If you?re in the middle of a job hunt, you?re probably weighing up the usual considerations.
Money, travel, responsibility. The usual.
But there?s one thing we often overlook. Something that shouldn?t just affect our job choices, but shape our entire career.
I?m talking about our personality type.
According to the Myers Briggs Type Indicator, the most popular personality test of its kind, there are 16 personality types. Not sure what type you are? Take the test for yourself.
The latest in our Jobs for Your Personality series, this article focuses on INFJ personalities or INFJs for short.
But what makes an INFJ? Well it?s defined by four key character traits:
- Introversion
- Intuition
- Feeling
- Judgement
Creative, ambitious and idealistic, INFJs recognise the need for change and take the necessary steps to make it happen, fighting tirelessly for their cause. As such, they are often called ?Advocates?.
But Advocates are extremely rare. In fact, INFJ is the rarest personality type in the world.
So if you?re an INFJ, what skills can you offer? And what career path should you pursue? Let?s take a look.
INFJ Careers advice
While INFJs have an innate ability to perceive other people?s feelings, they are often misunderstood by those around them. So what makes them tick? And do any of these strengths and weaknesses resonate with you?
INFJ Strengths
- Passionate ? INFJs are fiercely determined. They will stop at nothing to support their cause, even if it means ruffling a few feathers along the way.
- Decisive ? Unlike some personality types like INFP, INFJs don?t let their inspiration go to waste. Blessed with great willpower, they make excellent decision makers.
- Altruistic ? INFJs fight for what?s right. They want positive change for everyone, not just themselves.
- Creative ? Compassionate and wildly imaginative, INFJs are naturally creative. They also tend to make excellent writers and orators.
INFJ Weaknesses
- Perfectionist ? As INFJs are so committed to their cause, work opportunities and relationships can suffer in their pursuit of perfection.
- Private ? Driven by a need to present their best possible selves, INFJs sometimes find it hard to let their guard down around friends, family and colleagues.
- Exhaustion ? Because INFJs give it their all, they can succumb to exhaustion if they don?t find a way to let off steam.
Best Jobs for INFJ
So what?s the bottom line?
Well, their intuitive and empathetic temperament make INFJs a natural fit for careers in healthcare, education and public service.
It?s no surprise then that famous INFJs include Martin Luther King and Mother Teresa. And while many INFJs explore careers in charity work and advocacy, there are a range of other paths to consider. Here are just a few.
Psychologist
Wonderful listeners and deeply empathetic, INFJs can study and evaluate human behaviour like few others.
Counsellor
Driven by a desire to connect with others, INFJs make wonderful counsellors. Whether that?s in schools, hospitals or private practices.
Scientist
The solitary surroundings of the lab are perfect for INFJs. Here they can align their desire for change with their strong work ethic.
Teacher
Inspirational, motivational and compelling, INFJs have all the traits of a perfect teacher.
Writer
INFJs are wonderful communicators. That?s why careers in writing, both creative and professional, tend to appeal.
INFJ Careers in Business
You might be wondering.
Can INFJs thrive in a business environment? Of course they can!
But to really succeed, INFJs need to find the moral objectives in their work. That?s why high wages and seniority may not necessarily appeal.
And while the collaborative structure of a corporate environment may hamper their strong personal goals, there are a great selection of INFJ careers in business worth considering.
Entrepreneur
Advocates are more likely than other personality types to go it alone. Entrepreneurship allows INFJs to steer their business to their own moral compass.
HR
Aside from being good judges of character, INFJs have the organisational ability to manage the many facets of human resources.
Corporate trainer
Just like teaching, corporate training allows INFJs to exercise their inspirational qualities to bring about positive change.
INFJ Careers to Avoid
While INFJs are capable enough to succeed in any field, there are some careers that may jar with their personality.
Accounting
Routine work like accounting or data analysis may leave INFJs feeling unfulfilled.
Politics
The public scrutiny and regular conflict of politics may dilute their will for change.
Sales
High pressure and tight deadlines often feel unimportant to INFJs.
Putting INFJ to Good Use
Here?s the thing.
Any personality type can thrive in any job. But finding a profession that aligns with your personality type may help you achieve long term job satisfaction. So how can you make the most of your INFJ personality?
Find your cause
To really thrive, INFJs need a cause to get behind. Whether that?s environmental change or life coaching, look for ways you can make a difference.
Find a great team
It?s important for INFPs to be able to grow and learn alongside those they?re working with. So find a team that will help you to help them.
Seek independence
Alternatively, you may prefer to work alone. If so, find a role where you can be productive without being swamped by others.
Focus on your skills
Remember, INFJs are intuitive, empathetic and altruistic. So let these traits guide your career choices.
A Final Word
More than anything else, INFJs need to be able to flex their creativity and insightfulness.
However, they also need to know that what they?re doing is in line with their principles and helping other people. With all that to consider, finding the perfect job is easier said than done.
But here?s the good news.
INFJs are incredibly intelligent. And while some INFJs struggle to pick a career path for fear of missing out on other opportunities, their creativity and imagination are invaluable in modern business. Not only that, their ability to turn concepts into concrete plans is a skill cherished in every industry.
Why not take the test for yourself? Or for more careers advice, visit our insights page.
This article was originally published on Advance
