable in the workplace

Nines are often the inclusive glue that holds teams together. They’re resilient, rarely flustered, and handle situations confidently and personally.

Peacemaker Nines thrive in roles where they flex their collaborative problem-solving muscles – consider them for teaching, social work, and recruitment roles.

On the downside, Nines sometimes procrastinate and avoid making difficult decisions or taking on challenging tasks. They can also be passive-aggressive in expressing their frustrations.

Managers and co-workers support Type Nines by encouraging them to take healthy risks. They also work best in environments in which they feel safe, heard, and valued. 

Learn more about the Enneagram Type 9.

Find out your candidates’ Enneagram types with ease

TestGorilla’s comprehensive and user-friendly Enneagram test gives you more insight into who your applicants are and what drives them. Sign up for free and start exploring our catalog of more than 400 tests.

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Understanding Enneagram triads

The Enneagram system doesn’t stop with simple types – it’s divided into three triads, which show how people process, react, and deal with things. These are the Instinctive (gut) triad, the Feeling (heart) triad, and the Thinking (head) triad. 

Let's explore which Enneagram types fall under each triad. 

Why recruiters rely on testing enneagram personality types

Research shows that most HR teams test personalities before interviewing candidates.

What’s more, even older studies show around a third of executive personnel were hired with the support of personality tests.

Below, we go over some reasons for this trend:

Recruit better with TestGorilla’s Enneagram personality test

TestGorilla’s Enneagram personality test is designed and maintained by subject matter experts to help you understand what makes your candidates tick.

With our talent discovery platform, you can customize Enneagram test questions before inviting applicants. You then get a concise breakdown of how each taker scores, making it easy to assess applicants’ personality types at a glance.

During the test, candidates answer questions about how they perceive themselves by choosing between two statements. For example, they might need to decide between friendship or fairness:

You can check out more preview questions, too, before you sign up and start testing.

Each question affects applicants’ final type scores. We designed the test to encourage honesty, meaning the types assigned to your candidates are accurate and in line with the Enneagram typology of personality.

For the most well-rounded evaluation, add the Enneagram test to a multi-measure assessment of up to four other tests. Evaluating technical and soft skills alongside personality is key to objectively screening high-quality candidates. 

When you register for our Free forever plan, you’re free to explore hundreds of tests to add in.

Using personality testing alongside other skills tests helps companies get to know their applicants better before choosing who to interview. Take Solid Solutions Management (SSM) as an example.

SSM uses TestGorilla to understand more about what drives its applicants and what they’re capable of. Since partnering with us, the company boosted its hire quality and retention rate.

Personality testing is just one facet of skills-based hiring – and more than 81% of companies worldwide are reaping the benefits of recruitment tests.

However, if you’re still unsure of the value skills testing could bring to your HR department, try our recruitment ROI calculator.

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FAQs

What are Enneagram wings?

The Enneagram system recognizes that while individuals have a dominant type, they might also draw traits from nearby Enneagram types. These are called their Enneagram wings. For example, Type Threes’ wings are Type Two and Type Four. 

What is the most successful Enneagram type? 

While each Enneagram type defines success differently, Type Threes tend to be the most conventionally successful Enneagram Type. Threes are highly ambitious, driven, and go above and beyond to achieve their goals. That said, any personality type is capable of success with the right support.