The ISTJ at Work
At work, ISTJs are dependable and meticulous. ISTJs take deadlines and specifications very seriously, and work independently and systematically to complete the tasks they are given. ISTJs value a stable work environment with clear expectations and few surprises. They are at their best when they can create detailed plans of action and follow them with little deviation.
Although ISTJs may like to do quite a bit of their work independently, they often appreciate the value of participating on a team as well, especially if their colleagues are reasonable and businesslike and there is a clear hierarchy so that they know who is in charge.
An ideal job for an ISTJ allows them to solve logical problems in an orderly way. An ideal work environment for an ISTJ is quiet, organized, and structured, with rules and regulations that are well established and clearly adhered to by all.
Find the career that truly fits
Top Careers for the ISTJ
Popular Careers for ISTJs
Top careers for the ISTJ include:
Business and Financial
- Accountant or Auditor
- Budget Analyst
- Claims Adjuster, Appraiser, Examiner, or Investigator
- Compensation, Benefits, or Job Analysis Specialist
- Cost Estimator
- Financial Analyst
- Financial Examiner
- Financial Manager
- Insurance Underwriter
- Labor Relations Specialist
- Loan Officer
- Logistician
- Management Consultant or Analyst
- Personal Financial Advisor
- Purchasing Manager, Buyer, or Purchasing Agent
- Real Estate Appraiser or Assessor
- Tax Examiner or Collector or Revenue Agent
Math
Office and Administrative Support
- Administrative Services Manager
- Bill or Account Collector
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, or Auditing Clerk
- Financial Clerk
- General Office Clerk
- Information Clerk
- Material Recording Clerk
- Postal Service Worker
Management
- Advertising and Promotions Manager
- Architectural or Engineering Manager
- Compensation or Benefits Manager
- Property, Real Estate, or Community Association Manager
- Top Executive
Architecture and Engineering
- Aerospace Engineer
- Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technician
- Agricultural Engineer
- Biomedical Engineer
- Cartographer or Photogrammetrist
- Chemical Engineer
- Civil Engineer
- Civil Engineering Technician
- Computer Hardware Engineer
- Drafter
- Electrical or Electronic Engineering Technician
- Electrical or Electronics Engineer
- Electro-mechanical Technician
- Environmental Engineer
- Environmental Engineering Technician
- Health and Safety Engineer
- Industrial Engineer
- Industrial Engineering Technician
- Marine Engineer or Naval Architect
- Materials Engineer
- Mechanical Engineer
- Mechanical Engineering Technician
- Mining or Geological Engineer
- Nuclear Engineer
- Petroleum Engineer
- Surveying or Mapping Technician
- Surveyor
Life, Physical, and Social Science
- Agricultural or Food Science Technician
- Agricultural or Food Scientist
- Atmospheric Scientist, Including Meteorologist
- Biological Technician
- Chemical Technician
- Chemist or Materials Scientist
- Environmental Science and Protection Technician
- Environmental Scientist or Specialist
- Forensic Science Technician
- Forest or Conservation Technician
- Geological or Petroleum Technician
- Natural Sciences Manager
- Nuclear Technician
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair
- Aircraft or Avionics Equipment Mechanic or Technician
- Automotive Body or Glass Repairer
- Automotive Service Technician or Mechanic
- Diesel Service Technician or Mechanic
- Electrical or Electronics Installer or Repairer
- General Maintenance or Repair Worker
- Heating, Air Conditioning, or Refrigeration Mechanic or Installer
- Heavy Vehicle or Mobile Equipment Service Technician
- Industrial Machinery Mechanic or Maintenance Worker or Millwright
- Line Installer or Repairer
- Medical Equipment Repairer
- Small Engine Mechanic
Transportation and Material Moving
- Airline or Commercial Pilot
- Heavy or Tractor-trailer Truck Driver
- Material Moving Machine Operator
- Railroad Worker
- Taxi Driver or Chauffeur
Production
- Assembler or Fabricator
- Baker
- Butcher or Meat Cutter
- Dental or Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician or Medical Appliance Technician
- Industrial Production Manager
- Jeweler or Precious Stone and Metal Worker
- Machinist or Tool and Die Maker
- Metal or Plastic Machine Worker
- Power Plant Operator
- Quality Control Inspector
- Semiconductor Processor
- Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant System Operator
- Welder, Cutter, Solderer, or Brazer
- Woodworker
Entertainment and Sports
Healthcare
- Athletic Trainers or Exercise Physiologist
- Dentist
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographer or Cardiovascular Technologist or Technician
- Dispensing Optician
- Exercise Physiologist
- 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
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
- Occupational Health and Safety Technician
- Optometrist
- Orthotist or Prosthetist
- Pharmacist
- Pharmacy Technician or Aide
- Physician Assistant
- Physician or Surgeon
- Podiatrist
- Radiation Therapist
- Radiologic or MRI Technologists
- Surgical Technologist
Construction and Extraction
- Boilermaker
- Brickmasons, Blockmasons, and Stonemasons
- Carpenter
- Cement Mason or Terrazzo Worker
- Construction Equipment Operator
- Construction Laborer or Helper
- Construction Manager
- Construction or Building Inspector
- Electrician
- Glazier
- Painter
- Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter
- Sheet Metal Worker
- Structural Iron or Steel Worker
- Tile or Marble Setter
Media and Communication
Education, Training, and Library
- Career or Technical Education Teacher
- Library Technician or Assistant
- Postsecondary Education Administrator
Sales
- Real Estate Broker or Sales Agent
- Sales Engineer
- Sales Manager
- Sales Representative, Wholesale and Manufacturing
- Securities, Commodities, or Financial Services Sales Agent
Computer and Information Technology
- Computer and IS Manager
- Computer Network Architect
- Computer Programmer
- Computer Support Specialist
- Computer Systems Analyst
- Database Administrator
- Information Security Analyst
- Network or Computer Systems Administrator
- Software Developer
- Web Developer
Protective Service
- Correctional Officer
- Fire Inspector or Investigator
- Firefighter
- Police Officer or Detective
- Private Detective or Investigator
- Security Guard or Gaming Surveillance Officer
Legal
Military
Community and Social Service
ISTJ 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 ISTJ, while other occupations demand modes of thinking and behavior that do not come as naturally to the ISTJ. Occupations that require the ISTJ to operate outside their natural preferences may prove stressful or draining, and often sound unappealing to ISTJs who are choosing a career.
The following occupations have been found to be unpopular among ISTJs, based on data gathered from surveys of the general population.
The ISTJ on a Team
ISTJs are dependable, task-oriented team members. They tend to clarify goals in specific, concrete terms, and look for established standards by which to measure the team’s outcomes. ISTJs prefer a structured team environment where the rules are clear and everyone has a specific set of duties. They work systematically and examine work meticulously, making sure that the details are correct and that the team’s product meets expectations.
ISTJs are very task focused and generally do not want to spend much time debating process; they prefer to just get on with it. Similarly, too much abstract discussion of concepts without a clear action plan will tend to irritate the ISTJ. ISTJs are businesslike in their approach and often have little patience for team members who want to discuss emotions or relationships. They tend to feel that addressing personal issues in a work environment is inappropriate and interferes with the team’s productivity.
The ISTJ as a Leader
As leaders, ISTJs are clear about expectations and procedures. They are action-oriented and practical, and lead their teams to achieve specified outcomes within clear time frames. ISTJs are often attracted to leadership positions because of their natural inclination to organize processes and deliver measurable results.
ISTJs prefer not to improvise and are most comfortable leading in their own areas of expertise, with employees that have demonstrated competence in the field. They often prefer to work within predetermined guidelines and may find it a challenge to innovate or take on projects with no clear standards or expectations.
ISTJs are not typically skilled at politics, and may sometimes overlook niceties in their drive to control process and achieve team goals. They typically motivate their teams by demonstrating a strong work ethic, and are unlikely to initiate personal relationships or offer effusive praise.