The ISFJ at Work
At work, the ISFJ is motivated by the desire to help others in a practical, organized way. ISFJs are driven by their core of personal values, which often include upholding tradition, taking care of others, and working hard.
ISFJs enjoy work that requires careful attention to detail and adherence to established procedures, and like to be efficient and structured in their completion of tasks. They prefer an explicit authority structure and clear expectations.
ISFJs usually prefer to work behind the scenes, and like to receive recognition in a low-key way without being required to present their work publicly. They want to feel that they have fulfilled their duties, but do not want to be thrust into the spotlight.
An ideal job for an ISFJ involves well-defined work tasks that achieve a concrete or observable result, and does not require a lot of multi-tasking. An ideal work environment for an ISFJ is orderly, provides plenty of privacy, and includes colleagues who share the ISFJ’s values.
Find the career that truly fits
Top Careers for the ISFJ
Top careers for the ISFJ include:
Community and Social Service
- Probation Officer or Correctional Treatment Specialist
- Social or Human Service Assistant
- Social Worker
Life, Physical, and Social Science
- Agricultural or Food Science Technician
- Agricultural or Food Scientist
- Biological Technician
- Environmental Science and Protection Technician
- Environmental Scientist or Specialist
- Forensic Science Technician
- Forest or Conservation Technician
Healthcare
- Athletic Trainers or Exercise Physiologist
- Dental Assistant
- Dental Hygienist
- Dentist
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographer or Cardiovascular Technologist or Technician
- Dispensing Optician
- Licensed Practical or Licensed Vocational Nurse
- Medical Assistant
- Medical or Clinical Laboratory Technologist or Technician
- Medical or Health Services Manager
- Medical Records or Health Information Technician
- Medical Transcriptionist
- Nuclear Medicine Technologist
- Nursing Assistant or Orderly
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
- Occupational Health and Safety Technician
- Optometrist
- Orthotist or Prosthetist
- Personal Care Aide
- Pharmacist
- Pharmacy Technician or Aide
- Phlebotomist
- Physician Assistant
- Physician or Surgeon
- Podiatrist
- Psychiatric Technician or Aide
- Radiation Therapist
- Radiologic or MRI Technologists
- Registered Nurse
- Surgical Technologist
- Veterinary Assistant or Laboratory Animal Caretaker
Education, Training, and Library
- Career and Technical Education Teachers
- Elementary, Middle, or High School Principal
- Instructional Coordinator
- Librarian
- Library Technician or Assistant
- Postsecondary Education Administrator
- Preschool or Childcare Center Director
- Teacher Assistant
Office and Administrative Support
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, or Auditing Clerk
- Customer Service Representative
- Financial Clerk
- General Office Clerk
- Information Clerk
- Material Recording Clerk
- Postal Service Worker
- Receptionist
- Secretary or Administrative Assistant
- Teller
Personal Care and Service
Business and Financial
- Compensation, Benefits, or Job Analysis Specialist
- Human Resources Specialist
- Loan Officer
- Meeting or Convention Planner
- Personal Financial Advisor
- Purchasing Manager, Buyer, or Purchasing Agent
- Real Estate Appraiser or Assessor
- Tax Examiner or Collector or Revenue Agent
Math
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair
- Automotive Service Technician or Mechanic
- Heating, Air Conditioning, or Refrigeration Mechanic or Installer
- Medical Equipment Repairer
Production
- Baker
- Dental or Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician or Medical Appliance Technician
- Quality Control Inspector
- Woodworker
Architecture and Engineering
- Biomedical Engineer
- Electrical or Electronic Engineering Technician
- Environmental Engineer
- Environmental Engineering Technician
- Health and Safety Engineer
Transportation and Material Moving
Construction and Extraction
- Carpenter
- Construction or Building Inspector
- Electrician
- Painter
- Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter
Protective Service
- Correctional Officer
- Firefighter
- Police Officer or Detective
- Security Guard or Gaming Surveillance Officer
Legal
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry
Sales
Management
ISFJ Careers to 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 ISFJ, while other occupations demand modes of thinking and behavior that do not come as naturally to the ISFJ. Occupations that require the ISFJ to operate outside their natural preferences may prove stressful or draining, and often sound unappealing to ISFJs who are choosing a career.
The following occupations have been found to be unpopular among ISFJs, based on data gathered from surveys of the general population.
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The ISFJ on a Team
ISFJs are supportive, organized team members who attend to the needs of the people around them and follow procedures to get things done. ISFJs are not often interested in leading a team, but may naturally take on the role of group secretary, keeping meticulous notes and accurately recalling facts and details that are important to the group process.
ISFJs are sensitive to the concerns and emotions of others and do best on cooperative teams where there is not too much conflict. ISFJs typically feel most secure on a team where everyone adheres to established rules and procedures; they generally believe that people get along best when they all follow the rules. Team members who question the rules—or worse, ignore them outright—may upset the ISFJ, who wants a harmonious, predictable environment.
The ISFJ as a Leader
In leadership positions, ISFJs tend to be traditional, helpful, and realistic. They are focused on what can be done to help others in a practical, responsible way. ISFJs are often reluctant to take leadership roles, but are committed to doing their duty and will take on a leadership position if asked to.
ISFJs are loyal to organizations and follow established procedures meticulously. They have a strong belief in authority and respect for hierarchy, and will expect the same from their teams. Because they tend to prefer working behind the scenes, they may exercise influence primarily by building strong relationships with others.
About the Author
Molly Owens is the CEO of Truity and holds a master's degree in counseling psychology. She founded Truity in 2012, with the goal of making quality personality tests more affordable and accessible. She has led the development of assessments based on Myers and Briggs' personality types, Holland Codes, the Big Five, DISC, and the Enneagram. She is an ENTP, a tireless brainstormer, and a wildly messy chef. Find Molly on Twitter at @mollmown.