Career Matches by Personality Type

Have you ever wondered what the best career match is for each of the 16 Myers-Briggs personality types? What type of workers are SJ Temperament types, or NT ones? Listed below are satisfying careers for each of the 16 Personality Types.

SJ Career Matches (Pragmatists)

SJ personality types (people who possess the Sensing and Judging preferences) are unmatched when it comes to practical problem-solving, organization, and structure. They are highly reliable people who don’t let go of a task until they finish it. Their decision-making process is based primarily on objective facts and logic, and they are very results-oriented. SJ types prefer clear definition in their activities and value structure in the way they work and spend their time.

ESTJ Career Matches (The Administrator)

An ESTJ, or The Administrator, often ends up being the person in charge, and this is perfect for them, since they wouldn’t have it any other way. They are also sometimes nicknamed The Overseer, so taking charge of situations and guiding others in pursuit of common goals comes naturally to them. What’s more, they often climb very high up the ladder in any sphere. The fact that at least ten U.S. presidents, including Andrew Jackson and Harry S. Truman, are believed to have been ESTJs is a testament to the abilities of this MBTI personality type.

These are people who are able to make quick, informed, and logical decisions. In their work, they like to deal with real-world problems rather than abstract or philosophical matters. This is why it should come to no surprise that they often tackle issues head on, without hesitation or emotional constraints. ESTJs have the ability to quickly assess situations and take necessary action for the best possible result. Most of the time, they won’t rest until they have completed the task at hand.

Here are several career matches that fit ESTJs’ personality traits:

• Accountant
• Senior Manager
• Auditor
• Military Officer
• Banker
• Financial Officer
• Government Worker
• Engineer
• Police Officer
• Business Administrator
• Business Analyst
• Computer Specialist
• Detective
• Scientist
• Judge
• Insurance Agent
• Economist
• Teacher
• Editor
• Technical Specialist
• Nursing Administrator
• Underwriter
• Professor
• Lecturer
• Manager
• Librarian
• Researcher

ESFJ Career Matches (The Caregiver)

Out of all the personality types, ESFJs are among the most dedicated when it comes to their duties. Loyal and decisive, they have a results-oriented mindset, and they’re go-getters who plan meticulously and then take action. Their easy warmth, attentiveness, and enthusiasm serve them well in professional settings – they’re nicknamed The Caregiver for a reason. ESFJs are consistently mindful of others’ feelings, balancing pragmatism with compassion. It’s essential for them to have clear roles and guidelines in their work environment so they can perform at their best.

ESFJs are likely to be attracted to people-facing roles where they can make meaningful human connections. Solitary roles leave them feeling restless – they would rather work alongside a team that they can interact with throughout the day. Emotional feedback is crucial for them, and they want to feel affirmed and validated. When they visibly help others flourish, ESFJs become more driven than ever.

Here are several career matches that fit ESFJs:

• Accountant
• Bookkeeper
• Childcare Worker
• Church Worker
• Human Resources
• Counselor
• Family Doctor
• Homemaker
• Nurse
• Teacher
• Social Worker
• Office Manager
• Administrator
• Speech Pathologist
• Organization Leader
• Receptionist

ISTJ Career Matches (The Archivist)

The Archivist is dependable and meticulous in any area of their lives, and work is no exception. ISTJ people take their responsibilities and deadlines very seriously, which is why they quickly establish themselves as rigorous and punctual workers. They are able to work independently (and in fact prefer it over working in a team) and take a systematic approach to their tasks. ISTJs thrive in a stable working environment, where there are little to no unexpected surprises.

If they have to work in a team, ISTJs appreciate collaborating with like-minded individuals. They work especially well when there is a clear hierarchy that tells the people in the group where they stand, so they can act accordingly. An ideal job for ISTJs is one that allows them to solve their problems in an orderly and logical way. These introverted types value a quiet and structured environment, with ample rules and regulations to guide them through the work process.

Here are several career matches that fit ISTJs:

• Accountant
• Military Officer
• Police Officer
• Administrator
• Auditor
• Medical Doctor
• Dentist
• Financial Officer
• Detective
• Scientist
• Math Teacher
• Lawyer/Attorney
• Judge
• Manager
• Computer Programmer
• Computer Specialist
• Librarian
• Executive
• Steelworker
• Electrician
• Mechanical Engineer
• Systems Analyst
• Technical Specialist
• Technician

ISFJ Career Matches (The Defender)

ISFJs love to help others out, which is why they will typically lean toward careers that involve service or caretaking. Nicknamed The Defender, they strongly believe that society should function in a certain way. And as fierce defenders of tradition, they also believe that there is a strict and specific path to follow when one wants to help others. ISFJs are the type of people who probably originated the saying “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. However, this way of thinking can be limiting, especially in a world that is always advancing towards new technologies and methodologies. The ISFJ’s adherence to tradition isn’t their only potential obstacle, however; sometimes, in their altruism, they can get so caught up in helping others that they can forget to take care of themselves.

Nevertheless, the perfect career for an ISFJ must be built around their strengths. They are committed, hardworking, supportive, patient, and extremely reliable people. With this impressive list of personality traits, they can be the ideal employee in positions that require cool-minded people who can keep their calm and stick to the plan, even in an emergency or high-pressure scenario.

Here are several career matches that fit ISFJs:

• Administrator
• Career Counselor
• Childcare Worker
• Police Officer
• Church Worker
• Clerical Supervisor
• Counselor
• Medical Doctor
• Social Worker
• Actor/Actress
• Counselor
• Human Resources
• Medical Technologist
• Office Manager
• Shopkeeper
• Researcher
• Scientist
• Senior Manager
• Early Childhood Development
• Librarian
• Nurse
• Auditor
• Bookkeeper
• Business Analyst
• Health Service
• Homemaker
• Writer
• Military
• Accountant
• Administrative Assistant

SP Career Matches (Originators)

SP personality types are spontaneous and flexible; they love their freedom. They aren’t particularly suited for dealing with data or routine, mundane activities. Originators thrive on unexpected circumstances and flourish in jobs in which no two days are ever the same. Since they are also very pragmatic and objective about the world around them, SP personality types are natural problem-solvers.

ESTP Career Matches (The Daredevil)

ESTPs are as extroverted as extroverts can get. They enjoy working in teams and do their best to keep the atmosphere light and friendly. They tend to be flexible and open-minded, which can be a valuable asset in crises that demand instant solutions. On the other hand, this tendency to do things their own way, accompanied by their brutally honest, often demanding communication style may lead them into conflicts with co-workers who prefer to stick to detailed plans. Overall, ESTPs are likely to shine in the workplace with their numerous skills. They are charming and sociable coworkers, cracking jokes wherever they go.

The Daredevil thrives in fast-paced, ever-changing environments. As a bold and daring risk taker, they can get bored very quickly, which is why they require some extra diversity when it comes to their work. Even a tense, demanding, or competitive environment will bring out the best qualities in an ESTP.

Here are several career matches that fit ESTPs:

• Carpenter
• Craftsman
• Paramedic/EMT
• Police Officer
• Detective
• Driver
• Firefighter
• Military Service Member
• Farmer
• Comedian
• IT Support
• Entrepreneur
• Marketer
• Project Manager
• Computer Technician
• Sales Agent

ESFP Career Matches (The Entertainer)

As an extrovert who enjoys being among people and participating in diverse activities, an ESFP will prefer working in a team over working in isolation. Any career that involves active work with others is very well-suited for them. The Entertainer personality is worthy of their name – they can effortlessly captivate any group of people and tend to be very likable. They may not be fully task-oriented, but as highly perceptive types, they will be aware of the needs of those around them. What’s more, they are often willing to go above and beyond to fulfill those needs.

Jobs that involve little to no human contact or careers that are solely focused on data and hard, logical decisions will never fully engage an Entertainer. Even if ESFPs pick up a job in a technical field, they are likely to burn out or desire a change after a while. Schedules and strict structure, combined with mundane, repetitive activities, will also have ESFPs running for dear life.

Even so, there are plenty of suitable careers for this personality type. Here’s a few:

• Athlete
• Artist
• Actor/Actress
• Coach
• Fashion Designer
• Entrepreneur
• Social Worker
• Recreation Worker
• Comedian
• Interior Decorator
• Marketer
• Musician
• Painter
• Performer
• Photographer
• Public Relations
• Receptionist
• Supervisor
• Broadcaster/Newscaster
• Pediatrician
• Singer
• Nurse
• Manager
• Sales Agent
• Teacher
• Journalist
• Shopkeeper
• Animal Trainer
• Firefighter
• Dancer
• Public Speaker
• Events Coordinator

ISTP Career Matches (The Tinkerer)

There’s no one who appreciates their freedom more than the energetic ISTP. These born problem-solvers can’t bear to be confined in an office or any environment that forces them to follow a set structure. They are people who like to leave their individual mark on everything they do, which is why they often try to make their own way in the world. The Tinkerer is incredibly curious, fascinated with the workings of the outside world. They don’t mind getting their hands dirty, and in fact, they prefer it that way. If you leave them to it, The Tinkerer can assemble and disassemble things all day long, living up to their name.

The perfect job for an ISTP will be one that they don’t find confining. They will thrive in a job that allows them all the freedom they crave – to go by their own schedule, handle their own responsibilities, and do things their own way. ISTPs like to be able to evade situations they aren’t comfortable with, but make no mistake – this doesn’t make them irresponsible or untrustworthy. They simply tend to pick their commitments very carefully.

Here are some jobs in which an ISTP is likely to feel comfortable and fulfilled:

• Athlete
• Carpenter
• Construction Worker
• Mechanic
• Military
• Motorcyclist
• Paramedic/EMT
• Farmer
• Firefighter
• Forensic Pathologist
• Pilot
• Police Officer
• Probation Officer
• Detective
• Driver
• Electrical Engineer
• Engineer
• Steelworker
• Transportation Operative
• Marketer
• Computer Programmer
• Computer Specialist
• Project Manager
• Sales Agent
• Scientist
• Systems Analyst
• Technical Specialist

ISFP Career Matches (The Adventurer)

As a highly sensitive and caring personality type, The Adventurer will need their job to be more than just a job. They aren’t particularly drawn to achieving wealth, power, or dominance over others. Instead, they place their value on being able to practice their unique creative freedom. The Adventurer has a big and wild imagination that they aren’t afraid to tap into. They like to experiment and to express their views of the world, unconstrained by structure, rules, or public opinion.

This is why the perfect job for an ISFP is one that allows them to walk to the beat of their own drum. If they are given the autonomy and personal space they so desperately need, they can flourish. In fact, this is how ISFPs truly thrive – the only way they can unleash their full potential out in the world. Sure, they might not make sense to others sometimes, but trust that they know what they are doing.

Here are some career matches for these free spirits:

• Artist
• Carpenter
• Teacher
• Chef
• Child Care
• Pediatrician
• Church Worker
• Composer
• Counselor
• Social Worker
• Designer
• Physical Therapist
• Veterinarian
• Early Childhood Development
• Park Ranger
• Librarian
• Editor
• Musician
• Naturalist
• Nurse
• Mechanic
• Writer
• Homemaker

NT Career Matches (Analyzers)

NT personality types exhibit great rationality and intellectual excellence. They like to be presented with challenging problems, and nothing pleases them more than having to think their way through to a solution. These personality types are very resourceful when coming up with ideas and are able to keep the bigger picture in mind when deciding on the best course of action.

ENTJ Career Matches (The General)

ENTJs are extroverted, reliable, and self-directed people. Challenges motivate them, and they have a drive towards constant self-improvement. Although some have the tendency to become workaholics, The General is consistently effective in their work – they like to get things done. As an extrovert, they are likely to prefer careers that give them the chance to think through their ideas by talking about them. Communication is key to their performance. Also, The General is superb at multitasking. It’s not a rare sight to witness them managing and directing several projects at the same time, while still delivering stellar results.

ENTJs are extremely ambitious people. They aim for jobs where they can climb the corporate ladder while still managing to challenge themselves daily. If ENTJs make it their mission to become good at something, they’ll never stop until they achieve it. Although they feel the most comfortable at professions that involve business, management, and entrepreneurship, they can be good at basically anything.

Here’s a peek into just how diverse the perfect matches for an ENTJ can be:

• Business Administrator
• Executive
• Entrepreneur
• Manager
• Politician
• Computer Consultant
• Lawyer/Attorney
• Judge
• Scientist
• Banker
• Systems Analyst
• Teacher
• Professor

ENTP Career Matches (The Debater)

The Debater is a champion when it comes to brainstorming new ideas or campaigns. They are quick to examine the problem at hand from a number of different angles, and they can work quickly to come up with a solution while everyone else is still assimilating the task. Because of their quick thinking, ENTPs are valued members of any organization. Even when the rest of their colleagues catch up with them, the ideas that ENTPs present are often the most innovative and impressive ones. The Debater is unparalleled when it comes to finding solutions or fixing the unfixable.

ENTPs don’t neglect creative brainstorming for practicality. The perfect job for them will challenge them to use their brain and let their intellect shine bright. In contrast, careers that demand routine tasks and rigorous attention to small details are a big drawback in the eyes of a Debater.

Let’s see what careers these bold intellectuals are likely to enjoy:

• Engineer
• Computer Analyst
• Computer Programmer
• Entrepreneur
• Inventor
• Journalist
• Lawyer/Attorney
• Marketer
• Politician
• Psychiatrist
• Psychologist
• Consultant
• Scientist
• Systems Analyst
• Writer
• Photographer
• Sales Agent
• Comedian
• Actor/Actress
• Musician

INTJ Career Matches (The Mastermind)

INTJs are typically characterized by their profound intellect and wisdom, as well as their discipline and perfectionism. They are people who like structure and organization in every aspect of their lives. The Mastermind’s reliability can never be questioned, and you can be sure that they will always give their honest opinion about things – no matter what it may be. One would assume that finding the perfect career match would be an easy task for The Mastermind; however, this personality type is likely to struggle in the quest for the right job.

The perfect INTJ job should be infused with an optimal amount of intellectual stimulus and problem-solving, as well as the freedom for creative expression. INTJs have grand ideas about the world and require the space to execute them, and they also wish to be recognized for their talent and skills. The best jobs for INTJs are ones that involve grasping complex theories, applying superb problem-solving skills, and committing long-term to a specific field.

Here is a few of them to begin with:

• Systems Analyst
• Computer Programmer
• Entrepreneur
• Computer Specialist
• Engineer
• Corporate Strategist
• Researcher
• Scientist
• Medical Doctor
• Lawyer/Attorney
• Professor
• Psychologist
• Business Administrator
• Military Officer
• Manager
• Judge
• Teacher
• Organization Founder
• Dentist

INTP Career Matches (The Logician)

INTPs are open-minded and inventive workers who are primarily interested in abstract ideas. Their Intuitive nature allows them to spot the underlying principles in complex problems and propose creative solutions. Ultimately, The Logician is a deep thinker who takes many different perspectives into account. One of the greatest strengths they bring to a work environment is their detached, analytical mindset. They make decisions based on existing data and logic, and they strive to be as impartial as possible. This doesn’t make them narrow-minded thinkers; rather, because of their Intuitive preference, they are aware of the bigger picture.

The best careers for INTPs revolve around theoretical problem-solving, while providing plenty of room for improvisation. The Logician is much more excited about conceptualizing rather than implementing. They would rather discover new ways of doing things – then leave the practical application to someone else.

Here are some jobs that are likely to strike their interest:

• Professor
• Scientist
• Archaeologist
• Architect
• Mathematician
• Artist
• Technical Writer
• Philosopher
• Strategic Planner
• Systems Analyst
• Computer Animator
• Computer Programmer
• Computer Specialist
• Economist
• Engineer
• Inventor
• Psychiatrist
• Psychologist
• Investigator
• Teacher
• Logician
• Marketer
• Translator/Interpreter
• Musician
• Network Specialist
• Judge
• Lawyer/Attorney
• Legal Mediator
• Project Manager
• Financial Planner
• Banker
• Researcher
• Consultant
• Photographer

NF Career Matches (Empaths)

NF personality types are empathetic and diplomatic, and they possess great people skills. They enjoy helping others out, especially when it comes to providing them with emotional support. These people have an impeccable understanding of emotions, and their intuition is unmatched. Being as idealistic as they are, they often look for a job that bears a higher purpose in mind or helps solve an important world issue.

ENFJ Career Matches (The Guide)

The Guide is one of the most people-oriented MBTI personality types. Their interest is focused mainly on other people, and they prioritize others’ needs over their own. This is a fantastic quality to have, as they also have the tendency to bring out the best in everyone around them. The Guide’s Judging (J) preference leads them to be focused and prepared; they work best ahead of deadlines, planning the execution of a task in advance. They simply enjoy being organized and creating charts, schedules, lists, and anything else that can help them get a project finished.

The best job for ENFJs is one that combines their analytical skills with their fun, outgoing nature. This is why they are mostly looking for a job that can combine both work and play. Their target is usually something creative with just the right amount of structure and deadlines. A job that involves a lot of detailed analysis or paperwork would likely result in ENFJs feeling pressured or exhausted. Ultimately, they do well in environments where they can foster meaningful personal connections.

Here are some example of such jobs:

• Teacher
• Professor
• Social Worker
• Career Counselor
• Counselor
• Therapist
• Psychologist
• Psychiatrist
• Church Worker
• Trainer
• HR Specialist
• Librarian
• Writer
• Nurse
• Diplomat
• Consultant
• Artist
• Editor
• Administrator
• Actor/Actress
• Events Coordinator
• Facilitator
• Homemaker
• Musician
• Designer
• Engineer
• Occupational Therapist
• Politician
• Project Manager
• Sales Agent
• Senior Manager

ENFP Career Matches (The Optimist)

ENFPs are friendly and energetic workers. They prefer laid-back and flexible work environments, rather than ones that follow strict rules and order. Because of how creative and expressive they are in their work, The Optimist will want the chance to generate ideas and help others with innovative suggestions. Speaking of others, ENFPs feel very fulfilled when they get to cooperate with their colleagues. They find much joy in human contact and are very eager team members; they always have something to contribute with their signature innovation. This is why their creative approach might not be welcomed in the corporate world. Its rules and regulations are simply too restricting for them.

The perfect ENFP job must be a versatile one, where no two days are the same. It should present them with new challenges and opportunities and should be interesting enough to keep them from getting bored. This colorful personality type is happiest when their people-centered and creative nature can flourish.

Here are some examples of such jobs:

• Journalist
• Social Worker
• Conference Planner
• Diplomat
• Writer
• Nurse
• Public Relations
• Politician
• Housing Director
• Editor
• Broadcaster/Newscaster
• Teacher
• Professor
• Musician
• Lawyer/Attorney
• Church Worker
• Counselor
• Therapist
• Psychologist
• Art Director
• Project Manager
• Artist
• Painter
• Actor/Actress
• Merchandise Planner
• Career Counselor
• Speech Pathologist
• Entrepreneur
• Dietitian/Nutritionist
• Human Resources
• Consultant
• Marketer
• Occupational Therapist
• Social Scientist

INFJ Career Matches (The Sage)

INFJs are extremely idealistic, caring, and thoughtful people. Nicknamed The Sage, they prefer to carry out meaningful tasks that can positively influence the world. The INFJ will be a helpful and reliable team member (who sometimes takes on more than they are realistically capable of doing). This might be because of their heightened sense of responsibility, both for their work and for the others who work with them. They are always willing to help and will even stay later than their working hours to make sure everything is completed to their own high standards.

A job INFJs would feel most comfortable in is one that is highly consistent with their strong value systems. This personality type is extremely altruistic and wants their actions to impact the world in a positive way. The Sage is caring and thoughtful, and they achieve a great sense of satisfaction from helping others. This is why they are so well-suited to careers in humanitarian fields. Given INFJs’ deep empathy and superior understanding of people’s feelings and emotions, an occupation that deals with people can be very good for them.

Here are some career matches that The Sage can potentially find great enjoyment in:

• Counselor
• Clergy
• Therapist
• Writer
• Missionary
• Psychiatrist
• Psychologist
• Social Worker
• Educational Consultant
• Child Care
• Child Development
• Church Worker
• Teacher
• Musician
• Photographer
• Professor
• Librarian
• Artist
• Actor/Actress
• Medical Doctor
• Alternative Medicine
• Designer
• Human Resources
• Trainer

INFP Career Matches (The Mediator)

INFPs want to feel a sense of purpose in their work. They put very serious emphasis on balance and harmony, which is why they would likely be willing to take the extra effort to establish strong emotional and moral connections with their work. You can always count on INFPs to be honest and considerate of the work ecosystem as a whole. In the best case scenario, INFPs thrive when they are put together with like-minded people who share their working style and their passion to make a meaningful difference in the world. In nearly any scenario, though, the harmonious and gentle personality of The Mediator makes them likable to others, and generally, they are perceived positively by their coworkers.

Being introverted, INFPs don’t mind spending time alone. In fact, it’s crucial for their mental wellbeing and happiness. This is why people from this personality type should avoid the open office environments often found in big corporations, as they don’t allow for this much needed solitude. To INFPs, any job that puts them on the spot or requires them to be in front of a big audience simply won’t do.

Here are some career matches that are good for INFPs:

• Activist
• Church Worker
• Missionary
• Educational Consultant
• Social Worker
• Physical Therapist
• Fashion Designer
• Counselor
• Teacher
• Musician
• Therapist
• Actor/Actress
• Artist
• Journalist
• Professor
• Minister
• Filmmaker
• Librarian
• Editor
• Graphic Designer
• Writer
• Psychologist
• Translator/Interpreter
• Social Scientist
• Web Designer
• Photographer
• Human Resources
• Video Editor
• Holistic Health Practitioner
• Speech Pathologist
• Employee Development Specialist
• Researcher

Note that each person, even of the same type, is different and no career in these lists should be considered as an automatic perfect match. These lists should be taken as suggestions for exploration.