INFJ Careers
In this article, we will explore the different career options for the INFJ personality type.
INFJs are typically very compassionate and caring and have the ability to understand others – hence their nickname “the counselor”.
If you have tested as an INFJ, then this article will help you understand your strengths in the workplace and the careers that you (and all INTJs) should consider. We’ll also review some careers that aren’t an ideal match – that you may either want to avoid… Or, at least go into with eyes wide open.
Overview of the INFJ (The Counselor)
As an intuitive and a deep thinker, the INFJ balances both high IQ (intelligence quotient) and EQ (emotional quotient). They want to wholly understand and bring out the best in each individual, one kind gesture and comment at a time. ISFJs are typically creative, dedicated and show a talent for helping others. They are also idealistic, compassionate and able to intuit others’ emotions and motivations. However, despite their ability to help others, they are sensitive and reserved, meaning that are selective about sharing their own problems, thoughts and feelings.
The INFJ 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 Introverted (I), iNtuitive (N), Feeling (F) and Judging (J). This indicates that they are a person who is energized by spending time alone, who focus on ideas and concepts rather than facts and details, who makes decisions based on emotions and values, and who prefers to be planned and organized as opposed to spontaneous and flexible.
The INFJ is often referred to as the “Psychologist”, “Counselor” or “Psychic” because of their natural ability to read and understand others’ emotions better than their own. INFJs are typically intense, mystical, caring, and soothing. They contemplate the meaning behind each action and plan their lifestyle to reflect their deep values to better humanity.
Career Considerations
Many of an INFJs strengths lay in their compassionate, caring and understanding nature. However, at work they bring key characteristics such as:
- Tolerant. INFJs tend to embrace and celebrate the differences in each individual.
- Adaptable. INFJs will listen attentively to feedback and suggestions and adapt based on this.
- Connection. INFJs have the desire to create deep and meaningful connections with people.
- Emotionally attuned. INFJs are highly interested in others. They are emotionally and logically attuned to people and events and can ‘read’ the energy in a room.
- INFJs tend to have the ability to create a positive and respectful atmosphere.
- INFJs help others to realize their innate talents and skills.
Best Careers for INFJs
INFJs have an exceptional strong desire to contribute to the welfare of others. They are kind, empathetic, positive and have the ability to recognize and understand others emotions. Given their nickname, ‘counselors’, INTJs are likely to thrive as counselors, and as psychologists and psychiatrists – where they can work closely with others and help to understand them.
Although INFJs can work with groups of people, they are not visible leaders and prefer independent work or superficial one-to-one interactions. They are happy working in roles that require solitude and close attention. Often, peaceful work environments that are organized and intellectually challenging are likely to suit INFJs. Such environments include those in scientific research.
Finally, INFJs tend to love the expressive quality of language. They typically have the creativity, organization, focus and concentration to make excellent editors or writers. Similarly, they may feel enthused as librarians or interpreters.
Worst Careers for INFJs
INFJs are normally quite private people and would prefer to be out of the public eye. They need quiet time to recharge their batteries and are rather unlikely to thrive in careers that are too loud, too sociable or too erratic. High risk careers, such as careers in banking, sales, marketing or gambling are all likely to stress an INFJ.
Careers that are overly critical (such as politics), require constant interaction (such as customer service) or don’t provide meaningful work (such as finance or stockbroking) are all likely to leave an INFJ feeling uninspired, frustrated and misunderstood.
Impact of the Identity Modifier on Career & Work life
As with all of the 16 personality types, INFJ’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.
INFJ-A and INFJ-T will express their shared features in different ways. Let’s take a look!
INFJ-A
Assertive INFJs are confident and self-assured. They tend be be hopeful, and focus very much on the positives. INFJ-As are less easily stressed than other INFJs. They are also less influenced by the opinions of others. However, they need to be careful, as this can come across as if they are insensitive and don’t care.
INFJ-T
Like all turbulent types, INFJ-Ts are more self-doubting and less confident than their assertive cousins. However, their worries and concerns drive them to be productive and make significant progress. Similarly, INFJ-Ts spend time pondering over their regrets which often drives them to learn from their mistakes and become better.