Please consider that, as with all aspects of oneself, some people live permanently at the far ends of a continuum, so fluctuations in their mood or perspective do not register as a different "type." Others' set points, however, may be closer to the middle of the scale, so fluctuations for them do push them over the magic "0" point to register them as a different type. Your consistent type may not prove that your personality is any more stable than anyone else's, but only more extreme than many others.
What strengths do INFJs bring to their work?
At work, the INFJ is focused on the task of bettering the human condition. INFJs are dedicated, helpful, and principled workers who can be relied on to envision, plan, and carry out complex projects for humanitarian causes.
Although they are typically driven by lofty ideals, Counselors gain the most satisfaction from their work when they can turn their ideas into reality, creating constructive change for other people.
INFJs are typically organized and prefer work that allows them to complete projects in an orderly manner. They are often independent and tend to prefer a quiet environment that allows them the opportunity to fully develop their own thoughts and ideas.
The ideal work environment for an INFJ is harmonious, industrious, and oriented to a humanitarian mission, with co-workers who are similarly committed to positive change. The ideal job for a Counselor allows them to use their creativity in an independent, organized environment to develop and implement a vision that is consistent with their personal values.
INFJ career facts
- More likely than average to be a stay-at-home parent
- Show one of the lowest gender wage gaps, with female INFJs earning 87% of what male INFJs make
- Average salary is $36,575, lower than the average for all the types
- Less likely than average to manage a large team
What are some good careers for an INFJ?
The top driver for INFJs in choosing a career is the opportunity to do something that is consistent with their values. Often, INFJs choose careers in helping professions like health care, education, or counseling. INFJs are thinkers by nature and appreciate careers that allow them to use their intellect on problems that interest them. Often, these are people problems, for instance in psychology, but INFJs can also be found in other areas of the sciences and even engineering.
Many INFJs have a creative streak which can be seen in the top INFJ career trends. Working with language is especially popular for INFJs, but they can also be found in various fields in the arts.
Top career choices for INFJs include:
Health Care
Health care careers are a wonderful opportunity for INFJs to combine their deep caring for the welfare of other people with their often formidable intellectual capabilities. Many INFJs enjoy the sciences and find it extremely satisfying to put their scientific knowledge to use in helping others. Sample health care careers for INFJs include:
- Physical Therapist
- Public Health Educator
- Family Physician
- Occupational Therapist
- Psychiatrist
- Physician Assistant
- Massage Therapist
- Nutritionist
- Medical Researcher
Counseling and Social Service
INFJs are typically wonderful listeners and deep, insightful thinkers when it comes to personal problems. They have a high degree of intuition about people and a deep well of patience in dealing with sticky emotional situations. All of these qualities make them talented, compassionate counselors, social servicepeople, and religious workers. Sample counseling and social service careers for INFJs include:
Sciences
INFJs often enjoy the intellectual challenge of the sciences, and can be found in scientific careers that relate to their values. Sample science careers for INFJs include:
- Social Scientist
- Genealogist
- Food Scientist
- Environmental Scientist
Business & Law
INFJs are often found making the business world a little more human, in HR, training, or the more humanitarian professions within the law. Sample careers for INFJs in the business and legal fields include:
- HR Manager
- Corporate Trainer
- Environmental Attorney
- Legal Mediator
Education
Although teaching in front of a classroom is a typically Extraverted activity and can be a challenge for more Introverted INFJs, they often find it deeply satisfying to help children and adults grow and develop. Education careers that involve working with smaller groups, or one-on-one, are an especially good fit. Sample education careers for INFJs include:
Language and Arts
Many INFJs love the expressive quality of language, and they typically have the focus and concentration necessary to be excellent writers and editors. Other areas of the arts appeal as well. Sample artistic careers for INFJs include:
- Librarian
- Curator
- Translator
- Editor
- Technical Writer
- Writer
- Graphic Designer
- Animator
- Artist
- Musician
- Interior Designer
How can an INFJ find the right career?
INFJs, like all personality types, are most satisfied and successful when they choose a career that takes advantage of their natural strengths, talents, and interests. If you're searching for the right career, check out the Career Personality Profiler test, which provides a complete assessment of your personality, interests, and aptitude.
What careers should the INFJ avoid?
It is important to note that any personality type can be successful in any occupation. However, some occupations are well suited to the natural talents and preferred work style of the INFJ, while other occupations demand modes of thinking and behavior that do not come as naturally to this type. Occupations that require the INFJ to operate outside their natural preferences may prove stressful or draining, and often sound unappealing to Counselors who are choosing a career.
The following occupations have been found to be unpopular among INFJs, based on data gathered from surveys of the general population.
Still looking for the right career?
Discover your ideal career with the Career Personality Profiler.
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