Match your personality type to the right job

If you’re not sure of what you want to be when you grow up, there are a number of tools and assessments that can help you identify some potential jobs. One of the most well-known is the Myers Briggs career test, officially called the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) test.

The test was invented by the mother-daughter team of Katharine Cook Briggs and Isabel Briggs Myers who sought to help American women find jobs that were a good fit for their personalities during World War II. Though it’s more of a personality assessment than a career assessment, MBTI helps you figure out:

• Which type of social situation is most comfortable for you (Introverted vs. Extraverted)

• How you prefer to learn (Sensing vs. Intuition)

• What drives your decision-making (Thinking vs. Feeling)

• The way you perceive the world around you (Judging vs. Perceiving)

Once you have answers in these four main categories, you’ll get your four-letter personality type; there are 16 different types. From there, you can try matching up careers and job types that align with who you are and how you work best.

Find your four letters

Your personality type is made up of four letters, one chosen from four categories. Which word in each set below best describes you? Introverted vs. Extraverted

Do you get energized by being in groups and interacting with others, or put another way, are you a “people person”? If so, you’re extraverted, identified with the letter “E.” Introverted types thrive when they can think and reflect on their own, and enjoy their alone time or being with very small groups. If that describes you, you’re an “I.”

Sensing vs. Intuition

This category has to do with how you process information. “S” types are all about the senses—they pay attention to things they can actually experience for themselves, see with their own eyes, etc. They are all about facts, details, and practical solutions. Those who rely on Intuition (“N” types) are more about abstract ideas, and tend to be big-picture thinkers who enjoy solving problems.

Thinking vs. Feeling

When it comes to making important decisions, there are generally two schools of thought. The first is the thinking crowd, or “T” types, who look to logical explanations and facts to take informed, straightforward action. On the other side are those who are Feeling. “F” types think with their hearts and weigh heavily how decisions could affect others since they are more empathetic.

Judging vs. Perceiving

How do you live your life? This last category has to do with how important structure is to you. Those who are Judging, the “J” types, are the kind of people who make to-do lists every day, and like to have an organized plan to get the job done. Perceiving people, or “P” types, are more open and flexible. They thrive on a mix of work and play.

Your Myers Briggs career test results

ISTJ: The Inspector

ISTJS always look to logic, have orderly and highly organized work styles, and are known for their dependability and loyalty. They aren’t super comfortable with change and may be less creative, but they can tackle a to-do list like nobody’s business. Jobs for ISTJS:

• Business analyst

• Logistics manager

• Real estate appraiser

• Computer engineer

ISFJ: The Protector

ISFJS have strong work ethics and are committed to getting the job done. They are loyal, but also empathetic to others. They thrive in environments where everyone gets along.

Jobs for ISFJS:

• Technical support

• Human resources

• Executive assistant

• Health care worker

INFJ: The Counselor

INFJS are creatives who seek meaningful connections with others. They seek work that benefits the greater good or helps others in some way. Jobs for INFJS:

• Counselors

• Writers

• Professors

• Massage therapists

INTJ: The Mastermind

INTJS are logic-driven, smart, and have high standards for their work and the work of others. They enjoy working independently and thrive on lifelong learning, but their confidence can sometimes be mistaken for arrogance. Jobs for INTJS:

• Software engineer

• Project manager

• Statistician

• Architect

ISTP: The Craftsperson

ISTPS are on the quiet side, but they are watching and learning to eventually offer solutions. They are problem solvers who rely on data and facts, but they get bored easily and seek new challenges often.

ISTP jobs:

• Forensic scientist

• Detective

• Mechanic

• Economist

ISFP: The Composer

ISFPS like to work autonomously but are highly loyal to people and values important to them. They don’t like conflict.

ISFP jobs:

• Bookkeeper

• Pharmacist

• Fashion designer

• Occupational therapist

INFP: The Healer

INFPS are idealists who want their work lives to align with their personal values. They are creative thinkers who understand abstract concepts, and can spot trends and themes.

INFP jobs:

• Psychologist

• Marketer

• Journalist

• Artist

INTP: The Architect

INTPS are big-picture people who can be unorganized at times, but flourish because of their creative bursts of energy. They are adaptable and able to solve complex problems with a combination of analytical and abstract thinking.

INTP jobs:

• Game designer

• Creative director

• Biomedical engineer

• Web developer

ESTP: The Dynamo

ESTPS are high-energy problem solvers who learn by doing and seek exciting work. They are not averse to taking risks and thrive on living for today and being around people. ESTP jobs:

• Small business owner

• Paramedic

• Sales manager

• Video producer

ESFP: The Performer

ESFPS are social butterflies who love working with and learning from others. They are the office cheerleaders who inject a little fun into the work day, but they perform their work well and in a practical way.

ESFP jobs:

• Event planner

• Public relations

• Retail sales

• Career coach

ENFP: The Champion

ENFPS are highly imaginative and optimistic. They are strong communicators who do well in leadership roles and learn by doing. They are also highly adaptable and can take action when needed.

ENFP jobs:

• Real estate agent

• Teacher

• Brand manager

• Politician

ENTP: The Visionary

ENTPS are resourceful, outspoken problem solvers who are good at reading people. They are stimulated