The Best Jobs for INFJ Personality Types?

If your personality test results indicate you’re an INFJ, that means you likely have these four traits: Introverted, Intuition, Feeling, and Judging. You’re a counselor—conscientious, intuitive, empathetic, and creative. And you would probably do well to pursue INFJ careers in an area such as health care, education, social work, human resources, clergy, or the arts.

What is an INFJ?

The Myers–Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) categorizes 16 personality types. INFJ is the rarest, comprising only 1 to 3% of the population. INFJs are quiet and reserved, preferring a few close friends rather than a wide circle of acquaintances. INFJs value privacy and are sensitive, goal-oriented, and perfectionistic. Often referred to on their MBTI test as counselors or idealists, their empathetic and thoughtful nature is seen as altruistic and insightful. INFJ careers should make the most out of these strengths.

What is the difference between an INFJ-T and INFJ-A?

A modernized version of the MBTI adds the elements of “T” for “Turbulent” or “A” for “Assertive” to the original four letters that indicate personality type. These extensions to the original MBTI are an effort to cover personality dimensions suggested in psychology. An INFJ-T is considered to more easily exhibit signs of being stressed or overwhelmed. An INFJ-A, on the other hand, will likely approach things with a more laid-back attitude, appearing less stressed and overwhelmed. INFJ-A and INFJ-T careers that are generally best for each still fall under the primary, overarching INFJ personality type.

What are INFJs like in the workplace?

INFJs are behind-the-scenes players. Careers for INFJs often match up well with careers for introverts. Though quiet, they are dedicated and principled workers who can be called upon to take the lead and carry out complex projects. INFJs enjoy peaceful work environments where they have the time and space to fully develop their ideas and work out plans. They should favor career choices that point them toward meaningful, humanity-based causes that contribute to others’ well-being. INFJs are more likely to manage a large team and have above-average salaries. Many suitable careers for INFJs are available in the current economy.

What are the best careers for INFJs?

INFJs should pursue careers that make the most of their strengths. This could be researching in a quiet lab environment, writing in the privacy of their homes, or meeting patients in a private office. The best INFJ careers put intuition, empathy, and altruism to good use. INFJs should avoid results-driven competitive fields with little concern for the wider world. Jobs in marketing, advertising, sales, IT, and customer service might be poor career choices for INFJs. Here are some of the best jobs for INFJ personality types.

1. Counselor

Counselors help individuals, couples, families, and groups deal with issues that affect their mental health and well-being. Empathetic INFJs work as counselors in settings including abuse centers, hospitals, governments, schools, community clinics, addiction treatment centers, and private practices. Counselors report high rates of job satisfaction when they successfully guide their patients toward positive choices.

2. Psychologist

Psychology is a natural fit for an INFJ personality type. All of the attributes of this type contribute to studying and evaluating human behavior. Whether they work in a lab doing clinical research or run a private therapy practice, INFJs will find that their empathy and thoughtfulness will serve them well in many branches of the psychology profession.

3. Scientist

A career as a scientist might be an excellent choice for an INFJ. This personality type thrives in peaceful work environments such as a laboratory. INFJs also tend to enjoy the intellectual challenge of a career in the natural sciences. Examples of good science-based jobs for an INFJ include chemist and environmental scientist.

4. Graphic Designer

Artistic INFJs might find graphic design to be an ideal career path. Working with graphics, layout, color, text, and even subtext, the INFJ graphic designer has tremendous influence over the aesthetics of the final product. They find great satisfaction in connecting with their audiences through their work. Many graphic designers have flexible working arrangements since much of their work is done on a computer. They can work for themselves, for an agency, or any organization with a marketing department or the need for print and web-based design work.

5. Writer

INFJs are likely to be elegant communicators who can successfully pursue creative careers. They can write anything from screenplays and popular blogs to short stories and novels. INFJs are clever and bring wit and interest to any piece of communication they get their hands on. They can also grasp high-concept technical jargon and simplify it for general audiences.

6. Human Resources Manager

Several INFJ personality traits make working in human resources a great fit. Human resources generalists and specialists are trained to perform both planning and administrative hiring duties. They are organized and highly dedicated, and they empathetically guide new employees through complicated benefits and compensation plans. They also have the crucial and detailed task of complying with all local, state, and federal HR regulations.

7. Librarian

Libraries are home to advanced electronic resources and digital records, and skilled librarians are trained to find exactly what patrons need. Being a librarian would provide a quiet work environment for an INFJ. This career also allows multiple opportunities for community outreach, which typically appeals to the INFJ’s helpful and resourceful nature.

8. Professor

INFJs love breaking down complex problems, and professors must be able to make complicated subjects easily digestible for their students. The duties of a professor might include planning lessons, assessing students, publishing original research, and meeting academic and administrative policies.

9. Non-Profit or Advocacy Workers

Putting their passion behind a cause they believe in can be a powerful call for INFJs. Thousands of organizations and agencies exist to improve the common good through charitable, educational, scientific, religious, and humanitarian efforts. There are also many types of organizations in the non-profit sector to appeal to a variety of interests, from pet care and domestic violence advocacy to building homes and supporting the homeless.

INFJ Careers to Avoid

Certain jobs would probably be a mismatch for an INFJ personality type. A few jobs that may not be good fits include:

1. Engineer

This work involves a lot of practical and technical work, rather than the inquisitive, intellectual work that attracts INFJ personality types.

2. Restaurant manager

Restaurant work involves a relatively noisy and chaotic environment that introverted types don’t typically enjoy.

3. Accountant

This type of work focuses on the bottom line and profits vs. the human elements that INFJ types prefer.

4. Military officer

Military work requires following rigid rules and instructions, which can be difficult for INFJ types to follow without concern for emotions and the situations of the people they’re working with.

5. Front-line responders

The unpredictable nature of firefighting, emergency technician, and police work can be overwhelming for INFJ personalities who prefer calm and order.

More suitable INFJ jobs

Here are a few more jobs that are considered suitable for many INFJ personality types.

1. Physical therapist

2. Medical researcher

3. Physician assistant

4. Massage therapist

5. Entrepreneur

6. Project coordinator

7. Research associate

8. Training specialist

9. Tutor

10. Researcher

11. Family physician

12. Volunteer coordinator

13. Child life specialist

14. Policy analyst

15. Membership director

There are ample INFJ career opportunities available

So many career options align with the INFJ personality type. As a result, you have abundant opportunities to discover the ideal job that aligns with your needs for a successful career.