Time to read: 10 mins
Personality Types at Work Summary:
- Personality types influence many factors and are a useful aspect of yourself to consider when navigating your career.
- The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a popular personality evaluation tool used today and dates back to World War II.
- There are 16 personality types determined by evaluating four pairs of opposing psychological elements.
- Once you determine your personality type, you will understand yourself on a deeper level and will be able to better navigate career and life challenges.
When choosing a job or career path, there are many factors that go into where you apply. Obvious factors like salary, location, office culture, and job responsibilities are common considerations, but another thing to keep in mind is your personality type.
Personality types influence how you interact with people, make decisions, and approach your day-to-day tasks in the workplace. Knowing your personality type can help you identify strengths and weaknesses, helping you better navigate your work environment. Occasionally, some employers look at personality type results to get an idea of the traits present in their prospective hires.
There are a variety of personality tests out there, but the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is one of the most popular and commonly used.
History of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) was created in the United States in the early-mid-20th century by Katharine Cook Briggs and her daughter, Isabel Briggs Myers. Inspired by Carl Jung’s Psychological Types, Briggs and Myers wanted to transform these ideas and make them more accessible to a wider audience.
Briggs and Myers believed that if people understood their personality type, they could work better together and make the world a more peaceful place. Developed during World War II, the MBTI was used in various ways. From matching spies to tasks and missions, to helping women fresh into the male-dominated workforce find a job, the early MBTI was used for many different reasons.
Today, it is a helpful tool used by psychologists, companies, and individuals to get a better understanding of personality traits and common behaviors.
You can complete these tests to determine your personality type in either of these places:
Understanding Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Results
The MBTI questionnaire breaks individuals into 16 personality types based on their answers to these four pairs of opposing psychological elements. Based on personality type theories, everyone leans more closely towards one characteristic within each pair:
1. [E]xtroversion vs. [I]ntroversion
Where do you get your energy?
- Extroverts feel energized by events and being around people. They tend to show their feelings externally, learn through conversation, and thrive in group settings.
- Introverts prefer to do things on their own. They usually reflect on things privately and typically enjoy self-examination and self-discovery. They tend to hide their feelings, prefer working alone, and learn by watching and observing.
2. [S]ensing vs. I[N]tuition
How do you process and learn information?
- Sensing people interpret the world using their five senses (sight, hearing, smell, touch, and taste). They solve problems by working through facts, trust experience over words and symbols, and recall events as snapshots of what actually happened
- Intuitive people prefer to rely on their instincts. They solve problems by looking into different ideas and possibilities, remember things based on what was read “between the lines” and look at the big picture first.
3. [T]hinking vs. [F]eeling
How do you make decisions?
- Thinking people use logic and are objective when deciding. They analyze pros and cons, seek logical explanations, and often put thoughts and feelings of their own and others aside.
- Feeling people use their values and are compassionate in their decision making. They take others’ thoughts and feelings into consideration, are concerned with values and feelings, and make decisions based on everyone’s best interest to maintain harmony.
4. [J]udging vs. [P]erceiving
How do you deal and interact with the outside world?
- Judging people are tactful and value plans and control. They prefer structure, plans, making lists, and getting work done before having fun.
- Perceiving people are more relaxed and go-with-the-flow. They value flexibility, work best in bursts of energy or as deadlines approach, enjoy mixing work and play, and are open and respond well to change.
The 16 Personality Types in the Workplace
Once you have taken the assessment to determine your personality type, you can better navigate your most suitable career options. The positions we staff have been bolded!
1. INTJ – The Architect
INTJs are original thinkers and are driven to achieve their goals. Architects can quickly identify patterns and develop meaningful solutions. They enjoy challenges and hold themselves and others to high standards.
INTJ Career Path Suggestions:
- Architect
- Civil Engineer
- Business Analyst
- Graphic Designer
- Web Developer
For more on the INTJ personality type:
2. INTP – The Logician
INTP personality types are very analytical thinkers who crave knowledge and understanding in everything. Nevertheless, Logicians are passionate, innovative, and adaptable people that are more interested in ideas than social interactions. These personality types enjoy delving into theories and are driven by curiosity.
INTP Career Path Suggestions:
- College Professor
- Economist
- Data Analyst
- Researcher
- Scientist
For more on the INTP personality type:
3. ENTJ – The Commander
ENTJs are charismatic, natural-born leaders that use their rationality and drive to command situations. Commanders crave responsibility and enjoy managing and leading others to reach a common goal. ENTJs value clear communication and believe that with enough time and resources, any goal is achievable.
ENTJ Career Path Suggestions:
- Account Manager
- Budget Analyst
- Judge
- Lawyer
- PR Specialist
For more on the ENTJ personality type:
4. ENTP – The Debater
ENTPs are quick-witted, knowledgeable thinkers who love intellectual challenges. ENTP personality types are great debaters, always seeking to understand opposing ideas. Debaters are strong communicators who value freedom and creative problem-solving.
ENTP Career Path Suggestions:
- Copywriter
- Creative Director
- Entrepreneur
- Event Planner
- Photographer
For more on the ENTP personality type:
5. INFJ – The Advocate
INFJs are idealists with a deep sense of integrity that stand up for what is right. Unlike other dreamers, INFJs create actionable steps to implement their ideas and change the greater good. They value connection, helping others, and advocate for their beliefs.
INFJ Career Path Suggestions:
- Career Coach
- HR Generalist
- Interpreter/Translator
- Psychologist
- School Counselor
For more on the INFJ personality type:
6. INFP – The Mediator
INFPs are kind, altruistic people who seek meaningful relationships and careers. Mediators are creative, independent, and adaptable people who want to help others whenever they can. They are easygoing and want to make everyone around them feel comfortable, often staying out of conflict and drama.
INFP Career Path Suggestions:
- Film Editor
- Journalist
- Teacher
- Social Worker
- Writer
For more on the INFP personality type:
7. ENFJ – The Protagonist
ENFJs are warm, thoughtful individuals who want to have a positive impact on those around them. They feel most fulfilled when guiding others and helping them become their best selves. Protagonists are creative and always find a way to make their environment an enjoyable place for everyone.
ENFJ Career Path Suggestions:
- Art Director
- Consultant
- Public Speaker
- Teacher
- UX Designer
For more on the ENFJ personality type:
8. ENFP – The Campaigner
ENFPs are free-spirited people that have a very optimistic view of life. ENFP personality types are often passionate about many interests, ideas, and hobbies. A Campaigner’s creativity, people skills, and open-mindedness lifts up others around them and create an inspiring, energetic environment.
ENFP Career Path Suggestions:
- Campaign Manager
- Editor
- Interior Designer
- UI Designer
- VR Designer
For more on the ENFP personality type:
9. ISTJ – The Logistician
ISTJs are logical, reliable individuals that base their ideas on fact. They tend to uphold, rules, traditions, and standards. Rather than assumptions, Logisticians analyze their surroundings and are quick to take responsibility and hold themselves and others accountable.
ISTJ Career Path Suggestions:
- Accountant
- Detective
- Lawyer
- Risk Management
- Web Developer
For more on the ISTJ personality type:
10. ISFJ – The Defender
ISFJs are outwardly shy, and sensitive, but they are always thinking analytically, ready to stand up for themselves or others. Although outwardly conservative, they are open to change and new ideas. Defenders are great listeners who strive to support their counterparts whenever possible.
ISFJ Career Path Suggestions:
- Administrative Manager
- Customer Service
- Historian
- HR Generalist
- Real Estate Agent
For more on the ISFJ personality type:
11. ESTJ – The Executive
ESTJs value honesty, dignity, and organization and use these strengths to bring communities together. These personality types bring structure, rules, and stability to people and situations. Executives are dependable and often give good, level-headed advice.
ESTJ Career Path Suggestions:
- Judge
- Lawyer
- Insurance Agent
- Project Manager
- Property Manager
For more on the ESTJ personality type:
12. ESFJ – The Consul
ESFJs are social individuals that often live in the spotlight. They are well-organized, valuing structure, and clear set routine within a job. Consul personality types are great listeners and supporters, making them enthusiastic team members.
ESFJ Career Paths Suggestions:
- Accountant
- Childcare
- Office Manager
- PR Specialist
- Teacher
For more on the ESFJ personality type:
13. ISTP – The Virtuoso
ISTPs are bold yet practical experimenters that are natural makers. The Virtuoso is always bouncing between projects, learning as they go. ISTPs thrive on diversity and change, always looking for what’s next and finding a way to make things work.
ISTP Career Path Suggestions:
- Chef
- Engineer
- Data Analyst
- Paramedic
- Pilot
For more on the ISTP personality type:
14. ISFP – The Adventurer
ISFPs are flexible and charming individuals who are always ready to try something new. The Adventurer enjoys upsetting tradition and pushing the bounds of what is expected. ISFPs are creatives who love to experiment, improvise, and engage all of their senses.
ISFP Career Path Suggestions:
- Artist
- Art Director
- Chef
- Fashion Designer
- Interior Designer
For more on the ISFP personality type:
15. ESTP – The Entrepreneur
ESTPs are funny, energetic people that love to be at the center of attention. They are quick-thinkers who take initiative, fixing mistakes along the way. Entrepreneur personality types are bold and curious, making connections wherever they go.
ESTP Career Path Suggestions:
- Actor
- Coach
- Entrepreneur
- Marketer
- Paramedic
For more on the ESTP personality type:
16. ESFP – The Entertainer
ESFPs are generous, excitable, people who love to encourage others. The Entertainer personality type enjoys the simple things in life and finds a way to make every social gathering feel like a party. ESFPs tend to mirror the mood around them, making them adaptable to all situations.
ESFP Career Paths Suggestions:
- Actor/ Performer
- Event Planner
- Flight Attendant
- Personal Trainer/ Athletic Instructor
- Tour Guide
For more on the ESFP personality type:
Personality Types and Career Path with Profiles
Finding your way through your career can be both exciting and stressful at the same time. Having a handle on your personality type is a useful way to help navigate your career. To find out your type, you can use The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, a widely used and reliable personality evaluation. Whether you are looking for your next creative, marketing, and tech job or searching for top-tier talent in the industry, this personality assessment can be useful for candidates and hiring managers alike.
