The best jobs for your personality type using the Myers-Briggs scale
While there are hundreds of quizzes, tests, and questionnaires cluttering up social media feeds and google results pages, none are as accurate or beneficial as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality test.
The MBTI test distills the collective population into 16 personality types. Breaking down personality types into extroverts (E) or introverts (I), sensors (S) or intuitives (I), thinkers (T) or feelers (F), and judgers (J) or perceivers (P), the Myers Briggs test assigns each personality type a 4-letter acronym. With it comes a personality description and how that personality behaves in families, friendships, and the workplace.
Unsurprisingly, the MBTI test has been used by businesses and professionals for decades to decide if a candidate is right for a position. In fact, roughly 80% of Fortune 500 companies use the test to vet potential employees.
Curious what it says about you? You can take the test for free here.
Once you know your personality type, it’s time to get to the nitty gritty. Using the book Do What You Are by Paul Tieger, we’ve compiled the best careers for each personality type. Let’s get started!
ANALYSTS
INTJ – The Architect
Creative perfectionists who prefer to do things their own way, INTJs perform well in non-social roles that require them to think theoretically.
Top careers (click the hyperlinks to see available jobs):
INTP – The Logician
Independent and creative problem-solvers, INTPs gravitate toward roles that require them to be theoretical and precise.
Top careers (click the hyperlinks to see available jobs):
ENTJ – The Commander
Natural leaders who are logical, analytical, and good strategic planners, ENTJs gravitate toward authoritarian roles that require them to be organized and efficient.
Top careers (click the hyperlinks to see available jobs):
- Executive
- Lawyer
- Market research analyst
- Management consultant
- Venture capitalist
ENTP – The Debater
Enterprising creative people who enjoy new challenges, ENTPs excel in risky roles that require them to be persistent and non-conformist.
Top careers (click the hyperlinks to see available jobs):
- Entrepreneur
- Real estate developer
- Advertising creative director
- Marketing director
- Politician/political consultant
DIPLOMATS
INFJ – The Advocate
Thoughtful, creative people driven by firm principles and personal integrity, INFJs do well in behind-the-scenes roles that require them to communicate on a personal level.
Top careers (click the hyperlinks to see available jobs):
- Therapist/counsellor
- Social worker
- HR diversity manager
- Organization development consultant
- Customer relations manager
INFP – The Mediator
Sensitive idealists motivated by their deeper personal values, INFPs excel in roles that require them to be compassionate and adaptable.
Top careers (click the hyperlinks to see available jobs):
ENFJ – The Protagonist
People-lovers who are energetic, articulate, and diplomatic, ENFJs excel in cooperative roles that require them to be expressive and logical.
Top careers (click the hyperlinks to see available jobs):
- Advertising executive
- Public relations specialist
- Corporate coach/trainer
- Sales manager
- Employment/HR specialist
ENFP – The Campaigner
Curious and confident creative types who see possibilities everywhere, ENFPs perform well in expressive roles that require them to be alert and communicative.
Top careers (click the hyperlinks to see available jobs):
- Journalist
- Advertising creative director
- Consultant
- Restaurateur
- Event planner
SENTINELS
ISTJ – The Logistician
Hard workers who value their responsibilities and commitments, ISTJs excel in behind-the-scenes roles that require them to be reliable.
Top careers (click the hyperlinks to see available jobs):
ISFJ – The Defender
Modest and determined workers who enjoy helping others, ISFJs do well in roles that require them to provide services to others without being in a position of authority.
Top careers (click the hyperlinks to see available jobs):
- Dentist
- Elementary school teacher
- Librarian
- Franchise owner
- Customer service representative
ESTJ – The Executive
Realists who are quick to make practical decisions, ESTJs perform well in social roles that require them to lead.
Top careers (click the hyperlinks to see available jobs):
ESFJ – The Consul
Gregarious traditionalists motivated to help others, ESFJs gravitate toward social roles that require them to care for the well-being of others.
Top careers (click the hyperlinks to see available jobs):
- Sales representative
- Nurse/healthcare worker
- Social worker
- Public relations account executive
- Loan officer
EXPLORERS
ISTP – The Virtuoso
Straightforward and honest people who prefer action to conversation, ISTPs perform well in utilitarian roles that require them to make use of tools.
Top careers (click the hyperlinks to see available jobs):
ISFP – The Adventurer
Warm and sensitive types who like to help people in tangible ways, ISFPs do well in roles that require them to be sympathetic and attentive.
Top careers (click the hyperlinks to see available jobs):
ESTP – The Entrepreneur
Pragmatists who love excitement and excel in a crisis, ESTPs excel in high-stakes roles that require them to be resourceful.
Top careers (click the hyperlinks to see available jobs):
ESFP – The Entertainer
Lively and playful people who value common sense, ESFPs gravitate toward roles that require them to be expressive and interact with others.
Top careers (click the hyperlinks to see available jobs):
SOURCE: Do What You Are: Discover the Perfect Career for You Through the Scecrets of Personality Type by Paul D. Tieger, Barbara Barron, Kelly Tieger
Looking for more information on the Myers-Briggs scale? The infographic below describes the strengths and weaknesses of each personality type, as well as average household income.
