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Working Together More

Effectively:
Using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®

Presented by Nancy J. Barger


Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, Myers-Briggs, MBTI, and
Introduction to Type are trademarks or registered trademarks
of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Trust in the United States and other countries.

1
Barger

Organization development / HR consultant


ƒ organizational change
ƒ MBTI® instrument applications – Step I and Step II
ƒ leadership development and coaching
ƒ diversity, multicultural issues
ƒ team analysis and interventions

2
International Consulting

MBTI ® qualifying programs, advanced


applications, and organization development in

ƒ US ƒ South Korea
ƒ Canada ƒ Australia
ƒ UK ƒ Singapore
ƒ Finland ƒ New Zealand
ƒ Denmark ƒ India
ƒ South Africa

3
Publications
ƒ Type and Culture
ƒ Introduction to Type® and Change
ƒ The Challenge of Change in Organizations
ƒ WORKTypes (Kummerow, Barger, and Kirby)
ƒ MBTI® Manual, “Use of Type in Organizations,” “Uses of
Type in Multicultural Settings”
ƒ MBTI® Applications, “Multicultural Applications”

4
The MBTI® Instrument

The most widely-used personality inventory in the


world – translated into 30+ languages

I have used it – with excellent success – in


Canada The United Kingdom Finland
Australia New Zealand Denmark
Singapore India South Korea South Africa

5
What Is the MBTI® Tool?

ƒ The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator instrument


is a personality inventory

ƒ It’s designed to identify normal differences in


people

ƒ There are no right or wrong answers – only


the ones that are right for you
6
What It’s NOT

ƒ Is NOT about skills, intelligence,


abilities, or technical expertise
ƒ Does NOT tell you what you can and
can’t do
ƒ Affirms that people are a lot more than
their psychological type

7
Complete the Form M Self-
Scorable
ƒ Answer as you prefer – when not under
pressure to act a certain way
ƒ Answer the 93 questions – Use a ball-
point pen and press firmly
ƒ DO NOT TEAR OPEN – we will score
later

8
Carl G. Jung
Carl Gustav Jung, a
Swiss psychiatrist
(1875 – 1961)
developed a theory
of personality.

Differences between
people are not
random, instead
they form patterns
– types.

9
Katharine C. Briggs
Katharine C. Briggs (1875 –
1968), an American, read
Jung’s Psychological
Types in 1923.

She spent the next 20 years


studying, developing, and
applying Jung’s theory.

10
Isabel Briggs Myers
Isabel Briggs Myers
(1897 – 1980)
developed Jung’s
theory in partnership
with Briggs.

Beginning in 1943, she


developed questions
that became the
Myers-Briggs Type
Indicator® instrument.

11
MBTI® Results
The MBTI® inventory indicates preferences
on 4 sets of opposites:

E Extraversion OR I Introversion

S Sensing OR N Intuition

T Thinking OR F Feeling

J Judging OR P Perceiving
12
What Are “Preferences”?
Turn to Introduction to Type®, p. 8.

In the box in the left-hand column, do


what it says – sign your name the way
you always do.

13
Preferences

Then, put your pen or pencil in the other


hand and sign your name once again in
the box below.

14
Preferences

Most people find the two experiences –


writing with the preferred hand and with
the non-preferred hand – quite different.

This helps explain what Jung and the


MBTI® mean by “preferences.”

15
16 Patterns

The four preferences can combine in any


way =

16 different ways of being normal

16
Extraversion or Introversion

This preference is about mental energy

ƒ how we get energy


ƒ how we focus our energy and attention

17
Extraversion or Introversion

From Introduction to Type & Change, Barger & Kirby, CPP


2004, pp. 4 – 5.
18
E or I

People who prefer E People who prefer I

energized by energized by quiet,


outside world internal processing

active and involved reflective and


thoughtful

19
Work Styles

Extraversion Introversion

ƒ talk things through ƒ think things through

ƒ take action, get going ƒ think before acting

ƒ want to be involved ƒ want to be informed

ƒ prefer face-to-face ƒ prefer writing/one-on-


one
20
Sensing or Intuition

This preference is about perception

ƒ how we take in information

ƒ the kind of information we like and trust

21
Sensing or Intuition

22
Sensing or Intuition

People who prefer S People who prefer N

focus on what IS focus on connections


through the senses and meaning in what is

trust and rely on trust and rely on their


“real,” verifiable data insights, the explanatory
patterns they see

23
Work Styles

Sensing Intuition
ƒ focus on present realities ƒ focus on future possibilities
ƒ want practical data ƒ want the big picture
ƒ build carefully to ƒ jump to connections and
conclusions patterns
ƒ rely on experience ƒ rely on innovative ideas
ƒ “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it” ƒ “let’s try something new”

24
Thinking or Feeling

This preference is about decision-making

ƒ the way we organize and prioritize


information

ƒ the process we use to make decisions

25
Thinking or Feeling

26
Thinking or Feeling

People who prefer T People who prefer F

prioritize and decide prioritize and decide


using detached using personal and group
analysis, logic values

apply principles of apply empathy,


fairness and compassion, attention to
“reasonableness” individual needs

27
Work Styles
Thinking Feeling
ƒ step back to get an ƒ step into, identify with
objective view people involved
ƒ analyze pros & cons ƒ assess impacts on people
ƒ focus on tasks ƒ focus on relationships
ƒ value competence ƒ value harmony & support
ƒ are “fair” ƒ are “fair”

28
Judging or Perceiving

This last preference looks at the attitude


you bring to your external life

ƒ how you organize your environment

ƒ how you plan and complete tasks

29
Judging or Perceiving

30
Judging or Perceiving

People who prefer J People who prefer P

seek structure and seek openness and


order in their daily variety in their daily
life life

plan & schedule to stay flexible to


move to completion gather information &
experiences
31
Work Styles

Judging Perceiving
ƒ want clear goals ƒ goals = “moving targets”
ƒ make plans & follow ƒ want flexible plans,
them options
ƒ develop schedules & ƒ general parameters &
time frames time frames
ƒ drive to “wrap it up” ƒ wait for decisions to
emerge
32
1st Hypothesis – Self Estimate

Introduction to Type®, p. 11

Write the 4 letters you have chosen. If there was


one where you couldn’t choose, put in a question
mark.

E/I/? S/N/? T/F/? J/P/?

33
Scoring
Tear open the booklet (left-hand strip) to
score your results

34
35
36
37
Your MBTI® Results Show . . .

1. The 4 preferences you chose.

2. An indication of the clarity with which you


reported those.

E Moderate

38
Your “Best Fit”

If the 2 hypotheses are the same:


¾ read the full-page description of that type, pp.
14 – 29 (Table of Contents lists pages)

If the two hypotheses are different on 1 preference:


¾ read both

Note things in the description that are like


you and that are not like you.
39
It’s Your Decision!
The MBTI® questionnaire is a carefully-developed, well-
researched instrument –
AND 93 questions cannot tap into all the information
you have about yourself.

To decide on your “best fit” type, consider


ƒ your results
ƒ your self-estimate, and
ƒ the type descriptions

40
Adults in the United States
Form M reported type
National representative sample
N = 3,009

E 49%
I 51%
S 73%
N 27%
T 40%
F 60%
J 54%
P 46%

TJ 24%
TP 16%
FJ 30%
FP 29%

Source: MBTI Manual, 3rd ed. (1998), p. 379.


Palo Alto, CA: CPP. 41
Adults in the United Kingdom
Step I (European English) reported type
National representative sample
N = 1,634

E 50%
I 50%
S 71%
N 29%
T 43%
F 57%
J 59%
P 41%

TJ 28%
TP 17%
FJ 30%
FP 25%

Source: MBTI Manual, 3rd ed. (1998), p. 379.


Palo Alto, CA: CPP.
42
Team
ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ

XX X X
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP

X X
ESTP ESFP ENFP ENTP

X
ESTJ ESFJ ENFJ ENTJ

Leader

43
Team
ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ

XX X X
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP

X X
ESTP ESFP ENFP ENTP

Leader
ESTJ ESFJ ENFJ ENTJ

XXX X X

44
Constructive Use of
Differences
ƒ Becoming aware of differences
ƒ Acknowledging the value of differences
ƒ Practicing new behaviors, seeking out
others with differences
ƒ Incorporating different perspectives into
our own processes
Isabel Briggs Myers

“I dream that
long after I’m
gone, my work
will go on helping
people.”

—1979

5.46
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®)

ISTJ
ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
ESTP ESFP ENFP ENTP
(Introversion, Sensing, Thinking, Judging) ESTJ ESFJ ENFJ ENTJ

The above four letters are known as a ‘type’ and are based on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®
(MBTI®). If you have not already completed an assessment to find out your type, click here to
take the MBTI ®. After completing the assessment, sign up for a workshop to learn more about
the MBTI® and receive your results.
Note: The MBTI® is available to U of S students and alumni and an NSID is required to sign in and complete the assessment.

The following information has been compiled from numerous MBTI® resources. It is intended to be
an overview and shows how type can apply to many aspects of life. It is not, however, a complete
description. Please see the attached works cited list for additional information.

ISTJ Overview
ISTJs are generally practical, responsible, stable and often quiet and serious. They focus their energy inward and
reenergize through spending time on their own. ISTJs are typically very private and generally share their thoughts and
acquired information with close friends. They can be sociable in situations where they are familiar with their ‘role’ but
prefer private conversation to large group settings. They follow set rules and regulations and value tradition, community
involvement, and hard work. An ISTJ will likely think things through before sharing their insights and as such, their
ideas are usually well thought out. They want to be accurate and are often perfectionists. Their natural focus is on
common sense and they see the practical and realistic side to any situation. They are also often financially responsible.

ISTJs generally observe their environment through their five senses, and all observations are detailed and specific. They
usually look for realistic and practical facts, and data that can be effectively handled and systematically understood. They
prefer order and the sequential processing of information. They tend to use categorized criteria to support their objective
approach to gathering information. These categories are often used to further organize the information. An ISTJ usually
stores specific details in their memory and are subsequently accurate and precise in their comments and actions. An ISTJ
also naturally looks at the immediate situation but when required, does ‘big picture’ thinking by incorporating the facts.

The ISTJ is usually a hard worker and is orientated to completing all tasks on or before the deadline. They are motivated
by tasks that they understand and resist jobs that do not make sense to them. They are generally very reliable and expect
others to exemplify their own personal commitment to responsibility and competence. Since their focus is on work,
personal needs are considered once all obligations have been met. In their interactions with people, the ISTJ may not
consider emotions and is often more focused on the task. The ISTJ also prefers stability and does not like change. As
such, an ISTJ tends to make modifications when current procedures no longer work or when evidence supports the
possibility of improved results and greater efficiency.
ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

ISTJ and School

Learning
The ISTJ student will often…
• Construct a plan to organize their learning
• Use a sequential process for compiling facts and practical information
• Create generalized themes from their gathered information
• Only use theory when it can be incorporated in a real and practical way
• Work best in a quiet environment
• Consistently work hard and persevere
• Need to focus on the main points instead of memorizing all data and information

Writing
An ISTJ often prefers to write on detailed and factual data through a step-by-step process. They have a good descriptive
writing style due to their focus on details and their ability to recall specific information. In their writing, an ISTJ may
need to be cautious that they do not become overwhelmed with the details and data.

In the writing process, the ISTJ will often…


• Use an efficient and well organized writing process
• Reflect on past experiences and create a plan based on previously successful outlines
• Need to consider the impact their writing has on their audience
• Clarify the objective and obtain clear instructions and expectations
• Write a first draft and then revise writing to omit unnecessary details and include generalizations
• Incorporate headings, graphs, charts and tables in order to highlight key points

Procrastination
An ISTJ’s work ethic often leads them to thoroughly complete each assignment, paper and report. However, it can
be difficult for a student to have enough time to complete each assigned task at their optimal level. An ISTJ may
procrastinate or leave a project undone if they are not able to meet their own high standards or when they feel
overwhelmed with the information and data they have compiled. To overcome this, an ISTJ should try stepping back
and looking at the big picture.

2 Student Employment & Career Centre


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

ISTJ and Career Exploration


An ISTJ tends to find career satisfaction with careers that have the following characteristics:
• Uses technical skills to work with facts and details
• Produces a real product or service
• Are governed by rules and regulations
• Provides an opportunity for long term security
• Offers a stable and traditional work environment
• Uses an organizational reporting structure
• Requires a minimal amount of risk taking and limited change
• Allows independent work to be completed in an adequate time frame
• Provides an opportunity for greater responsibility and compensation through promotion and performance
evaluation

When exploring career options, an ISTJ will often…


• Perform thorough research on currently available careers
• Logically and realistically assess each career option
• Need to intentionally consider options that would require change
• Need to include their personal values as part of the selection criteria
• Benefit from weighing out all their options to avoid making a hasty career decision

Careers to Consider
The following is a list of suggested occupations that fit the qualities of an ISTJ or are careers that other ISTJs have found
to be satisfying. Use this list as a starting point for further investigation but do not limit your options to only this list.

• Manager/Supervisor • Insurance Underwriter • Lab Technician • General Surgeon


• Law Researcher • Credit Analyst • Word Processing Specialist • Veterinarian
• Legal Secretary • Bank Examiner • Estate Planner • Judge
• School Broker • Tax Examiner • Steelworker • Engineer
• School Principal • Accountant • Pharmacist • Mechanic
• School Bus Driver • Financial Officers • Librarian • Medical Doctor
• Teacher: Technical/ Math/ • Stock Broker • Administrator • Dentist
Physical Education • Technical Writer • Police Officer • Health Care Administrator
• Purchasing Agent • Bank Employees • Detective • Nursing Administrator
• Military Officer • Pollution Control • Corrections Officer • Computer Programmer
• Government Employee • Electrician • Auditor

Student Employment & Career Centre 3


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

Job Search
During their job search, an ISTJ will often…
• Do thorough research on all prospective fields
• Accept the job search process and length
• Need to intentionally investigate jobs through avenues that they do not commonly use
• Network with a small number of individuals that they feel personally connected to
• Accurately prepares their job search documents
• Need to include their achievements in their applications
• Meet the job application deadline
• Need an extra reminder to follow up with an employer through a thank you note

During an interview, an ISTJ will often…


• Use supporting evidence and examples to market their knowledge
• Appear uninterested in a position due to their quiet disposition
• Need to present their enthusiasm for the position

ISTJ and Work


At work, the ISTJ will often…
• Be hardworking, organized, efficient, and productive
• Set tangible goals
• Devise action plans to meet their established goals
• Consistently complete tasks on schedule and follow through with commitments
• Follow the established policies, procedures and routines
• Desire clear and predictable expectations
• Prefer independent work but be comfortable with teamwork
• Take limited or no risks
• Reliably complete work without supervision
• Excel in areas they understand and practice

4 Student Employment & Career Centre


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

At work, the ISTJ should be aware that they may…


• Experience difficulty in adapting to unexpected events or unscheduled opportunities
• Resist change and be reluctant to incorporate ideas that have not been tested
• Need to intentionally stay open to innovative ideas in order to prevent rigidity
• Focus on daily processes and neglect future needs and possibilities
• Have an eye for what is wrong or incorrect and miss what has been done correctly
• Need to remember the positive accomplishments of others
• Have a difficult time turning down work or delegating tasks to coworkers
• Focus on policies and procedures and become critical or judgmental if they feel unappreciated or unable to use
their abilities
• Miss good opportunities when relying too heavily on proven experiences and dismiss new, untested processes

Teamwork
On a team, the ISTJ will often…
• Work on their assigned task until completion
• Work best in a team when all members have designated tasks and each member completes their duties
• Use logical ideas to influence their team members and solve problems through applying common sense
• Dislike personal issues that get in the way of the task
• Disclose little about their personal lives

On a team, the ISTJ should be aware that they may…


• Be viewed as a ‘picky’ team member
• Need to place more emphasis on understanding and building rapport with their team members
• Become irritated when team members do not complete agreed upon tasks and do not cooperate with the group
• Become frustrated when team members interrupt or are excessively talkative
• Need to make a concentrated effort to provide their opinion in a timely manner and maintain a fun attitude
• Be more effective by focusing on the development of their interpersonal skills

Leadership
The ISTJ is likely in a leadership position because of promotions and advancements that were based on their
commitment to the task or job. As a leader, the ISTJ will often…
• Be fair, consistent and have clear expectations
• Focus on the organizational needs
• Make decisions based on what they have learned through past experiences and gathering facts
• Lean towards the traditional and hierarchical approach to leadership
• Usually reward those who have consistently completed the assigned task and followed the rules

Student Employment & Career Centre 5


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

ISTJ and Life

Communication
The ISTJ will often…
• Communicate in a clear and straightforward manner
• Take a no-nonsense approach to expressing themselves and providing direction
• Break down complicated information into specific, detailed sections
• Want to hear the information relating to expectations and procedures
• Establish evidence as credible when it is logical, factual, accurate and organized
• Listen to others and deal with conflict without being overwhelmed with emotion
• Articulate their thoughts in conversations
• Provide consequences or criticism when necessary

The ISTJ should be aware that they may need to…


• Work on communicating and sharing information about themselves and their viewpoint
• Communicate and build relationships with their friends, family and co-workers
• Make a conscious effort to observe the feelings of other people when providing feedback
• Vocalize their appreciation of other peoples’ accomplishments

Decision Making
When it comes to decision making, the ISTJ will often…
• Make sensible and logical decisions
• Objectively gather and analyze the facts
• Weigh information against their perception of what is realistic
• Need to consider the impact their decisions have on people
• Benefit from considering additional options and incorporating their values
• Need to slow down their decision making process in order to consider all information

Playing
• An ISTJ will often complete work before they participate in any extracurricular or ‘fun’ activity. For an ISTJ who
has difficulty in balancing work and life, they may need to plan additional time for fun and relaxation. When
selecting activities, their preference is often for projects that require independent, hands on work. When it
comes to dating, the ISTJ student has reported to be too busy or will tend to date once a month.

6 Student Employment & Career Centre


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

Stress
An ISTJ often experiences stress when…
• Others inadequate work has a negative impact on their own work
• Required to make a significant deviation from their routine
• Given information that is too broad
• Others disregard common sense
• Their work habits lead them to deny their personal needs
• They feel rushed and develop a perceived inability to complete the task
• Forced to make irrational, unexplainable, or immediate changes to their work
• Required to complete a task using an inefficient process

An ISTJ will often have a calm approach to handling a stressful situation. However, when they are affected by
stress, an ISTJ will often…
• Pay even closer attention to the detail
• Begin to form solutions to problematic situations based on their past experiences
• Become overwhelmed with the amount of data obtained and lose control of all the details
• Become impulsive or compulsively worry about the future
• With great stress, abandon their typical approach and start to imagine all the negative possibilities through
‘catastrophizing’

An ISTJ can reduce stress by…


• Imagining the worst case scenario and planning accordingly
• Looking to the big picture and putting their stress into perspective
• Realistically determine what will matter in the future
• Leaving the situation and trying something uncharacteristic in order to realign their perspective

Works cited
Brownsword, Alan W., It Takes All Types. 2nd Ed. Nicasio, CA: Baytree Publication Company for Hirsh, Sandra Krebs, and Jane A. G. Kise. Introduction to Type and Coaching. Palo Alto, CA:
HRM Press, Inc., 1999. Consulting Psychologists Press, Inc., 2000.
Butt, Joe. “Introverted Sensing Thinking Judging.” TypeLogic. 27 Feb 2005. TypeLogic. 02 Hirsh, Sandra Krebs, and Jean M. Kummerow. Introduction to Type in Organizations. 3rd ed. Palo
January 2008 <http://www.typelogic.com/istj.html>. Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Pres, Inc., 1998.
Career Choice and MBTI® Type. 1989. Gainesville, FL: Center fro Applications of Psychological “ISTJ.” The Personality Type Tool Kit. Communication Consultants, LLC., 1993.
Type, Inc., 1997. Loomis, Ann B. Write from the Start. Gainesville, FL: Center for applications of Psychological Type,
DiTiberio, John K., and Allen L. Hammer. Introduction to Type in College. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting 1999.
Psychologists Press, Inc., 1993. Myers, Isabel Briggs. Introduction to Type. 6th ed. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press,
Dranitsaris, Anne. Behavioural Interview Guide. Pickering, ON: Sage Developmental Resources Inc., 1998.
Inc., 2001. “Portrait of an ISTJ.” The Personality Page. 2006. BSM Consulting. 02 January 2008 <http://www.
Dunning, Donna. Introduction to Type and Communication. Palo Alto, CA: CPP, Inc., 2003. personalitypage.com/ISTJ.html>.
Fitzsimmons, Sharon. Type & Time Management. 1999. Edmonton, AB: Psychometrics Canada Provost, Judith A. Procrastination. 1988. Gainesville, FL: Centre for Applications of Psychological
Ltd., 2001. Type, 2001.
Hammer, Allen. Introduction to Type and Careers. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press, Quenk, Naomi L. In the Grip. 2nd ed. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press, Inc., 2000.
Inc., 1993. Tieger, Paul D., and Barbara Barron-Tieger. Do What You Are. 3rd Ed. Boston, New York, London:
Hirsh, Sandra Krebs. Introduction to Type and Teams. Pal Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Little, Brown and Company, 2001.
Press, Inc., 1992.

Student Employment & Career Centre 7


Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®)

ISFJ
ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
ESTP ESFP ENFP ENTP
ESTJ ESFJ ENFJ ENTJ
(Introversion, Sensing, Feeling, Judging)

The above four letters are known as a ‘type’ and are based on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®
(MBTI®). If you have not already completed an assessment to find out your type, click here to
take the MBTI ®. After completing the assessment, sign up for a workshop to learn more about
the MBTI® and receive your results.
Note: The MBTI® is available to U of S students and alumni and an NSID is required to sign in and complete the assessment.

The following information has been compiled from numerous MBTI® resources. It is intended to be
an overview and shows how type can apply to many aspects of life. It is not, however, a complete
description. Please see the attached works cited list for additional information.

ISFJ Overview
ISFJs are generally kind, practical, warm, loyal and thoughtful. They focus their energy inward and reenergize through
spending time on their own. The ISFJ is often shy and quiet and generally only shares their thoughts and feelings with
close friends. Family is important to an ISFJ and they also value facts, precision and accuracy. They are usually in tune
with their feelings and are capable of remaining calm during difficult situations. The ISFJ is also known for fulfilling their
commitments and having a firm opinion once a decision is made.

ISFJs tend to be people orientated and direct their attention to the needs of others. They generally look for the best in
people and focus on drawing out these qualities during their interactions. The ISFJs values are reflected in their choices
and they tend to place a high importance on harmony and cooperation. They usually do not like conflict and will work
to accommodate others. The ISFJ wants to help people and will often consider their own needs only after meeting the
needs of others. As such, they will typically use actions to express their concern for someone and will challenge the
behavior of others when their actions are perceived to be harmful or hurtful. They are usually generous individuals and
rarely accept recognition for all that they do. The ISFJ does require feedback from others and the absence of positive
comments may lead to discouragement.

An ISFJ is usually duty focused and will meet deadlines and complete all necessary tasks. In their work they adhere to
traditions, enjoy routines, and desire clear instructions. The ISFJ has a tendency to gather facts and details throughout
their day and stores this information in their memory. They are therefore able to recall specifics and often remember
things as they pertain to people. The ISFJ commits time and energy to complete tasks they deem necessary. They
establish procedures to ensure that the needs and wants of people are met. An ISFJ will naturally focus on the present
and generally are not interested in future possibilities. They are hesitant to accept or implement changes to an already
efficient process. Change may be seen as acceptable when there is evidence that shows the potential benefit for people
or the possibility of improving a procedure.
ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

ISFJ and School

Learning
The ISFJ student will often…
• Learn best through the practical application of information
• Verify the accuracy of facts and use that information to further enhance their learning
• Want information to be clearly communicated
• Prefer examples to include a human component
• Prefer to study on their own

Writing
The ISFJ enjoys writing easy-to-read text. They may have an interest in historical fiction which can influence their
writing format and the type of facts they include. The ISFJ usually does not enjoy technical writing and overcomes
this by referencing past formats that they have used. They prefer to write documents that do not include theories or
analyzing information. They may also be hesitant towards trying new writing processes. As well, an ISFJ may not be
confident in their abilities and are sometimes unwilling to let other people read their writing.

In the writing process, the ISFJ will often…


• Collect and organize facts and create a guideline
• Need to allot enough time for reflection as this is a key process in their writing
• Prefer a quiet work environment to facilitate their reflection
• Avoid using technology to compose their documents unless they are already comfortable using a computer
• Consistently meet their deadlines
• Write one draft and if necessary, revise their writing to eliminate the extra facts and highlight the common
themes

Procrastination
An ISFJ usually thoroughly completes each assignment, paper, and report. However, it can be difficult for a student to
have enough time to complete each assigned task at their optimal level. An ISFJ may procrastinate or leave a project
uncompleted if they are not able to meet their own high standards or when they feel overwhelmed with the information
and data they have compiled. To overcome this, an ISFJ should try to step back and look at the big picture.

2 Student Employment & Career Centre


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

ISFJ and Career Exploration


An ISFJ tends to find career satisfaction with careers that have the following characteristics:
• Provides a tangible product or service for people
• Offers a supportive, secure, and traditional work environment
• Emphasizes gathering and incorporating facts and details
• Provides a quiet work environment with independent tasks or one-on-one interaction
• Requires limited theory or analyzing information
• Combines their desire for organization and structure with their natural consideration of others
• Recognizes and appreciates their individual involvement

When exploring career options, an ISFJ will often…


• Begin by looking at their overall career objectives and gathering career related facts
• Set goals and create an action plan
• Need to remember to include long-term goals in their career planning
• Naturally filter their options through what they value
• Need to remember to include an objective and logical evaluation of each option

Careers to Consider
The following is a list of suggested occupations that fit the qualities of an ISFJ or are careers that other ISFJs have found
to be satisfying. Use this list as a starting point for further investigation but do not limit your options to only this list.

• Preschool/Elementary Teacher • Food Service • Secretary • Medical Equipment


• Child Care/Early Childhood • Private Household Worker • Computer Operator Salesperson
Development • Inn Keeper Guard • Social Services Admin • Healthcare Administrator
• Speech Therapy Teacher • Personnel Administrator • Social Workers • Nurse
• Teachers Aide • Office Managers • Guidance Counselor • Dental Hygienist
• Educational Administrator • Administrators and • Personal Counselor • Physical Therapist
• School Bus Driver Manager • Clergy/Religious Workers • Speech Pathologist
• Interior Decorator • Administrative Assistant • Family Physician • Probation Officer
• Designer • Paralegals • Doctors of Osteopathy • Dietician
• Retail Sales Person • Librarian/Archivist • Medical Technologist • Curator
• Fashion Merchandiser • Bookkeepers • Electrician
• Customer Service Representative • Clerical Supervisor • Home Economics
• Shopkeepers

Student Employment & Career Centre 3


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

Job Search
During their job search, an ISFJ will often…
• Organize their job search and fully research potential jobs
• Tailor their job search document to highlight their commendable work ethic
• Need to intentionally consider companies that are not currently listing positions
• Network with carefully selected people
• Need to be aggressive and pursue opportunities through following up with employers
• Logically evaluate their job options
• Need to be cautious not to take it personally if they are not selected for a job

During an interview, an ISFJ will often…


• Present their team player attitude
• Provide a clear description of their past experiences
• Benefit from practicing to promote their skills or answer broad questions
• Need to remember to appear enthusiastic
• Need to learn how their people skills can be tied to the ‘bottom line’ and how to market this to a company

ISFJ and Work


At work, the ISFJ will often…
• Be accurate, practical, organized, and hardworking
• Use a step-by-step approach to complete their work
• Complete all assigned tasks with careful attention to detail and with optimal efficiency
• Follow procedures and uphold the traditional organizational structure
• Be responsible, realistic and trustworthy
• Use an organized and comprehensive approach to fulfill their commitments
• Enjoy helping their coworkers
• Achieve optimal results when they focus their attention on one project at a time
• Prefer a quiet work space with limited interruption
• Work best when they are appreciated for their contributions and accomplishments

4 Student Employment & Career Centre


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

At work, the ISFJ should be aware that they may…


• Need to intentionally look for future possibilities
• Require adequate preparation time for projects and presentations
• Dislike change and have a difficult time altering their decisions
• Feel bound by responsibility and likely choose not to delegate additional tasks
• Feel unsure of how to request help when they feel overwhelmed with additional tasks
• Develop an increased support for procedures and may become rigid, inflexible, or resentful when they feel
unappreciated
• Struggle to learn new skills or multitask due to their high work standards
• Need to be assertive so others do not take advantage of their desire to help people
• Need to learn to accept the recognition of others

Teamwork
On a team, the ISFJ will often…
• Be an effective team member that is consistent and reliable
• Work for the benefit of the team
• Record the information and keep excellent notes
• Expect their team members to contribute to the group work
• Excel at cooperating with people and creating harmony
• Influence their team by being respectful and by providing detailed information

On a team, the ISFJ should be aware that they may…


• Become frustrated when group members are unprepared for meetings, are easily distracted, or neglect the facts
• Be seen as too serious
• Need to remember to allow others to have fun
• May need to advocate for their own ideas

Leadership
The ISFJ does not seek out leadership positions but will accept them when necessary. As a leader, the ISFJ will
often…
• Follow the organization’s policies and procedures
• Focus on the specifics and organize the information
• Ensure that tasks are completed on time
• Encourage their team members
• Evaluate the group needs and promotoe all levels of development
• Excel at teaching new duties to others

Student Employment & Career Centre 5


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

ISFJ and Life

Communication
The ISFJ will often…
• Be known for their good listening skills
• Prefer one-on-one interaction
• Limit the personal information they share unless they see the information as beneficial
• Want to hear the details, an explanation of what is expected, and if necessary, their roles and responsibilities
• Be interested in hearing positive feedback from others

The ISFJ should be aware that they may need to…


• Work on summarizing information and connecting it to the overall concepts
• Learn to communicate their accomplishments
• Learn not to take feedback too personally

Decision Making
When it comes to decision making, the ISFJ will often…
• Begin by examining the situation and gathering the facts
• Evaluate the information based on their values and the potential impact on people
• Reflect on their decision to ensure that they made a fair choice
• Need to ensure they objectively examine the practicalities of a decision
• Need to take their time during the decision making process

Play
The ISFJ has a ‘work before play’ approach to life and will complete all tasks before permitting themselves to relax.
In their personal lives, they go to great lengths to help out family members, roommates, and friends. At times, they
may allow their own needs to be overlooked. It is important for an ISFJ to identify their own needs and work towards
fulfilling them. In their personal relationships, the ISFJ postsecondary student tends to date less than other students.
Overall, the ISFJ may need to take a break and schedule specific times for ‘play.’

6 Student Employment & Career Centre


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

Stress
An ISFJ will often experiences stress when…
• Trying to meet their own high work standard
• Others inadequate work has a negative impact on their own work
• People do not use common sense or overlook the facts
• Given an inadequate amount of time to prepare
• Conflict exists in their work or personal environment
• Requested to make changes without reason
• Required to complete tasks through an inefficient process
• Feeling unclear about possible future outcomes
• Denying their own personal needs

When an ISFJ is affected by stress, they will often…


• Feel inadequate and unable to complete any task or see an alternative option
• Take the stress with them after leaving the situation
• Have trouble addressing the problem and avoid these difficult situations
• Be susceptible to negative thinking which may lead to a depressed attitude and additional resistance to change
• With extreme or chronic stress, start imagining all the negative possible outcomes and worst case scenarios

An ISFJ can reduce stress by…


• Persevering through the difficult situation
• Using past strategies that have proven to decrease their stress
• Watching television, sleeping or turning to religion
• Delegating some of their responsibilities
• Putting the facts into perspective
• Using activities that require a creative mind frame
• Working to improve their self confidence
• Learning to be more assertive

Works cited
Brownsword, Alan W., It Takes All Types. 2nd Ed. Nicasio, CA: Baytree Publication Company for Hirsh, Sandra Krebs, and Jane A. G. Kise. Introduction to Type and Coaching. Palo Alto, CA:
HRM Press, Inc., 1999. Consulting Psychologists Press, Inc., 2000.
Career Choice and MBTI® Type. 1989. Gainesville, FL: Center fro Applications of Psychological Hirsh, Sandra Krebs, and Jean M. Kummerow. Introduction to Type in Organizations. 3rd ed. Palo
Type, Inc., 1997. Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Pres, Inc., 1998.
DiTiberio, John K., and Allen L. Hammer. Introduction to Type in College. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting “ISFJ.” The Personality Type Tool Kit. Communication Consultants, LLC., 1993.
Psychologists Press, Inc., 1993. Loomis, Ann B. Write from the Start. Gainesville, FL: Center for applications of Psychological Type,
Dranitsaris, Anne. Behavioural Interview Guide. Pickering, ON: Sage Developmental Resources 1999.
Inc., 2001. Myers, Isabel Briggs. Introduction to Type. 6th ed. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press,
Dunning, Donna. Introduction to Type and Communication. Palo Alto, CA: CPP, Inc., 2003. Inc., 1998.
Fitzsimmons, Sharon. Type & Time Management. 1999. Edmonton, AB: Psychometrics Canada “Portrait of an ISFJ.” The Personality Page. 2006. BSM Consulting. 08 January 2008 <http://www.
Ltd., 2001. personalitypage.com/ISFJ.html>.
Hammer, Allen. Introduction to Type and Careers. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press, Provost, Judith A. Procrastination. 1988. Gainesville, FL: Centre for Applications of Psychological
Inc., 1993. Type, 2001.
Heiss, Marina Margaret. “Introverted Sensing Feeling Judging.” TypeLogic. 20 Aug 2007. Quenk, Naomi L. In the Grip. 2nd ed. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press, Inc., 2000.
TypeLogic. 08 January 2008 <http://www.typelogic.com/isfj.html>. Tieger, Paul D., and Barbara Barron-Tieger. Do What You Are. 3rd Ed. Boston, New York, London:
Hirsh, Sandra Krebs. Introduction to Type and Teams. Pal Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Little, Brown and Company, 2001.
Press, Inc., 1992.

Student Employment & Career Centre 7


Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®)

INFJ
ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
ESTP ESFP ENFP ENTP
(Introversion, Intuition, Feeling, Judging) ESTJ ESFJ ENFJ ENTJ

The above four letters are known as a ‘type’ and are based on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®
(MBTI®). If you have not already completed an assessment to find out your type, click here to
take the MBTI ®. After completing the assessment, sign up for a workshop to learn more about
the MBTI® and receive your results.
Note: The MBTI® is available to U of S students and alumni and an NSID is required to sign in and complete the assessment.

The following information has been compiled from numerous MBTI® resources. It is intended to be
an overview and shows how type can apply to many aspects of life. It is not, however, a complete
description. Please see the attached works cited list for additional information.

INFJ and School


INFJs are generally compassionate, creative, helpful, and are often known for their integrity. They tend to focus their
energy inward and reenergize through spending time on their own. INFJs are typically private and generally share their
thoughts and feelings with people they know. The INFJ may also have a high commitment to their strong value system.
They are often guided by their convictions and may become assertive and persistent if these values are violated. An
INFJ will often reflect on their intuitions and may be seen as deep and at times complex. They may get a feeling about
something and although they experience difficulty in describing these feelings, they are often motivated to act based on
these inner thoughts, ideas, visions and hunches. They may not share these intuitive feelings with others because they
want to avoid scrutiny.

INFJs generally focus on people and look for ways to contribute to the betterment of others. They are usually caring
and will often use their creativity and problem solving abilities to help people. The INFJ tends to have an intuitive
understanding of people and issues and has the ability to present their ideas in a manner that inspires others. The
information that an INFJ gathers will often reflect their people-focused approach. The INFJ may also have a difficult
time confronting people and are often adversely affected by conflict.

The INFJ generally sees the long-term, big picture possibilities. They can be idealistic and often look for new ways to
do things through generating ideas. They do not usually rely on specifics unless these details can be incorporated into
their grander vision. The INFJ will often mull over their insights, are perceptive to the underlying meaning, and tend to
express their inner thoughts through metaphors. The INFJ also believes that the most effective change occurs over time.
They generally have a focus on continuous improvement and may question whether they are in the right place in their
lives or whether they are living up to their potential. The INFJ is also able to see what needs to be done and will work
hard to accomplish these tasks. They are generally organized in their work but may be more flexible and unplanned in
their personal lives.
ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

INFJ and School

Learning
The INFJ student will often…
• Require an independent work environment for studying and reflection
• Focus on theoretical concepts and relationships
• Be comfortable with challenging professors
• Use writing to express their creativity
• Prefer instructors who enthusiastically facilitate learning
• Use their time management and organizational skills to excel in academia
• Complete the required reading

Writing
An INFJ excels at writing on topics that they are passionate about and will often infuse their values and ideas into their
writing. Many INFJs do well at writing novels and also excel at writing nonfiction that appeals to the feelings of their
audience. They are usually drawn to personal topics and may experience difficulty in writing on other areas. They are
generally sensitive to how people react to their writing and need to be cautious not to take feedback too personally. An
INFJ may also potentially designate part of their day for writing. The INFJ is the most likely of all the MBTI® types to
have their writing published.

In the writing process, the INFJ will often…


• Be original, speculate, and look for the big picture
• Need to organize their writing to allow time for reflection
• Put a lot of thought into writing in order to impact their reader
• Gain additional writing knowledge through reading books
• Need to remember to include a logical analysis of information
• Benefit from seeking feedback from a close friend or colleague
• Need to review final draft to ensure their writing matches guidelines

Procrastination
The INFJ may delay their work when they are reviewing and debating possible ideas. It can be difficult for the INFJ to
start writing out their thoughts when they are unsure of where to begin. This can be exceptionally frustrating because
their intent is to complete the task. Essentially, one side of the INFJ wants to explore the possibilities and the other is
looking for closure. This may result in feelings of pressure and frustration.

Students can benefit from understanding their type and subsequently learning the root cause of their frustration and
tension. It may also be beneficial for an INFJ to discuss their ideas in order to find a starting point to begin their project
or writing.

2 Student Employment & Career Centre


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

INFJ and Career Exploration


An INFJ tends to find career satisfaction with careers that have the following characteristics:
• Fosters the continual use of creativity and imagination
• Helps people through creative and solution focused programs and services
• Produces a product or service that evokes pride
• Allows for the unique expression of their interests and abilities
• Provides an opportunity for one-on-one interaction
• Supports their ideas, efforts, and skill development
• Ensures a feeling of control over organizing and carrying out the processes of their job
• Mirrors their personal values and upholds their integrity

When exploring career options, an INFJ will often…


• Set idealistic long-term goals
• Create a plan to meet their goals
• Research information on possible future career opportunities
• Need to consider the specific details of potential careers
• Incorporate their values and trust their intuition when making a career decision
• Need to be cautious that their career choice is not overly influenced by others opinions

Careers to Consider
The following is a list of suggested occupations that fit the qualities of an INFJ or are careers that other INFJs have found
to be satisfying. Use this list as a starting point for further investigation but do not limit your options to only this list.

• Clergy & Religious • Teacher: Humanities/Arts • EAP Coordinator/ Counselor • Organizational Consultant
Orientated • Educational Consultant • Job Analyst • Librarian
• Medicine • Social Worker • Marketing Professional • Playwrite
• Physicians: Pathology, • Career Counselor • Human Resource Manager • Novelist
Psychiatry • Social Scientist • Marketer (ideas/services) • Poet
• Doctors of Osteopathy • Mental Health Worker • Media Specialist • Designer
• Research Assistant • Mediator/Conflict-Resolver • Fine Artist
• Marketing Professional • Director: Social Services • Architect
• Health Care Administrator • Psychologist

Student Employment & Career Centre 3


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

Job Search
During job search, an INFJ will often...
• Create and organize a thorough job search plan
• Creatively present themselves
• Find job opportunities through people they know
• Develop a job that meets the employer’s projected needs
• Need to ensure they pay attention to the details
• Naturally make decisions based on their feelings but should also incorporate objective information
• Use creative problem solving to overcome job search obstacles
• Need to ensure they maintain realistic expectations

During an interview, an INFJ will often...


• Use their natural ability to develop rapport
• Be future focused but should ensure they relate their abilities to the employer’s current needs
• Come across as quiet and may need to focus on communicating their strong qualities
• Benefit from interview practice that focuses on discussing their skills
• Need to learn how their people skills can be tied to the ‘bottom line’ and be able to market this to a company

INFJ and Work


At work, the INFJ will often…
• Value harmony, cooperation, consideration, and integrity
• Inspire coworkers to adopt their ideas
• Provide unique contributions and creative solutions
• Require enough time to thoroughly complete their assigned tasks
• Want full control and responsibility over their work
• Work to complete tasks and exceed expectations
• Encourage coworkers and help them personally develop
• Be organized in their approach to work
• See the big picture and understand difficult concepts
• Desire an atmosphere that is efficiently run and considers the needs of all employees
• Require a quiet work environment that fosters independent thought and creativity

4 Student Employment & Career Centre


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

At work, the INFJ should be aware that they may…


• Be stubborn and single-minded when others disagree with their ideas
• Feel irritated when their ideas are not possible
• Need to remember to include the facts and details in their work
• Need to remain open to information that conflicts with their passionately pursued ideas
• Be negatively affected by conflict or tension
• Avoid conflict and potentially withdraw from confrontational situations
• Feel overwhelmed when inundated with multiple demands
• Benefit from focusing on the underlying significance of their work
• Be unaware of the realistic amount of time required to complete some tasks
• Have trouble adapting to or making quick changes
• Hold back information, make judgments without sufficient information, or withdraw when their contributions
are not valued

Teamwork
On a team, the INFJ will often…
• Help to create an atmosphere based on harmony and cooperation
• Pay attention to the needs of their team members
• Use a global lens to examine issues
• Provide creative ideas and insights
• Motivate team members through their positive attitude
• Encourage the contribution of each team member

On a team, the INFJ should be aware that they may…


• Frustrate their team members when they are too focused on future possibilities and neglect present realities
• Become irritated when team members are unappreciative, negative, or antagonistic
• Avoid providing constructive criticism
• Experience annoyance if team members do not contribute

Leadership
As a leader, the INFJ will often…
• Create an overall, future-focused goal that they strategically lead others toward
• Motivate through recognizing and affirming individual contributions
• Have trouble objectively correcting subordinates
• Inspire people through communicating their vision
• Use their creativity and devotion to influence people
• Expect individuals to complete their duties
• Use their insights to help people develop

Student Employment & Career Centre 5


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

INFJ and Life

Communication
The INFJ will often…
• Listen to people’s problems and assist them in finding a solution
• Want to hear the long-term, big picture potential
• Use metaphorical language to describe their thoughts and ideas
• Prefer one-on-one discussions
• Convey information in a way that is meaningful to their audience
• Appreciate honest communication
• Require a break from interacting with people in order to reenergize

The INFJ should be aware that they may need to…


• Be cautious of appearing judgmental when discussing their values
• Work at providing and accepting constructive feedback
• Work at dealing with difficult people
• Express their own needs
• Use practical wording to convey information
• Intentionally share information with others in all stages of a project
• Be cautious about assuming what is best for others

Decision Making
When it comes to decision making, the INFJ will often…
• Base a decision on what they value
• Do an in-depth reflection that considers all implications of their choice
• Take their time in making a decision
• Experience internal conflict when choosing between the organization and people
• Need to review the practical components of each option

Playing
The INFJ has a tendency to want to complete their work before relaxing. As a result, their personal needs may be
neglected as they pursue their passions. On campus, an INFJ may be drawn towards joining a campus group in order
to implement their ideals or help others. Their roommates generally see them as a consistent friend who is unique and
reliable. As well, the INFJ student reports that they tend to go on minimal dates.

6 Student Employment & Career Centre


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

Stress
An INFJ will often experience stress when…
• Juggling too many details
• Expectations of themselves are too high
• Required to follow instructions that violate their individuality
• Surrounded by an excessive amount of pessimism from others
• Required to perform a lot of extraverted activities
• Trying to complete everything on their own without delegating tasks
• Required to consider additional information that challenges what they believe
• Surrounded by a disorganized work environment

When they are affected by stress, an INFJ will often…


• Become too focused on information they would usually not see as important
• Overeat, purchase items of little value, watch reruns on television, or overexert themselves with cleaning,
exercising or repairing
• Become cynical when they are otherwise usually optimistic
• Experience health problems from constant conflict and stress
• With chronic stress, become irritable, tired, tense or angry
• Focus all their attention on what is causing their stress

An INFJ can reduce stress by…


• Delegating tasks, especially detail oriented tasks
• Selecting and completing a project that requires following directions
• Clearly expressing their expectations to others
• Trusting in their values and intuition
• Providing constructive criticism to others
• Reviewing goals and making appropriate changes to ensure they are realistic
• Spending time alone to reenergize

Works cited
Brownsword, Alan W., It Takes All Types. 2nd Ed. Nicasio, CA: Baytree Publication Company for Hirsh, Sandra Krebs, and Jane A. G. Kise. Introduction to Type and Coaching. Palo Alto, CA:
HRM Press, Inc., 1999. Consulting Psychologists Press, Inc., 2000.
Butt, Joe. “Introverted Intuition Feeling Judging.” TypeLogic. 06 March 2005. TypeLogic. Hirsh, Sandra Krebs, and Jean M. Kummerow. Introduction to Type in Organizations. 3rd ed. Palo
05 February 2008 <http://www.typelogic.com/infj.html>. Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Pres, Inc., 1998.
Career Choice and MBTI® Type. 1989. Gainesville, FL: Center fro Applications of Psychological “INFJ.” The Personality Type Tool Kit. Communication Consultants, LLC., 1993.
Type, Inc., 1997. Loomis, Ann B. Write from the Start. Gainesville, FL: Center for applications of Psychological Type,
DiTiberio, John K., and Allen L. Hammer. Introduction to Type in College. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting 1999.
Psychologists Press, Inc., 1993. Myers, Isabel Briggs. Introduction to Type. 6th ed. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press,
Dranitsaris, Anne. Behavioural Interview Guide. Pickering, ON: Sage Developmental Resources Inc., 1998.
Inc., 2001. “Portrait of an INFJ.” The Personality Page. 2006. BSM Consulting. 05 February 2008 <http://www.
Dunning, Donna. Introduction to Type and Communication. Palo Alto, CA: CPP, Inc., 2003. personalitypage.com/INFJ.html>.
Fitzsimmons, Sharon. Type & Time Management. 1999. Edmonton, AB: Psychometrics Canada Provost, Judith A. Procrastination. 1988. Gainesville, FL: Centre for Applications of Psychological
Ltd., 2001. Type, 2001.
Hammer, Allen. Introduction to Type and Careers. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press, Quenk, Naomi L. In the Grip. 2nd ed. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press, Inc., 2000.
Inc., 1993. Tieger, Paul D., and Barbara Barron-Tieger. Do What You Are. 3rd Ed. Boston, New York, London:
Hirsh, Sandra Krebs. Introduction to Type and Teams. Pal Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Little, Brown and Company, 2001.
Press, Inc., 1992.

Student Employment & Career Centre 7


Myers-Briggs Type indicaTor (MBTI®)

INTJ
ISTJ ISFJ INFJ inTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
ESTP ESFP ENFP ENTP
(Introversion, Intuition, Thinking, Judging) ESTJ ESFJ ENFJ ENTJ

The above four letters are known as a ‘type’ and are based on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®

(MBTI®). If you have not already completed an assessment to find out your type, click here to

take the MBTI ®. After completing the assessment, sign up for a workshop to learn more about

the MBTI® and receive your results.

note: The MBTI® is available to U of S students and alumni and an NSID is required to sign in and complete the assessment.

The following information has been compiled from numerous MBTI® resources. It is intended to be

an overview and shows how type can apply to many aspects of life. It is not, however, a complete

description. Please see the attached works cited list for additional information.

inTJ overview
INTJs are often insightful, future-focused, rational, firm-minded, and calm. They are driven to succeed, have high
standards, value continuous improvement and are often seen as perfectionists. The INTJ is often logical and decisive
and uses an objective approach to analyzing situations. In a social situation, the INTJ may find it difficult to participate
in discussions and may be perceived as hard to get to know. For an INTJ, small talk is often viewed as dull or boring.
The INTJ is also generally creative and prefers originality in their work.

The INTJ has a tendency to create and internally evaluate a wealth of new possibilities, ideas and processes. They have
their eye on the big-picture and see future possibilities. For an INTJ, their focus tends to be on taking their overall ideas
and bringing them to fruition. They usually see the general concept and then gather the specific details and integrate
the necessary information. They tend to rely heavily on their inner thoughts for guidance and may experience difficulty
with balancing the value they place on these insights. The INTJ is generally confident and will act on their perceived
possibilities regardless of their practicality or the caution of others. The INTJ usually enjoys a challenge and is eager to
work with theoretical and abstract data.

An INTJ generally has an organized approach to structuring tasks in order to meet the overall objectives and goals.
They usually have a dislike for inefficiency or disorder and are often looking for new ways to do things. The INTJ often
prefers their independence, are good with time management, and may be seen as single-minded. They are challenged
to achieve and accomplish and often expect those around them to be knowledgeable and competent. The INTJ tends
to focus first on the task and secondarily on people. They may value their own thoughts over the opinions of others
and when necessary, can be tough. They prefer to remain in control of their behaviors and emotions and may see the
contrary as a weakness. The INTJ may have a tendency to be critical and need to separate their criticism from the
person or idea.
ISTJ ISFJ INFJ inTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type indicaTor (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

inTJ and school

Learning
The INTJ student will often…
• Be interested in learning about new abstract or theoretical models
• Look for the theory or principle underlying a topic
• Want to create a connection between their learning and the larger picture
• Challenge popular opinion
• At times, resist changing or accepting a different method of learning
• Most effectively study in an independent environment
• Experience stress when they try to gain knowledge in all subjects of interest

Writing
An INTJ is often drawn towards big picture concepts in their writing and projects. They are usually quick writers who
often challenge commonly held assumptions or ideas. The INTJ is often focused on the conclusion of a project and
when starting their writing, they likely know how it will be finished. Due to this natural writing tendency, the INTJ is
most effective in writing reports that are centered on answers or results. Overall, the INTJ’s writing is well organized
and tends to reflect their confidence.

In the writing process, the INTJ will often…


• Take time to reflect before starting
• Become preoccupied with the organizing stage and inadvertently miss completing their work
• Spend a lot of time on either determining the end or working towards the final conclusion
• Incorporate visuals into their projects
• Need to incorporate additional details to support their big picture concepts
• Need to soften their otherwise firm statements
• Have difficulty in receiving critical feedback
• Complete work on or before the deadline

procrastination
The INTJ often procrastinates when they find projects to be uninteresting. They may also delay their work when they
are reviewing and debating possible ideas. It can be difficult for the INTJ to start writing out their thoughts when they
are unsure of where to begin. This is exceptionally frustrating because they intend to complete the task. Essentially,
one side of the INTJ wants to explore the possibilities and the other is looking for closure. This may result in feelings of
pressure and frustration.

Students can benefit from learning their type and understanding the root cause of their frustration and tension. It may
also be beneficial for an INTJ to discuss their ideas in order to find a starting point to begin their project or writing.

2 Student Employment & Career Centre


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ inTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type indicaTor (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

inTJ and career exploration


An INTJ tends to find career satisfaction with careers that have the following characteristics:
• Involves analysis, creativity, knowledge, and focus
• Challenges their intellect
• Encourages innovative thinking and revolutionary ideas
• Gives the time and freedom to put their ideas into practice
• Provides an opportunity for continuous learning and creative problem solving
• Ensures full control over completing a project to meet their high standards
• Allows them to create change that promotes system and people efficiency
• Provides an opportunity to work with intelligent and competent colleagues
• Involves a limited amount of routine
• Provides compensation that is based on what they have done and their diligence in completing the task

When exploring career options, an INTJ will often…


• Set various long-term career goals and create an action plan
• Create or design their own career
• Need to be open to tailoring their plan if obstacles arise or alternative plans are required
• Research jobs and their future outlook but may neglect considering specific aspects of a career
• Use an objective approach to evaluate the pros and cons of each potential career

careers to consider
The following is a list of suggested occupations that fit the qualities of an INTJ or are careers that other INTJs have found
to be satisfying. Use this list as a starting point for further investigation but do not limit your options to only this list.

• Architect • Manager • Strategic Planner • Computer Programmer


• Artist • Writer/Editor • Psychologist • Technician: Electrical
• Designer • News Writer • Psychiatrist • Engineer
• Inventor • News Analyst • Neurologist • Environmental Planner
• Scientist/Scientific Researcher • Administrator • Cardiologist • University Teacher
• Scientist: Life & Physical • Investment/Business • Pharmacologist • Biomedical Engineer
• Astronomer Analyst • Social Service Worker • Design Engineer
• Attorney: Litigator/Commercial • Human Resource Planners • Computer Professional
• Judge • Management Consultant • Computer Systems Analyst
• Research Workers

Student Employment & Career Centre 3


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ inTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type indicaTor (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

Job search
During their job search, an INTJ will often...
• Develop a creative job search plan that sets them apart from the competition
• Compile information on the industry or company and tailor their personal application to these trends
• When appropriate or necessary, design their own job
• Need to remember to pay attention to the uninteresting details of their job search
• Benefit from expanding their networking group
• Need to maintain their energy and motivation throughout the job search
• Need to remember to stay open to job offers and potentially negotiate the unappealing aspects of a position
• Need to look at all aspects of a job and consider their personal values when making a decision

During an interview, an INTJ will often…


• Display confidence but should be cautious not to appear arrogant
• Have a tendency to undersell their abilities and appear impersonal or distant
• Need to remember to present their immediate contributions to the organizations in addition to their potential
contributions
• Need to be open to discussing their ideas and accepting criticism
• Need to ensure they display an eager attitude for the job

inTJ and Work


At work, the INTJ will often…
• Be organized, confident, productive, and committed
• Look at the big picture and see how things are connected
• Be focused on the task and understand what can be accomplished
• Have a vision for the organizations potential
• Set long-term goals and determine the process to meet those goals
• Enjoy challenging, theoretical, or conceptual work
• Have high standards for all involved in a project
• Objectively examine issues and create workplace systems
• Make future predictions and evaluate the overall impact of their ideas
• Prefer autonomy in their work and find set procedures too restricting
• Work best in an independent environment that is void of interruptions
• Tolerate interruptions from competent colleagues they respect
• Want to be respected by their colleagues

4 Student Employment & Career Centre


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ inTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type indicaTor (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

At work, the INTJ should be aware that they may…


• Be unmotivated to complete a project after finishing the creative component
• Experience difficulty changing their ideas, reevaluating their decisions, or considering opposing viewpoints
• Miss the practical requirements necessary to ensure the success of their plans
• Spend time making unnecessary improvements to projects or workplace systems
• Become impatient with those who do not meet their standards
• Need to intentionally appreciate others and realize the importance of feelings
• Have limited patience for slow learning coworkers and niceties
• Have a tendency to lack tact when they are in a hurry
• Need to include other peoples ideas throughout a project’s duration
• Have ideas that people find difficult to comprehend
• May excessively gather details without reason or alternatively may neglect all details

Teamwork
On a team, the INTJ will often…
• Contribute a fresh perspective
• Ask the tough questions
• Organize information and schedule tasks to ensure they are completed
• Persist in advocating for their ideas and visions
• Prefer to work with individuals they perceive to be knowledgeable

On a team, the INTJ should be aware that they may…


• Place their own high work standards on others
• Refrain from sharing their feelings and prefer other members to not share this type of information
• Need to intentionally elicit the input of others
• Find it difficult to delegate tasks
• Become frustrated with team members who do not finish their assigned jobs, are not open to questions, focus
on irrelevant details, require immediate answers, waste peoples time, and are deemed incompetent

Leadership
An INTJ often has a natural inclination towards leadership and will often seek out these types of positions. As a
leader, the INTJ will often…
• Create necessary paths to ensure that the ideas become reality
• Motivate themselves and others to meet their goals
• Ensure that everyone is kept on task
• Do particularly well when required to redefine an organizations focus
• Influence their team members with their depth of insight, ideas, and dedication
• Need to remember to consider and recognize the accomplishments of others
• Need to focus on providing clear communication

Student Employment & Career Centre 5


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ inTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type indicaTor (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

inTJ and Life

communication
The INTJ will often…
• Prefer direct and honest communication
• Communicate their decisions, opinions, and plans but rarely discuss their personal insights
• Use a task-orientated approach that focuses on their big-picture ideas
• Have a tendency to point out flaws or be critical
• Become impatient with others when their ideas are not understood

The INTJ should be aware that they may need to…


• Incorporate concrete facts and details in order to paint a clear and tangible picture for their audience
• Consider how their words affect or impact people
• Accept feedback from people
• Listening to the peoples personal sharing and respond without being unfriendly or impersonal
• Communicate their own feelings that relate to a situation

decision Making
When it comes to decision making, the INTJ will often…
• Be logical and objective
• Thoroughly analyze and assess the situation or problem
• Need to consider specific details when evaluating their options
• Make a decision without consulting an outside source
• Need to consider the impact their decisions have on people

playing
The INTJ may have a difficult time setting aside their work in order to relax. They have a tendency to focus on work
while away from their job and this can negatively affect their home life. Their high performance standard transfers to
their play world and their extracurricular activities often include lectures, dramas, and music. The INTJ postsecondary
student reports that they are not overly interested in small talk and when dating, they prefer in-depth conversations.

6 Student Employment & Career Centre


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ inTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type indicaTor (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

stress
An INTJ will often experience stress when…
• Required to alter their plans or are given limited time to adjust to variations
• Achieving less than desirable results
• Encountering details that contradict logic
• Working with people they do not perceive to be competent, rational, or logical
• Surrounded by a disorganized work environment
• Pressured to breach policies or accept deception in their workplace

When affected by stress, an INTJ will often…


• Use card playing, excessive eating, watching tv reruns, or focusing on detail-orientated activities as a
mechanism to avoid reality
• Gather details to support their self-destructive behavior and attack their self image
• Become preoccupied with the cause of their stress and have trouble focusing their energy on work
• Mentally review issues which lead to sleepless nights
• With chronic stress, become irritable, tired, tense, or angry

An INTJ can reduce stress by…


• Realigning their perspective by completing a task
• Taking time to reflect and potentially reduce their commitments
• Getting involved in a physical activity with friends
• Allowing other people to help by delegating some responsibilities
• Learning that relaxing does not require pushing themselves to achieve
• Learning how to connect with people

Works cited
Brownsword, Alan W., It Takes All Types. 2nd Ed. Nicasio, CA: Baytree Publication Company for Hirsh, Sandra Krebs, and Jane A. G. Kise. Introduction to Type and Coaching. Palo Alto, CA:
HRM Press, Inc., 1999. Consulting Psychologists Press, Inc., 2000.
Career Choice and MBTI® Type. 1989. Gainesville, FL: Center fro Applications of Psychological Hirsh, Sandra Krebs, and Jean M. Kummerow. Introduction to Type in Organizations. 3rd ed. Palo
Type, Inc., 1997. Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Pres, Inc., 1998.
DiTiberio, John K., and Allen L. Hammer. Introduction to Type in College. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting “INTJ.” The Personality Type Tool Kit. Communication Consultants, LLC., 1993.
Psychologists Press, Inc., 1993. Loomis, Ann B. Write from the Start. Gainesville, FL: Center for applications of Psychological Type,
Dranitsaris, Anne. Behavioural Interview Guide. Pickering, ON: Sage Developmental Resources 1999.
Inc., 2001. Myers, Isabel Briggs. Introduction to Type. 6th ed. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press,
Dunning, Donna. Introduction to Type and Communication. Palo Alto, CA: CPP, Inc., 2003. Inc., 1998.
Fitzsimmons, Sharon. Type & Time Management. 1999. Edmonton, AB: Psychometrics Canada “Portrait of an INTJ.” The Personality Page. 2006. BSM Consulting. 09 January 2008 <http://www.
Ltd., 2001. personalitypage.com/INTJ.html>.
Hammer, Allen. Introduction to Type and Careers. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press, Provost, Judith A. Procrastination. 1988. Gainesville, FL: Centre for Applications of Psychological
Inc., 1993. Type, 2001.
Heiss, Marina Margaret. “Introverted Intuitive Thinking Judging.” TypeLogic. 27 Feb 2005. Quenk, Naomi L. In the Grip. 2nd ed. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press, Inc., 2000.
TypeLogic. 02 January 2008 <http://www.typelogic.com/intj.html>. Tieger, Paul D., and Barbara Barron-Tieger. Do What You Are. 3rd Ed. Boston, New York, London:
Hirsh, Sandra Krebs. Introduction to Type and Teams. Pal Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Little, Brown and Company, 2001.
Press, Inc., 1992.

Student Employment & Career Centre 7


Myers-Briggs Type indicaTor (MBTI®)

ISTP
ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
isTp ISFP INFP INTP
ESTP ESFP ENFP ENTP
(Introversion, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving) ESTJ ESFJ ENFJ ENTJ

The above four letters are known as a ‘type’ and are based on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®

(MBTI®). If you have not already completed an assessment to find out your type, click here to

take the MBTI ®. After completing the assessment, sign up for a workshop to learn more about

the MBTI® and receive your results.

note: The MBTI® is available to U of S students and alumni and an NSID is required to sign in and complete the assessment.

The following information has been compiled from numerous MBTI® resources. It is intended to be

an overview and shows how type can apply to many aspects of life. It is not, however, a complete

description. Please see the attached works cited list for additional information.

isTp overview
ISTPs are generally quiet, spontaneous, adaptable, easygoing, and logical. They tend to focus their energy inward
and reenergize through spending time on their own. The ISTP may be shy around people they are getting to know
and generally keep to themselves unless they feel particularly passionate about a topic or are driven into action by a
situation. The ISTP is often perceptive and uses an analytical framework to logically assess areas of interest. They are
also quite independent and find that their most effective thinking occurs while spending time on their own.

The ISTP is usually interested in detailed information, specific data, and proven facts. They tend to organize and retain
data in order to make judgments and provide explanations. The ISTP will often focus on the present situation and
is generally uninterested in long-term planning or scheduling. They are comfortable with theory but are not overly
interested in abstract thinking. For the ISTP, theory is most appealing when it has a practical application. ISTPs are also
often action orientated. They are usually drawn to risky, exciting or thrilling activities. Based on this predisposition, the
ISTP is usually not interested in conventional or repetitive routines. They also use their action orientated approach to
deal with problems and crisis situations in a calm and effective manner.

The ISTP generally places a high value on efficiency and desires to expend the least amount of energy to meet their
goals. They also value freedom and flexibility and will often complete tasks in spite of any rules or regulations. This
persistence often influences their ability to navigate through restrictions in order to accomplish seemingly impossible
tasks. The ISTP prefers hands-on work and would rather be doing a task instead of discussing it. They usually desire the
completion of quality work and hold others to this high standard. However, their tendency towards risk and spontaneity
may result in not following through with some responsibilities or commitments. In their interaction with people,
their focus for action can result in neglecting the personal needs of others. The ISTP is generally not comfortable with
emotions and tends to neglect this aspect of themselves and others.
ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
isTp ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type indicaTor (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

isTp and school

Learning
The ISTP student will often…
• Learn most effectively through ‘doing’ and practical applications
• Create categories to facilitate the logical assessment of information
• Look for the underlying meaning of data
• Efficiently use the smallest amount of energy required to accomplish a task at a satisfactory level
• Improve their standard of work by creating a plan that still optimizes their energy output
• Prefer instructors to present clear and unbiased information
• Desire an independent study environment

Writing
An ISTP generally starts their writing by gathering information to gain a better understanding of an object or situation.
In this process, they often have the ability to take unorganized information and create a greater sense of order. Once all
information is gathered, the ISTP is able to produce a clear piece of writing. The ISTP should be cautious that they do
not delay the writing process and remain in the fact-finding stage. Overall, the ISTP tends to prefer writing short pieces
of work and usually dislikes writing on personal topics.

In the writing process, the ISTP will often…


• Complete meticulous research
• Work quickly when writing on topics of interest
• Struggle with connecting the individual facts or concepts to the larger picture
• Potentially offend their audience by their direct or blunt writing style
• Benefit from using photographs, a notebook, or computer to help organize information and facilitate the
writing process
• Need to revise their original draft to include additional human examples and remove unnecessary data or facts

procrastination
Since the ISTP has a preference for keeping things open-ended, they may have a tendency to procrastinate on
completing tasks. They may also avoid or put off school work that they deem to be irrelevant or uninteresting. It can be
beneficial for the ISTP to focus on the practical necessity of completing their current studies in order to achieve their
long-term career goals. It is also important for the ISTP to identify what motivates them and outline a project plan that
includes rewards. The use of rewards can be helpful for an ISTP to learn how to delay their gratification. As well, the
ISTP would likely be able to decrease procrastination by further developing their time management skills.

2 Student Employment & Career Centre


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
isTp ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type indicaTor (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

isTp and career exploration


An ISTP tends to find career satisfaction with careers that have the following characteristics:
• Applies their technical knowledge to practical situations
• Provides an opportunity to master and use their skills for specific tasks
• Involves efficiently working with their hands or tools
• Provides clear instructions for projects that produce concrete or useful products
• Involves working with other competent individuals that they respect
• Provides an opportunity for problem solving, crisis management, or other action-orientated activities
• Permits independent work with minimal time guidelines
• Involves challenging and fun work with minimal supervision

When exploring career options, an ISTP will often…


• Compile specific facts and statistics that pertain to their career options
• Naturally focus on current opportunities and benefit from predicting future career possibilities
• Take all available time to examine their options and chose only when required
• Feel uncertain about their career choice

careers to consider
The following is a list of suggested occupations that fit the qualities of an ISTP or are careers that other ISTPs have found
to be satisfying. Use this list as a starting point for further investigation but do not limit your options to only this list.

• Police Officer/Law • Computer Programmer • Mechanic • Dental Hygienist/Assistant


Enforcement • Electronic Technicians • Carpenter • Purchasing Agent
• Intelligence Agent • Electrical Engineer • Farmer • Securities Analyst
• Weapons Operator • Air Force Personnel • Coal Miner • Banker
• Firefighter • Race Car Driver • Steelworker • Legal Secretary
• Private Detective • Pilot • Laborer • Economist
• Military Officer • Farmer • Transportation Worker • Coach/Trainer
• Computer Repair Person • Hunter • Chiropractor • Commercial Artist
• Automotive Products Retailer • Forest Ranger • Medical Technician • Service Worker

Student Employment & Career Centre 3


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
isTp ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type indicaTor (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

Job search
During their job search, an ISTP will often...
• Gather specific job related information
• Need to intentionally organize a job search plan with specific deadlines
• Need to expend extra effort in their job search
• Convey skills and past experiences through their job search documents
• Take risks and adapt quickly to new job possibilities
• Use uncommon techniques to find jobs
• Only network when they understand the benefits
• Objectively analyze and logically assess each option

During an interview, an ISTP will often...


• Appear quiet and reserved when initially meeting employers
• Answer questions in a straightforward manner
• Benefit from practicing to discuss their skills and abilities
• Need to be cautious of the amount of detail they provide, be able to discuss future projections, and assess
hypothetical situations

isTp and Work


At work, the ISTP will often…
• Maintain their concentration while completing projects of interest
• Gather and organize information in a way that makes it understandable
• Be drawn to work with real or tangible products
• Focus on the ‘doing’ aspect of a project
• Prefer working on their own
• Respect colleagues for their ability to complete tasks
• Potentially break the rules when challenging inefficient processes
• Focus on completing tasks without unnecessary discussions or effort
• Readily adapt their work load to address immediate needs
• Approach their work with a flexibility that responds to problems when they occur
• Desire freedom to complete a task within their own timeframe
• Remain calm during crisis or difficult situations

4 Student Employment & Career Centre


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
isTp ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type indicaTor (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

At work, the ISTP should be aware that they may…


• Need to spend additional time in the planning stage of a project
• Need to anticipate future possibilities and plan accordingly
• Be easily enticed by new projects and need to ensure they complete their current commitments
• Lose patience with broad discussions
• Need to persevere to complete a task
• Take shortcuts and appear disorganized or unconcerned with their work
• Become easily bored with routine tasks
• Benefit from learning to be more reliable through improved organizational skills
• Be uninterested in long-term solutions and prefer immediate fixes
• Appear irresponsible from their inclination for spontaneity
• Become critical or negative and withdraw or delay their decisions when they feel unappreciated
• Focus on the task and think personal feelings and needs are unnecessary

Teamwork
On a team, the ISTP will often…
• Provide the necessary data, facts, and information
• Organize and analyze their work in an efficient manner
• Resolve conflict through logical explanations and reasoning
• Motivate team members to action
• Persevere when working on tasks of interest
• Treat people in a fair and equitable manner

On a team, the ISTP should be aware that they may…


• Avoid dealing with interpersonal conflict
• Irritate their team by only focusing on specifics, jumping too quickly to the next task, or when being too unorganized
• Become frustrated with irrational team members who are too dependent on their feelings, expend too much
energy on unnecessary tasks, or conduct pointless meetings
• Need to remember to appreciate peoples contributions
• Need to intentionally developing rapport with team members

Leadership
The ISTP is known to be good technical leader that can handle a crisis or action filled situation. As a leader, the
ISTP will often…
• Use a quiet approach that sets an example for others to follow
• Desire freedom from policies and procedures
• Compile all necessary information to persuade others
• Use their logical framework to accomplish tasks
• Consider all opinions before deciding
• Expect all team members to equally contribute

Student Employment & Career Centre 5


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
isTp ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type indicaTor (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

isTp and Life

communication
The ISTP will often…
• Desire to hear logical, objective, and practical information
• Refrain from unnecessary communication
• Rely heavily on non-verbal communication
• Dislike surface level conversations
• Provide feedback that is straightforward and practical
• Desire to provide their input and discuss topics of interest

The ISTP should be aware that they may need to…


• Intentionally communicate their thoughts and important information with people
• Prevent hurting people by becoming more comfortable with sharing their emotions
• Be more considerate of some people’s need to express their feelings
• Focus on developing their listening abilities
• Intentionally provide feedback and be cautious of their abrupt communication style

decision Making
When it comes to decision making, the ISTP will often…
• Gather real or tangible data and base their decisions on this information
• Rationally and logically evaluate their options
• Need to intentionally examine the larger picture or additional possibilities
• Benefit from examining the impact their decision has on people
• Need to intentionally incorporate their values

playing
In their spare time, the ISTP usually enjoys being outdoors, watching sporting events, and participating in adventurous
activities. Their natural hand-eye coordination tends to make them skilled in physical activities or working with tools.
When working on a project of interest, the ISTP has a tendency to become immersed and may rarely be seen by
roommates and friends. In their personal relationships, the ISTP post secondary student often indicates that they have
never tried dating or will date infrequently.

6 Student Employment & Career Centre


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
isTp ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type indicaTor (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

stress
An ISTP will often experience stress when…
• Feeling that their emotions are out of control
• Working within strict guidelines and requirements
• Perceiving their coworkers or supervisors are incompetent
• Confronted with a situation that cannot be logically assessed or explained
• Overwhelmed with their required tasks and neglect their personal needs
• Unable to determine the most efficient process
• Required to participate in too many extraverted activities
• Dealing with people who are excessively emotional

When they are affected by stress, an ISTP will often…


• Develop a firm and unwavering focus on logic
• Respond poorly when others provide helpful ideas
• Become overly sensitive to how other people perceive them
• Feel alienated from the people around them
• Use a tone that is underlined with complaining or sulking
• Under excessive stress, express emotions through outbursts of anger or tears

An ISTP can reduce stress by…


• Evaluating the facts in a situation to gain new insight
• Participating in independent activities that diverts their attention from the stressor
• Focusing on what they value
• Spending time on their own to reenergize
• Ignoring their concern of how other people perceive them

Works cited
Brownsword, Alan W., It Takes All Types. 2nd Ed. Nicasio, CA: Baytree Publication Company for Hirsh, Sandra Krebs, and Jane A. G. Kise. Introduction to Type and Coaching. Palo Alto, CA:
HRM Press, Inc., 1999. Consulting Psychologists Press, Inc., 2000.
Career Choice and MBTI® Type. 1989. Gainesville, FL: Center fro Applications of Psychological Hirsh, Sandra Krebs, and Jean M. Kummerow. Introduction to Type in Organizations. 3rd ed. Palo
Type, Inc., 1997. Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Pres, Inc., 1998.
DiTiberio, John K., and Allen L. Hammer. Introduction to Type in College. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting “ISTP.” The Personality Type Tool Kit. Communication Consultants, LLC., 1993.
Psychologists Press, Inc., 1993. Loomis, Ann B. Write from the Start. Gainesville, FL: Center for applications of Psychological Type,
Dranitsaris, Anne. Behavioural Interview Guide. Pickering, ON: Sage Developmental Resources 1999.
Inc., 2001. Myers, Isabel Briggs. Introduction to Type. 6th ed. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press,
Dunning, Donna. Introduction to Type and Communication. Palo Alto, CA: CPP, Inc., 2003. Inc., 1998.
Fitzsimmons, Sharon. Type & Time Management. 1999. Edmonton, AB: Psychometrics Canada “Portrait of an ISTP.” The Personality Page. 2006. BSM Consulting. 19 March 2008 <http://www.
Ltd., 2001. personalitypage.com/ISTP.html>.
Hammer, Allen. Introduction to Type and Careers. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press, Provost, Judith A. Procrastination. 1988. Gainesville, FL: Centre for Applications of Psychological
Inc., 1993. Type, 2001.
Heiss, Marina M. “Introverted Sensing Thinking Perceiving.” TypeLogic. 26 Feb 2005. TypeLogic. Quenk, Naomi L. In the Grip. 2nd ed. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press, Inc., 2000.
19 March 2008 <http://www.typelogic.com/istp.html>. Tieger, Paul D., and Barbara Barron-Tieger. Do What You Are. 3rd Ed. Boston, New York, London:
Hirsh, Sandra Krebs. Introduction to Type and Teams. Pal Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Little, Brown and Company, 2001.
Press, Inc., 1992.

Student Employment & Career Centre 7


Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®)

ISFP
ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
ESTP ESFP ENFP ENTP
(Introversion, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving) ESTJ ESFJ ENFJ ENTJ

The above four letters are known as a ‘type’ and are based on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®
(MBTI®). If you have not already completed an assessment to find out your type, click here to
take the MBTI ®. After completing the assessment, sign up for a workshop to learn more about
the MBTI® and receive your results.
Note: The MBTI® is available to U of S students and alumni and an NSID is required to sign in and complete the assessment.

The following information has been compiled from numerous MBTI® resources. It is intended to be
an overview and shows how type can apply to many aspects of life. It is not, however, a complete
description. Please see the attached works cited list for additional information.

ISFP Overview
ISFPs are generally flexible, practical, action-orientated, and empathetic. They are also commonly seen as lighthearted,
easygoing, and joyful. The ISFP tends to be quiet and usually only shares their deeper feelings and thoughts with people
they are comfortable around. The ISFP has strong personal values and will live their lives to reflect these values. As such,
they focus their energy inward in order to maintain their inner harmony and further ponder their values. ISFPs often
have a carefree approach to life and desire freedom, spontaneity, and living in the moment. As such, the ISFP does not
make too many long-term plans and may miss the future implications of their actions and choices. The ISFP also tends
to be drawn towards nature and sees the beauty in humanity and in their environment.

ISFPs often enjoy serving and helping others. They are generally good at dealing with problems because they maintain
a focus on the people involved. They are also very aware of the behavior of others and may be critical of what they
observe. The ISFP has a desire to please people and may struggle with being assertive. They also have a natural tendency
to trust people and should be cautious that others do not take advantage of them. The ISFP is often a good friend that
does not force their own values on others. They tend to take their time to develop close relationships with a small group
of friends and generally communicate their feelings for people through actions instead of words. The ISFP also strives
for harmony in their relationships and may experience difficulty dealing with conflict.

The ISFP generally gathers detailed information through their five senses. They naturally observe and seek to
understand information that pertains to people. They will then use their values and feelings to evaluate the gathered
data and make decisions. The ISFP tends to be grounded in what is real or practical and has limited interest in the
intuitive thoughts of others unless they can find ways to apply these ideas. They readily accept immediate challenges and
respond quickly to accomplish a task, address an issue, or solve a problem. The ISFP often strives to follow through on
important commitments to people. However, their susceptibility to take on too many tasks may reduce their ability to
complete all their obligations.
ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

ISFP and School

Learning
The ISFP student will often…
• Learn most effectively through practical application and hands-on experience
• Struggle with traditional teaching that focuses on theory or abstract thinking
• Be interested in topics that pertain to people
• Prefer adaptable professors that present material in a clear manner
• Doubt implications of good test scores and underestimate their capabilities
• Prefer a quiet study environment

Writing
The ISFP generally excels at descriptive writing that is based on what they experience. They are often inspired to write
on topics that reflect their interest in nature or people. However, they may find writing on personal experiences to be
difficult due to their desire for privacy. The ISFP may also struggle with logically analyzing topics. In their writing, the
ISFP tends to consider their audience but should be cautious that they are not writing only to please the reader.

In the writing process, the ISFP will often…


• Begin by gathering and reflecting on information
• Need to limit the amount of information they gather
• Organize their writing based on a step-by-step process and established model
• Require a quiet environment that is free of distractions
• Practically apply the information that they gather
• Desire positive feedback and encouragement from their audience
• May need to return to the original draft to strengthen the conclusion and omit unnecessary details or stories

Procrastination
The ISFP’s preference for keeping things open-ended tends to influence their procrastination in completing tasks.
They may also avoid or put off work that is deemed irrelevant or uninteresting. At times it can also be difficult for the
ISFP to delay their desire for immediate enjoyment in order to obtain long-term academic achievement. The ISFP may
increase their motivation by connecting their efforts to helping people, maintaining harmony, or pleasing others. It is
also important for the ISFP to outline a project plan that includes rewards. As well, the ISFP would likely decrease their
procrastination by further developing their time management skills.

2 Student Employment & Career Centre


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

ISFP and Career Exploration


An ISFP tends to find career satisfaction with careers that have the following characteristics:
• Reflects their inner values and fulfills a greater purpose, meets a need, or helps others
• Ensures task variety and projects of interest
• Fosters a supportive, positive, and cooperative work environment
• Encourages personal development
• Involves a combination of independent and one-on-one work
• Has limited work place politics or hidden motives
• Provides freedom to choose their tasks and select their own work speed
• Involves minimal procedures or strict requirements
• Requires limited public presentations or leading large groups of unknown people

When exploring career options, an ISFJ will often…


• Gather a lot of information on different career options
• Evaluate current positions but may miss future career possibilities
• Need to consider their long-term career goals
• Be inclined to gain experience and further understanding of a career through volunteering
• Delay their decisions while they explore their options

Careers to Consider
The following is a list of suggested occupations that fit the qualities of an ISFP or are careers that other ISFPs have found
to be satisfying. Use this list as a starting point for further investigation but do not limit your options to only this list.

• Radiology Technologist • Crisis Hotline Operator • Clerical Supervisor • Fashion Designer


• Medical Assistant • Teacher: Elementary/ • Waiter/Waitress • Beautician
• Nurse Science • Computer Operator • Tapestry Worker
• Physical Therapist • Carpenter • Bookkeeper • Interior Designer
• Massage Therapist • Mechanic • Legal Secretary • Landscape Designer
• Dental Hygienist/Assistant • Surveyor • Typist • Jeweler
• Veterinary Assistant • Police Officer • Storekeepers & Clerks • Potter
• Animal Groomer/Trainer • Forester • Operatives: All types • Painter
• Geologist • Gardener • Dancer
• Cleaning Services • Botanist • Chef/Cook

Student Employment & Career Centre 3


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

Job Search
During their job search, an ISFP will often...
• Ask questions to gather job related facts and information
• Benefit from creating a specific job search outline
• Determine whether additional skill training is required for their desired job
• Network with people they know
• Seek out support for the job search process
• Naturally assess options based on what they value
• Need to objectively evaluate options and the long-term impact of their decisions

During an interview, an ISFP will often...


• Convey their ability to work well with others and adapt well to change
• Provide a description of their past experience but should be cautious not to provide too many details
• Benefit from practicing to discuss their skills and answer hypothetical questions

ISFP and Work


At work, the ISFP will often…
• Require freedom and autonomy to complete tasks
• Gather specific details and facts
• Desire challenging work with tangible results
• Commit their energy and attention to tasks of interest
• Support the goals of the organization
• Identify the organizations current needs and respond accordingly
• Desire a harmonious work environment with limited conflict
• Respond well in situations that require quick changes
• Encourage and assist their coworkers
• Personalize their work space to create an aesthetically pleasing environment
• Require a quiet, private, and independent work environment
• Seek out ways to have fun and enjoy their work

4 Student Employment & Career Centre


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

At work, the ISFP should be aware that they may…


• Require additional organization and time management skill development
• Have difficulty handling large or difficult projects
• Neglect policies, procedures, or protocols and complete tasks as they deem appropriate
• Be oblivious to the hidden motives of people
• Empathize with the conflict and issues experienced by their coworkers
• Need to maintain their motivation for uninteresting tasks
• Benefit from setting their own deadlines throughout a project
• Need to assert their ideas even if they cause conflict or disharmony
• Remove themselves from a situation, become critical, oppose structure, or question their worth when they feel
unappreciated

Teamwork
On a team, the ISFP will often…
• Appreciate team members that are caring, considerate, and helpful
• Provide practical assistance to team members
• Generate ideas for others to consider or further develop
• Motivate others to work towards an established goal
• Be attuned to the underlying morale of the team
• Use an unassuming approach that fosters cooperation

On a team, the ISFP should be aware that they may…


• Resist directions that are controlling or interfere with their freedom
• Irritate team members when they are seen as too modest, kind, or sensitive
• Become frustrated with inconsiderate, unfocused, or illogical team members
• Need to learn how to accept recognition

Leadership
The ISFP often prefers a supportive or coordinating role instead of organizing people or situations. However, in
a leadership position, the ISFP will often…
• Focus on creating a team environment
• Motivate individuals through creating a sense of loyalty
• Influence team by exemplifying desired behaviors and drawing on peoples’ good intentions
• Support and appreciate individual members
• Make decisions that reflect the majority of group members
• Quickly adapt to needs as they arise

Student Employment & Career Centre 5


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

ISFP and Life

Communication
The ISFP will often…
• Want to hear clear expectations, practical information, specific details, and positive encouragement
• Spend the majority of a conversation listening to the other person
• Prefer opportunities for one-on-one discussions
• Limit the amount of personal information they share
• Voice their opinion only when their personal values are violated
• Personalize negative feedback
• Avoid conflict or confrontational situations

The ISFP should be aware that they may need to…


• Directly communicate their needs and wants
• Assert their opinions when they are treated unfairly
• Intentionally provide critical or constructive feedback
• Address conflict to ensure long-term harmony
• Become comfortable with sharing their accomplishments

Decision Making
When it comes to decision making, the ISFP will often…
• Subjectively view each option by integrating their personal values and considering the impact on people
• Benefit from logically considering additional objective criteria
• Need to intentionally evaluate the long-term impact or big picture implications
• Need to be cautious that their decisions are not too heavily influenced by others
• Dislike uncertainty and need to be cautious not to make hasty decisions

Playing
The ISFP tends to enjoy participating in hobbies during their free time and will often personally invest in their work to
make it more than just a job. They maintain a balanced approach to life that ensures both their work and their friends
and family receive an appropriate amount of attention. However, the ISFP may need to be assertive and ensure that their
personal needs are not neglected. As a student, the ISFP is inclined to join service orientated campus groups and tends
to be an enjoyable roommate. In their personal lives, the ISFP postsecondary student is often timid about initiating
romantic dates or relationships.

6 Student Employment & Career Centre


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

Stress
An ISFP will often experience stress when…
• Required to complete a project within a strict deadline
• Involved in a conflict situation
• Interacting with difficult, challenging, or threatening people
• Pressured to accept or work within an environment with undesirable values
• Freedom is limited by excessive use of rules, requirements, and procedures
• Too much of their private information is revealed
• Required to make important decisions that have future implications
• Involved in too many volunteer or service opportunities

When they are affected by stress, an ISFP will often…


• Become excessively critical of themselves or feel emotionally drained
• Make quick or hasty decisions
• Control a situation or project with uncharacteristic ‘take-charge’ behaviors
• Feel unhappy, disheartened, or depressed
• With great stress, become extremely critical or judgmental and communicate this negativity to others or direct
it towards themselves

An ISFP can reduce stress by…


• Balancing their service commitments with their personal needs
• Viewing a situation logically and objectively to realign their perspective
• Spending time on their own to reenergize
• Improving their time management skills
• Engaging in discussions with close family, friends, or coworkers
• Creating additional structure in their lives through reading, playing games, or organizing their external world

Works cited
Brownsword, Alan W., It Takes All Types. 2nd ed. Nicasio, CA: Baytree Publication Company for Hirsh, Sandra Krebs, and Jane A. G. Kise. Introduction to Type and Coaching. Palo Alto, CA:
HRM Press, Inc., 1999. Consulting Psychologists Press, Inc., 2000.
Butt, Joe. “Introverted Sensing Feeling Percieving.” TypeLogic. 23 Feb 2005. TypeLogic. Hirsh, Sandra Krebs, and Jean M. Kummerow. Introduction to Type in Organizations. 3rd ed. Palo
08 April 2008 <http://www.typelogic.com/isfp.html>. Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Pres, Inc., 1998.
Career Choice and MBTI® Type. 1989. Gainesville, FL: Center fro Applications of Psychological “ISFP.” The Personality Type Tool Kit. Communication Consultants, LLC., 1993.
Type, Inc., 1997. Loomis, Ann B. Write from the Start. Gainesville, FL: Center for applications of Psychological Type,
DiTiberio, John K., and Allen L. Hammer. Introduction to Type in College. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting 1999.
Psychologists Press, Inc., 1993. Myers, Isabel Briggs. Introduction to Type. 6th ed. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press,
Dranitsaris, Anne. Behavioural Interview Guide. Pickering, ON: Sage Developmental Resources Inc., 1998.
Inc., 2001. “Portrait of an ISFP.” The Personality Page. 2006. BSM Consulting. 08 April 2008 <http://www.
Dunning, Donna. Introduction to Type and Communication. Palo Alto, CA: CPP, Inc., 2003. personalitypage.com/ISFP.html>.
Fitzsimmons, Sharon. Type & Time Management. 1999. Edmonton, AB: Psychometrics Canada Provost, Judith A. Procrastination. 1988. Gainesville, FL: Centre for Applications of Psychological
Ltd., 2001. Type, 2001.
Hammer, Allen. Introduction to Type and Careers. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press, Quenk, Naomi L. In the Grip. 2nd ed. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press, Inc., 2000.
Inc., 1993. Tieger, Paul D., and Barbara Barron-Tieger. Do What You Are. 3rd ed. Boston, New York, London:
Hirsh, Sandra Krebs. Introduction to Type and Teams. Pal Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Little, Brown and Company, 2001.
Press, Inc., 1992.

Student Employment & Career Centre 7


Myers-Briggs Type indicaTor (MBTI®)

INFP
ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP inFp INTP
ESTP ESFP ENFP ENTP
(Introversion, Intuition, Feeling, Perceiving) ESTJ ESFJ ENFJ ENTJ

The above four letters are known as a ‘type’ and are based on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®

(MBTI®). If you have not already completed an assessment to find out your type, click here to

take the MBTI ®. After completing the assessment, sign up for a workshop to learn more about

the MBTI® and receive your results.

note: The MBTI® is available to U of S students and alumni and an NSID is required to sign in and complete the assessment.

The following information has been compiled from numerous MBTI® resources. It is intended to be

an overview and shows how type can apply to many aspects of life. It is not, however, a complete

description. Please see the attached works cited list for additional information.

inFp overview
INFPs are generally flexible, thoughtful, considerate, and faithful. They are often quite private, reserved, and share their
inner thoughts with carefully selected people. The INFP is guided by their inner values, morals and ideals. They evaluate
their options and make decisions that are consistent with their values in order to maintain an inner harmony. The
INFP often remains fairly adaptable unless one of their values is challenged. INFPs also tend to be very idealistic and
will personally invest themselves in anything they do. They generally set high standards but may not acknowledge their
achievement of these standards. This can result in a reduced sense of personal worth and lead to internal conflict.

The INFP generally has a deep and genuine interest in people. They are often looking to contribute to the betterment of
others and will use their insight to help people personally develop. The high value they place on relationships generally
makes them a good friend. They also possess the ability to motivate people and tend to focus on feelings. The INFP
often prefers one-on-one communication and interaction. They also tend to avoid conflict and confrontations and will
deal with these types of situations by first spending time on their own. The INFP also generally dislikes competitions
because they pose an opportunity for conflict and threaten their desire for harmony.

An INFP is often creative and uses their imagination to see new ways of accomplishing tasks. They focus on details and
gathering data when it relates to a specific project that they value. However, they generally pay minimal attention to the
details pertaining to other aspects of life. They have the ability to see the underlying meaning of things and often require
time on their own to facilitate their reflections. The INFP will generally prefer to work in the background to accomplish
their personal purpose in life. Nonetheless, they can do well with public speaking when drawing their audience into
their personally held views and opinions. The INFP is often a perfectionist and may have difficulty completing tasks on
time because they want to make continual changes and improvements.
ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP inFp INTP
Myers-Briggs Type indicaTor (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

inFp and school

Learning
The INFP student will often…
• Be interested in topics pertaining to possibilities and positive change
• Want the larger picture presented and if possible, tied to a human element
• Be interested in conceptually difficult material
• See the connection between seemingly unrelated topics
• Choose to spend their free time reading
• Prefer their instructors to inspire a desire for learning

Writing
The INFP is often a talented writer that infuses their personality into their writing. They tend to use their imaginations
and inspirations to clearly portray a situation or experience to the reader. For an INFP, writing is a comfortable outlet
that does not require the awkwardness sometimes felt when making presentations. As well, they tend to enjoy writing
poetry and dislike technical writing.

In the writing process, the INFP will often…


• Begin by reflecting on the information or topic
• Use an imaginative writing style
• Need to consciously include examples or facts
• Experience difficulty when writing the introduction and conclusion
• Have a natural ability to connect ideas
• Require a quiet work area
• Need to maintain a focused approach throughout their writing

procrastination
The INFP will often procrastinate as a result of their perfectionism and high standards. They tend to gather a wealth of
information and become overwhelmed with knowing where to begin or when to end their research. This can lead the
INFP to become critical of themselves and further delay the project’s progress. The INFP also has a tendency to become
consumed in one project which can then lead to the procrastination of other necessary tasks.

The INFP may find it beneficial to set multiple deadlines throughout a project’s duration in order to keep them on task.
It may also help to start writing in the middle and leave the introduction and conclusion until the end. They may also
find it helpful to discuss their expectations for a project in order to determine whether they are realistic.

2 Student Employment & Career Centre


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP inFp INTP
Myers-Briggs Type indicaTor (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

inFp and career exploration


An INFP tends to find career satisfaction with careers that have the following characteristics:
• Captures their core interests and values
• Involves the completion of inspirational projects
• Includes a social component or pursuit of their ideals
• Acknowledges their contributions
• Fosters and supports original thought and creativity
• Supports personal and professional development of all employees
• Allows for control over both the process and end product
• Provides adequate time to complete projects

When exploring career options, an INFP will often…


• Consider multiple career options
• Naturally explore future career possibilities but should remember to consider specific job-related details
• Need to intentionally expand their networking to include more than just friends
• Integrate their values into making a career decision
• Benefit from selecting a decision deadline

careers to consider
The following is a list of suggested occupations that fit the qualities of an INFP or are careers that other INFPs have found
to be satisfying. Use this list as a starting point for further investigation but do not limit your options to only this list.

• Researcher • Educational Consultant • Physical Therapist • Actor


• Research Assistant • Social Scientist • Psychologist • Editor
• HR Development Worker • Minister/Priest • Social Worker • Musician
• Employee Development • Church Worker • Speech Pathologist • Entertainer
Specialist • Religious Educator • Architect • Writer
• Laboratory Technologist • Missionary • Fine Artist • Journalist
• College Professor: • Physicians: Psychiatry • Poet
Humanities/Arts • Counselors: General • Novelist
• Career Counselor

Student Employment & Career Centre 3


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP inFp INTP
Myers-Briggs Type indicaTor (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

Job search
During their job search, an INFP will often...
• Start by setting their job search goals
• Visualize and create possible job opportunities that are not readily apparent
• Effectively write documents that convey their personal warmth
• Network with people they know
• Benefit from realistically viewing the requirements of a job search
• Require additional energy to maintain their job search
• Need to be cautious not to become discouraged by rejection
• Need to ensure that they remain organized in order to meet deadlines
• Rely on their personal feelings and need to include a logical analysis of each option

During an interview, an INFP will often...


• Convey their dedication to work that they value
• Potentially present themselves as uninterested due to a quiet disposition
• Benefit from practicing how to discuss their abilities
• Need to identify their current benefit to the organization and monitor the amount they reference future
possibilities

inFp and Work


At work, the INFP will often…
• Desire a work environment that is based on harmony, encouragement, and cooperation
• Passionately pursue and work tirelessly to complete projects they believe in
• Have perfectionist standards and experience significant achievements
• Value making a contribution
• Adapt well to quick changes
• Promote the growth of others in the organization
• Use a creative and imaginative approach to solve problems and see the big picture
• Handle multiple projects consecutively
• Prefer working independently with the opportunity to collaborate with coworkers
• Require time for reflection
• Desire control over all aspects of a project

4 Student Employment & Career Centre


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP inFp INTP
Myers-Briggs Type indicaTor (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

At work, the INFP should be aware that they may…


• Have difficulty accepting a finished product if it does not meet their high standards
• Become engrossed in a project and ignore reality or appear disorganized
• Avoid conflict and be negatively affected by tension
• Intentionally need to include details and specific facts in their work
• Need to increase their delegation of tasks
• Need to set realistic time estimates for completing projects
• Require control of a project in order to maintain their interest level
• Need to seek out and integrate constructive feedback
• Find that traditional and structured work environments inhibit their progress

Teamwork
On a team, the INFP will often…
• Be perceptive to the needs of others
• Identify with the concerns and issues impacting their coworkers
• Expect sincerity from their team members
• Experience disappointment when others do not meet their ideals
• Motivate others to go above and beyond the minimal requirements
• Inspire their coworkers to consider new possibilities

On a team, the INFP should be aware that they may…


• Irritate team members when they are too focused on perfection or are unwilling to alter their values
• Need to recognize that team members may desire the quick completion of a task
• Experience frustration when they are required to provide a lot of details
• Be susceptible to trying to please team members and have difficulty saying ‘no’

Leadership
The INFP usually prefers to work behind the scenes as they pursue their life’s purpose. However when in a
leadership position, the INFP will often…
• Promote an environment based on harmony and consensus
• Inspire people through identifying potential opportunities
• Encourage and listen to their team members
• Facilitate the interaction of group members to achieve the overall goal
• Motivate individuals to pursue their ideals

Student Employment & Career Centre 5


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP inFp INTP
Myers-Briggs Type indicaTor (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

inFp and Life

communication
The INFP will often…
• Listen to the concerns of people and create a sense of trust
• Communicate in an encouraging and helpful way
• Desire to hear motivational stories and how others have succeeded
• Prefer communicating in a non-structured or one-on-one format
• Adapt their communication style to the particular situation
• Limit their discussion of personal values and emotions
• Provide positive feedback

The INFP should be aware that they may need to…


• Initially hear positive encouragement before accepting constructive feedback
• Work on their verbal communication when a lack of appreciation results in frustration
• Communicate their needs to others
• Intentionally discuss personal feelings and accomplishments
• Spend time alone in order to reenergize after interacting with people

decision Making
When it comes to decision making, the INFP will often…
• Evaluate their options based on what they value
• Need to intentionally gather specific data and facts
• Use their creativity to establish possibilities
• Naturally avoid analyzing or basing a decision on logic and may benefit from being more objective

playing
The INFP has a tendency to neglect their own needs while pursuing a cause or purpose. Subsequently, they should
consciously allocate specific times for family, fun, physical activity and personal needs. If involved on campus, they tend
to be active in the school newspaper or other areas of publications. As a roommate, they are generally flexible but may
need to be conscious of keeping things in order. When it comes to dating, the INFP student reports that they prefer a
long-term relationship.

6 Student Employment & Career Centre


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP inFp INTP
Myers-Briggs Type indicaTor (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

stress
An INFP will often experience stress when…
• Reality and their idealistic ideals are not aligned
• Dealing with the spitefulness, insincerity or negativity of others
• Conflicted with choosing between their values and maintaining harmony
• Encountering people who are not concerned about others
• Idealistic ideals are met with excessive criticism
• Unable to interact with people to gain their opinions
• Working within a stringent and excessively structured environment
• Required to use time management to organize their activities

When they are affected by stress, an INFP will often…


• Limit their intake or openness to new information
• Become rigid and make impersonal judgments
• With significant stress, doubt their own abilities and become critical of themselves and others
• Experience feelings of depression or despair

An INFP can reduce stress by…


• Balancing their time to include adequate personal relaxation
• Designating time to spend recharging their energy and refocusing on their values
• Realistically assessing the time it takes to complete a project or meet a goal
• Gaining insight into a situation by talking with a person they trust
• Participating in activities that require analyzing and strategizing
• Developing their time management skills

Works cited
Brownsword, Alan W., It Takes All Types. 2nd ed. Nicasio, CA: Baytree Publication Company for Hirsh, Sandra Krebs, and Jane A. G. Kise. Introduction to Type and Coaching. Palo Alto, CA:
HRM Press, Inc., 1999. Consulting Psychologists Press, Inc., 2000.
Butt, Joe. “Introverted Intuitive Feeling Perceiving.” TypeLogic. 26 Feb 2005. TypeLogic. Hirsh, Sandra Krebs, and Jean M. Kummerow. Introduction to Type in Organizations. 3rd ed. Palo
05 March 2008 <http://www.typelogic.com/infp.html>. Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Pres, Inc., 1998.
Career Choice and MBTI® Type. 1989. Gainesville, FL: Center fro Applications of Psychological “INFP.” The Personality Type Tool Kit. Communication Consultants, LLC., 1993.
Type, Inc., 1997. Loomis, Ann B. Write from the Start. Gainesville, FL: Center for applications of Psychological Type,
DiTiberio, John K., and Allen L. Hammer. Introduction to Type in College. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting 1999.
Psychologists Press, Inc., 1993. Myers, Isabel Briggs. Introduction to Type. 6th ed. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press,
Dranitsaris, Anne. Behavioural Interview Guide. Pickering, ON: Sage Developmental Resources Inc., 1998.
Inc., 2001. “Portrait of an INFP.” The Personality Page. 2006. BSM Consulting. 05 March 2008 <http://www.
Dunning, Donna. Introduction to Type and Communication. Palo Alto, CA: CPP, Inc., 2003. personalitypage.com/INFP.html>.
Fitzsimmons, Sharon. Type & Time Management. 1999. Edmonton, AB: Psychometrics Canada Provost, Judith A. Procrastination. 1988. Gainesville, FL: Centre for Applications of Psychological
Ltd., 2001. Type, 2001.
Hammer, Allen. Introduction to Type and Careers. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press, Quenk, Naomi L. In the Grip. 2nd ed. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press, Inc., 2000.
Inc., 1993. Tieger, Paul D., and Barbara Barron-Tieger. Do What You Are. 3rd ed. Boston, New York, London:
Hirsh, Sandra Krebs. Introduction to Type and Teams. Pal Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Little, Brown and Company, 2001.
Press, Inc., 1992.

Student Employment & Career Centre 7


Myers-Briggs Type indicaTor (MBTI®)

INTP
ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP inTp
ESTP ESFP ENFP ENTP
(Introversion, Intuition, Thinking, Perceiving) ESTJ ESFJ ENFJ ENTJ

The above four letters are known as a ‘type’ and are based on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®

(MBTI®). If you have not already completed an assessment to find out your type, click here to

take the MBTI ®. After completing the assessment, sign up for a workshop to learn more about

the MBTI® and receive your results.

note: The MBTI® is available to U of S students and alumni and an NSID is required to sign in and complete the assessment.

The following information has been compiled from numerous MBTI® resources. It is intended to be

an overview and shows how type can apply to many aspects of life. It is not, however, a complete

description. Please see the attached works cited list for additional information.

inTp overview
INTPs are generally flexible, analytical, conceptual, independent and private. They tend to focus their energy in their
internal world and logically analyze theories and abstract concepts. To facilitate their understanding of conceptually
difficult issues, the INTP often focuses on organizing their internal thoughts. However, their ability to maintain order
does not naturally transfer to their external world and the INTP may be seen as disorganized and struggle with time
management. The INTP is also typically shy and may experience difficulty when talking with people they do not know.
However, when they are comfortable with people or knowledgeable about a topic, the INTP can be very outgoing and
talkative.

The INTP will often use an objective and impersonal approach to gather and assess information. They generally view
details as boring and are only interested in realities that relate to a theory or insight. They tend to have the ability to
critique, analyze, describe, and see the underlying explanation for topics and issues. They also see the patterns within
information and are motivated to explain these patterns and understand how things work. The INTP is often able to
creatively solve problems due to their big picture thinking and their ability to see future possibilities. The INTP enjoys
a challenge and dislikes routine tasks or set procedures that restrict their freedom to use their own unique method for
finding a solution.

An INTP tends to set high standards for their work. They may find it difficult to draw a line at ‘good enough’ because
they continually see how things can be improved. The INTP may need to be cautious not to become too overwhelmed
or discouraged if they are not able to meet their goals. Although an INTP has a natural tendency to organize their
thoughts, they are rarely interested in organizing people or situations and often prefer working on their own. The INTP
tends to remain flexible and accepting of peoples views unless their own personal ideas are challenged. Also, due to an
INTP’s objective focus on logic, they are often unaware of the emotional needs and feelings of people.
ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP inTp
Myers-Briggs Type indicaTor (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

inTp and school

Learning
The INTP student will often…
• Be interested in broad or theoretical topics that stimulate their mind
• Excel at learning new skills and understanding technology
• Prefer freedom to set their own learning pace and explore topics of interest
• Prefer an independent and quiet study environment
• Focus on the big picture or global context
• Spend additional time each week reading non-compulsory intellectual material

Writing
The INTP generally enjoys writing on theory and can often find similarities between seemingly disconnected topics.
They tend to benefit from creating their own writing plan instead of following preset formats. They may also find it
helpful to approach their writing as a problem to be solved. The INTP should be cautious of their tendency to use
complex words that their audience may find difficult to understand.

In the writing process, the INTP will often…


• Require an independent environment to facilitate their reflection
• Analyze and logically assess information in their writing
• Use a metaphorical writing style infused by their imagination
• Use a computer to compose their writing
• Need to intentionally request feedback
• Benefit from returning to their original draft to include a human element and minimize any complexities

procrastination
The INTP often procrastinates as a result of their high work standards. They prefer to spend their time researching and
planning a project. Subsequently, their focus on these initial stages can result in neglecting deadlines or not starting
a project. This can lead the INTP to become critical and result in further delays. The INTP also has a tendency to
become consumed in one project and may neglect beginning other necessary tasks. The INTP may also use cleaning or
organizing their outside world as a mechanism to avoid internally organizing and clarifying the information they have
gathered.

The INTP may find it beneficial to set multiple deadlines throughout a project’s duration in order to keep them on task.
They may also find it helpful to have someone assist them in staying within their timelines. As well, discussing their high
standards for a project may help them determine whether their expectations are realistic and attainable.

2 Student Employment & Career Centre


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP inTp
Myers-Briggs Type indicaTor (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

inTp and career exploration


An INTP tends to find career satisfaction with careers that have the following characteristics:
• Involves working on one stimulating project at a time
• Ensures freedom to develop and create ideas, techniques, systems, and solutions
• Involves long-term planning with a focus on intellectually stimulating topics
• Limits the emphasis on rules, restrictions or procedures
• Creates a professional atmosphere that fosters independent thought
• Involves respectful colleagues
• Allows input on evaluation and compensation systems
• Provides an opportunity to evaluate current processes and make recommendations

When exploring career options, an INTP will often…


• Identify new and future career possibilities
• Creatively design a career to meet the employer’s needs
• Need to narrow the list of potential careers to avoid becoming overwhelmed with their options
• Need to incorporate their values when logically assessing their career options
• Benefit from setting a decision deadline

careers to consider
The following is a list of suggested occupations that fit the qualities of an INTP or are careers that other INTPs have found
to be satisfying. Use this list as a starting point for further investigation but do not limit your options to only this list.

• Computer Software Designer • Strategic Planner • Scientist: Chemistry or • Architect


• Computer Programmer • Financial Analyst Biology • Artist
• Computer Professional • Economist • Physicist • Photographer
• Research/Development • Manager: Executive • Pharmacist • Surveyor
Specialist • Lawyer • Social Scientist • Archaeologist
• New Market/Product • Psychologist/ • Historian • Investigator
Designer Psychoanalyst • Philosopher Inventor • Agent
• Database Manager • College Professor • Creative Writer • Food Service Worker
• Systems Analyst • Mathematician • Entertainer/Dancer
• Writer or Editor • Plastic Surgeon • Fine Artist
• Neurologist • Musician

Student Employment & Career Centre 3


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP inTp
Myers-Briggs Type indicaTor (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

Job search
In their job search, an INTP will often...
• Create an innovative job search plan with multiple goals and options
• Benefit from assessing whether their job search plan is realistic
• Need to follow through on their job search plan
• Need to intentionally pay attention to the specific details of their job search
• Be hesitant to network and potentially overlook some opportunities
• Thoroughly and logically examine each option
• Need to intentionally follow up with calls or correspondence to indicate their interest

During an interview, an INTP will often...


• Convey their intellect and knowledge
• Logically explain their past experiences and acquired skills
• Benefit from practicing to communicate and market their skills and abilities
• Need to be cautious that their responses do not come across as too blunt, arrogant, or rude
• Ask clarifying questions to assist in the decision making process

inTp and Work


At work, the INTP will often…
• Work hard to meet and exceed their own high standards
• See new and innovative future possibilities and applications
• Be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Prefer freedom to set their own goals without stringent requirements
• Work independently in a private environment
• Understand complex issues and create innovative solutions
• Confidently and objectively assess information and build on their knowledge
• Take risks and be motivated to continuously improve
• Ascribe authority to people who have proven their competence
• Identify the simplest way to complete a task
• Readily adapt to quick changes and new directions
• Desire to be appreciated and respected for their contributions

4 Student Employment & Career Centre


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP inTp
Myers-Briggs Type indicaTor (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

At work, the INTP should be aware that they may…


• Become frustrated with people they perceive to be incompetent
• Neglect seemingly obvious details and minimize their effort level
• Experience difficulty taking action on their conceptualized ideas within a specified timeframe
• Need to realistically evaluate their self imposed deadlines and conceived possibilities
• Experience difficulty completing repetitive tasks or remaining organized
• Have trouble saying ‘no’ to exciting opportunities
• Lose motivation when required to complete uninteresting projects or adhere to traditional policies and
procedures
• Benefit from developing a greater sense of structure
• Become argumentative, remove themselves from the situation, or use critical remarks when feeling

unappreciated

Teamwork
On a team, the INTP will often…
• Contribute their in-depth knowledge, insightful ideas, long-term vision, and problem solving abilities
• Internally assess a topic or situation before commenting and may appear quiet and withdrawn during meetings
• Remain unbiased and able to objectively assess information
• Reject ideas that they view to be illogical
• Cause disharmony by focusing on insignificant aspects of a project
• Need to intentionally appreciate team members
• Frustrate team members when they become too critical or neglect peoples’ opinions
• Become irritated with team members that lose focus on the overall objective, contribute unnecessary
information, are overly sensitive, or lack commitment to a project

Leadership
The INTP is not usually drawn to leadership positions that involve providing direction. When in a leadership
position, the INTP will often…
• Empower individuals to use and contribute their abilities
• Focus on understanding the problem and disseminate this knowledge to members
• Direct others through conveying the logic of their ideas
• Prefer leading people who desire to work independently
• Value individual knowledge and expertise over job title
• Provide various options for group members to consider
• Need to intentionally communicate a detailed outline of expectations

Student Employment & Career Centre 5


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP inTp
Myers-Briggs Type indicaTor (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

inTp and Life

communication
The INTP will often…
• Appreciate straightforward communication with limited repetition
• Desire to hear new information and big picture goals or ideas
• Require time to process information before providing feedback
• Tend to use flowcharts or visual depictions to communicate their logic
• Deal with conflict in a calm and impersonal manner

The INTP should be aware that they may need to…


• Work at clearly conveying their conceptions in an interesting format
• Be cautious that their message delivery does not belittle their audience
• Include the details within their descriptions to make them more understandable
• Intentionally provide positive feedback
• Develop a tolerance and appreciation for others need to share personal information

decision Making
When it comes to decision making, the INTP will often…
• Internally evaluate the situation or problem
• Identify potential alternatives
• Need to intentionally evaluate whether their options are realistic
• Need to ensure they consider their values and the impact on people
• Postpone the decision making process and potentially run out of options

playing
The INTP will often consider their work to be an area of play because of their strong interest in evaluating and assessing
situations, information and ideas. As such, the INTP may need to incorporate activities and fun to balance their
exhausting approach to work. When participating in activities, the INTP is often drawn to lectures, music and drama.
In their personal lives, they tend to maintain close relationships unless one of their closely held values is violated.
In these circumstances, they may end the relationship without warning or explanation. Some INTPs may need to
intentionally socialize with friends and roommates in order not to offend them. When it comes to relationships, the
postsecondary INTP student will often limit their dating.

6 Student Employment & Career Centre


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP inTp
Myers-Briggs Type indicaTor (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

stress
An INTP will often experience stress when…
• Dealing with the excessive emotions of others
• Required to work within specified guidelines and follow strict procedures
• Freedom is restricted by too many commitments or assigned tasks
• Others do not comprehend their ideas
• Coworkers or supervisors are perceived to be incompetent
• Unable to gain necessary feedback from others
• Situations cannot be explained by logic
• Required to participate in too many extraverted activities

When they are affected by stress, an INTP will often…


• Become expressive about anything that frustrates them
• Negatively judge themselves
• Become too focused on insignificant details
• Use a tone that is underlined with complaining or sulking
• Become overly sensitive to how they think other people view them
• With extreme stress, express emotions through outbursts of anger or tears

An INTP can reduce stress by…


• Clarifying what they value
• Paying closer attention to the needs of others
• Stepping back from a situation to determine additional possibilities
• Participating in physical activities to distract their minds
• Denying the inner fears that pertain to how people view them
• Spending time on their own to reenergize

Works cited
Brownsword, Alan W., It Takes All Types. 2nd ed. Nicasio, CA: Baytree Publication Company for Hirsh, Sandra Krebs, and Jane A. G. Kise. Introduction to Type and Coaching. Palo Alto, CA:
HRM Press, Inc., 1999. Consulting Psychologists Press, Inc., 2000.
Butt, Joe. “Introverted Intuitive Thinking Perceiving.” TypeLogic. 27 Feb 2005. TypeLogic. Hirsh, Sandra Krebs, and Jean M. Kummerow. Introduction to Type in Organizations. 3rd ed. Palo
27 March 2008 <http://www.typelogic.com/intp.html>. Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Pres, Inc., 1998.
Career Choice and MBTI® Type. 1989. Gainesville, FL: Center fro Applications of Psychological “INTP.” The Personality Type Tool Kit. Communication Consultants, LLC., 1993.
Type, Inc., 1997. Loomis, Ann B. Write from the Start. Gainesville, FL: Center for applications of Psychological Type,
DiTiberio, John K., and Allen L. Hammer. Introduction to Type in College. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting 1999.
Psychologists Press, Inc., 1993. Myers, Isabel Briggs. Introduction to Type. 6th ed. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press,
Dranitsaris, Anne. Behavioural Interview Guide. Pickering, ON: Sage Developmental Resources Inc., 1998.
Inc., 2001. “Portrait of an INTP.” The Personality Page. 2006. BSM Consulting. 27 March 2008. <http://www.
Dunning, Donna. Introduction to Type and Communication. Palo Alto, CA: CPP, Inc., 2003. personalitypage.com/INTP.html>.
Fitzsimmons, Sharon. Type & Time Management. 1999. Edmonton, AB: Psychometrics Canada Provost, Judith A. Procrastination. 1988. Gainesville, FL: Centre for Applications of Psychological
Ltd., 2001. Type, 2001.
Hammer, Allen. Introduction to Type and Careers. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press, Quenk, Naomi L. In the Grip. 2nd ed. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press, Inc., 2000.
Inc., 1993. Tieger, Paul D., and Barbara Barron-Tieger. Do What You Are. 3rd ed. Boston, New York, London:
Hirsh, Sandra Krebs. Introduction to Type and Teams. Pal Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Little, Brown and Company, 2001.
Press, Inc., 1992.

Student Employment & Career Centre 7


Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®)

ESTP
ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
ESTP ESFP ENFP ENTP
(Extraversion, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving ) ESTJ ESFJ ENFJ ENTJ

The above four letters are known as a ‘type’ and are based on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®
(MBTI®). If you have not already completed an assessment to find out your type, click here to
take the MBTI ®. After completing the assessment, sign up for a workshop to learn more about
the MBTI® and receive your results.
Note: The MBTI® is available to U of S students and alumni and an NSID is required to sign in and complete the assessment.

The following information has been compiled from numerous MBTI® resources. It is intended to be
an overview and shows how type can apply to many aspects of life. It is not, however, a complete
description. Please see the attached works cited list for additional information.

ESTP Overview
ESTPs are generally straightforward, realistic, spontaneous, and logical. They tend to focus their energy on their
surrounding environment and enjoy interacting and socializing with people. They are often quite outgoing and enjoy
being the focus of people’s attention. The ESTP also tends to be dramatic, enthusiastic, and incorporates fun and humor
into all aspects of life. They generally have a high level of energy and a need for action. They live in the moment and
are typically interested in new things, ideas, or activities. The ESTP tends to focus on the short-term and will rarely
organize or plan ahead. They are often adaptable and feel confident in their ability to handle anything that arises. The
ESTP also strongly adheres to their values.

The ESTP is often keenly aware of what goes on around them. They usually excel at gathering detailed observations of
their environment and remembering specific facts. They tend to focus on what is practical or real and are generally not
interested in theory. ESTPs tend to rely on their past experiences to evaluate current possibilities. They are often able
to identify the needs of a situation and provide a practical solution to meet those needs. Their eye for detail contributes
to their ability to assess and respond to immediate problems. They tend to take risks and are generally good at handling
crisis situations. The ESTP will often logically evaluate their options and make quick decisions as a way to move on to
the next thing. Although they prefer a carefree approach to life, they are able to make difficult and logical decisions.

ESTPs are often attracted to work that is challenging, fast-paced, and involves a lot of variety. They often excel when
they are involved in a task and have a tendency to become bored with inactivity or repetitive routines. The ESTP
tends to use their high energy and enthusiasm to start projects and motivate others to action. They may struggle with
meeting deadlines due to their lack of future planning. In their pursuit of excitement and fun, they may also neglect
their obligations or previous commitments. They generally do not allow policies or procedures to inhibit their progress
and will often find ways to work around the organization’s rules or guidelines. The ESTP tends to work well with other
people but may fail to consider the impact their actions have on others.
ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

ESTP and School

Learning
The ESTP student will often…
• Strive to gain a clear understanding of the facts
• Desire to understand the way things work
• Prefer to use a hands-on approach
• Experience difficulty paying attention to information that cannot be applied
• Prefer relevant information that is conveyed in a straightforward and enthusiastic manner
• Prefer to study in a group environment
• Complete no additional reading aside from their assigned work

Writing
The ESTP often prefers to write on topics that are realistic and applicable and usually dislike writing about personal
issues. They tend to use language that is direct and will often write down the details that they observe in their
environment. ESTPs typically prefer writing shorter pieces and may experience difficulty when required to compose
long documents. They often desire to work within a team writing environment and may struggle with lengthy
independent writing. The may also experience difficulty during the stages that require exploring possibilities. The ESTP
may put off getting started. They will likely benefit from starting their writing process early in order to ensure they meet
the deadline.

In the writing process, the ESTP will often…


• Use a previously successful writing format
• Gather and use specific and detailed information
• Spend a limited amount of time reflecting on their gathered information
• Present information through visual charts, graphs, and quotation marks
• Need to intentionally consider their reader
• Benefit from proofreading their original draft and omitting unnecessary details

Procrastination
The ESTP tends to desire immediate gratification and is susceptible to being pulled in many directions. Since ESTPs live
in the here and now, they may find it difficult to motivate themselves to complete tasks that provide a future payoff. As
well, since they are pulled towards social and interactive activities, they may find it difficult to perform the independent
tasks that are often required to complete a project or assignment.

The ESTP may be able to decrease their procrastination by developing their ability to logically assess their actions
and counteract their desire for instant gratification. They may also find it beneficial to work on tasks that reflect their
natural interests. It may also be advantageous for the ESTP to develop their time management skills, integrate activities
throughout their schedule, and designate time alone to focus on learning. They may also find it beneficial to structure
their work so that they receive a reward after completing an uninteresting task or spending time on their own

2 Student Employment & Career Centre


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

ESTP and Career Exploration


An ESTP tends to find career satisfaction with careers that have the following characteristics:
• Involves challenging projects that provide a tangible end result
• Includes a variety of tasks and encourages risk taking
• Provides an opportunity to interact with many different individuals
• Requires a limited adherence to strict policies and rules
• Provides freedom and autonomy to complete daily activities without following specific guidelines
• Involves logically evaluating problems to create immediate solutions
• Involves an exciting and friendly work environment
• Promotes the inclusion of fun and humor into daily tasks

When exploring career options, an ESTP will often…


• Set specific and tangible short-term goals
• Commit a high level of energy to explore their options
• Gather career related information from individuals within their field of interest
• Benefit from creating a long-term career plan and consider future career possibilities
• Logically evaluate career options and benefit from incorporating their values into the final decision
• Benefit from setting a career decision deadline

Careers to Consider
The following is a list of suggested occupations that fit the qualities of an ESTP or are careers that other ESTPs have found
to be satisfying. Use this list as a starting point for further investigation but do not limit your options to only this list.

• Financial Advisor • Police/Corrections Officer • News Reporter • Craftsperson/Artisan


• Manager: Small Business, • Investigator • Sportscaster • Restaurateur
Government • Fire Fighter • Paramedic • Craft Worker
• Entrepreneur • Physical Therapist • Auctioneer • Actor/Performer
• Auditor • Radiological Technicians • Carpenter • Laborer
• Investor/Broker • Engineer • Land Developer • Farmer
• Stock Broker • Health Technologist • General Contractor • Service Workers
• Insurance Sales Person • Promoter • Athlete/Coach • Transportation Worker
• Marketing Professional • Tour Agent • Pilot • Factory Worker
• Real Estate Broker • Chef/Cook

Student Employment & Career Centre 3


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

Job Search
During their job search, an ESTP will often...
• Prepare job search documents that accurately convey their experience and abilities
• Eagerly contact people and gather information about potential positions
• Observe the environment of potential workplaces to gauge whether they fit with the organization
• Need to be patient and commit to all stages of their job search
• Benefit from considering positions that are not immediately obvious
• Need to ensure they meet the deadlines

During an interview, an ESTP will often...


• Display their enthusiasm for the position
• Create a feeling of rapport with the interviewer
• Convey their ability to work well in a team
• Need to ensure their fun and relaxed disposition does not make them appear too casual or unreliable
• Need to be cautious not to talk excessively

ESTP and Work


At work, the ESTP will often…
• Be energetic, realistic, flexible, and action-orientated
• Remember facts and specific details
• Identify the necessary tasks to be completed and enthusiastically start projects
• Excel in high pressure situations
• Use a practical and realistic approach to provide quick solutions to problems
• Take risks and easily adapt to change
• Prefer flexibility to complete tasks and meet goals
• Dislike routine and find repetition to be boring and mundane
• Cultivate an enjoyable atmosphere and interject fun into their daily activities
• Prefer working on a team with people who replicate their zest for life
• Deviate from policies and procedures in order to complete a task
• Understand the latest technology and equipment

4 Student Employment & Career Centre


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

At work, the ESTP should be aware that they may…


• Use their own system for planning and may be perceived as unorganized
• Benefit from improving their time management and organizational skills
• Experience difficulty in meeting deadlines and fulfilling their commitments
• Be easily distracted and need to ensure they complete all stages of a task
• Need to realistically evaluate whether they are able to complete additional projects within the specified
timeframe
• Struggle with working alone for extended periods of time
• Unintentionally create a feeling of instability due to their spontaneity
• Only focus on the task at hand and rarely consider the implications of their actions
• Focus on logic, appear impersonal, and neglect to consider the feelings of their coworkers
• Accept information at face value and benefit from considering the deeper underlying meaning
• Need to maintain adequate respect for positions of authority
• Experience difficulty with structure and deadlines, become easily distracted by exciting activities, or neglect
their commitments when they feel frustrated or unappreciated

Teamwork
On a team, the ESTP will often…
• Provide an eager attitude that is focused on succeeding
• Facilitate compromises between members in order to promote progress
• Effectively deal with problematic situations and difficulties
• Influence their group by creating a focus and establishing objectives
• Openly consider other people’s suggestions

On a team, the ESTP should be aware that they may…


• Hurry to prepare their contributions and subsequently provide incomplete information
• Need to evaluate the impact their words have on others
• Benefit from establishing a plan and meeting their goals
• Frustrate group members when improvising and deviating from the established structure or creating
unnecessary crisis to feed their desire for excitement
• Become irritated with individuals that are impractical, easily distracted, have a negative attitude, or have no
sense of humor

Student Employment & Career Centre 5


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

Leadership
The ESTP often excels in leadership positions that involve managing a crisis. As a leader, the ESTP will
often…
• Identify the issue, request group members’ feedback, and make an optimal decision
• Encourage and motivate members to act
• Use an assertive approach that clearly conveys information
• Encourage others to adopt their ideas or views
• Determine the most effective way for people to work together
• Need to be cautious that their ability to constantly change does not create a sense of insecurity

ESTP and Life


Communication

The ESTP will often…


• Use a straightforward and direct method to convey their thoughts or confront others
• Desire to hear realistic and applicable information with limited directions or planning
• Effectively negotiate situations
• Prefer doing an activity instead of participating in lengthy discussions
• Require a limited amount of feedback or validation

The ESTP should be aware that they may need to…


• Think through their thoughts before expressing them
• Spend time listening to others
• Be cautious not to come across as too blunt or insensitive
• Intentionally provide positive feedback
• Take the time to explain their activities to others
• Acknowledge their need for interpersonal skill development

Decision Making
When it comes to decision making, the ESTP will often…
• Logically examine the gathered facts and options
• When necessary, make difficult or tough decisions
• Need to consider the impact their decisions have on people
• Benefit from considering additional options that are not immediately obvious
• Limit their time spent reflecting on a decision

6 Student Employment & Career Centre


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

Playing
The ESTP tends to focus on having fun in their work and personal lives. As a result, they may need to ensure that their
work is not neglected in their pursuit of enjoyment. The ESTP often likes to be the center of attention and tends to
provide energy and enthusiasm at any function they attend. They are often popular people because of their inclination
for creating fun and living in the moment. They also tend to appreciate the good things in life. The ESTP generally
enjoys taking risks and participating in lively activities that involve a physical element. As a roommate, the ESTP is
often able to reduce tension-filled environments with their easy going personalities. In their personal relationships, the
post-secondary ESTP is reported to interject an element of entertainment into their dating lives.

Stress
An ESTP will often experience stress when…
• Required to make a decision within a limited timeframe
• Current enjoyment of life is interrupted by health concerns
• Surrounded by excessive structure or strict deadlines
• Efforts do not result in achieving their goals
• Daily commitments limit their freedom
• Required to establish long-term plans
• Feeling out of control
• Participation in fun activities leads to neglecting necessary work

When they are affected by stress, an ESTP will often…:


• Feel tired and anxious
• Withdraw from people or situations
• Experience negative thoughts that do not align with reality
• Question and doubt their knowledge and abilities
• Become distracted and unable to make progress
• With significant stress, gather information that supports their perceived fear that others do not like them

An ESTP can reduce stress by…


• Participating in activities to realign their focus
• Determining the worst possible situation and creating a plan to deal with this scenario
• Being involved in activities that are new or involve taking risks
• Refraining from paying attention to areas that result in distraction
• Requesting assistance from others for completing their tasks, identifying possibilities, and processing difficult
information

Student Employment & Career Centre 7


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

Works Cited
Brownsword, Alan W., It Takes All Types. 2nd ed. Nicasio, CA: Baytree Publication Company for Hirsh, Sandra Krebs, and Jane A. G. Kise. Introduction to Type and Coaching. Palo Alto, CA:
HRM Press, Inc., 1999. Consulting Psychologists Press, Inc., 2000.
Butt, Joe. “Extroverted Sensing Thinking Perceiving.” TypeLogic. 23 Feb 2005. TypeLogic. Hirsh, Sandra Krebs, and Jean M. Kummerow. Introduction to Type in Organizations. 3rd ed. Palo
22 May 2008 <http://www.typelogic.com/estp.html>. Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Pres, Inc., 1998.
Career Choice and MBTI® Type. 1989. Gainesville, FL: Center fro Applications of Psychological “ESTP.” The Personality Type Tool Kit. Communication Consultants, LLC., 1993.
Type, Inc., 1997. Loomis, Ann B. Write from the Start. Gainesville, FL: Center for applications of Psychological Type,
DiTiberio, John K., and Allen L. Hammer. Introduction to Type in College. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting 1999.
Psychologists Press, Inc., 1993. Myers, Isabel Briggs. Introduction to Type. 6th ed. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press,
Dranitsaris, Anne. Behavioural Interview Guide. Pickering, ON: Sage Developmental Resources Inc., 1998.
Inc., 2001. “Portrait of an ESTP.” The Personality Page. 2006. BSM Consulting. 22 May 2008 <http://www.
Dunning, Donna. Introduction to Type and Communication. Palo Alto, CA: CPP, Inc., 2003. personalitypage.com/ESTP.html>.
Fitzsimmons, Sharon. Type & Time Management. 1999. Edmonton, AB: Psychometrics Canada Provost, Judith A. Procrastination. 1988. Gainesville, FL: Centre for Applications of Psychological
Ltd., 2001. Type, 2001.
Hammer, Allen. Introduction to Type and Careers. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press, Quenk, Naomi L. In the Grip. 2nd ed. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press, Inc., 2000.
Inc., 1993. Tieger, Paul D., and Barbara Barron-Tieger. Do What You Are. 3rd ed. Boston, New York, London:
Hirsh, Sandra Krebs. Introduction to Type and Teams. Pal Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Little, Brown and Company, 2001.
Press, Inc., 1992.

8 Student Employment & Career Centre


Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®)

ESFP
ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
ESTP ESFP ENFP ENTP
(Extraversion, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving) ESTJ ESFJ ENFJ ENTJ

The above four letters are known as a ‘type’ and are based on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®
(MBTI®). If you have not already completed an assessment to find out your type, click here to
take the MBTI ®. After completing the assessment, sign up for a workshop to learn more about
the MBTI® and receive your results.
Note: The MBTI® is available to U of S students and alumni and an NSID is required to sign in and complete the assessment.

The following information has been compiled from numerous MBTI® resources. It is intended to be
an overview and shows how type can apply to many aspects of life. It is not, however, a complete
description. Please see the attached works cited list for additional information.

ESFP Overview
ESFPs are generally practical, enthusiastic, autonomous, and optimistic. They are usually outgoing and tend to get their
energy from being around people. They enjoy socializing and incorporate fun into any environment or situation. They
are also quite likeable and people are often drawn to them. However, they may struggle with seeing the attributes that
make them so appealing to others. The ESFP tends to be interested in variety, spontaneity, and new ideas. They look
for things that are exciting and may create situations that foster this excitement. They usually respond well in a crisis
or high energy situation and they typically enjoy handling chaos. ESFPs also tend to adapt well to change as they focus
on living in the moment and dealing with situations as they arise. They often prefer to deal with reality and may find it
difficult to consider abstract or theoretical information or ideas.

An ESFP usually has a strong focus on others and will often use their senses to gather information that pertains to
people. They generally have a keen awareness of their surroundings and are able to assess people and understand what
exists below the surface. Their sensitivity to others often translates into an ability to identify an individual’s needs. They
tend to find satisfaction when they are able to assist others in problem solving and provide practical assistance that
addresses the individual’s need. ESFPs typically have strong interpersonal skills and often take the role of creating and
maintaining peace. They tend to see people as being equal and maintain a very accepting attitude of others. They often
try to avoid criticizing or judging and are generally not interested in controlling people.

The ESFP tends to enjoy hands-on work that provides tangible results. They generally use a commonsense approach to
provide practical solutions to problems. ESFPs often desire to work without an established plan and want the freedom
to make their own decisions. In making decisions, they tend to place a strong emphasis on what they value. The ESFP
generally prefers not to organize their activities or examine future possibilities and may subsequently appear unprepared
or experience difficulty meeting their deadlines. They may also focus only on the immediate and not consider the future
implications of their actions. The ESFP often dislikes routine and may find it difficult to stay with a job that does not
incorporate variety. They do not allow rules to confine their lives and are often influenced by their passions. They also
tend to work well on a team and infuse fun into any aspect of their work.
ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

ESFP and School

Learning
The ESFP student will often…
• Learn most effectively through doing
• Desire to hear information that can be applied
• Retain a large amount of facts and remember events
• Require an adequate amount of time to discuss information
• Prefer to study with others
• Struggle in a traditional, theory based learning environment
• Spend minimal or no time completing extra reading

Writing
The ESFP often excels at writing about their personal experiences. They tend to use humor and character or font
emphasizing to convey their natural communication style. However, they should be cautious that their conversationalist
approach to writing matches the topic. A formal style of writing may be necessary for more serious issues. ESFPs are
often able to handle multiple ideas at once but may feel overwhelmed when working on large writing projects. They are
often inclined to share their ideas with others and may find that their discussions help to increase their creativity. The
ESFP may struggle with starting their writing because it involves working in an independent environment.

In the writing process, the ESFP will often…


• Begin by discussing what they currently know
• Rely on their past experiences
• Gather a lot of information through books but should be cautious not to overwhelm themselves with too much data
• Overcome writing procrastination by limiting their initial reflection
• Tailor their writing to capture the audience’s interest
• Need to revise the original draft to use more professional language and reduce paragraph size

Procrastination
The ESFP typically desires immediate gratification and is susceptible to being pulled in many directions. Since ESFPs
live in the here and now, they may find it difficult to structure their days to complete tasks that provide a future payoff.
As well, since they are pulled towards activities and social opportunities, they may find it difficult to perform the
independent tasks that are often required to complete a project or assignment. ESFPs may also struggle with starting an
unappealing project. This typically results in the ESFP rushing to complete a project in order to meet the deadline.

The ESFP may be able to decrease their procrastination by developing their ability to logically assess their actions
and counteract their desire for instant gratification. They may also find it beneficial to work on tasks that reflect their
natural interests. It may also be advantageous for the ESFP to develop their time management skills, integrate activities
throughout their schedule, and designate time alone to focus on learning. They may also find it beneficial to structure
their work so that they receive a reward after completing an uninteresting task or spending time on their own.

2 Student Employment & Career Centre


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

ESFP and Career Exploration


An ESFP tends to find career satisfaction with careers that have the following characteristics:
• Includes a lot of task variety and fast-paced work
• Involves projects that benefit people and provide tangible results
• Requires gathering facts, practically applying information, and problem solving
• Involves simultaneously working on multiple tasks
• Fosters a relaxed, fun, and friendly work environment with limited structure
• Provides direct involvement with customers, clients, and coworkers
• Involves motivating people, resolving conflict, and promoting group cohesiveness
• Provides an opportunity to work alongside other sociable and enthusiastic people

When exploring career options, an ESFP will often…


• Set goals that are immediate and measurable
• Benefit from creating a plan to meet their goals
• Use informational interviews to improve their understanding of a career
• Need to consider the future outlook of a potential career
• Subjectively base their decision on what they value and should also include a logical assessment of their options
• Benefit from setting a decision deadline

Careers to Consider
The following is a list of suggested occupations that fit the qualities of an ESFP or are careers that other ESFPs have found
to be satisfying. Use this list as a starting point for further investigation but do not limit your options to only this list.

• Teacher: Preschool & • Veterinarian • Performer: Dance/Comedian • Floral Designer


Elementary • Veterinary Technician • Travel Agent/Tour Operator • Athletic Coach
• Child Care Worker • Dog Obedience Trainer • Special Events Producer • Photographer
• Social Worker • Factory Supervisors • Receptionist/Typist • Musician
• Labor Relations Mediator • Designer • Secretary • Promoter
• Transportation Operatives • Recreation Attendant • Clerical Supervisor • Fundraiser
• Respiratory Therapist • Real Estate Agent • Library Attendants • Cashier
• Emergency Room Nurse • Public Relations Specialist • Retail Merchandiser • Food Service Worker
• Film Producer • Flight Attendant • Host/Hostess
• Waiter/Waitress

Student Employment & Career Centre 3


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

Job Search
During their job search, an ESFP will often...
• Gather information through observing and asking questions
• Benefit from creating and following a job search plan
• Network extensively with their large group of contacts
• Need to consider additional job possibilities that are not currently obvious
• Need to be cautious not to personalize job rejections
• Delay their decision and should be careful not to miss opportunities or avoid making a decision
• Benefit from examining the future implication of taking the job

During an interview, an ESFP will often...


• Create a feeling of rapport with the interviewer
• Enthusiastically relay their ability to handle difficult situations, work on a team, and embrace new challenges
• Need to be cautious not to talk too much and should be prepared to answer hypothetical questions
• Need to learn how their people skills can be tied to the ‘bottom line’ and be able to discuss this with the
interviewer
• Remain open and flexible when negotiating their specific job requirements

ESFP and Work


At work, the ESFP will often…
• Be spontaneous, action-orientated, energetic, realistic, and fun
• Experience optimal performance when completing tasks within a shortened timeframe
• Focus solely on their current activities or present situation
• Rarely make a plan and often complete their tasks in the last moment
• Prefer an exciting, sociable, harmonious, and stable work environment
• Assess a situation and determine an immediate fix to the problem
• Become energized when working on interesting projects
• Motivated by action, challenging tasks, and the opportunity to prove their abilities
• Desire freedom to complete tasks without being confined by structure or regulations
• Incorporate new ideas, adapt easily to change, and take risks
• Observe people’s needs and readily provide assistance
• Dislike routines, structure, or bureaucracy

4 Student Employment & Career Centre


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

At work, the ESFP should be aware that they may…


• Experience trouble organizing their tasks and struggle to meet deadlines
• Need to develop their time management skills through creating their own systems
• Tolerate learning new skills only when they see the relevant application
• Maintain a short-term focus and have few long-term goals
• Benefit from establishing goals and working towards them
• Struggle with spending a lot of time working alone
• Become easily distracted and pulled in multiple directions which makes them unable to adequately complete
their tasks
• Benefit from turning down tasks that they do not have time to complete
• Avoid conflict that cannot be instantly resolved
• Benefit from considering the implications of their actions or future possibilities
• Act impulsively, miss deadlines, or take other’s reactions too personally when they do not feel appreciated

Teamwork
On a team, the ESFP will often…
• Enjoy working in groups with other action-orientated and energetic individuals
• Cooperative well with other team members
• Encourages active participation of other members
• Motivate others through their own excitement and enthusiasm
• Facilitate group consensus through negotiating ideas and compromising
• Create a fun atmosphere that uses entertaining to diffuse difficult situations

On a team, the ESFP should be aware that they may…


• Need to include the big picture possibilities in their discussions
• Neglect to include specific details when they rush their preparation
• Frustrate team members when they do not adhere to the established structure, take things too personally, or
have too much fun
• Become irritated with negative individuals that do not use their time effectively, neglect to consider others, and
do not include all members
• Benefit from developing a greater focus on completing the task

Leadership
As a leader, the ESFP will often…
• Foster an energetic environment that encourages team member interaction
• Focus a majority of their attention on the beginning stages of a project
• Ensure all team members have an opportunity to contribute
• Focus on the immediate needs or situation
• Mitigate difficult situations by decreasing the tension
• Use their enjoyment of working to motivate others

Student Employment & Career Centre 5


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

ESFP and Life

Communication
The ESFP will often…
• Easily communicate with a wide range of people
• Excel at presenting information, facilitating groups, and teaching
• Desire to hear practical information and positive feedback
• Be uninterested in hearing confining directions or abstract theory
• Prefer to act instead of excessively discuss an idea, task, or issue
• Easily provide positive feedback

The ESFP should be aware that they may need to…


• Intentionally provide honest feedback regardless of hurting peoples’ feelings
• Embrace corrective feedback and work at not taking it too personally
• Be cautious that they do not spend too much time socializing
• Tailor their natural fun-filled communication style when participating in serious discussions

Decision Making
When it comes to decision making, the ESFP will often…
• Examine the facts and assess the situation
• Consider the impact their choice will have on people
• Rely on their values, feelings, and past experiences
• Feel conflicted when required to decide between logic and feeling
• Benefit from logically assessing their options and considering the long-term implications
• Struggle with making a final decision

Playing
The ESFP tends to play with the same high levels of enthusiasm and energy that they use for work. Whether they are
out with friends or at home, the ESFP enjoys entertaining people and likes having fun and being the center of attention.
Their interest in aesthetically pleasing environments often transfers into their home surroundings as well as their desire
for higher quality food and items. The ESFP is generally drawn towards activities that are lively and involve others. They
tend to enjoy socializing at events and participating in sports, theatre, performing arts, or music. As a roommate, they
are often viewed as fun, flexible, and energetic. In their personal lives, ESFP postsecondary students tend to date on a
weekly basis.

6 Student Employment & Career Centre


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

Stress
An ESFP will often experience stress when…
• Required to work within excessive structure or meet a lot of deadlines
• Confined by a strict routine that limits their control and freedom
• Helping others becomes overwhelming
• Feeling unable to make changes to their commitments
• Surrounded by an excessive amount of long-term planning or theoretical information
• Focusing on fun results in neglecting to complete their work
• Feeling unsure of their purpose
• Experiencing a decline in their physical health

When they are affected by stress, an ESFP will often…


• Withdraw from people
• Dwell on the meaning of their lives
• Develop a pessimistic future outlook
• Think poorly of the actions of others’
• Feel that they lack the necessary skills for work or life
• Experience difficulty in making a decision
• Under significant stress, become consumed with negative thinking

An ESFP can reduce stress by…


• Setting aside time to evaluate their feelings
• Discussing their concerns with others
• Predicting the future by looking at their present realities
• Expressing themselves through creative writing, crafts, or new ideas
• Requesting the assistance of others to complete tasks
• Learning to follow through on their commitments

Works cited
Brownsword, Alan W., It Takes All Types. 2nd ed. Nicasio, CA: Baytree Publication Company for Hirsh, Sandra Krebs, and Jane A. G. Kise. Introduction to Type and Coaching. Palo Alto, CA:
HRM Press, Inc., 1999. Consulting Psychologists Press, Inc., 2000.
Butt, Joe. “Extroverted Sensing Feeling Judging.” TypeLogic. 23 Feb 2005. TypeLogic. Hirsh, Sandra Krebs, and Jean M. Kummerow. Introduction to Type in Organizations. 3rd ed. Palo
30 April 2008 <http://www.typelogic.com/esfj.html >. Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Pres, Inc., 1998.
Career Choice and MBTI® Type. 1989. Gainesville, FL: Center fro Applications of Psychological “ESFJ.” The Personality Type Tool Kit. Communication Consultants, LLC., 1993.
Type, Inc., 1997. Loomis, Ann B. Write from the Start. Gainesville, FL: Center for applications of Psychological Type,
DiTiberio, John K., and Allen L. Hammer. Introduction to Type in College. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting 1999.
Psychologists Press, Inc., 1993. Myers, Isabel Briggs. Introduction to Type. 6th ed. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press,
Dranitsaris, Anne. Behavioural Interview Guide. Pickering, ON: Sage Developmental Resources Inc., 1998.
Inc., 2001. “Portrait of an ESFJ.” The Personality Page. 2006. BSM Consulting. 30 April 2008 <http://www.
Dunning, Donna. Introduction to Type and Communication. Palo Alto, CA: CPP, Inc., 2003. personalitypage.com/ESFJ.html>.
Fitzsimmons, Sharon. Type & Time Management. 1999. Edmonton, AB: Psychometrics Canada Provost, Judith A. Procrastination. 1988. Gainesville, FL: Centre for Applications of Psychological
Ltd., 2001. Type, 2001.
Hammer, Allen. Introduction to Type and Careers. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press, Quenk, Naomi L. In the Grip. 2nd ed. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press, Inc., 2000.
Inc., 1993. Tieger, Paul D., and Barbara Barron-Tieger. Do What You Are. 3rd ed. Boston, New York, London:
Hirsh, Sandra Krebs. Introduction to Type and Teams. Pal Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Little, Brown and Company, 2001.
Press, Inc., 1992.

Student Employment & Career Centre 7


Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®)

ENFP
(Extroversion, Intuition, Feeling, Perceiving)
ISTJ
ISTP
ESTP
ESTJ
ISFJ
ISFP
INFJ
INFP
ESFP ENFP ENTP
ESFJ ENFJ
INTJ
INTP

ENTJ

The above four letters are known as a ‘type’ and are based on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®
(MBTI®). If you have not already completed an assessment to find out your type, click here to
take the MBTI ®. After completing the assessment, sign up for a workshop to learn more about
the MBTI® and receive your results.
Note: The MBTI® is available to U of S students and alumni and an NSID is required to sign in and complete the assessment.

The following information has been compiled from numerous MBTI® resources. It is intended to be
an overview and shows how type can apply to many aspects of life. It is not, however, a complete
description. Please see the attached works cited list for additional information.

ENFP Overview
ENFPs are generally warm, enthusiastic, creative, spontaneous, and compassionate. They are often outgoing and are
energized by spending time with others. They enjoy opportunities to meet new people and typically have a desire to
create deep relationships with open communication. Their appreciation and passion for life often makes them appealing
to others and generally results in the ENFP having a large group of friends. They are typically high energy people that
are usually flexible, adaptable, and adventurous. They also tend to enjoy variety, spontaneity, and taking risks. They
prefer a challenge and often use a creative and unconventional approach to solve problems. The ENFP also tends to
have strongly held values that directly influence how they live their lives. They often make decisions by considering their
internal values and determining the impact their choices will have on others.

The ENFP often feels energized when they are identifying new possibilities and ideas. They are passionate about their ideas
and tend to consider possibilities that relate to people. They apply their creativity and insight to identify peoples’ capabilities
and provide the energetic attitude that encourages others to meet their potential. They are perceptive to their surroundings
and will often consider the big picture or future implications. It is important for them to be able talk through their ideas with
others as well as spend time reflecting on what they consider to be important or valued. The ENFP’s focus on new ideas and
possibilities often results in doing many different jobs or having a variety of interests. Their propensity to pursue various
opportunities can result in them being easily distracted and they may need to focus on fulfilling their commitments.

ENFPs will often enthusiastically conceptualize projects based on their ability to generate and connect ideas. They are
usually uninterested in facts or details that are not connected to their identified possibilities. They are often able to
multitask and accomplish what others do not see as possible. Some ENFP’s may need to focus on finishing projects and
delaying their desire to advance onto the next exciting idea. They may find scheduling to inhibit their freedom and often
end up pushing to complete a project by the deadline. The ENFP is often interested in the lives of others and are usually
able to interact and draw out the best in people. They tend to work well with a variety of people and are able to persuade,
motivate, and encourage others. They desire to create and maintain a harmonious work environment and they typically
want the approval of others. In their daily lives, ENFP’s should be cautious not to over commit to projects or people.
ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

ENFP and School


Learning
The ENFP student will often…
• Maintain an interest in complex topics or areas that capture their imagination
• Apply information to determine ways to help other people
• Desire an instructor that believes in the message, communicates the big picture, and assigns creative assignments
• Require an opportunity to actively discuss information
• Take a variety of different classes that capture their wide range of interests
• Enjoy studying with other people
• Actively read additional non-required material

Writing
ENFPs are often creative writers that see the correlation between seemingly disconnected ideas and topics. They are
typically able to write from the perspective of others and are interested in topics that have an impact on people. They
tend to excel when writing on topics of particular interest and dislike having to follow a routine, incorporate a lot of
facts, or adhere to a specific deadline. They tend to follow their inspired thoughts and may be inclined to start numerous
writing projects or take on excessively large writing tasks. The ENFP may need to be cautious that they are able to finish
all of the projects that they start.

In the writing process, the ENFP will often…


• Creatively brainstorm numerous writing ideas
• Limit the amount of time they spend reflecting on a topic
• Tailor their writing to connect with the audience
• Need to realistically evaluate the amount of time required to complete their writing
• Need to incorporate interaction with others to facilitate their writing process
• Benefit from returning to the original draft to include additional facts or reorganize the information

Procrastination
The ENFP’s pursuit of numerous ideas and projects can result in not completing any tasks or producing inadequate
work. It is often difficult for them to create closure because they are pulled in many directions and captivated by a
variety of interests. These factors combine to make it difficult for the ENFP to maintain their attention on any one area.
They often do not pay attention to the quantity of work that builds up and feel overwhelmed when they realize the
amount of work they are required to complete. ENFPs may not take proper care of their bodies and become exhausted
and feel unable to physically complete their tasks.

ENFPs will generally continue to procrastinate as long as possible and often work right up until the deadline. They often
do not identify a need to change their procrastination when they are able to still complete their work and receive an
acceptable outcome. They recognize a need to change only when their procrastination results in significantly affecting
their lives. It is important for the ENFP to learn how to evaluate the possibilities they identify and establish a list of what
is important. It can also be beneficial for them to identify and examine the long-term impact of their choices.

2 Student Employment & Career Centre


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

ENFP and Career Exploration


An ENFP tends to find career satisfaction with careers that have the following characteristics:
• Provides an opportunity to conceptualize an idea and bring it to fruition
• Involves tasks that reflect their values and make a difference for others
• Requires working with minimal details
• Encourages or permits spontaneity and freedom to follow their ideas and complete tasks
• Fosters a creative, enjoyable, and fun work environment with minimal conflict
• Involves a limited number of rules, requirements, or procedures
• Requires the completion of challenging and diverse tasks
• Structures daily activities to involve interacting with a variety of people

When exploring career options, an ENFP will often…


• Create numerous long-term goals and benefit from narrowing down their idealistic list
• Gather career-related information through networking
• Evaluate a variety of career options
• Benefit from reviewing career options based on an objective list of requirements
• Benefit from setting a decision deadline
• Need to be cautious of the amount they allow others to influence their choice

Careers to Consider
The following is a list of suggested occupations that fit the qualities of an ENFP or are careers that other ENFP have found
to be satisfying. Use this list as a starting point for further investigation but do not limit your options to only this list.

• Psychologist • Teacher: Liberal Arts/Special • Radiologic Technician • Copywriter


• Social Worker Education/Music/ Health • Conference Planner • Reporter/Editor
• Social Scientist • Administrator: Education • Sales: Intangibles/Ideas/ • Screen/Play Write
• Housing Director • Public Relations Specialist Services • Musician/Composer
• Consultant • Publicist • HR Development Trainer • Character Actor
• Counselor • Marketing Consultant • Employee Assistant • Entertainer
• Career Counselor • Advertising Sales Executive Specialist • Cartoonist
• Pastoral Counselor • Advertising Creative Director • Computer Professional • Artist
• Clergy & Religious • Strategic Planner/Researcher • Journalist • Interior Decorator
• Rehabilitation Worker • Research Assistant • Columnist • Inventor
• Preschool Teacher • Newscaster • Ombudsman
• Speech Pathologist

Student Employment & Career Centre 3


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

Job Search
During their job search, an ENFP will often...
• Identify numerous job possibilities and potentially create their own position
• Benefit from organizing and following through with all aspects of their job search
• Network extensively with family and friends
• Persist in their job search despite setbacks
• Need to ensure they pay attention to the details of a job and realistically evaluate the requirements of a position
• Procrastinate on making a decision and may miss opportunities
• Benefit from making decisions throughout their job search

During an interview, an ENFP will often...


• Easily develop a connection with the interviewers
• Confidently discuss their skills and abilities
• Portray their team player attitude
• Need to be cautious not to talk too much
• Identify their future potential for an employer and benefit from also emphasizing their current contributions to
the organization

ENFP and Work


At work, the ENFP will often…
• Use their insight to identify creative ideas and new possibilities
• Focus on the big picture and consider future implications
• Take risks and persevere to rise above difficult situations
• Encourage the development of new ideas and challenging tasks
• Learn new tasks and effectively gather necessary information
• Interact with a variety of people to share their ideas and develop relationships
• Identify areas for change and easily adapt to adjustments or alterations
• Understand people and generate enthusiasm for their ideas
• Resolve conflict and promote a harmonious and sociable workplace
• Encourage coworkers and promote personal development
• Acknowledge and respond to the needs of others
• Desire to work with other imaginative people

4 Student Employment & Career Centre


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

At work, the ENFP should be aware that they may…


• Lose motivation for a task after the initial brainstorming or creative stages
• Need to spend adequate time preparing for a project or meeting
• Benefit from developing their time management and organizational skills
• Neglect to consider specific facts or follow through on the details
• Require interaction with people to prevent boredom
• Refrain from following policies or procedures that inhibit their freedom, prevent employee development, or
contradict their intuition
• Focus on helping others with their problems and inadvertently neglect their own tasks
• Struggle with making decisions and following repetitive routine
• Need to evaluate their tasks to determine what they are realistically able to complete
• Benefit from incorporating some structure into their daily activities
• Become frustrated and resist rules or procedures, miss deadlines, lack follow through, or easily lose focus when
they feel unappreciated

Teamwork
On a team, the ENFP will often…
• Contribute numerous ideas and various options to consider
• Encourage people to contribute their ideas
• Create a feeling of inclusion among all team members
• Provide an enthusiastic attitude
• Easily offer encouragement and positive feedback

On a team, the ENFP should be aware that they may…


• Be easily distracted and need to focus on the task
• Cause frustration when they do not complete tasks, are unorganized, or repeatedly change their plans and
switch their focus
• Need to pause and listen to others and maintain a realistic idea of what can be accomplished
• Need to be patient with the time required to bring an idea to reality
• Become frustrated with individuals that are cynical or argumentative, focus only on the details, lack originality,
and prevent others from participating

Leadership
As a leader, the ENFP will often…
• Enthusiastically generate ideas and create a vision
• Focus on the initial stages of a project
• Limit the details they provide to encourage individual exploration
• Validate individual ideas by encouraging discussions and incorporating peoples opinions
• Balance group work with individual freedom to complete tasks
• Encourage the personal development of individual members
• Make decisions slowly only after considering various opinions

Student Employment & Career Centre 5


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

ENFP and Life

Communication
The ENFP will often…
• Participate in discussions and establish a connection with others
• Explain their broad, big picture ideas with minimal details
• Acknowledge individual contributions and provide encouragement
• Desire to hear peoples’ thoughts, broad descriptions, application of theories, and promotion of teamwork
• Address conflict in order to resolve issues
• Question ideas that are not aligned with their values
• Desire positive feedback and supportive mentorship

The ENFP should be aware that they may need to…


• Include sufficient details when explaining their ideas and delegating tasks
• Intentionally provide constructive feedback
• Be cautious of the amount they rely on others feedback and approval
• Adapt their high energy communication style to quiet or withdrawn audiences

Decision Making
When it comes to decision making, the ENFP will often…
• Examine the big picture or broad context
• Need to intentionally include the details and facts
• Evaluate their options based on their personal values
• Consider the impact their choices have on others
• Desire to consider additional possibilities and struggle with making a final decision

Playing
The ENFP typically includes fun and excitement into all aspects of their daily lives. Their tendency to work with
different ideas, projects, and people can lead them to overbook their time. It is therefore important for them to ensure
they are meeting their personal needs. The ENFP has a desire to be surrounded by people and may struggle with being
on their own. As a result, they are often involved in social activities and place a significant value on friendships. They
are often interested in developing additional friendships and may need to be cautious not to neglect their current
relationships as they pursue something fresh and new. As a post-secondary student, they often participate in social
activities on campus. They also tend to enjoy having people get together for discussions or activities. The ENFP student
also indicates that their personal lives often involve weekly dates.

6 Student Employment & Career Centre


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

Stress
An ENFP will often experience stress when…
• Required to focus on too many details
• Forced to make a quick decision
• Experiencing a decline in friendships or relationships
• Unable to identify additional possibilities
• Feeling alone during health concerns or personal loss
• Working within an unenthusiastic or unenergetic environment
• Restrained by too many rules, regulations, or policies
• Required to work under close supervision and perceive that others doubt their abilities

When they are affected by stress, an ENFP will often…


• Become consumed with the specifics or focus solely on one irrelevant detail
• Reflect on the negative aspects of themselves and lose their ability to think positively
• Increase their work intensity but reduce their effectiveness
• Experience ongoing feelings of anxiety and worry
• Remove themselves from situations and avoid others
• Excessively generate ideas without any implementation plans

An ENFP can reduce stress by…


• Limiting their commitment to unnecessary tasks
• Spending time on their own to reflect on the realities of a situation
• Ensuring their personal needs are being met
• Delegating tasks and establishing a list of priorities
• Participating in physical activities
• Increasing their organization to reduce potential unknowns

Works cited
Brownsword, Alan W., It Takes All Types. 2nd ed. Nicasio, CA: Baytree Publication Company for Hirsh, Sandra Krebs, and Jane A. G. Kise. Introduction to Type and Coaching. Palo Alto, CA:
HRM Press, Inc., 1999. Consulting Psychologists Press, Inc., 2000.
Butt, Joe. “Extraverted Intuitive Feeling Perceiving.” TypeLogic. 25 Feb 2005. TypeLogic. 19 June Hirsh, Sandra Krebs, and Jean M. Kummerow. Introduction to Type in Organizations. 3rd ed. Palo
2008 <http://www.typelogic.com/enfp.html>. Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Pres, Inc., 1998.
Career Choice and MBTI® Type. 1989. Gainesville, FL: Center fro Applications of Psychological “ENFP.” The Personality Type Tool Kit. Communication Consultants, LLC., 1993.
Type, Inc., 1997. Loomis, Ann B. Write from the Start. Gainesville, FL: Center for applications of Psychological Type,
DiTiberio, John K., and Allen L. Hammer. Introduction to Type in College. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting 1999.
Psychologists Press, Inc., 1993. Myers, Isabel Briggs. Introduction to Type. 6th ed. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press,
Dranitsaris, Anne. Behavioural Interview Guide. Pickering, ON: Sage Developmental Resources Inc., 1998.
Inc., 2001. “Portrait of an ENFP.” The Personality Page. 2006. BSM Consulting. 02 January 2008 <http://www.
Dunning, Donna. Introduction to Type and Communication. Palo Alto, CA: CPP, Inc., 2003. personalitypage.com/ENFP.html>.
Fitzsimmons, Sharon. Type & Time Management. 1999. Edmonton, AB: Psychometrics Canada Provost, Judith A. Procrastination. 1988. Gainesville, FL: Centre for Applications of Psychological
Ltd., 2001. Type, 2001.
Hammer, Allen. Introduction to Type and Careers. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press, Quenk, Naomi L. In the Grip. 2nd ed. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press, Inc., 2000.
Inc., 1993. Tieger, Paul D., and Barbara Barron-Tieger. Do What You Are. 3rd ed. Boston, New York, London:
Heiss, Marina Margaret. “Extraverted Intuitive Feeling Perceiving.” TypeLogic. 25 Feb 2005. Little, Brown and Company, 2001.
TypeLogic. 19 June 2008 <http://www.typelogic.com/enfp.html>.
Hirsh, Sandra Krebs. Introduction to Type and Teams. Pal Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists
Press, Inc., 1992.

Student Employment & Career Centre 7


Myers-Briggs Type indicaTor (MBTI®)

ENTP
ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
ESTP ESFP ENFP enTp
(Extroversion, Intuition, Thinking, Perceiving) ESTJ ESFJ ENFJ ENTJ

The above four letters are known as a ‘type’ and are based on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®

(MBTI®). If you have not already completed an assessment to find out your type, click here to

take the MBTI ®. After completing the assessment, sign up for a workshop to learn more about

the MBTI® and receive your results.

note: The MBTI® is available to U of S students and alumni and an NSID is required to sign in and complete the assessment.

The following information has been compiled from numerous MBTI® resources. It is intended to be

an overview and shows how type can apply to many aspects of life. It is not, however, a complete

description. Please see the attached works cited list for additional information.

enTp overview
ENTPs are generally enthusiastic, flexible, creative, conceptual, and clever. They tend to focus on their external
environment and they accurately assess situations and people. They are often quite talkative, outgoing, and entertaining.
Their interest in creating and having fun often influences their ability to fit in at social gatherings. The ENTP typically
has a keen imagination that generates many ideas. They also rely on their intuition and tend to focus on the future.
ENTPs are generally interested in intellectual or philosophical concepts and enjoy arguing or debating. They also tend
to be impulsive, spontaneous, and comfortable with change. Their strong desire for things that are new often influences
them to move between various careers and have many different interests.

The ENTP is perceptive to their surroundings and is able to identify new possibilities. They typically generate a vast number
of original ideas and are continually looking for fresh opportunities. They internally evaluate their ideas and are able to
simultaneously examine multiple options. They will then use a logical and rational approach to decide which possibilities to
pursue. It is often important for them to spend sufficient time on their own to facilitate this reflection and assessment.
The ENTP also tends to apply their creativity to identify solutions to problems and handle difficult situations. They
often use a proactive approach to deal with challenges and are able to identify the outcome or implication of a decision.

ENTPs are often fast-paced workers that have the ability to multi-task. They tend to enthusiastically generate ideas
and initiate projects of interest. They are often unconcerned with the specifics and may avoid detail-orientated tasks.
The ENTP generally works tirelessly on projects that they enjoy but may struggle to complete uninteresting jobs. They
tend to focus their energy on the initial stages of a project and may neglect the remaining tasks. They tend to desire
a challenge and require a lot of variety in their work. They are easily bored with routine and often find procedures
and policies to be restricting. They may have trouble realistically evaluating the time required to transfer their ideas
to reality and should ensure that they give themselves enough time to meet their deadlines. ENTP’s are often able to
motivate people and create a vision for others to follow. However, they should be cautious that their focus on the task
does not cause them to neglect the needs of the people involved.
ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type indicaTor (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
enTp
ENTJ

enTp and school

Learning
The ENTP student will often…
• Require challenging or difficult material that stimulates their mind
• Desire opportunities to evaluate case studies or critically analyze information
• Effectively learn through debating and discussing topics
• Prefer intelligent, competent, and creative instructors
• Generate their own ideas through working alone
• Desire to study with others in a group setting
• Complete unassigned reading on serious topics

Writing
ENTPs tend to clearly articulate complicated information in a well thought out manner. Their writing often reflects
their propensity for ideas and big picture thinking. They typically enjoy topics that involve controversy or problem
solving and tend to omit personal elements in their writing. They often excel at being able to effectively discuss their
opinions but should be cautious that their underlying tone does not appear too harsh or aggressive. The ENTP may
prefer creating a program or presentation on a topic as opposed to writing an actual document. When working on a
team writing project, they may struggle with adhering to the leader’s instructions or may create a writing plan that
others feel is too complicated. ENTPs may find it helpful to discuss their thoughts and ideas with an outside source
throughout the duration of a writing project.

In the writing process, the ENTP will often…


• Prefer originality over traditional formats and methods
• Need to limit the number of topics they consider
• Easily connect the patterns that exist in their gathered information
• Focus on the big picture and possibilities
• Include diagrams, tables, and other visual cues
• Incorporate witty humor but should be cautious not to offend the reader
• Benefit from returning to the original draft to incorporate necessary detail and clarify complicated concepts

2 Student Employment & Career Centre


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type indicaTor (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
enTp
ENTJ

procrastination
The ENTP’s pursuit of numerous ideas and projects can result in leaving some tasks unfinished or producing inadequate
work. It is often difficult for them to create closure because they are pulled in many different directions and captivated
by a variety of interests. These factors combine to make it difficult for the ENTP to focus their attention on any one
area. They often do not pay attention to the amount of work that builds up and feel overwhelmed when they realize
what they are required to complete. ENTPs may also not take proper care of their bodies and become exhausted and
feel unable to physically complete their tasks.

ENTPs will generally continue to procrastinate as long as possible and often work right up until the deadline. They
typically do not see a need to modify their behavior because they are able to still complete their work and receive
an acceptable outcome. They only recognize a need to change when their procrastination significantly affects their
lives. It is important for the ENTP to learn how to evaluate the possibilities they identify and establish a list of what is
important. It can also be beneficial for them to identify and examine the long-term impact of their choices.

enTp and career exploration


An ENTP tends to find career satisfaction with careers that have the following characteristics:
• Supports innovative thinking and new ways to complete tasks
• Involves diverse and challenging tasks
• Requires creative problem solving
• Provides an opportunity to interact with a variety of individuals
• Supports changing systems and processes to promote efficiency
• Involves few restrictions or rules and promotes freedom and spontaneity
• Fosters a fun, exciting, and action-orientated environment
• Provides a chance to enhance their individual power
• Assesses performance based on knowledge, capabilities, and ingenuity

When exploring career options, an ENTP will often…


• Set many long-term ideals and benefit from creating a plan to meet these goals
• Creatively develop their own careers
• Gather information through their interaction with others
• Objectively examine the long-term implication of their choice
• Logically evaluate their career options but should also consider their values
• Struggle with making a decision and benefit from setting a deadline

Student Employment & Career Centre 3


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type indicaTor (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
enTp
ENTJ

careers to consider
The following is a list of suggested occupations that fit the qualities of an ENTP or are careers that other ENTPs have
found to be satisfying. Use this list as a starting point for further investigation but do not limit your options to only this list.

• Politician • Advertising Director • Entrepreneur • Real Estate Agent


• Political Manager • Marketing Researcher • Investment Broker • Real Estate Developer
• Political Analyst • Marketing Personnel • Credit Investigator • Restaurant/Bar Owner
• Social Scientist • Sales Agent Strategic • Mortgage Broker • Inventor
• Systems Designer Planner • Research Worker • Journalist
• Computer Analyst • Public Relations Specialist • Physician: Psychiatry • Actor
• Special Projects Developer • Management Consultant • Engineer • Literary Agent
• Design Manager • Venture Capitalist • Construction Laborer
• Photographer

Job search
During their job search, an ENTP will often...
• Benefit from following an established plan
• Identify company’s potential needs and position themselves accordingly
• Need to examine the realities of a job in addition to the possibilities
• Network with a large number of individuals
• Benefit from patiently conducting their job search
• Evaluate multiple job prospects at once
• Need to make decisions throughout their job search

During an interview, an ENTP will often...


• Confidently discuss their skills and abilities
• Convey their enthusiastic attitude
• Present ideas and possibilities that will benefit the company
• Benefit from ensuring that they listen and not assume what will be said
• Need to be able to discuss their current contributions for the organization

4 Student Employment & Career Centre


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type indicaTor (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
enTp
ENTJ

enTp and Work


At work, the ENTP will often…
• Focus on the big picture or future possibilities
• Continually identify, evaluate, and use new ideas
• Creatively devise new processes to complete tasks
• Function well in a disorganized and unstructured work environment
• Generate excitement and support for their ideas and visions
• Excel at learning new techniques, skills, or information
• Remain optimistic in spite of rejection
• Desire freedom and autonomy to complete their tasks and take risks
• Be aware of the underlying needs or intentions of others
• Easily adapt to change and remain flexible
• Creatively solve problems
• Prefer working with competent coworkers that remain independent

At work, the ENTP should be aware that they may…


• Benefit from creating a plan that supports their overall vision
• Become easily distracted while working on a project
• Struggle with meeting deadlines and fulfilling their commitments
• Need to realistically evaluate their ability to complete projects before committing to them
• Ignore the policies, procedures, and hierarchical structure within an organization
• Benefit from delegating detail-orientated tasks
• Struggle to complete uninteresting tasks
• Need to identify their present realities and consider important facts and details
• Be overly confident in their abilities and create unrealistic expectations
• Benefit from developing their time management skills
• Become critical, harsh, argumentative, or unable to focus their attention when feeling unappreciated

Teamwork
On a team, the ENTP will often…
• Generate and clarify numerous ideas
• Contribute their analytical skills
• Work to overcome obstacles
• Challenge team members to excel and work beyond their specified roles
• Provide fun, humor, and energy
• Use logic instead of emotions to deal with interpersonal issues

Student Employment & Career Centre 5


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type indicaTor (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
enTp
ENTJ

On a team, the ENTP should be aware that they may…


• Become impatient with individuals they perceive to be incompetent or inflexible
• Feel irritated with team members who are unwilling to consider new ideas, focus on the insignificant, and lack
enthusiasm
• Frustrate team members by presenting too many ideas, keeping their ideas at a theoretical level, and striving to
be the main focus
• Gain greater support for an idea by providing a more detailed explanation
• Need to be cautious of the high expectations they place on others
• Need to be more decisive when working with others who desire closure

Leadership
As a leader, the ENTP will often…
• Generate unique ideas and present a broad visionary picture
• Need to include the necessary details for a project
• Motivate others by their strong work habits and commitment to projects of interest
• Expect others to reflect their work pace and should be cautious not to be unrealistic
• Promote independence among team members
• Need to intentionally identify and appreciate individual contributions
• Need to create structure to allow others to feel secure

enTp and Life

communication
The ENTP will often…
• Effectively convey their thoughts and persuasively promote their ideas
• Provide logical explanations to describe problems or difficult concepts
• Question others and inquire into how things work
• Desire to hear interesting and captivating ideas
• Excel at public speaking or presentations
• Enjoy debating issues and discussing ideas
• Easily provide constructive feedback

The ENTP should be aware that they may need to…


• Ensure they provide genuine comments and positive feedback
• Remain open to discussing the practicalities and realities of a situation or idea
• Incorporate more detail into their explanations
• Be cautious not to finish peoples sentences
• Tailor their intensity to prevent appearing too blunt, aggressive, or argumentative

6 Student Employment & Career Centre


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type indicaTor (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
enTp
ENTJ

decision Making
When it comes to decision making, the ENTP will often…
• Identify possibilities and logically evaluate their options
• Prefer to spend a lot of time in the exploration stage
• Need to consider the personal element to an issue and the corresponding details
• Use a predefined list of criteria to facilitate their choice
• Put off making a decision

playing
The ENTP is often interested in being active and may have trouble slowing down and relaxing. At times, their desire for
play can interfere with their focus on completing tasks. ENTPs are typically interested in the next new thing and often
have the latest ‘toy.’ As a post-secondary student, they often participate in sporting events, and campus or social groups.
As a roommate, they may experience frustration with people that are viewed as too stringent or are constantly in their
space. ENTP students also report that their dating typically occurs in a group setting and is often focused around some
type of activity

stress
An ENTP will often experience stress when… When they are affected by stress, an ENTP will often…
• Relentlessly trying to solve a problem • Overdo their pursuits and excessively eat, sleep, or exercise
• Confined by rules, procedures, or processes • Increase their work intensity but reduce their effectiveness
• Feeling unreasonably judged by others • Experience ongoing feelings of anxiety and worry
• Required to make a decision before they are ready • Remove themselves from situations and avoid others
• Disrespected or deemed incompetent • Excessively generate ideas without any implementation plan
• Focusing on their personal problems • With significant stress, feel consumed with the details
• Consumed with too many specifics and details and become unable to think of new possibilities
• Projects are perceived to be boring or uninteresting

Works cited
Brownsword, Alan W., It Takes All Types. 2nd ed. Nicasio, CA: Baytree Publication Company for Hirsh, Sandra Krebs, and Jane A. G. Kise. Introduction to Type and Coaching. Palo Alto, CA:
HRM Press, Inc., 1999. Consulting Psychologists Press, Inc., 2000.
Career Choice and MBTI® Type. 1989. Gainesville, FL: Center for Applications of Psychological Hirsh, Sandra Krebs, and Jean M. Kummerow. Introduction to Type in Organizations. 3rd ed. Palo
Type, Inc., 1997. Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Pres, Inc., 1998.
DiTiberio, John K., and Allen L. Hammer. Introduction to Type in College. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting “ENTP.” The Personality Type Tool Kit. Communication Consultants, LLC., 1993.
Psychologists Press, Inc., 1993. Loomis, Ann B. Write from the Start. Gainesville, FL: Center for applications of Psychological Type,
Dranitsaris, Anne. Behavioural Interview Guide. Pickering, ON: Sage Developmental Resources 1999.
Inc., 2001. Myers, Isabel Briggs. Introduction to Type. 6th ed. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press,
Dunning, Donna. Introduction to Type and Communication. Palo Alto, CA: CPP, Inc., 2003. Inc., 1998.
Fitzsimmons, Sharon. Type & Time Management. 1999. Edmonton, AB: Psychometrics Canada “Portrait of an ENTP.” The Personality Page. 2006. BSM Consulting. 04 June 2008 <http://www.
Ltd., 2001. personalitypage.com/ENTP.html>.
Hammer, Allen. Introduction to Type and Careers. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press, Provost, Judith A. Procrastination. 1988. Gainesville, FL: Centre for Applications of Psychological
Inc., 1993. Type, 2001.
Heiss, Marina Margaret. “Extroverted Intuitive Thinking Perceiving.” TypeLogic. 26 Feb 2005. Quenk, Naomi L. In the Grip. 2nd ed. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press, Inc., 2000.
TypeLogic. 04 June 2008 <http://www.typelogic.com/entp.html>. Tieger, Paul D., and Barbara Barron-Tieger. Do What You Are. 3rd ed. Boston, New York, London:
Hirsh, Sandra Krebs. Introduction to Type and Teams. Pal Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Little, Brown and Company, 2001.
Press, Inc., 1992.

Student Employment & Career Centre 7


Myers-Briggs Type indicaTor (MBTI®)

ESTJ
ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
ESTP ESFP ENFP ENTP
(Extroversion, Sensing, Thinking, Judging) esTJ ESFJ ENFJ ENTJ

The above four letters are known as a ‘type’ and are based on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®

(MBTI®). If you have not already completed an assessment to find out your type, click here to

take the MBTI ®. After completing the assessment, sign up for a workshop to learn more about

the MBTI® and receive your results.

note: The MBTI® is available to U of S students and alumni and an NSID is required to sign in and complete the assessment.

The following information has been compiled from numerous MBTI® resources. It is intended to be

an overview and shows how type can apply to many aspects of life. It is not, however, a complete

description. Please see the attached works cited list for additional information.

esTJ overview
ESTJs are generally practical, outgoing, organized, structured, and decisive. They tend to focus their energy on their
external surroundings and enjoy interacting with people. The ESTJ often has as clear set of beliefs and will live their
lives by these standards. They are generally comfortable in sharing their opinions and views with others. The ESTJ tends
to value tradition, security, social order, and stability. They are often motivated to exceed the expectations of others
and will work hard to meet their own high standards. ESTJs tend to focus on making sure everything in their work or
personal lives is running smoothly and efficiently. They put a lot of energy into any of their commitments and maintain
a focus on the bottom line.

The ESTJ generally thrives on organizing and managing people and is often drawn to leadership positions. They enjoy
the power that is associated with being in charge and have the ability to organize people to complete tasks with optimal
efficiency. The ESTJ’s aggressive, task-orientated approach to work may influence them to overlook the needs of people.
They often expect others to imitate their personal work standards and possess the same values. The ESTJ may become
critical or judgmental of those who do not mirror these principles. ESTJs are generally not overly sensitive to the
feelings of others and should be cautious not to force their own desire for structure onto other people. They also tend to
struggle with dealing with or understanding their own emotions or the emotions of others.

The ESTJ often uses a careful and meticulous approach to accomplishing tasks to the highest standard. They often
use a sequential step-by-step process to gather specific details through their five senses and then logically evaluate the
gathered information. They tend to have minimal interest in theory and prefer practical realities over possibilities. They
are generally driven by results and enjoy organizing and structuring their activities and tasks in order to visibly achieve
their goals. They strive to organize and make sense of everything and will gather just enough information to make a
quick and logical decision. Often, the ESTJ will use decision making as a mechanism for finding closure and facilitating
their move to the next project. The ESTJ will often determine the best way to do something and use that process for
completing future tasks. As such, an ESTJ may struggle with altering their plans or dealing with unexpected change.
ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type indicaTor (MBTI®) ESTP
esTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

esTJ and school

Learning
The ESTJ student will often…
• Prefer learning through a step-by-step and hands-on process
• Apply information in order establish its relevance
• Dislike learning theory
• Desire to hear clear presentations and explicit expectations
• Want instructors to evoke interest in a topic and support their information with facts
• Create and follow a specific study plan
• Study well with others

Writing
ESTJs generally write from an objective standpoint that involves logically analyzing a topic. They will often prefer not to
write about their feelings or topics that pertain to their personal lives. For an ESTJ, their most effective writing occurs
through following a set guideline. When examining theory, they often use case studies as a mechanism for finding the
real or practical application. They also tend to be good at identifying any discrepancies when reviewing ideas. In an
administrative position, the ESTJ is often comfortable with composing the necessary business documents.

In the writing process, the ESTJ will often…


• Create and follow a writing plan
• Use a step-by-step process to assess data and complete their writing
• Emphasis the main point and support it with gathered data
• Understand when to stop researching and begin the writing stage
• Need to consider how their writing will impact their audience
• Benefit from remaining open to new ideas
• Meet the deadline but should be cautious not to rush through the writing stages

procrastination
ESTJs are often motivated to complete their work on time and may not experience significant procrastination. They
tend to limit their procrastination to a particular situation or project. These situations often occur when the ESTJ feels
that they do not have adequate control or perceive a lack of ability to complete a task. When feeling powerless, the ESTJ
may have trouble reaching out and expressing their feelings. This can lead to frustration and further delay their work.

To help reduce procrastination, the ESTJ often benefits from developing their skills or restructuring the situation to
acquire a greater sense of control. ESTJs may also benefit from addressing a particular issue and the aspects of a task
that are daunting. This is often accomplished by discussing their concerns with others.

2 Student Employment & Career Centre


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type indicaTor (MBTI®) ESTP
esTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

esTJ and career exploration


An ESTJ tends to find career satisfaction with careers that have the following characteristics:
• Involves a structured, stable, organized, and busy work environment
• Requires organizing tasks, people, and resources to create a tangible product or service
• Involves a high degree of responsibility and control
• Outlines specific rules and procedures
• Provides an opportunity to interact with numerous people
• Respects individual experiences and values people’s input
• Evaluates individual contributions with a fair, objective, and logical system

When exploring career options, an ESTJ will often…


• Gather career related facts and details
• Use networking opportunities to gain a detailed understanding of various careers
• Logically evaluate their career options
• Need to incorporate their values into their career decision
• Select their career direction early and rarely question their choice

careers to consider
The following is a list of suggested occupations that fit the qualities of an ESTJ or are careers that other ESTJs have found
to be satisfying. Use this list as a starting point for further investigation but do not limit your options to only this list.

• Police Officer • Physician: General • Bank Officer/Loan Officer • Social Services Worker
• Probation Officer Medicine • Purchasing Agent • Construction Worker
• Military Officer • Clinical Technician • Insurance Agent • General Contractor
• Manager: Executive, Fire, • Engineer: Mechanical/ • Computer Analyst • Funeral Director
Financial, Small Business, Applied • Project Manager • Auditor
Sales • Teacher: Trade/Technical • Database Manager • Farmer
• Factory Supervisors • School Principal Executive • Stockbroker • Security Guard
• Sales: Computers/Real Estate • Office Manager • Public Service/ Community • Cleaning Service
• Pharmacist • Administrator Health Worker • Cook
• Dentist • Credit Analyst • School Bus Driver
• Judge

Student Employment & Career Centre 3


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type indicaTor (MBTI®) ESTP
esTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

Job search
During their job search, an ESTJ will often...
• Organize an efficient job search
• Collect job related facts and information
• Network with a large number of individuals
• Base their decision on comparing the job requirements and their personal abilities
• Need to spend time considering all their possibilities before making a decision
• Benefit from considering the future implications of the potential position

During an interview, an ESTJ will often...


• Effectively convey their skills and competencies that relate to the position
• Provide examples of past experiences
• Need to intentionally cultivate a connection with the employer
• Need to be cautious not to appear too abrupt or talk too much

esTJ and Work


At work, the ESTJ will often…
• Be dependable, decisive, detail-orientated, and practical
• Organize their work tasks to promote efficiency and achieve tangible results
• Aim to correctly complete a task on the first try
• Behave in a competent and businesslike manner
• Reliably complete tasks by their deadline
• Value and support the organization’s procedures, policies, and goals
• Desire a hierarchical organizational structure with clearly defined roles and responsibilities
• Desire clear instructions and expectations in a supportive work environment
• Use established methods to address problems as they occur
• Monitor current procedures and make necessary changes
• Enjoy working in a team environment

At work, the ESTJ should be aware that they may…


• Overpower peoples opinions and become impatient or inflexible when their contributions are not recognized
• Need to be cautious not to overwhelm themselves with completing the work of others
• Oppose change unless the long-term benefits are identified
• Need to accept that new ideas and change are often necessary and can improve efficiency
• Need to intentionally consider the big picture or additional possibilities that are not immediately obvious
• Benefit from maintaining an open-mind
• Be critical of others who do not adhere to their high work standards
• Need to recognize that all people will not be like them and may effectively work at a different pace
• Need to patiently gather additional information to optimize the quality of their work

4 Student Employment & Career Centre


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type indicaTor (MBTI®) ESTP
esTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

Teamwork
On a team, the ESTJ will often…
• Contribute their time, energy, and problem-solving abilities
• Use a direct approach to interact with their team members
• Challenge team members to excel
• Maintain a focus on the next step or required task
• Work most effectively with competent individuals who mirror their work standards
• Expect other members to meet deadlines and complete their respective tasks

On a team, the ESTJ should be aware that they may…


• Require additional effort to develop rapport with their team members
• Need to encourage group members to develop their leadership abilities
• Irritate others by only focusing on the task and being too straightforward or controlling
• Become frustrated with slow working members who deviate from the set procedures, lack commitment, or
inefficiently complete tasks
• Need to balance their focus on the task with the needs of each group member

Leadership
ESTJs generally enjoy and pursue leadership positions. As a leader, the ESTJ will often…
• Create an organized plan that focuses on achieving results
• Provide clear instructions and expectations to ensure that individuals adhere to the plan and efficiently
complete their job
• Enjoy directing and organizing people
• Model the behavior that they expect from their team
• Follow and enforce the organization’s policies and procedures
• Make quick decisions
• Need to recognize the small accomplishments throughout a project
• Need to remember to address the personal needs of their group

esTJ and Life


communication
The ESTJ will often…
• Honestly and clearly present their thoughts, ideas, and opinions
• Desire to hear pertinent, detailed, and logical information
• Promote efficiency through limiting unnecessary discussions
• Enjoy discussing topics or debating issues
• Openly discuss their opinions in a direct manner
• Limit their involvement in small talk

Student Employment & Career Centre 5


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type indicaTor (MBTI®) ESTP
esTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

The ESTJ should be aware that they may need to…


• Convey their opinions without being overly critical or judgmental
• Communicate with their coworkers throughout all stages of a project
• Ensure they listen to others and are not overly forceful of their ideas
• Refrain from interrupting people during a conversation
• Provide positive comments and acknowledge people’s accomplishments

decision Making
When it comes to decision making, the ESTJ will often…
• Objectively and logically evaluate each option
• Reflect on past experiences and apply them to current decisions
• Be able to make difficult decisions and adhere to their principles
• Need to intentionally consider the effect their decision will have on others
• Need to ensure they gather all necessary information before making a decision
• Make quick decisions and may benefit from further considering their options

playing
ESTJs are often serious about finishing their work and are able to have fun once a task is completed. The high emphasis
they place on social order, security, and tradition tends to influence their active participation in their community.
As well, they often feel an obligation to attend family functions and gatherings. They may also value their personal
possessions and ensure that they maintain their upkeep. In a postsecondary environment, the ESTJ tends to become
involved in leadership positions in campus clubs or join athletic groups. They are often quite friendly with roommates
but should be cautious of becoming too controlling. The ESTJ may also enjoy competing and will transfer their hard
work ethic to extracurricular activities.

stress
An ESTJ will often experience stress when…
• Perceiving others or themselves are unable to complete their duties
• Dealing with frequent changes or uncertainty
• Lacking control over their time or duties
• Working within an inefficient group or unorganized environment
• Feeling unable to deal with their emotions or the emotional expression of others
• Requested to extend beyond their current leadership position during a crisis
• Unintentionally having a negative affect on people as they pursue their goals
• Planning and organizing does not fix a problem

6 Student Employment & Career Centre


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type indicaTor (MBTI®) ESTP
esTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

When they are affected by stress, an ESTJ will often…


• Become withdrawn and question their personal worth
• Lose control of their emotions and display outbursts of anger or tears
• Consume themselves with work and become more impersonal or detached
• Become rigid, inflexible, or unwilling to consider new ideas
• Fear that they are not liked by others
• Experience difficulty in discussing and articulating their feelings
• Under significant stress, abruptly express their critical judgments of others or experience difficulty in discussing
their personal feelings of despair or depression

An ESTJ can reduce stress by…


• Talking through their feelings with others
• Considering how the situation will impact others
• Reestablishing control through spending time on their own
• Assessing whether their goals should be adjusted
• Participating in activities that facilitate reflection on their feelings
• Spending time making a decision
• Realistically evaluating the expectations they have of others

Works cited
Brownsword, Alan W., It Takes All Types. 2nd ed. Nicasio, CA: Baytree Publication Company for Hirsh, Sandra Krebs, and Jane A. G. Kise. Introduction to Type and Coaching. Palo Alto, CA:
HRM Press, Inc., 1999. Consulting Psychologists Press, Inc., 2000.
Butt, Joe. “Extroverted Sensing Thinking Judging.” TypeLogic. 26 Feb 2005. TypeLogic. 16 April Hirsh, Sandra Krebs, and Jean M. Kummerow. Introduction to Type in Organizations. 3rd ed. Palo
2008 <http://www.typelogic.com/estj.html>. Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Pres, Inc., 1998.
Career Choice and MBTI® Type. 1989. Gainesville, FL: Center fro Applications of Psychological “ESTJ.” The Personality Type Tool Kit. Communication Consultants, LLC., 1993.
Type, Inc., 1997. Loomis, Ann B. Write from the Start. Gainesville, FL: Center for applications of
DiTiberio, John K., and Allen L. Hammer. Introduction to Type in College. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychological Type, 1999.
Psychologists Press, Inc., 1993. Myers, Isabel Briggs. Introduction to Type. 6th ed. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press,
Dranitsaris, Anne. Behavioural Interview Guide. Pickering, ON: Sage Developmental Resources Inc., 1998.
Inc., 2001. “Portrait of an ESTJ.” The Personality Page. 2006. BSM Consulting. 16 April 2008 <http://www.
Dunning, Donna. Introduction to Type and Communication. Palo Alto, CA: CPP, Inc., 2003. personalitypage.com/ESTJ.html>.
Fitzsimmons, Sharon. Type & Time Management. 1999. Edmonton, AB: Psychometrics Canada Provost, Judith A. Procrastination. 1988. Gainesville, FL: Centre for Applications of Psychological
Ltd., 2001. Type, 2001.
Hammer, Allen. Introduction to Type and Careers. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press, Quenk, Naomi L. In the Grip. 2nd ed. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press, Inc., 2000.
Inc., 1993. Tieger, Paul D., and Barbara Barron-Tieger. Do What You Are. 3rd ed. Boston, New York, London:
Hirsh, Sandra Krebs. Introduction to Type and Teams. Pal Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Little, Brown and Company, 2001.
Press, Inc., 1992.

Student Employment & Career Centre 7


Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®)

ESFJ
ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
ESTP ESFP ENFP ENTP
(Extraversion, Sensing, Feeling, Judging) ESTJ ESFJ ENFJ ENTJ

The above four letters are known as a ‘type’ and are based on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®
(MBTI®). If you have not already completed an assessment to find out your type, click here to
take the MBTI ®. After completing the assessment, sign up for a workshop to learn more about
the MBTI® and receive your results.
Note: The MBTI® is available to U of S students and alumni and an NSID is required to sign in and complete the assessment.

The following information has been compiled from numerous MBTI® resources. It is intended to be
an overview and shows how type can apply to many aspects of life. It is not, however, a complete
description. Please see the attached works cited list for additional information.

ESFJ Overview
ESFJs are generally dependable, talkative, conscientious, and decisive. They are often outgoing and enjoy interacting and
socializing with others. They also tend to be practical, organized, and committed to fulfilling their obligations. The ESFJ
often has a clear understanding of what they perceive to be right and wrong. They place a strong emphasis on loyalty,
family, authority, and tradition. These values are often reflected in their attendance at family gatherings and celebrations.
They may also be drawn to the traditional nature of religious or political systems. When necessary, the ESFJ often feels
comfortable discussing their strong values with others. They may expect others to have similar values and should be
cautious not to become critical of those who do not share their same principles.

The ESFJ often has a focus on others and a genuine interest in peoples lives. They enjoy helping others and tend to seek
out service opportunities that reflect this interest. The ESFJ often creates a feeling of warmth in their interaction with
others and have a way of encouraging people and making them feel valued. ESFJs may require support from others to
affirm that they have done the right thing or made the right choice. They desire appreciation and approval and may feel
hurt by the negative response of others. Conflict and tension filled environments can make the ESFJ feel uneasy and
these situations are therefore avoided or prevented. The ESFJ will often strive to meet the expectations of others but
should be cautious not to neglect their own needs.

ESFJs generally have an interest in applying their organizational skills to create order for people and situations. They
gather specific information and can often remember details that pertain to people. They tend to be focused, hard
working, and follow through on the details of a project. They often have an interest in projects that have a visible result
and enjoy working within a team environment. The ESFJ is likely able to predict what is necessary to complete a task
or foresee and respond to potential problems. They tend to value positions of authority, regulations and often use
the traditional way to complete a task. They may be resistant to change unless they can see the practical benefits or
maintain a feeling of control. The ESFJ often prefers realistic information over abstract or theoretical thinking. They
may find that their thinking about possibilities leads them to worry about everything that could go wrong. The ESFJ
may become easily discouraged when they cannot recognize a way out of a situation. They tend to benefit from putting
a situation into perspective and examining the future implications of their choices.
ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

ESFJ and School

Learning
The ESFJ student will often…
• Require a structured learning process and environment
• Desire to hear information that is practical and applicable to helping others
• Prefer opportunities to participate in discussions or learning activities
• Effectively learn through discussing information
• Dislike theoretical information that has no perceived relevance
• Find it difficult to concentrate when surrounded by conflict or friction
• Prefer to study in a group

Writing
The ESFJ prefers to write about people and their own personal experiences. When they are required to write on
technical topics they rely heavily on expert opinion. The ESFJ writer tends to infuse their writing with feeling words.
Due to this, they may need to be cautious that their writing does not come across as too emotional or sappy. ESFJs also
often desire to hear and readily accept the opinions of others. They tend to tailor their writing to please their readers
but should be cautious not to become too dependent on their audience. The ESFJ often wants to maintain a feeling of
control over their writing and can usually do this by organizing their time. When encountering writers block, the ESFJ
likely finds it beneficial to take a break and interact with others.

In the writing process, the ESFJ will often…


• Use a past writing format that was successful
• Discuss their ideas before beginning to write
• Include details and specific facts in a structured format
• Need to intentionally analyze a topic
• Have an accurate understanding of the time required to complete their writing
• Complete projects within their deadline but should be cautious to include all necessary information
• Benefit from revising their writing to include the main thesis and omit unnecessary personalized information

Procrastination
ESFJs are often motivated to complete their work on time and may not experience significant procrastination. They tend
to limit their procrastination to a specific situation that likely involves a relationship component. These situations may
result from a fear of rejection, concern over meeting someone’s expectations, or a conflict with a friend. Procrastination
may also result from disagreeing with their instructor or a discriminatory and unwelcoming classroom environment.
The most effective way for ESFJs to overcome procrastination is to address the underlying relational issue. They may
find it helpful to gain insight into the situation by discussing their concerns and feelings with an outside source.

2 Student Employment & Career Centre


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

ESFJ and Career Exploration


An ESFJ tends to find career satisfaction with careers that have the following characteristics:
• Provides a tangible way to positively impact and help people
• Encourages relationship building and daily interaction with a variety of individuals
• Fosters a friendly, supportive, and stable work environment
• Offers ongoing positive encouragement, support, and structure
• Provides clear expectations and specific regulations
• Evaluates job performance based on established and understood criteria
• Allows freedom to organize and control the completion of tasks
• Respects positions of authority and established structure

When exploring career options, an ESFJ will often…


• Organize their career exploration to ensure optimal efficiency
• Gather only the information necessary to make a decision
• Perform informational interviews to gather additional career information
• Need to intentionally consider their long-term plans
• Benefit from considering the future impact of their decision
• Prefer making a decision early

Careers to Consider
The following is a list of suggested occupations that fit the qualities of an ESFJ or are careers that other ESFJs have found
to be satisfying. Use this list as a starting point for further investigation but do not limit your options to only this list.

• Elementary & Secondary • Exercise Physiologist • Real Estate Agent/Broker • Religious Educator
Teacher • Medical Secretary • Sales Representative • Minister/Priest/Rabbi
• Special Education Teacher • Optometrist • Public Relations Specialist • Funeral Home Director
• Home Economics Teacher • Nurse • Customer Service Rep. • Retail Owner/Operator
• Community Welfare Worker • Dentist • Office Machine Operator • Hairdresser
• Social Worker • Athletic Coach • Telemarketer • Cosmetologist
• Counselor • Flight Attendant • Personal Banker • Host/Hostess
• Family Physician • Bookkeeper • Bank Employee • Caterer
• Medical/Dental Assistant • Secretary/Typist • Professional Volunteer • Fundraiser
• Speech Pathologist • Office Manager • Student Personnel • Restaurant Worker
• Receptionist Administrator • Child Care Worker

Student Employment & Career Centre 3


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

Job Search
During their job search, an ESFJ will often...
• Create an organized job search plan with tangible goals
• Commit daily time and energy to their search
• Network with a large number of individuals
• Assess each option based on their values and feelings
• Benefit from also examining possibilities from an objective and logical viewpoint
• Need to be cautious not to personalize rejection or become discouraged
• Need to ensure they have fully researched each option before making a decision

During an interview, an ESFJ will often...


• Appear enthusiastic and provide a detailed explanation of their past experiences
• Convey their ability to work well on a team and commit to an organization
• Demonstrate their people skills by developing rapport with the interviewers
• Need to ensure that they do not to talk too much
• Benefit from practicing to answer theoretical questions and discuss how their ability to work with people can be
tied to the ‘bottom line’

ESFJ and Work


At work, the ESFJ will often…
• Be responsible, loyal, sensitive, action-orientated, and realistic
• Effectively produce tangible products or services
• Reliably organize projects to ensure the timely completion of all assigned tasks
• Conscientiously work well with others
• Observe and respond to the needs of others
• Cultivate a friendly and welcoming atmosphere with a focus on interpersonal relationships
• Be negatively affected by unresolved conflict
• Prefer a stable, supportive, and harmonious work environment
• Adhere to the organization’s rules, policies, and procedures
• Accept positions of authority and rarely challenge traditions or social norms
• Work well within a routine but appreciate some task variety

4 Student Employment & Career Centre


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

At work, the ESFJ should be aware that they may…


• Experience difficulty in accepting change or implementing new ways to complete tasks
• Be uninterested in opinions that contradict their own
• Struggle working with difficult or uncooperative coworkers
• Benefit from learning how to deal with conflict and accept criticism
• Feel responsible for completing tasks and are susceptible to taking on additional work
• Need to realistically evaluate the amount of work they are able to complete
• Experience difficulty working on their own
• Require additional motivation to complete tasks that involve learning new skills
• Focus on the immediate situation but need to also consider the future implications
• Need to spend additional time evaluating their options to prevent premature decisions
• Feel disheartened, push for a harmonious environment, focus only on meeting others needs, and become easily
upset, when they do not receive adequate recognition or appreciation

Teamwork
On a team, the ESFJ will often…
• Gather information through asking questions
• Provide a practical viewpoint
• Enjoy working in a supportive and cooperative team environment
• Organize tasks to promote harmony
• Be interested in the lives of their team members
• Expect all members to participate and complete their tasks

On a team, the ESFJ should be aware that they may…


• Become critical of individuals who do not follow through on their tasks
• Feel frustrated with members who are unproductive, interrupt, deviate from the plan, do not contribute, or
constantly advocate for both sides of an issue
• Irritate their team by spending too much time on one topic, personalizing everything, or controlling others by
acting for them
• Concentrate on pleasing people and lose focus of their own priorities
• Need to appreciate peoples varying work styles, methods for contributing, and unconventional Z
approaches to work

Student Employment & Career Centre 5


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

Leadership
ESFJs naturally organize people and situations but may not intentionally seek out leadership positions. As a
leader, the ESFJ will often…
• Exemplify the work standards that they expect from their team
• Cultivate good relationships with their group to ensure all members feel valued
• Carefully assign tasks to people based on their individual abilities
• Expect team members to follow their direction
• Communicate all necessary information
• Recognize the big accomplishments of individuals but need to appreciate the small tasks that contribute to the
larger goals
• Need to recognize the potential benefit of allowing others to challenge and discuss their ideas, plans, or procedures

ESFJ and Life

Communication
The ESFJ will often…
• Value honest communication
• Desire to hear clear expectations, positive support, pertinent information, and relevant examples
• Encourage and appreciate others’ contributions
• Prefer to provide positive feedback
• Feel comfortable expressing their emotions
• Easily interact with others and participate in discussions

The ESFJ should be aware that they may need to…


• Ensure they listen to the ideas of others
• Learn to be more brief and get to the point
• Be aware that their feedback may be perceived as critical and counterproductive
• Accept constructive feedback without taking it too personally
• Learn how to effectively confront and deal with conflict situations

Decision Making
When it comes to decision making, the ESFJ will often…
• Rely on past experiences and relevant details
• Consider the impact their choices have on people
• Naturally base their decisions on personal feelings and values
• Need to incorporate a logical and objective evaluation of their options
• Make quick decisions
• Need to prolong the decision making process in order to incorporate all necessary information

6 Student Employment & Career Centre


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

Playing
The ESFJ will generally complete their work before they feel able to relax. They have an eye for details and their
sensitivity to people make them naturally welcoming and a good host or hostess. However, they should be cautious that
their desire to please others does not result in neglecting their own needs. In a postsecondary environment, the ESFJ
tends to enjoy being involved in campus activities as either a leader or participant. In their living arrangements, the ESFJ
works to minimize conflict and create harmony. The ESFJ student also reports to having an active dating life.

Stress
An ESFJ will often experience stress when…
• Creating or dealing with conflict filled or competitive situations
• Others challenge tradition and deviate from the established regulations
• Lacking adequate emotional support
• Required to make immediate changes
• Given an inadequate amount of time to complete a task
• Feeling that their values have been violated
• Unintentionally hurting others or having to treat people harshly
• Over committing to responsibilities and depleting their emotional or physical energy

When they are affected by stress, an ESFJ will often…


• Withdraw from people and feel despair
• Become inconsiderate, thoughtless, or easily lose their temper

Further resist change and attempt to increase their control
• Heavily rely on the opinions of others
• Under significant stress, become excessively judgmental of
themselves and others and feel bothered by these
critical thoughts

An ESFJ can reduce stress by…


• Changing their routine or participating in a new activity • Ensuring their emotional and physical needs are met
• Discussing their concerns with someone who is not involved • Reflecting on their spiritual beliefs
• Spending time on their own to reflect • Assessing whether their expectations of others are realistic

Works cited
Brownsword, Alan W., It Takes All Types. 2nd ed. Nicasio, CA: Baytree Publication Company for Hirsh, Sandra Krebs, and Jane A. G. Kise. Introduction to Type and Coaching. Palo Alto, CA:
HRM Press, Inc., 1999. Consulting Psychologists Press, Inc., 2000.
Butt, Joe. “Extroverted Sensing Feeling Judging.” TypeLogic. 23 Feb 2005. TypeLogic. Hirsh, Sandra Krebs, and Jean M. Kummerow. Introduction to Type in Organizations. 3rd ed. Palo
30 April 2008 <http://www.typelogic.com/esfj.html >. Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Pres, Inc., 1998.
Career Choice and MBTI® Type. 1989. Gainesville, FL: Center fro Applications of Psychological “ESFJ.” The Personality Type Tool Kit. Communication Consultants, LLC., 1993.
Type, Inc., 1997. Loomis, Ann B. Write from the Start. Gainesville, FL: Center for applications of Psychological Type,
DiTiberio, John K., and Allen L. Hammer. Introduction to Type in College. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting 1999.
Psychologists Press, Inc., 1993. Myers, Isabel Briggs. Introduction to Type. 6th ed. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press,
Dranitsaris, Anne. Behavioural Interview Guide. Pickering, ON: Sage Developmental Resources Inc., 1998.
Inc., 2001. “Portrait of an ESFJ.” The Personality Page. 2006. BSM Consulting. 30 April 2008 <http://www.
Dunning, Donna. Introduction to Type and Communication. Palo Alto, CA: CPP, Inc., 2003. personalitypage.com/ESFJ.html>.
Fitzsimmons, Sharon. Type & Time Management. 1999. Edmonton, AB: Psychometrics Canada Provost, Judith A. Procrastination. 1988. Gainesville, FL: Centre for Applications of Psychological
Ltd., 2001. Type, 2001.
Hammer, Allen. Introduction to Type and Careers. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press, Quenk, Naomi L. In the Grip. 2nd ed. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press, Inc., 2000.
Inc., 1993. Tieger, Paul D., and Barbara Barron-Tieger. Do What You Are. 3rd ed. Boston, New York, London:
Hirsh, Sandra Krebs. Introduction to Type and Teams. Pal Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Little, Brown and Company, 2001.
Press, Inc., 1992.

Student Employment & Career Centre 7


Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®)

ENFJ
ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
ESTP ESFP ENFP ENTP
(Extroversion, Intuition, Feeling, Judging) ESTJ ESFJ ENFJ ENTJ

The above four letters are known as a ‘type’ and are based on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®
(MBTI®). If you have not already completed an assessment to find out your type, click here to
take the MBTI ®. After completing the assessment, sign up for a workshop to learn more about
the MBTI® and receive your results.
Note: The MBTI® is available to U of S students and alumni and an NSID is required to sign in and complete the assessment.

The following information has been compiled from numerous MBTI® resources. It is intended to be
an overview and shows how type can apply to many aspects of life. It is not, however, a complete
description. Please see the attached works cited list for additional information.

ENFJ Overview
ENFJs are generally outgoing, enthusiastic, warm, empathetic, and supportive. They typically get their energy from
being around people and enjoy social situations and building individual relationships. They tend to have a good sense
of humor and enjoy telling jokes or funny stories. The ENFJ is often confident, honest, and adheres to their values. They
tend to deal with situations and make decisions by consulting their feelings and considering their values. ENJFs are
often effective communicators. They are open to hearing the opinions of others and are comfortable discussing their
thoughts and views. They are also able to generate interest and gain support for their ideas.

The ENFJ often possess exceptional people skills. They tend to excel at interacting with all people and drawing out those
who are typically reserved. They are also able to encourage, influence, or manipulate people based on the information
that they relay and approach that they use. An ENFJ typically sees the capabilities of people and wants to help them
realize their potential. They tend to have an insight into the needs of others and their greatest satisfaction often comes
from serving and assisting people. In their pursuit of helping others, they should be cautious not to neglect their own
needs. ENFJs place an importance on relationships and are focused on maintaining harmony. They tend to make
judgments about people and should consider all relevant details to ensure that their perceptions are realistic.

ENFJs tend to focus on possibilities, generate ideas, and see the big picture. Although they can handle details, their
preference is to work with broad ideas. They typically use their insight to identify new possibilities for people, ways to
create positive change, or methods for overcoming problems. The ENFJ is often enthusiastic about projects of interest
and will work hard and persevere to complete their tasks. They desire to finish projects and make quick decisions in
order to create a sense of closure. They often enjoy variety and being faced with a challenge. They also tend to value
teamwork and can organize people or resources to achieve a goal or complete a task. The ENFJ will often structure their
days to involve working with people. However, they generally need to spend an adequate amount of time on their own
to facilitate their identification and reflection of new ideas or possibilities.
ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

ENFJ and School

Learning
The ENFJ student will often…
• Prefer material to be planned and organized
• Be interested in information that results in positive changes for people or communities
• Enjoy opportunities for interaction and discussion
• Formulate their thoughts by talking through their ideas
• Require positive encouragement
• Desire instructors to effectively and clearly communicate information
• Prefer to study with others

Writing
The ENFJ tends to use figurative or conversational language to write on topics that impact their life or the lives of
others. They may also be interested in topics that use their insight and creativity to explore areas for change or discuss
their values. Overall, they prefer subjects with a personal nature and may struggle with writing on impersonal issues.
ENFJs often have a good understanding of the time required to complete their writing and they likely enjoy taking the
lead on a group project. Their writing inspirations often result from interacting with people. They are also generally able
to overcome or prevent writers block by communicating with others throughout their writing. However, they may need
to be cautious that they do not spend too much time talking through their ideas and avoid spending time on their own
to do their writing.

In the writing process, the ENFJ will often…


• Generate numerous writing ideas
• Persuasively present their thoughts
• Limit the amount of time spent reflecting
• Clearly present complex information
• Need to monitor the amount that they use “I”
• Benefit from revising work to be more objective and incorporate a greater use of logic

Procrastination
ENFJs are often motivated to complete their work on time and may not experience significant procrastination. They tend
to limit their procrastination to a specific situation that likely involves a relationship component. These situations may
result from a fear of rejection, concern over meeting someone’s expectations, or a conflict with a friend. Procrastination
may also result from disagreeing with an instructor or a discriminatory and unwelcoming classroom environment. The
most effective way for ENFJs to overcome procrastination is to address the underlying relational issue. They may find it
helpful to gain insight into the situation by discussing their concerns and feelings with an outside source.

2 Student Employment & Career Centre


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

ENFJ and Career Exploration


An ENFJ tends to find career satisfaction with careers that have the following characteristics:
• Requires multi-tasking, organizing, and making decisions
• Involves working with others and developing relationships with a variety of people
• Requires creative problem solving that benefits others
• Promotes individual responsibility and freedom to complete interesting tasks
• Provides specific and clear expectations
• Recognizes and appreciates individual contributions
• Promotes personal and professional development
• Fosters a warm, supportive, and appreciative environment with minimal conflict

When exploring career options, an ENFJ will often…


• Set optimistic, long-term goals with corresponding action plans
• Gather career information through discussions with others
• Need to ensure they have gathered adequate career related details
• Benefit from realistically evaluating what is involved in a career
• Make a decision quickly and should ensure they consider all information
• Base their decisions on what they value and should be cautious not to be overly influenced by others

Careers to Consider
The following is a list of suggested occupations that fit the qualities of an ENFJ or are careers that other ENFJs have found
to be satisfying. Use this list as a starting point for further investigation but do not limit your options to only this list.

• Optometrist • Clergy/Minister • Communication Director • Child Care Worker


• Pharmacist • Housing Director • Designer • TV Producer
• Dental Hygienist • Social Worker • Writer/Journalist • Librarian
• Physician: Family, General • Program Designer • Advertising Sales Executive • Fundraiser
Practice • Non-Profit Director • Recruiter • Facilitator
• Psychologist • Sales Manager • Newscaster • Home Economist
• Career Counselor • Sales Trainer • Politician • Actor
• Personal Counselor • Executive: Small Business • Dean of Students • Entertainer
• Outplacement Counselor • Human Resource Trainer • Teacher: Art/Drama/English • Artist
• Consultant: General • Public Relations Manager • College Prof. Humanities • Musician & Composer
• Counselor: General • Recreation Director
• Wholistic Health Advisor

Student Employment & Career Centre 3


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

Job Search
During their job search, an ENFJ will often...
• Organize and follow a comprehensive job search plan
• Need to ensure they have considered all the details
• Create new job possibilities and opportunities
• Network with a large group of individuals
• Commit the same time and energy into their search as working a job
• Need to be cautious not to personalize rejection or criticism
• Make quick decisions and benefit from considering all their options
• Base decisions on their feelings and should logically and realistically consider their options

During an interview, an ENFJ will often...


• Create a feeling of rapport with the interviewers
• Confidently and enthusiastically discuss their skills and experience
• Need to ensure they refrain from talking too much
• Benefit from being able to discuss how their people skills can financially benefit the company
• Discuss their future potential for the company and should include their current contributions to the
organization

ENFJ and Work


At work, the ENFJ will often…
• Be decisive, organized, motivated, productive, and idealistic
• Reliably complete all stages of a project by the deadline
• Strongly commit to work that reflects their values and interests
• Creatively think of new ideas and possibilities
• Generate interest in their ideas
• Desire freedom and autonomy to complete tasks
• Remain loyal to an organization and it’s people
• Focus on identifying and responding to the needs of others
• Believe people work together most effectively when following procedures
• Require an environment that supports social interaction among coworkers
• Strive to create a positive, harmonious, and supportive work environment
• Require positive feedback and encouragement

4 Student Employment & Career Centre


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

At work, the ENFJ should be aware that they may…


• Struggle with incorporating details and creating a realistic project plan
• Avoid conflict and experience difficulty working within a competitive environment
• Resist inefficient bureaucratic policies and procedures
• Be hesitant to request help from others and benefit from delegating tasks
• Need to be cautious that their focus on others does not result in neglecting their own tasks
• Struggle with completing tasks that contradict their values
• Need to evaluate their ability to complete a task before accepting the project
• Experience difficulty accepting criticism
• Need to realistically view people aside from how they desire them to be
• Desire closure and may make hasty decisions
• When feeling unappreciated, become discouraged, excessively pursue harmony, and incorrectly perceive
criticism from others

Teamwork
On a team, the ENFJ will often…
• Provide encouragement and support
• Desire to create a solid and resilient team
• Encourage harmony among team members
• Be sensitive to difficulties experienced by the group
• Contribute their enthusiastic attitude and organizational abilities
• Maintain an energetic and fun attitude

On a team, the ENFJ should be aware that they may…


• Feel frustrated with others who are unwilling to work together, unproductive, or unorganized
• Irritate team members when they only focus on interpersonal issues and naively supporting causes or people
• Become irritated with individuals that are tardy, inconsiderate, or focus only a task and neglect people
• Need to allow people to make their own choices and learn from their mistakes

Leadership
The ENFJ tends to enjoy being in a leadership position. As a leader, the ENFJ will often…
• Enthusiastically present their ideas and gain support
• Encourage input and consider all ideas
• Assist others in planning and working together to achieve their goals
• Create consensus between opposing viewpoints
• Identify the skills and abilities that each member can contribute
• Clearly communicate the necessary steps to complete tasks
• Need to intentionally enforce rules and boundaries with others

Student Employment & Career Centre 5


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

ENFJ and Life

Communication
The ENFJ will often…
• Easily communicate with others and develop rapport
• Clearly explain difficult concepts
• Desire to hear positive feedback, personal values, and possible ideas for helping people
• Openly discuss their values and theoretical ideas
• Excel at giving public presentations that emotionally connects with their audience
• Effectively facilitate group discussions

The ENFJ should be aware that they may need to…


• Accept criticism without personalizing it
• Use a more logical or sequential process for presenting information
• Use more practical or applicable wording when expressing their ideas
• Learn to effectively address conflict situations

Decision Making
When it comes to decision making, the ENFJ will often…
• Identify various options and possibilities
• Need to ensure they spend adequate time gathering information
• Consider their personal values and the implications on people
• Benefit from including an objective and logical assessment of their options
• Use decision making to create closure and facilitate movement to the next idea or project

Playing
The ENFJ focuses on helping and assisting others but should be cautious not to neglect their own needs. They often fill
up their days with activities and opportunities to interact with others. Some ENFJ may struggle with spending time on
their own because they find that their reflections can lead to feelings of depression. As a post-secondary student, the
ENFJ may be found in a leadership position that involves helping people. They tend to organize social activities and
incorporate the desires and interests of others. The ENFJ student also reports that they find it easy to date multiple
times per week.

6 Student Employment & Career Centre


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
ENTJ

Stress
An ENFJ will often experience stress when…
• Feeling that their values are challenged or violated
• Encountering situations where they feel demeaned, put down, or misinterpreted
• Working with difficult and uncooperative people
• Focusing solely on others and neglecting their own needs
• Feeling responsible for causing a problem or conflict
• Confronted with unexpected changes
• Receiving excessive criticism
• Required to complete a task within a limited timeline

When they are affected by stress, an ENFJ will often…


• Feel negative or cynical and become inflexible
• Doubt their abilities or intelligence
• Become unfriendly, inconsiderate, or aggressive towards others or themselves
• Minimize their contact with family or friends
• Rely solely on logic to form critical and judgmental opinions of others or themselves
• With significant stress, focus on the faults of others and become excessively critical

An ENFJ can reduce stress by…


• Addressing their personal needs
• Spending time resting and reflecting
• Participating in activities and interacting with friends
• Delegating some of their tasks
• Refocusing on their spiritual values
• Gaining insight into a situation by discussing their thoughts with others

Works cited
Brownsword, Alan W., It Takes All Types. 2nd ed. Nicasio, CA: Baytree Publication Company for Hirsh, Sandra Krebs, and Jane A. G. Kise. Introduction to Type and Coaching. Palo Alto, CA:
HRM Press, Inc., 1999. Consulting Psychologists Press, Inc., 2000.
Butt, Joe. “Extraverted Intuitive Feeling Judging.” TypeLogic. 23 Feb 2005. TypeLogic. Hirsh, Sandra Krebs, and Jean M. Kummerow. Introduction to Type in Organizations. 3rd ed. Palo
10 June 2008 <http://www.typelogic.com/enfj.html>. Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Pres, Inc., 1998.
Career Choice and MBTI® Type. 1989. Gainesville, FL: Center fro Applications of Psychological “ENFJ.” The Personality Type Tool Kit. Communication Consultants, LLC., 1993.
Type, Inc., 1997. Loomis, Ann B. Write from the Start. Gainesville, FL: Center for applications of Psychological Type,
DiTiberio, John K., and Allen L. Hammer. Introduction to Type in College. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting 1999.
Psychologists Press, Inc., 1993. Myers, Isabel Briggs. Introduction to Type. 6th ed. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press,
Dranitsaris, Anne. Behavioural Interview Guide. Pickering, ON: Sage Developmental Resources Inc., 1998.
Inc., 2001. “Portrait of an ENFJ.” The Personality Page. 2006. BSM Consulting. 10 June 2008 <http://www.
Dunning, Donna. Introduction to Type and Communication. Palo Alto, CA: CPP, Inc., 2003. personalitypage.com/ENFJ.html>.
Fitzsimmons, Sharon. Type & Time Management. 1999. Edmonton, AB: Psychometrics Canada Provost, Judith A. Procrastination. 1988. Gainesville, FL: Centre for Applications of Psychological
Ltd., 2001. Type, 2001.
Hammer, Allen. Introduction to Type and Careers. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press, Quenk, Naomi L. In the Grip. 2nd ed. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press, Inc., 2000.
Inc., 1993. Tieger, Paul D., and Barbara Barron-Tieger. Do What You Are. 3rd ed. Boston, New York, London:
Hirsh, Sandra Krebs. Introduction to Type and Teams. Pal Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Little, Brown and Company, 2001.
Press, Inc., 1992.

Student Employment & Career Centre 7


Myers-Briggs Type indicaTor (MBTI®)

ENTJ
(Extroversion, Intuition, Thinking, Judging)
ISTJ
ISTP
ESTP
ESTJ
ISFJ
ISFP
ESFP
ESFJ
INFJ
INFP
ENFP
ENFJ
INTJ
INTP
ENTP
enTJ

The above four letters are known as a ‘type’ and are based on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®
(MBTI®). If you have not already completed an assessment to find out your type, click here to
take the MBTI ®. After completing the assessment, sign up for a workshop to learn more about
the MBTI® and receive your results.
note: The MBTI® is available to U of S students and alumni and an NSID is required to sign in and complete the assessment.

The following information has been compiled from numerous MBTI® resources. It is intended to be
an overview and shows how type can apply to many aspects of life. It is not, however, a complete
description. Please see the attached works cited list for additional information.

enTJ overview
ENTJs are generally organized, decisive, direct, innovative, and driven to succeed. They maintain a focus on the future
and are inclined to see the big picture. They are interested in new ideas and are able to understand difficult or complex
information. The ENTJ also tends to intuitively identify and internally evaluate a wide range of possibilities. They are able
to see what is not currently apparent and use their insight to create connections, identify solutions, or solve problems.
ENTJs often enjoy interacting with others and usually know a large number of people. They tend to be energetic, confident,
and exhibit a strong or intense personality that may overwhelm others. They place an importance on honesty and value
being perceived as competent. Some ENTJs may be distant and unfriendly while others are approachable and sensitive.
The difference in disposition is often due to the time they take to reflect on their inner thoughts and ideas.

The ENTJ often has a natural inclination towards leadership. They typically want to feel in control or be in a position of
influence. They are generally hard working, embrace a challenge, and have high standards. They tend to see the flaws of an
inefficient system and will identify a more effective way to complete a task or handle a situation. The ENTJ is often able to
take complex ideas or future possibilities and create a vision and corresponding plan. They will then organize and direct
people, situations, and resources to meet these goals. ENTJs are often focused on the task and may neglect to consider
the needs of the people they are organizing. They may also struggle when working with people who do not have similar
strengths.

ENTJs typically use a logical and objective approach to analyze information and ideas. They are not overly interested in
specific facts or details and would rather focus on the big picture. They desire to create closure by making quick judgments
and decisions. They often base their decisions on logic and rarely consider their values, feelings, or the potential impact on
others. Some ENTJs should be cautious that they have gathered sufficient information to make their decision. The ENTJ
may struggle with judging others or being critical. They should be cautious that they separate their criticism from the
person and focus on the issue or action. They may feel emotionally connected to people or ideas but will usually suppress
or hide these feelings. The ENTJ will often care a lot for others but may create the perception that they are distant and
hardhearted because of their rational and logical decisions.
ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type indicaTor (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
enTJ

enTJ and school

Learning
The ENTJ student will often…
• Strive to be knowledgeable
• Be interested in theoretical or abstract data
• Prefer to learn challenging or difficult material
• Require the most recent and up-to-date information
• Need time to evaluate information
• Desire competent instructors that use direct communication
• Create and follow a study schedule
• Initiate and lead study groups

Writing
The ENTJ is often able to write about complex issues or theory and often focuses on the message that they are
conveying. They have high expectations and generally prefer the outcome of their writing to have a purpose. They tend
to enjoy composing technical reports and often choose to omit any personal references in their writing. ENTJs do not
typically consider their reader and benefit from having someone suggest ways for softening their approach and message.
If writing in a group, it is often best for the ENTJ to take the lead role. They also tend to excel at mentoring other writers
because of their ability to identify and solve problems.

In the writing process, the ENTJ will often…


• Begin by creating an organized writing plan
• Break down a topic into sensible sections
• Use a clear and logical writing style
• Reluctantly request feedback or not use the feedback they receive
• Neglect to consider their audience
• Quickly complete their initial drafts and benefit from revising and building on their original ideas

procrastination
ENTJs are often motivated to complete their work on time and may not experience significant procrastination. They
tend to limit their procrastination to a particular situation or project. These situations often occur when the ENTJ feels
that they do not have adequate control or perceive a lack of ability to complete a task. When feeling powerless, the
ENTJ may have trouble reaching out to others and expressing their feelings. This can lead to frustration and further
delays in their work.

To help reduce procrastination, the ENTJ often benefits from developing their skills or restructuring the situation to
acquire a greater sense of control. ENTJs may also benefit from addressing a particular issue and the aspects of a task
that are daunting. This is often accomplished by discussing their concerns with others.

2 Student Employment & Career Centre


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type indicaTor (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
enTJ

enTJ and career exploration


An ENTJ tends to find career satisfaction with careers that have the following characteristics:
• Involves opportunities for organizing tasks and leading people
• Requires logically analyzing issues and creatively solving problems
• Encourages assessing and improving the current organizational processes
• Involves interacting with competent people to complete tasks
• Requires completing intellectually challenging projects
• Rewards individuals based on their knowledge and achievements
• Encourages long-term planning that further enhance organizational efficiency
• Promotes an organized environment with clear directions
• Provides an opportunity for development, promotion, and advancement

When exploring career options, an ENTJ will often…


• Create many long-term goals with corresponding action plans
• Gather information by contacting people through networking
• Anticipate future career trends
• Logically evaluate their career options
• Benefit from incorporating their values into a final career decision
• Desire to make a quick decision and should be cautious not to miss important information

careers to consider
The following is a list of suggested occupations that fit the qualities of an ENTJ or are careers that other ENTJ have found
to be satisfying. Use this list as a starting point for further investigation but do not limit your options to only this list.

• Senior Manager • Personal Financial Planner • Employment Development • Attorney


• Executive • Investment Broker Worker • Judge
• Office Manager • Mortgage Broker • Educational Consultant • Chemical Engineer
• Personnel Manager • Stock Broker • Education Administrator • Lawyer
• Sales Manager • Economic Analyst • Teacher: Science/Social • Computer Specialist
• Marketing Manager • Credit Investigator Studies • Family Physician
• Management Trainer • Program Designer • Psychologist • Health Administrator
• Administrator • Labor Relations
• Business Consultant • Human Resource Planners
• Management Consultant

Student Employment & Career Centre 3


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type indicaTor (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
enTJ

Job search
During their job search, an ENTJ will often...
• Prepare an organized job search plan
• Consider future employment and employer needs
• Acquire significant knowledge of the potential employer
• Need to be tolerant of the job search details
• Network with a large group of people
• Use their creativity to overcome obstacles
• Benefit from considering options they perceive to be beneath their abilities
• Need to ensure they have gathered all necessary facts before making a decision

During an interview, an ENTJ will often...


• Confidently respond to questions
• Assume they know enough about the job and benefit from asking additional questions
• Need to be cautious not to appear too aggressive
• Benefit from limiting their discussion on possibilities or potentials and promote their current contributions to
the company

enTJ and Work


At work, the ENTJ will often…
• Organize people, time, and resources to complete tasks in the most effective way
• Discover new ideas, logically evaluate identified possibilities, and make rational decisions
• Create comprehensive plans that facilitate their achievement of big picture or long-term objectives
• Delegate tasks to others and oversee the completion of a project
• Motivate themselves to achieve results and excel in their position
• Complete a task on the first attempt and dislike making mistakes
• Understand difficult topics or complex ideas
• Excel at recognizing and solving problems within an organization
• Promote structure and create a vision for an organization
• Desire challenging tasks and find routine to be boring
• Accept feedback from individuals they perceive to be competent

4 Student Employment & Career Centre


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type indicaTor (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
enTJ

At work, the ENTJ should be aware that they may…


• Become frustrated with others who do not reflect their work style
• Benefit from delegating detail-orientated tasks
• Desire to make unnecessary improvements within an organization
• Focus too heavily on a task and neglect to communicate with other employees
• Cultivate a greater ease and comfort among coworkers by sharing their personal side
• Benefit from learning how to tactfully present their ideas and opinions
• Concentrate only on their own initiatives and neglect to consider others’ ideas
• Feel uncomfortable and uncertain of how to provide encouragement or positive feedback
• Need to patiently allow people in positions of authority to make decisions
• Benefit from slowing down their decision making process to ensure all information is considered
• Need to be open to further exploring issues that have been decided
• Become judgmental, commanding, and abrupt when feeling unappreciated for their contributions

Teamwork
On a team, the ENTJ will often…
• Maintain an organized approach that focuses on the goal
• Reliably complete all assigned tasks
• Infuse group projects with energy
• Present ideas with a direct and straightforward approach
• Desire to work alongside other competent and dedicated individuals
• Be interested in teamwork when it results in the efficient achievement of goals

On a team, the ENTJ should be aware that they may…


• Need to limit the amount that they direct and control others
• Present theoretical or abstract information that may confuse some group members
• Benefit from further developing their interpersonal skills
• Become frustrated with spending additional time gaining consensus from the group
• Frustrate team members by being too controlling or requiring the immediate completion of tasks
• Feel irritated with group members that are uncommitted, deviate from the goal, continue to discuss an area that
has been decided, or inefficiently use their time and resources

Leadership
The ENTJ likely experiences a natural inclination for leadership. As a leader, the ENTJ will often…
• Excel at organizing people and situations to achieve results
• Use a direct and upfront management approach
• See the overall picture and create a vision for others to follow
• Motivate people to meet the identified goals and objectives
• Surround themselves with people who replicate their own strengths and weaknesses
• Benefit from being open to hearing input from all individuals and considering others’ views
• Need to recognize the small contributions that individuals make throughout a project

Student Employment & Career Centre 5


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type indicaTor (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
enTJ

enTJ and Life

communication
The ENTJ will often…
• Present information in a clear manner that reflects their position of control
• Desire to hear specific and logical expectations, long-term plans, and accurate information that is presented in a
confident manner
• Enjoy discussing and debating ideas and issues
• Convey information that highlights their competence
• Directly acknowledge anything they deem to be wrong or inaccurate

The ENTJ should be aware that they may need to…


• Intentionally provide positive encouragement and feedback
• Improve their active listening skills by ensuring they hear and understand the message
• Seek out and accept the opinions and thoughts of others
• Take the time to explain their actions
• Be sensitive to the affect their criticism has on others
• Develop patience for how others communicate

decision Making
When it comes to decision making, the ENTJ will often…
• Logically analyze their options and make rational decisions
• Benefit from considering the impact their decision will have on people
• Need to incorporate their values when evaluating their options
• Limit the amount of time spent making a decision
• Use decision making to create closure on an issue

playing
The ENTJ is usually focused on completing all their work before relaxing or devoting attention to their personal lives.
ENTJs tend to struggle with maintaining a balanced approach to life and may end up feeling overworked. Although
they may struggle with being present at home, the ENTJ prefers to maintain a sense of control in their personal lives.
As a post-secondary student, they are often interested in attending athletic games and are drawn to leadership positions
within groups on campus. As well, their competitive and driven work habits are reflected in their approach to any
activity that they participate. They also desire for their roommates to reflect their own reliable, thorough, hardworking,
and organized approach to life. For the ENTJ student, their hectic schedule often limits their availability for dating.

6 Student Employment & Career Centre


ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
Myers-Briggs Type indicaTor (MBTI®) ESTP
ESTJ
ESFP
ESFJ
ENFP
ENFJ
ENTP
enTJ

stress
An ENTJ will often experience stress when…
• Feeling unable to deal with their emotions or the emotional expression of others
• Confronted over their poor treatment of others
• Perceiving that their lack of knowledge created a problem
• Dealing with people who ignore established principles, exhibit irrational behaviors, or miss deadlines
• Becoming consumed with their own high work standards
• Working within an unorganized environment
• Feeling unable to control a situation or task
• Working with individuals they perceive to be incompetent

When they are affected by stress, an ENTJ will often…


• Refrain from considering new ideas
• Become excessively emotional and use irrational thinking
• Exhibit extremely demanding behaviors
• Withdraw from situations or avoid people
• Perceive that others do not like them
• With significant stress, react with a strong temper or become critical and judgmental of themselves and their
abilities

An ENTJ can reduce stress by…


• Reaching out to others to receive support
• Examining the impact their actions will have on others
• Expressing their emotions through conversation or other creative outlets
• Spending time on their own to reestablish their control
• Participating in physical or recreational activities
• Reevaluating their decisions

Works cited
Brownsword, Alan W., It Takes All Types. 2nd ed. Nicasio, CA: Baytree Publication Company for Hirsh, Sandra Krebs, and Jane A. G. Kise. Introduction to Type and Coaching. Palo Alto, CA:
HRM Press, Inc., 1999. Consulting Psychologists Press, Inc., 2000.
Butt, Joe. “Extroverted Intuitive Thinking Judging.” TypeLogic. 27 Feb 2005. TypeLogic. 28 May Hirsh, Sandra Krebs, and Jean M. Kummerow. Introduction to Type in Organizations. 3rd ed. Palo
2008 <http://www.typelogic.com/entj.html>. Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Pres, Inc., 1998.
Career Choice and MBTI® Type. 1989. Gainesville, FL: Center fro Applications of Psychological “ENTJ.” The Personality Type Tool Kit. Communication Consultants, LLC., 1993.
Type, Inc., 1997. Loomis, Ann B. Write from the Start. Gainesville, FL: Center for applications of Psychological Type,
DiTiberio, John K., and Allen L. Hammer. Introduction to Type in College. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting 1999.
Psychologists Press, Inc., 1993. Myers, Isabel Briggs. Introduction to Type. 6th ed. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press,
Dranitsaris, Anne. Behavioural Interview Guide. Pickering, ON: Sage Developmental Resources Inc., 1998.
Inc., 2001. “Portrait of an ENTJ.” The Personality Page. 2006. BSM Consulting. 28 May 2008 <http://www.
Dunning, Donna. Introduction to Type and Communication. Palo Alto, CA: CPP, Inc., 2003. personalitypage.com/ENTJ.html>.
Fitzsimmons, Sharon. Type & Time Management. 1999. Edmonton, AB: Psychometrics Canada Provost, Judith A. Procrastination. 1988. Gainesville, FL: Centre for Applications of Psychological
Ltd., 2001. Type, 2001.
Hammer, Allen. Introduction to Type and Careers. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press, Quenk, Naomi L. In the Grip. 2nd ed. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press, Inc., 2000.
Inc., 1993. Tieger, Paul D., and Barbara Barron-Tieger. Do What You Are. 3rd ed. Boston, New York, London:
Hirsh, Sandra Krebs. Introduction to Type and Teams. Pal Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Little, Brown and Company, 2001.
Press, Inc., 1992.

Student Employment & Career Centre 7

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