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It’s a fact: Workers who enjoy their careers are overall happier and perform better on the job. One way to determine how much you’ll enjoy your career is to look at jobs tailored for your personality. Are you looking for careers that fit my personality? Take a look at different personality types and find a career perfectly suited for you.
Certain workplaces and careers attract different personality types. Success on the job or within a company’s culture might require a certain personality type. This is why it is important to find careers that fit my personality. For example, an extrovert might exceed in sales while an introvert might prefer app development. It all boils down to how your intrinsic traits match with your career path.
One widely-used tool to determine personality type is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality test. The MBTI breaks personalities down into 16 types based on 8 characteristics:
This means your personality types might be ENFP or INTJ, based on your specific traits. You can have a test administered by a professional, but you can also get a general idea about your personality type from an online quiz.
The MBTI is a way of typing people based on how they think and act. Personality typing can help you point out general ways people are different and then puts them into meaningful groups based on their distinct traits.
The MBTI has been around for a long time. It was developed in the 1960s and is based on the work of famous psychologist Carl Jung.
Each of the 4 characteristics or dimensions presents a choice between two opposing styles of being. It's an either-or choice. The combination of these four preferences forms a personality type. This personality type can help determine predictable thought and behavior patterns. This can lead to similarities in the way people of the same personality type approach their lives and the career paths that might suit them.
Many companies use the MBTI to screen and learn more about job candidates. They might look at personality type to determine how you’ll work on a team, in which positions you’ll excel and how you’ll fit in with the company’s culture.
Personality Characteristics ExplainedThe four letters in an MBTI each stand for a different personality trait. This can define a style in your behavior or thinking.
Breaking Down the 16 Personality TypesEach personality type comes with its own traits. Here are summaries of the 16 types.
The traits that come from an introverted, sensing, thinking and judging personality can be intimidating. Many ISTJs come across as serious, proper and formal. They often have old school values. They honor hard work, uphold patience and display social responsibility. They also might seem quiet, upright and calm.
Do you have creative ideas? Do you ooze imagination? If so, you might be an INFJ. You’ll likely find that INFJs have a different perspective on the world around them. Their personality traits give them depth and substance in their views of the world. INFJs never take anything at surface level. They have brilliant ideas and are good at accepting the big picture. Sometimes INFJs might be perceived as weird or different because of their distinctive outlook on life.
INTJs can be quiet and reserved. Like other introverts, they are comfortable being alone. INTJs are self-sufficient. They prefer to work alone rather than in a group because socializing can drain their energy. Many INTJs need alone time to recharge after social situations. INTJs are idea people. They are interested in thoughts and theories. You might find an INTJ questioning why things happen the way they do. INTJs are planners and don’t like uncertainty.
ISTPs are an interesting group. That can be logical and rational, but also spontaneous and enthusiastic. The might keep their personality traits under wraps, making them come across as mysterious. This means that even people who know them well have trouble predicting their reactions or their next moves. Though they are spontaneous and unpredictable, they can hide these traits from the world around them.
Like other introverts, INFPs come across as being reserved and quiet. They don’t like to toot their own horns, so they don’t like to talk about themselves or their accomplishments. They value alone time and solitude, and might enjoy spending time in quiet places where they can observe and analyze the world around them. They love dissecting and evaluating symbols and signs and can relate these to the deeper meaning of life. They might be lost in daydreams at times. They can often be found with their heads in the clouds. Fantasies, thoughts and ideas are important to INFPs
INTP might be the most logical of all the personality types. They are known for their rationale and theories, INTPs have a knack for picking up on patterns and divarications. INTPs also have a well-developed ability to read people. This means it’s a bad idea to lie to an INTP. You might find that INTPs aren’t overinvolved with everyday activities. However, when they find a place to express their full potential, greatness will ensue. INTPs will work without limits toward developing a fair and insightful solution to any challenge they encounter.
The warmest and outgoing, the ISFP might not seem like an introvert at first. They are approachable and friendly, even if they have trouble relating to others at times. ISFPs are fun to be with and they make wonderful friends. They can be spontaneous and make a great adventure partner, whether planned or unplanned. ISFPs often live in the present moment and live their lives to the fullest. They love exploring new places and enjoying new experiences. They often find wisdom in new experiences. ISFPs value meeting new people.
Unselfish and kind-hearted, ISFJs are always ready to give back. They often return generosity with even more generosity. They support people and ideas they believe in with passion and spirit. ISFJs can be very attuned to other people’s moods and feelings. Harmony and cooperation are very important to ISFJs. In many cases, ISFJs are appreciated for being considerate and aware. They are also valued for their ability to bring out the best in others.
ENFJ: The GiverLike other extroverts, ENFJs are people focused. They are charming, charismatic, outspoken and idealistic. ENFJs value principals and ethics. They can be very outspoken but are able to connect with most people regardless of their personality or background. ENFJs often rely on their intuition and feelings in many situations. You might find that ENFJs tend to live in their fantasies rather than the real world. Instead of focusing on the present moment, ENFJs are often lost in daydreams. Abstract concepts and possibilities appeal to ENFJs and often occupy their thoughts.
When you think of an extrovert, an ESFJ likely comes to mind. ESFJs are social butterflies. They like making people happy and can be quite popular. Many high school sports athletes and cheerleaders are ESFJs. Later in life, they still enjoy the spotlight but might focus more on their families, friends and their surrounding community. ESFJ is one of the more common personality types and they are liked by many people.
ESFPs can be quite entertaining. Generally perceived as performers, they have an extroverted, sensing, feeling personality. ESFPs often have strong people skills. They are fun and lively and live to be the center of attention. This doesn’t mean they are selfish, though. ESFPs are also concerned about the well being of others and are friendly and sympathetic. They love exploring and experiencing new things and telling others about their experience.
ESTP: The DoerThose with an ESTP personality don’t stay still for long. They’re always on the move. ESTPs are driven by an innate need for social interaction. They also thrive on logical processes. You might find that ESTPs don’t like being tied down in one place for long -- they need freedom. ESTPs tend to not look before they leap, and might focus on fixing mistakes as they make them rather than preparing plans in advance. Their spontaneous approach to life and work mean that some situations, like school, might be challenging at times.
ENFPs aren’t cookie cutter people. They often create their own styles, methods, habits and actions. They are independent thinkers and often have their own ideas. ENFPs hate being forced to live in a box. They enjoy the company of others and they have an intuitive drive. ENFPs operated based on their feelings, which means they can be quite thoughtful and perceptive. Additionally, ENFPs have many diverse talents. They have the drive to become good at anything that interests them. On the same token, when disinterested, ENFPs tend to give up quickly. They do best in situations that allow them to be creative and generate new ideas.
Unlike other extroverts, ENTPs might not thrive in social situations. They don’t enjoy small talk and might have trouble relating to people who are different. ENTPs are very intelligent people and value knowledge. This side has a caveat, as they also feel the need to be constantly stimulated mentally. They like discussing facts and theories in detail. ENTPs are rational and logical, and they go into most discussions and arguments with a clear, objective mind. They aren’t afraid to question things around them and will dismiss ideas that aren’t logical. They value freedom and don’t like to be controlled.
ENTJs are natural born leaders who see obstacles as opportunities. Their primary focus is external and making sure everything around them is dealt with logically and rationally. Their secondary mode of operation is internal. Internally, they focus on reasoning and intuition. They like pushing themselves and making decisions. This gives them a natural knack for leadership. ENTJs do not like to sit still and often have a take-charge mentality. Even though they are extroverts and need contact with others, they can have trouble relating to other people.
You’ll likely find that ESTJs are traditional, principled and organized. They are model citizens and take pride in doing what is right. ESTJs are role models and natural born leaders. They have a knack for taking on obstacles and make overcoming them look simple and easy. Because of their traditional side, ESTJs might have trouble accepting unconventional and new ideas. ESTJs don’t tolerate change well and would rather stay in familiar situations. They love organizing events that bring communities and family together and uphold traditional values.
With so many personality types and so many job paths, it might seem daunting to find a career that fits my personality. Read on to learn more about which careers might be a good fit for you.
Careers That Fit My PersonalityIf you know your personality type, you can determine what jobs might be a good match for you -- even without taking a career test. Use the guide below to help determine careers that fit my personality.
This personality type are natural leaders with a knack for memorization and details. They can be great leaders, but tend to prefer to work behind the scenes. Great career choices for ISTJs include:
INFJs can be true visionaries. They find fulfillment when they are working forward their vision. Great career choices for INFJs include:
You might find that INTJs have a keen ability to grasp difficult and complex ideas. They excel at building strategies to overcome these complex challenges. If you’re an INTJ, careers that fit my personality include:
If you stay calm under pressure, you might be an ISTP. ISTPs excel in positions that are quick moving and require immediate action. Careers that suit an ISTP personality include:
Personal values and creativity make INFPs unique. INFPs like offering support from behind the scenes and tend to avoid the spotlight. Careers that may fit an INFP personality include:
INTPs are very analytical and very good at finding patterns. They can often find ways to correlate seemingly unrelated things. They work best when they can use their well-honed critical thinking skills. Careers that may fit an INTP personality include:
ISFPWith skills in the arts and helping others, ISFPs are introverts who like working with people. They might excel in careers including:
ISFJs excel in situations with structure. They are good at helping people reach their goals and can be traditional and down to earth. If you’re an ISFJ, careers that fit your personality might include:
People focused and value driven, ENFJs can help others be their best selves. They also can provide excellent leadership. Careers that fit an ENFJ personality include:
ESFJs have warm outgoing personalities. They perform well in jobs where they can let their personalities shine and build relationships with others. Careers that suit and ENFJ personality include:
Known for being optimistic and fun loving, ESFPs are an enthusiastic bunch. They excel at motivating others. If you’re an ESFP, careers that fit your personality might include:
ESTPs never slow down. They’re always on the go, which means they can react to and solve problems practically as the occur. They also have a knack for persuading other people. Careers that suit and ESTP personality might include:
ENFPs march to the beat of their own drums. They like being in positions that let them be creative and have fun. They excel at careers that let them express themselves and foster their spontaneity. Careers that may fit an ENFP personality include:
Freedom oriented ENTPS excel in careers that allow them to work independently. They also love when they can express their creativity and insight. Careers that best suit an ENTP personality type include:
Born leaders like ENTJs can steer an entire organization toward their vision. They are very organized and have clear site of what needs to be done. They excel in careers where they can use their ingrained leadership skills. Career options that suit an ENTJ personality include:
ESTJs are also natural leaders. They excel at enforcing the rules. You’ll likely find that ESTJs are traditional, principled and organized. They are model citizens and take pride in doing what is right.
Your MBTI type can determine more than just careers at which you might excel. It can determine how you’ll form workplace relationships, how you’ll work on a team and how you might fit into the company culture. It can be very useful in finding careers that fit my personality.
Leadership Styles of Each Personality TypeSome personality types, like the ESTJ, are natural born leaders. That doesn’t mean that other personalities can’t excel in leadership roles. Knowing your personality type’s leadership style can further help your breakdown careers that fit my personality and how you might advance in your career.
Here are how the 16 personality types might perform as leaders:
Regardless of your personality type or leadership/mentor style, you’ll be able to find a career path that suits you. Take a personality test, browse careers that fit my personality and start working toward your dream job.
