ENTJ Careers

Individuals who test as ENTJs tend to rise to positions of responsibility, due to their devoted and ambitious nature.

In this article we’ll look at key career considerations for ENTJs. We will explore how they can use their unique skills and personality to get the most of out their working life. Let’s dive in!

Overview of the ENTJ (The Commander)

Decisive and daring, the ENTJ has a plan and will work tirelessly to achieve their multitude of goals. Where there is a will, there is a way to successfully break through walls and doors. ENTJs are typically motivated, analytical, objective and assertive. They are strategic leaders who are quick to spot inefficiency and conceptualize new solutions using logical reasoning.

The ENTJ personality is one of the “16 personality types” that we see in several different models based on the work of Carl Jung.  These models include the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and Keirsey Temperament Sorter, among others. It represents an individual who is Extraverted (E), iNtuitive (N), Thinking (T) and Judging (J). This indicates that they are a person who is energized by spending time with others, who focus on ideas and concepts rather than facts and details, who makes decisions based on logic and reason, and who prefers to be planned and organized as opposed to spontaneous and flexible.

The ENTJ is often referred to as the “Leader”, “Commander” or “Chief” because they take charge and pave the way for others to follow. ENTJs are typically dominant, self-assured, ambitious, and decisive. They know what they want and will work tirelessly to achieve their goals and high standards – the only direction is forward.

Career Considerations

Many of an ENTJs strengths lie their ambitious nature and their ability to organize and take charge. However, they truly stand out a work because they bring key characteristics such as:

• Strong work-ethic. ENTJs are proud of their achievements and because of this, they are normally very focused, hardworking, self-sufficient and resourceful.
• Goal-setting. ENTJs work best when they can set goals and work towards them.
• Influence. ENTJs tend to set a good example for their fellow  colleagues and have an influential and commanding presence.
• Problem solving. ENTJs have a firm yet creative problem solving approach. They are able to narrow down options quickly and efficiently in order to find the correct answer.
• ENTJs are also highly energetic and will enthusiastically take charge whenever is necessary.

Best Careers for ENTJs

Due to their drive, ambition and assertive nature, ENTJs usually rise to positions of power. Their tireless devotion to their job and their visualization skills means that they make excellent executives and entrepreneurs. Other management positions, such as human resources, project management or marketing management, will also align with an ENTJs nature.

ENTJs are goal setters, often inspiring and motivating those around them to achieve goals too. They will thrive in careers where there is always a goal-directed reason for doing things. Careers such as sales or real estate, allow ENTJs to work hard to meet goals. Similarly, ENTJs are capable of working with an extreme focus, they value logical thinking and have an eagerness to tackle complex problems. Therefore, many financial, engineering and legal careers might be suitable for ENTJs.

Finally, although not a leadership role, some ENTJs will also thrive in some support roles where they are not overly managed and allowed to be creative. They will thrive in roles, such as a medical billing and coding, because they can organize, plan and ensure the smooth-functioning of systems.

Worst Careers for ENTJs

ENTJs prefer to solve problems in logical and concrete ways. Careers that require them to help people interpret and manage their emotions are unlikely to suit their nature. Therefore, ENTJs may want to avoid careers in social work, psychiatry, counseling or psychology.

ENTJs can also lack sensitivity and therefore may want to avoid careers in nursing and other healthcare roles. Similarly, ENTJs often have little patience and can’t handle errors and incompetence. Due to this, they may want to consider steering clear of careers that work with children!

Roles with little creativity, excitement and freedom, such as data entry or lorry driving, will frustrate and aggravate ENTJs, who are self-sufficient and self-motivated. Finally, although ENTJs may be suited to some supportive roles, in general they may feel frustrated in subordinate roles where they are not respected or looked up to.

Impact of the Identity Modifier on Career & Work life

As with all of the 16 personality types, ENTJ’s will sit somewhere along the identity scale, which ranges from assertive to turbulent. This scale indicates how confident a person is in their own abilities and decisions and it triggers the way in which each type reacts to things.

ENTJ-A and ENTJ-T will express their shared features in different ways. Let’s take a look!

ENTJ-A

Assertive ENTJs are very confident and pride themselves on being who they are. They tend to see opportunities when encountering obstacles, which makes them very strong and independent leaders. However, due to their self-confidence, they can be disregarding of emotions and may appear impatient and inconsiderate at work.

ENTJ-T

Turbulent ENTJs are less self-confident and more stress prone than assertive ENTJs. They are more likely to recognize emotions, and as a result are more concerned about other people. At work, they are less likely than ENTJ-As to be seen in top position because of their lower self-esteem. In teams, they are careful with how they behave and are normally considerate and empathetic towards team members.