Once you have taken the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®
(MBTI®) instrument, and begin to better understand
your individual preferences, the reasons behind past career choices.and
perhaps future ones. become more clear.
The Center for the Applications of Psychological Type (CAPT) has
been doing career research for the past twenty-five years. We have
found that people self-select for a variety of roles within organizations;
and often choose careers that compliment their strengths. Even though
jobs have dramatically changed over the years, the human qualities
measured by type preferences remain consistent.
CAPT publishes a self-study career workbook, Looking
at Type and Careers, written by Dr. Charles Martin. The following
type descriptions are partial descriptions as written in Looking
at Type and Careers. Note: Examples of careers most often
chosen are compiled from the CAPT Data Bank.
Looking at Type and Careers, 16 Type Descriptions
ISTJ
ISTJs are most likely to find interesting and satisfying those
careers that make use of their depth of concentration, their reliance
on facts, their use of logic and analysis, and their ability to
organize. ISTJs are very often found in management careers, particularly
in areas of government, public service, and private business, and
they are often found in technical and production-oriented careers
as well. Their task orientation, realistic grounding, dependability
and respect for the facts often draw them to careers that call for
an organized approach to data, people, or things. These same qualities
can also lead to their effectiveness as managers.
For ISTJs the job search tends to be a very thoughtful and practical
process. They are excellent gatherers of job-related information,
and they can be very organized and thorough in preparing application
materials or in marketing themselves. Their dependability and willingness
to take on responsibility will usually be communicated to others
during the job search. Potential drawbacks for ISTJs in the job
search may include a tendency to narrow the search too much, failure
to consider unusual opportunities or job options, and a tendency
to be cautious and undersell themselves. Under stress, ISTJs may
become pessimistic during this process, and they may also become
uncharacteristically impulsive. They may find it useful to engage
their ability to be objective, and to see the importance of developing
some flexibility in their interactions with others. They may also
benefit from developing a healthy amount of enthusiasm and assertiveness
as they engage in the job search.
Examples of careers often chosen by ISTJs include management in
business or government, accounting, engineering, computer operations
and analysis, technical/trade, teaching, police/corrections work,
and skilled trade and crafts work.
ISTJs are found much less often in careers that are characterized
by a great deal of nurturing work and/or relationship-oriented work.
In addition, they are found less often in careers that require ongoing
attention to more theoretical, abstract and symbolic material. They
are also found much less often in careers in the arts and careers
that require a significant amount of spontaneous adaptation or expressiveness
in a group context.
ISFJ
ISFJs are most likely to find interesting and satisfying those
careers that make use of their depth of concentration, their reliance
on facts, their warmth and sympathy (i.e., their emphasis on interpersonal
values), and their ability to organize. ISFJs are very often found
in careers that involve nurturing or healing others and also in
some spiritually oriented careers. Their sense of duty, personal
commitment and practicality often draw them to careers in which
they can support and be of service to others. These same qualities
can also lead to their effectiveness in the helping and health-oriented
careers.
For ISFJs the job search tends to be a very thoughtful and practical
process. They are excellent gatherers of job-related information,
and can be very thorough and organized in their job search, job
application, or in marketing themselves. Their perseverance, stability
and warmth are usually communicated to others during the job search.
Potential drawbacks for ISFJs in the job search may include a tendency
to overlook unusual job possibilities or options, a tendency to
undersell themselves, and sensitivity to rejection. Under stress,
ISFJs may feel some pessimism during this process, and they may
become uncharacteristically impulsive. They can benefit from discussing
their concerns with a trusted friend, and from seeing the importance
of developing a larger perspective on their situation. They may
also benefit from cultivating a healthy amount of assertiveness
and optimism as they go about the job search.
Examples of careers often chosen by ISFJs include teaching (particularly
K-12), medical fields with high patient contact (including family
medicine and nursing), religious work, library careers, office and
clerical work, and personal and social service work.
ISFJs are found much less often in careers that are characterized
by a great deal of analytically-oriented technical work or work
that requires ongoing attention to more theoretical, abstract, and
symbolic information. They are also found much less often in careers
that require continual adaptation and frequent change, and careers
that require a more distant or analytical approach to people.
INFJ
INFJs are most likely to find interesting and satisfying those
careers that make use of their depth of concentration, their grasp
of possibilities, their warmth and sympathy (i.e., their emphasis
on interpersonal values), and their ability to organize. INFJs are
very often found in careers where creativity and tending to human
development are primary activities. Their orientation to people,
their confidence in their insights into the nature of things and
people, and their fertile imagination often attract them to careers
where they can draw out the possibilities in others. These same
qualities can also lead to exceptional empathic abilities, which
may seem to border on the psychic.
For INFJs the job search can be an opportunity to use their creativity
as well as their organizational and rapport-building skills. They
can envision job possibilities easily, and can pursue them both
through their ability to connect with others and through their potential
ability to be task-oriented. Their interpersonal orientation, persuasiveness
and insight are usually communicated to others during the job search.
Potential drawbacks for INFJs in the job search include unrealistic
expectations for a job, inaction, painful feelings that the job
search is grueling or cheapening, and inattention to details of
jobs or of the job search. Under stress, INFJs may develop a potentially
adversarial attitude toward the world of work, and may get caught
up in less relevant details. They may find it helpful to maintain
a sense of humor as they view events from a broader, more meaningful
perspective and as they develop more realistic job expectations
and flexibility in dealing with the details of the job search.
Examples of careers often chosen by INFJs include all positions
within all denominations of the ministry, education (including religious,
foreign language and the arts), architecture, medicine, psychology,
media and marketing work, counseling, and fine arts.
INFJs are found much less often in careers that are characterized
by a great deal of technical work, attention to detail, work that
requires realistic precision or production, or work that requires
more business and bureaucratic management abilities. They are also
found much less often in careers that require more practical hands-on
or mechanical work, or careers that may involve a significant amount
of interpersonal conflict.
INTJ
INTJs are most likely to find interesting and satisfying those
careers that make use of their depth of concentration, their grasp
of possibilities, their use of logic and analysis, and their ability
to organize. INTJs are very often found in academic, scientific,
theoretical, and technical positions that require prolonged periods
of solitary concentration and tough-minded analysis. Their task
orientation, powers of abstraction, perseverance, and willingness
to look at situations or systems in creative ways often draw them
to careers where they pursue the implementation of their inner vision.
Their trust in their own insights, their faith that they see into
the true meaning behind events, and their willingness to bring their
insights into practical real-world application often communicate
to others an impression of confidence, competence and drive. Though
these qualities often lead to their being placed in executive and
management positions, INTJs are intensely individualistic and resist
being bound to routine.
For INTJs the job search is an opportunity to use their creativity,
their skills in synthesizing information, and their ability to approach
the market in an organized and strategic fashion. They can usually
envision many career possibilities, and can selectively target and
pursue job options with their potential ability to be task-oriented.
Their competence, analytical skills and insight are usually communicated
to others during the job search. Potential drawbacks for INTJs in
the job search include unrealistic expectations for a job, inaction,
failure to communicate warmth or diplomacy in interactions with
others, and inattention to details of jobs or of the job search.
Under stress, INTJs may develop a potentially adversarial attitude
toward the world of work, and may get caught up in less relevant
details. They may find it helpful to analyze their experience objectively
as they see the need to be more realistic in their expectations
about jobs and to be more flexible in dealing with the details of
the job search.
Examples of careers often chosen by INTJs include law, engineering,
architecture, physical and life sciences, psychology and social
science, computer science, writing/editing, careers in the arts,
and consulting.
Careers in which INTJs are found much less often tend to be characterized
by a great deal of nurturing work, relationship-oriented work, or
work that requires practical, routinized production or delivery
of services. They are also found much less in careers that depend
predominantly on hands-on work, attention to detail, and/or adherence
to structures imposed by others.
ISTP
ISTPs are most likely to find interesting and satisfying those
careers that make use of their depth of concentration, their reliance
on facts, their use of logic and analysis, and their adaptability.
ISTPs are found in a variety of careers, but are most often found
in careers that require tough-minded analytical and realistic approaches.
Many of these careers are related to building and production, while
others involve providing direct delivery of technically oriented
services. Their quiet adaptability, realistic grounding, and their
willingness to critically analyze the facts often draw them to careers
where they can take a pragmatic approach to problem solving. They
may also manifest a great curiosity about things, not so much in
an abstract search for their meaning, but a curiosity about how
and why they work and about their application.
For ISTPs the job search is an opportunity to apply their analytical
skills to the facts of the job search. They can pragmatically gather
information on prospective jobs, and critically look at what they
need to do to apply for a job or to market themselves. Their ability
to adapt to the needs of the moment, take risks, and think realistically
about problems are usually communicated to others during the job
search. Potential drawbacks for ISTPs during the job search include
a tendency to focus on the immediate present rather than on long-term
job plans, difficulty in following through with job search tasks,
and putting off making job decisions out of fear that something
more exciting may come along. Under stress, ISTPs can feel overwhelmed
as they engage in this process, and can benefit from checking the
facts and realities of their situation. They can also benefit from
considering what is truly of value to them, which will give them
the drive to persevere and follow through on all parts of the job
search.
Examples of careers often chosen by ISTPs include military or
corrections work, farming, skilled trade and crafts work, mechanics,
electrical/electronic engineering or technical work, computer programming,
law, and accounting.
ISTPs are found much less often in careers that require a great
deal of nurturing work, relationship-oriented work and/or work that
requires attention to more highly theoretical, abstract and symbolic
material. They also tend to be found much less often in careers
in the field of religion (whether ministry or education), and careers
in the expressive arts.
ISFP
ISFPs are most likely to find interesting and satisfying those
careers that make use of their depth of concentration, their reliance
on facts, their warmth and sympathy (i.e., their emphasis on interpersonal
values), and their adaptability. ISFPs are very often found in careers
that allow for direct practical care of people or hands-on detail
work that may require much solitude. Their realistic grounding,
depth of feeling, and very personal approach to life often draw
them to careers where they can help others in very pragmatic ways.
Though often hidden, their warm and sympathetic nature can be felt
by others who know them, and they communicate kindness in ways that
make them exceptional candidates for working with people in need,
children or animals. Their idealism and deep feeling make them particularly
sensitive to the suffering of others.
For ISFPs the job search tends to be a practical and people-oriented
process. They are excellent gatherers of information, and their
personal orientation can open doors for gathering information from
people they know and trust. Their pragmatic people orientation,
hands-on abilities, and adaptability will usually be communicated
to others during the job search. Potential drawbacks for ISFPs in
the job search include a tendency to overlook unusual job opportunities
or options, an unwillingness to look at the long-term consequences
of a job decision, and a tendency to under evaluate their very real
accomplishments. Under stress, ISFPs can become quite critical of
others and feel incompetent as they engage in this process. If they
notice this trend, they can benefit from attending to the more empowering
facts of the situation, which may include truly acknowledging their
skills and the importance of communicating them to others. They
may also benefit from moderating their idealism and expectations
about jobs and the job search.
Examples of careers often chosen by ISFPs include health care
and service work, nursing, office or clerical work, personal service
careers, skilled craft, trade and technical careers (carpenter,
surveyor, radiological technician, etc.), police/detective careers,
and teaching (particularly K-12).
ISFPs are found much less often in careers that are highly structured
and in abstract fields such as management, engineering, and law.
In addition, they are found less often in careers that require a
great deal of tough-minded analysis of symbolic and technical material
and where skills of logical analysis are constantly called for.
They are also less commonly found in careers in the physical or
life sciences, careers in the performing or fine arts, and careers
in business or accounting.
INFP
INFPs are most likely to find interesting and satisfying those
careers that make use of their depth of concentration, their grasp
of possibilities, their warmth and sympathy (i.e., their emphasis
on interpersonal values), and their adaptability. INFPs are very
often found in careers where there are opportunities to help others.
Their very personal approach to life, their sensitivity to people,
and their willingness to look beyond what is present and obvious
often draw them to careers in which they can foster growth and development
in others. These qualities can also lead to an ability to quickly
establish rapport with others, and the development of excellent
communication skills.
For INFPs the job search can be an opportunity to use their creativity,
flexibility and their skills in self-expression. They can generate
a variety of job possibilities, consider them for their ability
to fulfill their values, and pursue them using their skills in communicating
with others, either in writing or in person. Their idealism, commitment,
flexibility and people skills will usually be communicated to others
in the job search. Potential drawbacks for INFPs in the job search
include unrealistic expectations for a job, feelings of inadequacy
or lack of confidence, and inattention to details of the jobs or
of the job search. Under stress, INFPs may become quite critical
of others and themselves, and they may hold themselves back because
they feel incompetent as they engage in this process. They can benefit
from allowing their intuition to give them a new perspective on
the possibilities available in the situation. They may also find
it helpful to truly acknowledge their skills, as well as the importance
of communicating those skills to others. In addition, INFPs can
benefit from developing realistic expectations about the job search,
and from objectively looking at the logical consequences of the
various decisions they make.
Examples of careers often chosen by INFPs include fine arts careers,
writing and journalism, psychology and psychiatry, social sciences,
counseling, architecture, education (religion, art, drama, music,
and foreign languages), library careers, acting, and entertainment.
INFPs are found much less often in careers that require skills
and interests in management, business, factory work, and other fields
requiring attention to detail, systematic logical analysis, or highly
structured work. They are also found much less often in careers
that require a great deal of interpersonal competition, or careers
that involve a significant amount of hands-on, manual, or mechanical
work.
INTP
INTPs are most likely to find interesting and satisfying those
careers that make use of their depth of concentration, their grasp
of possibilities, their use of logic and analysis, and their adaptability.
INTPs are very often found in academic, theoretical, and technical
positions, many of which require prolonged periods of solitary concentration
and tough-minded analysis. Their concern with ideas and their natural
curiosity about the underlying principles and explanations for events
often draws them to careers where an in-depth understanding of some
abstract subject is required. Their abilities to become absorbed
in an idea, to concentrate to the exclusion of all distractions,
and to be objectively critical and creative often lead to their
gaining a remarkable understanding of some complex problem, issue,
or subject matter.
For INTPs the job search is an opportunity to use their analytical
skills, their creativity and their adaptability. They can conceive
of a variety of job opportunities, see the long-term consequences
of decisions, and be innovative both in their job search and in
their selling of themselves. Their critical thinking skills, ingenuity,
and flexibility will usually be communicated to others in the job
search. Potential drawbacks for INTPs in the job search include
unrealistic expectations for a job or the job search, inaction,
failure to establish rapport with others or to attend to the interpersonal
requirements of the job search, and reluctance to make a decision.
Under stress, INTPs can feel overwhelmed as they engage in this
process, and can benefit from allowing their insight to provide
them with a new idea or a new perspective on the situation. They
may also find it useful to determine what is important to them,
and to be sure to act and follow through on the important details
of the job search. They can also benefit from considering what is
truly of value to them, which will give them the drive to persevere
and follow through on all parts of the job search.
Examples of careers often chosen by INTPs include physical and
life sciences, computer science, social sciences, architecture,
law, careers in the arts and entertainment, photography, writing
and journalism, engineering, and medicine.
Careers in which INTPs are found much less often tend to be highly
structured and detail oriented, or require living in a highly routinized
environment, such as in military or corrections work. INTPs are
also found much less often in careers that involve a great deal
of direct human service work or careers that require ongoing attention
to people's emotional lives or daily needs, including for example
the religious professions, nursing, or teaching young people.
ESTP
ESTPs are most likely to find interesting and satisfying those
careers that make use of their breadth of interests, their reliance
on facts, their use of logic and analysis, and their adaptability.
ESTPs are found in a variety of careers, but are most often found
in careers that require an active, realistic and hands-on approach.
Their realistic grounding, adaptability, and desire for contact
with the world often draw them to careers in trades, business and
sales, and some of the technically oriented professions. They are
inclined to put more trust in, and learn better from, firsthand
experience, and they have an active curiosity about the world in
which they live. Their friendliness, flexibility, and tolerance
of the realities of a situation can make them quite skillful in
handling interpersonal conflict. These qualities, in conjunction
with their use of a more objective and analytic approach to decision
making, can make them superbly pragmatic problem-solvers and skilled
in convincing or negotiating with others.
For ESTPs the job search is an extremely practical process. They
can actively make connections with others and/or make use of past
connections to gather information on jobs, they can critically and
objectively look at the realities of what will be required in the
job search, and they can typically sell themselves well. Their energy,
adaptability and practicality are usually communicated to others
during the job search. Potential drawbacks for ESTPs in the job
search include a tendency to focus only on the immediate present
rather than the long-term job plans, failure to consider unusual
job opportunities or career paths, and failure to follow through
or to communicate seriousness and dependability. Under stress, ESTPs
may feel very confused or inappropriately see negative meanings
in many events during the job search process. They may find it useful
to engage their objectivity to analyze the realities of a situation,
and they may benefit from understanding that their options are not
really closed off if they develop long-range career plans.
Examples of careers often chosen by ESTPs include marketing and
sales, police or corrections work, skilled trades and craft work,
construction work, banking, farming, management in small businesses
and government, journalism, and personal services.
ESTPs are found much less often in careers that require interests
or skills in the theoretical or abstract, such as engineering, architecture,
social sciences, or teaching. They also tend to be found much less
often in highly structured human care roles such as psychology,
health care, and the religious professions.
ESFP
ESFPs are most likely to find interesting and satisfying those
careers that make use of their breadth of interests, their reliance
on facts, their warmth and sympathy (i.e., their emphasis on interpersonal
values), and their adaptability. ESFPs are found in a variety of
careers, many of which include active health and human services,
such as nursing, teaching and childcare. Their warmth, enthusiasm,
attention to detail, and realistic grounding often draw them to
these people-oriented careers. ESFPs are also found working in many
office and clerical positions as well as in some active outside
jobs. They are inclined to put more trust in, and learn better from,
first-hand experience, and they have an active curiosity about the
world in which they live. ESFPs thoroughly enjoy being with others,
and their active curiosity leads them to seek ongoing involvement
not only with people, but also in all things physical.
For ESFPs the job search is a pragmatic process and an extension
of their very personal style. They can make use of past connections
with people or establish new connections easily to gather job information,
and they are often excellent at selling themselves and their adaptability.
Their pragmatic people orientation and people skills, their flexibility,
and their command of the facts are usually communicated to others
during the job search. Potential drawbacks for ESFPs in the job
search include a tendency to overlook unusual job options, lack
of planning and concern with the long view in their job search,
and a tendency to put off decision-making. Under stress, ESFPs may
feel very confused or inappropriately see negative meanings in many
events during the job search process. They may find it useful to
engage their feeling to decide what is important to them, and they
may benefit from understanding that their options are not really
closed off if they develop long-range career plans.
Examples of careers often chosen by ESFPs include teaching (particularly
pre-school through grade 12) and coaching, childcare work, clerical
and office work, recreational work, food service, nursing, sales,
personal services, and religious work/education.
ESFPs are found much less often in careers that are highly structured,
theory oriented, or in high technology positions such as engineering,
management, and computer sciences. They are also found much less
often in careers that tend to require a more impersonal and analytical
approach to people, such as social science or law, or that have
very little contact with people, such as research or highly quantitative
work (e.g., research, accounting, auditing).
ENFP
ENFPs are most likely to find interesting and satisfying those
careers that make use of their breadth of interests, their grasp
of possibilities, their warmth and sympathy (i.e., their emphasis
on interpersonal values), and their adaptability. ENFPs are very
often found in careers that are characterized by interests and abilities
in working with people and fostering their growth, or that require
skills in communication and expression, whether in oral or written
form. Their interest in symbols, meaning, and human relationships
often attracts them to careers where they can be active, involved
with others, and/or pursue new horizons. These same qualities can
also lead to their developing particular skills in understanding
others and drawing out the possibilities in them. Their imagination
and enthusiasm lead them to be innovative in whatever they have
chosen as a career, and they are almost driven to think of new projects
and new ways of doing things. Their inspirations provide them with
the energy to initiate a variety of new activities, and finding
solutions to problems energizes them. They do not sit still for
long, if ever, due to their active involvement with the world.
For ENFPs the job search can be an opportunity to use their energy,
creativity and adaptability. They can imagine a variety of job possibilities,
make use of their wide variety of relationships to gather information
about job opportunities, and market themselves with confidence.
Their ingenuity, enthusiasm, and people skills will usually be communicated
to others during the job search. Potential drawbacks for the ENFP
in the job search include unrealistic expectations about jobs or
the job search, a tendency to let opportunities pass by for lack
of decision-making, and failure to be organized or to follow through
on important details. Under stress, ENFPs may become withdrawn and
listless, or they may become inappropriately concerned with the
details of the job search. They may find it helpful to reconsider
what their values are and what is important to them as they attend
to the realities of the job search, and to appreciate the necessity
of taking a measured approach to the job search process.
Examples of careers often chosen by ENFPs include counseling, teaching
(particularly at the high school and university level), psychology,
journalism/writing, social science, fine arts, acting and entertainment,
music, the ministry and religious education, food service, and public
relations.
ENFPs are found much less often in careers that require a great
deal of precision and logical analysis, or careers that are highly
structured or routinized, such as careers in management or in the
hard sciences. ENFPs are also found less often in careers that require
a great deal of hands-on work or work in isolation.
ENTP
ENTPs are most likely to find interesting and satisfying those
careers that make use of their breadth of interests, their grasp
of possibilities, their use of logic and analysis, and their adaptability.
ENTPs are found in a variety of careers that reflect their diversity
of interests, but the fields in which they work typically allow
them to engage their inventive and analytical minds. Their creativity,
comfort with the abstract, and problem-solving abilities often attract
them to careers in the fields of science, communications, and technology.
They are almost driven to start new projects or envision new ways
of doing things, and because they are so stimulated by complexity
and new problems to solve, they are often found in careers where
trouble-shooting plays a part. In addition, whatever career they
choose must provide them with a stream of new challenges, whether
that career is in the sciences, journalism, or elsewhere. ENTPs
are not inclined to sit still for long.
For ENTPs the job search can be an opportunity to use their energy,
creativity, and flexibility. They can usually imagine a wide range
of possibilities, analyze what needs to be done to maximize their
chances in the job search, and enthusiastically market themselves.
Their enthusiasm, ingenuity, and thoughtful adaptability will usually
be communicated to others in the job search. Potential drawbacks
for ENTPs in the job search include inattention to the facts and
details of jobs or of the job search, inattention to the emotional
climate of interviews, and a tendency to allow opportunities to
pass by due to lack of decision-making or follow-through activities.
Under stress, they may become withdrawn and listless, or they may
become inappropriately concerned with the details of the job search.
They may find it helpful to objectively analyze the realities of
their situation and to understand the necessity of taking a measured
approach to the job search process.
Examples of careers often chosen by ENTPs include photography,
marketing, public relations, journalism/writing, engineering, computer
sciences, life and physical sciences, construction, consulting,
acting, arts and entertainment, and law.
ENTPs are found much less often in careers that require a great
deal of pragmatic personal care or the fostering of relationships.
For example, they are found much less often in careers in childcare,
teaching younger students (pre-school through grade 12), nursing,
or careers in the field of religion.
ESTJ
ESTJs are most likely to find interesting and satisfying those
careers that make use of their breadth of interests, their reliance
on facts, their use of logic and analysis, and their ability to
organize. ESTJs are often found in careers that require the use
of tough-minded, fact-oriented, and goal-directed analysis to provide
leadership and direction, and they are often found in high numbers
in management and administrative positions. Their energetic orientation
to action, along with their objective and realistic decision-making
style, often attracts them to these positions, and these same qualities
often lead to their developing active and effective organizational
and management skills. They are usually comfortable applying their
standards of what is correct, efficient, and sensible to all aspects
of their environment, and thus they can be very analytical and matter-of-fact
in their evaluations not only of situations, but of people as well.
For ESTJs the job search is a very pragmatic process and a natural
extension of their approach to the world. Decision-making tends
to come naturally to them, and they are efficient and thorough in
their gathering of information and in their marketing of themselves.
Their ability to network, their stability, and their logical and
realistic approach to work will usually be communicated to others
during the job search. Potential drawbacks for ESTJs in the job
search may include failure to consider unusual opportunities, making
decisions too quickly, and a tendency to be unaware of the interpersonal
climate of interviews. Under stress, they may feel overwhelmed or
become oversensitive to perceived criticisms of their competence
as they engage in the job search. They may find it useful to take
another look at the facts and realities of their situation, and
to consider the importance of staying open to possibilities and
to the roles relationships play in the job search process.
Examples of careers often chosen by ESTJs include management careers
(in retail, business, restaurant, banking, public service, and government),
technical/trade teaching, careers in the military, police and corrections
work, social and public services, accounting, and construction.
ESTJs are found much less often in careers that require a great
deal of human service work or work requiring emotional care of others,
such as careers in the counseling or the religious professions.
In addition, they are found less often in work that requires ongoing
attention to more theoretical, abstract or symbolic material, or
invention-oriented work. They are also found less often in careers
in the arts or fine arts, journalism, or careers in the social sciences.
ESFJ
ESFJs are most likely to find interesting and satisfying those
careers that make use of their breadth of interests, their reliance
on facts, their warmth and sympathy (i.e., their emphasis on interpersonal
values), and their ability to organize. ESFJs are very often found
in careers that are characterized by a great deal of communication,
nurturance and people-oriented work, including teaching and spiritually
oriented positions. Their valuing of interpersonal harmony and their
desire to find practical ways of working with and helping others
often attracts them to these careers, and these same qualities often
lead to their developing excellent skills in working with people.
Their energy, warmth, and compassion suit them to work in any field
in which they have direct contact with others, and they are often
skilled in promoting and supporting fellowship and harmony. Their
willingness to idealize whatever they find valuable can lead to
great loyalty to their organization or the people with whom they
work. Tradition and community can have great meaning for them, and
thus they will often work dutifully to meet the ends of the setting
in which they work.
For ESFJs the job search is a people-oriented pragmatic process.
They are able to develop networks and rely on existing relationships
to aid in their gathering of information, and they can make use
of their organizational skills in preparing for and following through
on the search. Their enthusiasm, warmth, and conscientiousness are
usually communicated to others during the job search. Potential
drawbacks for ESFJs in the job search may include a tendency to
make decisions or evaluations of situations too quickly, ignoring
objective or long-range considerations in career planning, a tendency
to overlook unusual job possibilities or options, and sensitivity
to rejection. Under stress, ESFJs may become excessively critical,
not only of themselves, but also of others. They may also begin
seeing career problems in a black-and-white manner and have unrealistic
expectations for advice from experts. They can benefit from attending
to all of the facts of their situation, and from appreciating that
harmony is not always necessary or possible in the job search.
Examples as careers often chosen by ESFJs include teaching (particularly
K-12 and adult education), religious work (all forms of ministry
and education), health care (including nursing and health education),
personal service work, childcare, household and domestic services,
and office and clerical work.
ESFJs are found much less often in careers that are characterized
by a great deal of highly abstract, technical and analytical work,
as in computer sciences, engineering, and physical sciences. They
tend to be found less often in careers where extensive use of theory
and logical analysis are required. They are also found much less
often in careers where there may be low contact with people, where
a more abstract, impersonal or analytical approach to people is
involved, or where pragmatic outcomes are not obvious, as in the
social sciences, psychology, law, and careers in the arts.
ENFJ
ENFJs are most likely to find interesting and satisfying those
careers that make use of their breadth of interests, their grasp
of possibilities, their warmth and sympathy (i.e., their emphasis
on interpersonal values), and their ability to organize. ENFJs are
very often found in careers that require organization, expressiveness,
and an interest in people's emotional, intellectual, and spiritual
development. Their orientation to people, their desire for harmony,
and their imagination often attract them to these careers, and these
same qualities often lead to their developing excellent skills in
understanding and working with others. Their energy, warmth, and
compassion suit them to work in any field in which they have contact
with others, and they are often skilled in promoting fellowship
and harmony. They are willing to see the points of view of others,
they are tolerant of a variety of opinions, and their enthusiasm
often gives them exceptional skills in working with groups. These
qualities and skills, in conjunction with their focus on possibilities
for people, often draw them to the religious professions, counseling,
or teaching.
For ENFJs the job search is a natural extension of their energetic,
people-oriented, and organized style. They are able to see a variety
of job possibilities, develop a job search plan, and develop and
rely on existing networks in gathering information and in marketing
themselves. Their enthusiasm, their people and communication skills,
and their creativity are usually communicated to others during the
job search. Potential drawbacks for ENFJs in the job search may
include a tendency to make decisions or evaluations of a situation
too quickly, inattention to the details or facts of jobs or of the
job search, and a tendency to take rejection personally. Under stress,
they may become excessively critical, not only of themselves, but
of others. They may also begin seeing career problems in a black-and-white
manner and have unrealistic expectations for advice from experts.
They can benefit from allowing their intuition to provide a broader,
more meaningful perspective on their situation, and from appreciating
that harmony is not always necessary or possible in the job search.
Examples of careers often chosen by ENFJs include religious professions
(in all denominations and areas of service, including religious
education), teaching, counseling and psychology, acting, music,
fine arts, writing and journalism, library work, and health care
professions (including family practice medicine, nursing, and health
education).
ENFJs are found much less often in careers that require interests
or skills in business or technical analysis, attention to detail,
or hands-on precision trade work, as in engineering or computer
operations. They are also found much less often in careers that
involve a great deal of interpersonal conflict (as in police or
corrections work), administrative work or business management (particularly
if that work is not related to a people-oriented profession), or
careers that have a low level of contact with people.
ENTJ
ENTJs are most likely to find interesting and satisfying those
careers that make use of their breadth of interests, their grasp
of possibilities, their use of logic and analysis, and their ability
to organize. ENTJs are very often found in careers that require
drive, leadership, innovation, and tough-minded analysis; hence,
they are often found in management and leadership positions. They
are often very aware of power and status issues. Their orientation
to decision-making and action, and their determination to make things
happen often attract them to these careers, and these same qualities
can also lead to their developing skills in managing and systematically
achieving goals they have set. They are usually comfortable applying
their clear sense of what is correct, efficient, and effective to
all aspects of their environment, and thus they can be very analytical
and matter-of-fact in their evaluations not only of situations,
but of people as well. Their approach to other people tends to be
more impersonal, and they value competence in others, even as they
value it in themselves.
For ENTJs the job search is an opportunity to use their analytical
and planning skills, and their ability to approach the market in
an organized and strategic fashion. Decision-making comes naturally
to them, and they are able to make use of networks to gather information
and to achieve their career search goals. Their drive, problem-solving
abilities, competence and willingness to take charge are usually
communicated to others during the job search. Potential drawbacks
for ENTJs in the job search may include making decisions too quickly
and without enough information, a tendency to ignore the interpersonal
climate of interviews, failure to communicate diplomacy in interactions
with others, and impatience with the details of the job search.
Under stress, they may feel overwhelmed or become oversensitive
to perceived criticisms of their competence as they engage in the
job search, and they may find it useful to consider alternative
explanations or to find a larger perspective on their situation.
They may also find it useful to consider the importance of patience
and of staying open to the roles relationships play in the job search
process.
Examples of careers often chosen by ENTJs include a variety of
management and administrative positions, business and finance, marketing,
psychology and social sciences, law, physical and life sciences,
teaching (particularly at the university level), consulting, human
resources, acting, and computer sciences.
ENTJs are found much less often in careers that require ongoing
attention to the spiritual, emotional or personal needs of others,
or that require high levels of pragmatic nurturance, including for
example religious professions, nursing, or teaching young people.
They are also found much less often in careers that involve providing
domestic or personal services, or that require a great deal of detail-oriented
clerical work.
