Did you know that your personality could be the key to finding a more fulfilling career? The way you think, interact, and approach challenges can tell you about the type of work environment where you'll excel.
Finding the right jobs for personality types suggests that by understanding your unique traits, you can choose a career path that aligns with your natural strengths and preferences. This approach emphasizes how your individual characteristics influence the way you work and develop professionally.
In this article, we’ll explain what The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is and how it can help you discover the best career fit for your personality type.
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
The Myers-Briggs Personality Types are part of a psychological framework developed by Isabel Briggs Myers and her mother, Katharine Cook Briggs, based on Carl Jung’s theory of personality. The system categorizes people into 16 distinct personality types, determined by preferences in four key areas:
- Extraversion (E) vs. Introversion (I): This aspect reflects where a person focuses their energy. Extraverts gain energy from interacting with others and engaging in external activities, while introverts recharge through solitude and reflection.
- Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N): This dimension relates to how people process information. Sensing types focus on concrete facts and details, while Intuitive types are more focused on patterns, concepts, and future possibilities.
- Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F): This scale determines how decisions are made. Thinking types make decisions based on logic and objective analysis while Feeling types prioritize personal values and the feelings of others.
- Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P): This dimension reflects how individuals approach the outside world. Judging types prefer structure, organization, and plans, whereas Perceiving types are more adaptable and open to new experiences.
The best jobs for each personality type—based on the Myers-Briggs framework
The Myers-Briggs framework is widely used in career counseling, personal development, and team-building to help individuals understand how their personality influences behavior and interactions. By understanding these types, you can identify career paths that align with your natural strengths and preferences.
Let’s explore each personality type and its ideal career fit:
1. Jobs for ISTJ personality type—The Inspector
ISTJs are grounded, practical, and dependable individuals who thrive on tradition, order, and structure. They’re highly detail-oriented, logical, and responsible, taking pride in their work and their ability to meet deadlines. ISTJs value reliability and often have a strong sense of duty, making them excellent at maintaining order and upholding rules.
Recommended careers (click on any to find related open jobs on The Muse):
2. Jobs for ISFJ personality type—The Protector
ISFJs are nurturing, compassionate, and highly dependable individuals who take a personal interest in the well-being of others. They’re meticulous and detail-oriented, excelling in providing support and ensuring stability in both personal and professional environments. ISFJs are natural caretakers and find joy in serving others, making them perfect for roles that require empathy and attention to detail.
Recommended careers (click on any to find related open jobs on The Muse):
3. Jobs for INFJ personality type—The Counselor
INFJs are deeply introspective, empathetic, and idealistic individuals with a strong sense of purpose. They’re often driven by a desire to help others and make a positive impact on the world. INFJs are also known for their insightfulness, often understanding people's emotions and motivations better than they do themselves. They are drawn to careers that involve helping others grow, and they tend to seek out roles where they can make a lasting difference.
Recommended careers (click on any to find related open jobs on The Muse):
4. Jobs for INTJ personality type—The Mastermind
INTJs are strategic, independent, and visionary thinkers who excel in complex problem-solving. They’re highly analytical, preferring to rely on logic and data to make decisions. INTJs tend to be future-oriented, always planning and working toward long-term goals. They are often leaders in their fields, driven by a deep desire to innovate and improve systems, processes, and outcomes.
Recommended careers (click on any to find related open jobs on The Muse):
5. Jobs for ISTP personality type—The Crafter
ISTPs are logical, independent, and action-oriented problem-solvers who enjoy working with their hands. They’re resourceful and thrive in situations where they can quickly assess a problem and find practical solutions. ISTPs are also highly adaptable, often excelling in roles that require flexibility and the ability to think on their feet.
Recommended careers (click on any to find related open jobs on The Muse):
6. Jobs for ISFP personality type—The Composer
ISFPs are sensitive, creative, and spontaneous individuals who are deeply in touch with their surroundings. They value personal freedom and enjoy expressing themselves through art, music, or other creative outlets. ISFPs are often drawn to careers that allow them to explore their creativity and connect with the beauty of the world around them.
Recommended careers (click on any to find related open jobs on The Muse):
If that’s your personality type, this might also interest you: 6 Companies Where You Can Unleash Your Creativity
7. Jobs for INFP personality type—The Healer
INFPs are idealistic, empathetic, and deeply introspective. They’re guided by a strong set of values and are passionate about making a positive difference in the world. INFPs are often drawn to careers where they can help others on a personal level, and they thrive in creative and supportive environments where they can express their emotions and personal beliefs.
Recommended careers (click on any to find related open jobs on The Muse):
8. Jobs for INTP personality type—The Architect
INTPs are analytical, curious, and inventive thinkers who are fascinated by complex ideas and theories. They enjoy solving abstract problems and love exploring new possibilities. INTPs thrive in environments that encourage creativity and intellectual exploration, and they excel in fields where they can apply their problem-solving skills to theoretical or technical challenges.
Recommended careers (click on any to find related open jobs on The Muse):
9. Jobs for ESTP personality type—The Promoter
ESTPs are energetic, pragmatic, and adventurous individuals who thrive in fast-paced environments. They are excellent at responding to immediate challenges and excel in situations that require quick thinking and decision-making. ESTPs are action-oriented and often enjoy roles that involve risk-taking, leadership, and excitement.
Recommended careers (click on any to find related open jobs on The Muse):
- Sales manager
- Entrepreneur
- Police officer
- Paramedic
- Stockbroker
10. Jobs for ESFP personality type—The Performer
ESFPs are outgoing, enthusiastic, and spontaneous individuals who love being the center of attention. They are social and enjoy connecting with others in dynamic, fun environments. ESFPs thrive in careers that allow them to engage with people and bring joy, creativity, and energy to others.
Recommended careers (click on any to find related open jobs on The Muse):
- Actor
- Event planner
- Teacher
- Salesperson
- Travel blogger
11. Jobs for ENFP personality type—The Champion
ENFPs are passionate, creative, and highly energetic individuals who are driven by their values. They’re excellent at inspiring others and are always looking for new opportunities to explore. ENFPs excel in roles that require them to be innovative, communicative, and enthusiastic, often thriving in environments where they can help others grow.
Recommended careers (click on any to find related open jobs on The Muse):
- Public relations specialist
- Actor
- Entrepreneur
- Writer
- Counselor
12. Jobs for ENFJ personality type—The Teacher
ENFJs are charismatic, empathetic, and natural-born leaders. They’re highly attuned to the emotions and needs of others and are driven by a desire to help people reach their full potential. ENFJs are often seen as motivators, inspiring others to pursue their dreams and accomplish their goals.
Recommended careers (click on any to find related open jobs on The Muse):
- Teacher
- Therapist
- Politician
- Human Resources manager
- Public speaker
13. Jobs for ENTP personality type—The Visionary
ENTPs are quick-witted, confident, and inventive thinkers who love to explore new ideas and challenge the status quo. They thrive in environments that encourage innovation and intellectual debate. ENTPs enjoy solving complex problems, often coming up with creative solutions that others may overlook.
Recommended careers (click on any to find related open jobs on The Muse):
- Entrepreneur
- Lawyer
- Journalist
- Inventor
- Consultant
14. Jobs for ENTJ personality type—The Commander
ENTJs are assertive, strategic, and goal-oriented leaders. They excel in managing complex systems and are natural problem-solvers who are often drawn to leadership roles. ENTJs are highly organized and enjoy taking charge, focusing on efficiency and productivity.
Recommended careers (click on any to find related open jobs on The Muse):
15. Jobs for ESFJ personality type—The Provider
ESFJs are warm, cooperative, and deeply invested in maintaining harmonious relationships. They’re highly sociable and thrive in environments that involve teamwork and support. ESFJs are excellent caregivers and excel in roles that require interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and a strong sense of duty.
Recommended careers (click on any to find related open jobs on The Muse):
16. Jobs for ESTJ personality type—The Supervisor
ESTJs are practical, logical, and results-driven individuals who excel in organizing people and resources. They’re efficient and reliable, preferring structure and clear expectations. ESTJs are often found in leadership roles that require decision-making, problem-solving, and a focus on results.
Recommended careers (click on any to find related open jobs on The Muse):
Find the right career for your personality type
Exploring careers based on your Myers-Briggs personality type helps identify roles where you’ll thrive. Various career tests and resources, including compatibility charts, offer career recommendations tailored to each personality type. While there's no universally accepted guide, several platforms provide valuable insights.
- Official Myers-Briggs Website: Tools to understand your personality type and career alignment.
- Career counseling websites: 16personalities and Truity offer career advice based on your MBTI results.
- Online MBTI tests: MBTIonline.com provides tests with career recommendations.
Work that works for you
The Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator is a valuable tool for exploring careers that match your strengths and preferences. While it can guide you toward roles where you're likely to succeed, it is not a measure of skills or intelligence. Real-world experience, skills, interests, and values are equally important in finding the right career. The MBTI is best used as a guide, not a definitive answer.