Personality types and careers are interesting things; everybody is different from one another, and they’ll flourish in different roles. We’ve previously mentioned introverts and extroverts on our blog, but we want to take the time to give you “the big picture.”
One of the most common ways to determine your personality type is through an MBTI assessment. There are 16 different personalities based on eight characteristics that are divided into four pairs: extraversion or introversion, sensing or intuitive, feeling or thinking, and judging or perceiving. These personality types are sorted into four-letter combinations. Some types are more common than others, but regardless, your whole type should be telling of how you navigate your everyday life.
Today, many companies decide on employee preferences by analyzing personality types. In fact, 80% of Fortune 500 companies use the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator to examine their entering employees’ personalities. Businesses make it a goal to study personality types to help their employees succeed. Another note worth mentioning is that some companies also tend to hire employees with the same personality types. This is simply something to keep in mind as you search for your perfect role.
Some argue that the test can be inaccurate; they’ll retake it every so often and find their results are different each time. However, it’s simply a knowledgeable tool you can take with you as you understand the world.
We’re going to examine the MBTI test further since it’s popular among Fortune 500 companies. Each type offers a unique skill set that can be applied to numerous occupations. Without further ado, here are some careers by personality type.
ESFJ
It’s easy for these individuals to develop connections with others because they’re naturally caring, organized, and detail-oriented. Elementary teacher, nutritionist, family physician, and child care director roles best suit this personality type.
ESFP
These fun-loving individuals are realistic and value their relationships with others. They like to see the results of their efforts instantly. ESFPs will be content as bartenders, dental assistants, receptionists, and customer service representatives.
ESTJ
ESTJs are typically excellent chefs, lawyers, judges, and project managers. Someone with this personality type quickly makes decisions and easily accepts leadership.
ESTP
These individuals are go-getters, and they effortlessly excel when in crisis mode. Careers suited for this personality type are sales representatives, sports coaches, and investors.
ENFJ
Those with this personality type offer exceptional communication skills. They’ll thrive in any position where they can be a leader.
ENFP
Creative and dedicated to service, an ENFP feels their best when they’re helping others. A fitness training, landscaping, or therapist role would be an excellent fit for this personality type.
ENTP
As they’re generally enthusiastic and quick to brainstorm ideas, ENTPs are best known as innovators and risk-takers. They’ll succeed in business, sports, and media roles.
ENTJ
ENTJs are energetic, logical, and critical. They’re also highly organized. ENTJs can thrive as architects, attorneys, and engineers.
ISFJ
Warm and protective, ISFJ personalities prefer harmony in their working environments. Individuals with this personality type would make great librarians and healthcare professionals.
ISFP
ISFPs prefer to work “behind the scenes.” Quiet, relaxed, and loyal, these individuals should consider becoming fashion designers, jewelers, massage therapists, or nurses.
ISTJ
You can always count on an ISTJ. They’re reliable and committed to the responsibilities at hand. If you’re an ISTJ, you’re certain to thrive in a government or accountant role.
ISTP
This type of person is practical and a natural problem-solver. ISTPs tend to make excellent police officers, but they also thrive in technology-based roles.
INFJ
Deep down, INFJs are sensitive. This type of individual will go far as a veterinarian, school counselor, interior designer, or writer.
INFP
These individuals thrive in the arts because they’re imaginative and inquisitive. An INFP can find happiness as an artist, psychologist, or graphic designer.
INTP
INTPs are the intellectuals; they like being precise and deeply analyzing the world around them. This type of individual will enjoy becoming an industrial engineer, college professor, or construction manager.
INTJ
This personality type is known for their independence. INTJs will thrive best in science and software developing roles.
Again, these results aren’t going to make or break your career; however, understanding your personality type can make you take a second look at your career and reevaluate your current position. It may even give you some insight into careers you never would’ve considered. If you’re in a pivotal moment in your life and you want to take a look at careers by personality type, take the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator.
Here are some other personality tests we recommend:
- The Big Five Personality Test – The five personality traits measured in this test include Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism. It’s said that these traits are the foundation of an employee’s overall personality. This helps employers see how potential employees would react in certain situations. You can easily find this test on a few different sites online.
- Enneagram Test – This test is very similar to the MBTI test. A person can be one of nine basic personality types: The Reformer, The Helper, The Achiever, The Individualist, The Investigator, The Loyalist, The Enthusiast, The Challenger, and The Peacemaker. This person will also have a secondary personality type, otherwise known as their “wing.” There are many free versions of this test that you can take online!
- Keirsey Temperament Sorter – This test will determine your temperament. There are four different types: The Guardian, The Idealist, The Rational, and The Artisan. Like the MBTI test, this assessment is a good indicator of how you communicate and tend to take action.
- MyNextMove – This test is ideal for examining your interests and relating them to your career.
We hope you enjoyed this comprehensive guide to understanding the relationship between personality types and careers. Understanding yourself can help you unlock many opportunities in your life. To learn more about how you can best apply your skills, contact our experienced team. Burnett’s Staffing strives to help you succeed in your career.