The Keirsey Temperament Sorter
1. At a party do you
a) interact with many, including strangers
b) interact with a few, known to you
13. Are you more
a) punctual
b) leisurely
2. Are you more
a) realistic than speculative
b) speculative than realistic
14. Does it bother you more having
things
a) incomplete
b) completed
3. Is it worse to
a) have your “head in the clouds”
b) be “in a rut” (= have a fixed / boring
way of life)
4. Are you more impressed by
a) principles
b) emotions
5. Are you more drawn toward the
a) convincing
b) touching
6. Do you prefer to work
a) to deadlines
b) just “whenever”
7. Do you tend to choose
a) rather carefully
b) somewhat impulsively
8. At parties do you
a) stay late, with increasing energy
b) leave early, with decreased energy
9. Are you more attracted to
a) sensible people
b) imaginative people
10. Are you more interested in
a) what is actual
b) what is possible
11. In judging others are you more swayed by
a) laws than circumstances
b) circumstances than laws
12. In approaching others is your inclination
to be somewhat
a) objective
b) personal
15. In your social groups do you
a) keep abreast of other’s happenings
b) get behind on the news
16. In doing ordinary things are you
more likely to
a) do it the usual way
b) do it your own way
17. Writers should
a) "say what they mean and mean
what they say”
b) express things more by use of
analogy
18. Which appeals to you more
a) consistency of thought
b) harmonious human relationships
19. Are you more comfortable in making
a) logical judgments
b) value judgments
20. Do you want things
a) settled and decided
b) unsettled and undecided
21. Would you say you are more
a) serious and determined
b) easy-going
22. In phoning do you
a) rarely question that it will all be
said
b) rehearse what you’ll say
23. Facts
a) “speak for themselves”
b) illustrate principles
24. Are visionaries
a) somewhat annoying
b) rather fascinating
37. Are you more frequently
a) a practical sort of person
b) a fanciful sort of person
25. Are you more often
a) a cool-headed person
b) a warm-hearted person
38. Are you more likely to
a) see how others are useful
b) see how others see
26. Is it worse to be
a) unjust
b) merciless
39. Which is more satisfying:
a) to discuss an issue thoroughly
b) to arrive at agreement on an issue
27. Should one usually let events occur
a) by careful selection and choice
b) randomly and by chance
40. Which rules you more:
a) your head
b) your heart
28. Do you feel better about
a) having purchased
b) having the option to buy
41. Are you more comfortable with work
that is
a) contracted
b) done on a causal basis
29. In company do you
a) initiate conversation
b) wait to be approached
30. Common sense is
a) rarely questionable
b) frequently questionable
31. Children often do not
a) make themselves useful enough
b) exercise their fantasy enough
32. In making decisions do you feel more
comfortable with
a) standards
b) feelings
33. Are you more
a) firm than gentle
b) gentle than firm
34. Which more admirable:
a) the ability to organize and be
methodical
b) the ability to adapt and make do
35. Do you put more value on the
a) definite
b) open-ended
36. Does new and non-routine interact with
others
a) stimulate and energize you
b) tax your reserves
42. Do you tend to look for
a) the orderly
b) whatever turns up
43. Do you prefer
a) many friends with brief contact
b) a few friends with more lengthy
contact
44. Do you go more by
a) facts
b) principles
45. Are you more interested in
a) production and distribution
b) design and research
46. Which is more of a compliment:
a) “There is a very logical person.”
b) “There is a very sentimental
person.”
47. Do you value in yourself more that
you are
a) unwavering
b) devoted
48. Do you more often prefer the
a) final and unalterable statement
b) tentative and preliminary
statement
49. Are you more comfortable
a) after a decision
b) before a decision
60. Which seems the greater error:
a) to be too passionate
b) to be too objective
50. Do you
a) speak easily and at length with
strangers
b) find little to say to strangers
61. Do you see yourself as basically
a) hard-headed
b) soft-hearted
51. Are you more likely to trust your
a) experience
b) hunch
52. Do you feel
a) more practical than ingenious
b) more ingenious than practical
53. Which person is more to be
complimented: one of
a) clear reason
b) strong feeling
54. Are you inclined more to be
a) fair-minded
b) sympathetic
55. Is it preferable mostly to
a) make sure things are arranged
b) just let them happen
56. In relationships should most things be
a) renegotiable
b) random and circumstantial
57. When the phone rings do you
a) hasten to get to it first
b) hope someone else will answer
58. Do you prize more in yourself
a) a strong sense of reality
b) a vivid imagination
59. Are you drawn more to
a) fundamentals
b) overtones
62. Which situation appeals to you more
a) the structured and scheduled
b) the unstructured and unscheduled
63. Are you a person that is more
a) routinized than whimsical
b) whimsical than routinized
64. Are you more inclined to be
a) easy to approach
b) somewhat reserved
65. In writings do you prefer
a) the more literal
b) the more figurative
66. Is it harder for you to
a) identify with others
b) utilize others
67. Which do you wish more for
yourself:
a) clarity of reason
b) strength of compassion
68. Which is the greater fault:
a) being indiscriminate
b) being critical
69. Do you prefer the
a) planned event
b) unplanned event
70. Do you tend to be more
a) deliberate than spontaneous
b) spontaneous than deliberate
Adapted from “Please Understand Me” Character and Temperament Types
by David Keirsey and Marilyn Bates
ISTP
6% of population
Impulsive – as other SPs – the ISTP lives for action, without any thought for the consequences.
Rules, regulations and laws must bow before their thirst for freedom in action – and authority
means nothing to them. They are often fearless and reckless – thriving on excitement and careless of
risk. Typically, they love fast motion – racing, surfing, skiing. They master tools quickly and easily,
from microchip to jumbo jet, and they are drawn to careers that allow them to use such tools – their
skills are outstanding and unusual. Unfortunately, this love of tools attracts them to weapons – and
an ISTP with a grudge against society can be a dangerous person, who takes pride in their skill at
killing. On the positive side, however, they are likely to face many of their own kind in battle – good
or bad, the man who wields the weapon the most skillfully is likely to be an ISTP.
ISTPs also take time off on impulse – liking to vary work with play. Possible loners at work, their
leisure pursuits are often group pursuits – hunting, climbing, racing – though the activities do not
call for great conversational skills: communication is likely to be short and from necessity. Action is
more important than conversation – tools, for ISTPs, are a better form of communication than
mere words.
Despite their love of freedom, they can be great leaders – as long as they are leading from the front.
They are experts at seizing the moment and using the resources available, with their own special
brand of intelligence. They are drawn to the idea of glory – which is why they are so often heroes of
the battlefield.
They are seldom interested in academics and learning for learning’s sake and are often very difficult
in school – being wholly unsuited to a modern curriculum and ready to say “no” with great scorn.
They need action and will be happier given any other tool than a pen. Interestingly, the other type
they are most like is the ESFP – being optimistic, loyal, egalitarian, uncomplicated and generous.
ISFP
5% of population
ISFPs appear to be the ultimate artists – gifted composers, painters or dancers are, more often than
not, ISFP types. Although frequently misunderstood, ISFPs can make themselves felt through their
chosen art form: their character is revealed in their actions – and if no such medium is found they
can seem almost invisible. Even when they become celebrities, the ISFP can still be very hard to
grasp.
Like other SPs they live in the here and now – they do not plan or prepare, but experience the
present intensely. Their impulses become important – the centre of their lives. What might appear
to be rehearsal is often simply the performance itself to them – they are caught up by their need to
act. Due to this, they seldom notice risk or pain or fatigue – they are just accompaniments to the act
in which they are wholly engaged.
Their special kind of intelligence keeps them closely in touch with the very real. They are attuned to
the five senses and in harmony with them – it is a real part of their nature. They are also
sympathetic and generous because they can empathise completely with pain or suffering.
ISFPs are not likely to be great conversationalists or writers – they are tuned in to the world via their
fingertips. In this way they can appear reserved and private when, in fact, they are not interested in
speech. If they do break through this barrier into the world of literature their style is completely
innovative and probably influential on the writing of the time. It seems almost uncanny how many
of the great artists have been ISFPs – but, of course, this characteristic is found in ordinary walks of
life too. ISFPs are innovative and imaginative workers if given freedom from rules and regulations,
and appreciation for their special skills. They tend to be nature lovers and bond sympathetically
with both animals and young children! They are typical SPs in their optimism, love of freedom and
excitement, and generosity.
ISFJ
6% of population
ISFJs are typically unselfish and wish to serve the community. They carry with them a sense of
history and tradition and believe in the conservation of the environment. They are happy to work
long hours, believing that leisure time must be earned. They do not easily give up on any task, and
they respect traditional ways of doing things. Anger and annoyance when other people flout the
rules can take the form of tension and muscle fatigue, rather than be displayed outwardly.
ISFJs are extremely dependable and dislike change. They make good teachers, nurses, doctors, and
relate well to people who need them, to whom they are gentle and helpful – though they tend to
lose interest when the need is no longer there. They can be respectful, and they can handle respect
from others in the social hierarchy. They are practical and down-to-earth, excellent with repetitive
routine, and happy to leave theory and ideas to others.
They seem to feel personally responsible for making sure the people they work with follow the set
rules and are upset and embarrassed when they fail to. They hate waste and like to save for the
future or for emergencies. They are not comfortable in positions of authority – tending to do things
themselves rather than ask others – so they are frequently overworked.
Devoted partners, they are usually excellent homemakers – with tidy and well-maintained homes
and children! They tend to prefer quiet and modest friends, avoiding loud people, and they know
their place in society and are happy to stick with it.
ISFJs tend to excel at keeping traditional values in the home, but can be strongly attracted to their
opposites as partners, and end up trying to “rescue” an alcoholic spouse. They are often
undervalued and taken for granted which can cause them to bottle up resentment and to be much
unhappier than they deserve.
ESTP
13% of population
ESTPs are men and women of action – resourceful, extraverted, sensing, thinking, perceiving types
– negotiators, entrepreneurs, diplomats. Life is never dull where they are, even routine things
become exciting when they are involved – great manipulators of their environment, they know the
best places to be. Witty, clever and fun, they appear to be full of empathy when, in fact, they have
read the signals so cleverly they can anticipate the next move. They use the information they have
absorbed from their opponents to be always one step ahead of them, and often only one step away
from disaster! They seldom justify their actions, just go on to the next one.
They are skilled at pulling people together for negotiation but prefer to move on before the practical
details catch up with them, This can make others critical, who see the things left undone, instead of
the strength of what they have started. They are the type of people who need others behind them,
working to follow up their ideas. If they are not appreciated and channeled positively in this way,
they are the types who can turn round and use their talents for destructive or criminal behaviour.
ESTPs live for the moment – and are exciting, unpredictable partners. They are charming and fun –
the centre of attention – although this does not necessarily follow through to their family life – it
can be a lonely thing to be an ESTP’s partner. Their friendship groups tend to be wide, not deep –
and friendships rely on what the ESTP can get out of them. This is readily shared, though, and they
are often generous and extravagant and, above all, fun. Because they are not keen on anxiety or
tension, their relationships don’t always last long – but there is always something new round the
corner for an ESTP – they are seldom lonely for long in their thrilling, adventurous quest for life.
ESFP
13% of population
Warm and optimistic, witty, charming and clever, ESFPs are the most generous of the types – great
performers. They need to be with people, and are good company and entertaining, with a great
appetite for the good things of life. To live with an ESFP is to live on the edge of adventure – they
refuse to recognise the dark side of life.
ESFPs are incredibly generous without any thought of a return – they are freely loving and giving.
Impulsive and agreeable to others’ demands, they can be easily taken in or seduced. They are
exciting partners and parents – but prefer not to be around in times of sickness or trouble, which
they will ignore as long as possible. Though appearing easy-going, they will always go their own way
– towards what they enjoy.
They like active careers and love working with people. They rely on personal experience when
making decisions and show good common sense and awareness of the things and people around
them. They are not necessarily academic – preferring knowledge to be immediately useful – but
make good primary school teachers, and even nurses – they love the drama of a crisis. They are also
drawn to the performing arts, as they thrive on being in the limelight.
ENFP
5% of population
For ENFPs everything is significant – life is an exciting drama. Influential types, they are realistic but
spontaneous, and always self-aware. Intensely emotional, they can still be objective towards their
wide-ranging feelings and they are acutely observant and attentive. Their attention is never passive
but always directed. At times they will see events as being caused by the hidden motives of other
people, and are apt to interpret those motives as negative – often wrongly. They can, therefore, be
difficult friends – perceptive but frequently mistaken in their conclusion. Their hypersensitive, ever
alert nature can make them tense.
ENFPs become bored easily. Creative and enthusiastic, they catch people up in this, but are actually
very independent and don’t want followers. They also tend to see authority figures as more powerful
than they really are.
They tend to be optimistic, imaginative and enthusiastic in their career. Charming and popular,
they are skilled at problem solving. They like to initiate meetings and conferences but are not
necessarily so good at organizing the details. They become very involved in their own projects,
preferring originality rather than other people’s ideas and projects. They like to have a wide range of
friends and contacts and expend energy on keeping them. Attracted to the interpretive arts – such
as acting – they need feedback from others. Unhappy with rules and regulations, they prefer variety
rather than day to day tedium.
ENFPs make good mates although they are unpredictable, especially to their children. They are not
interested in the boring routine of homemaking – they swing from generosity to frugality – although
they like to be in charge of the home. They are keen to avoid conflict in the family but again prefer
luxuries over ordinary necessities – and may not be good at saving for the future. They love different
and new situations because they are warm and fun and very good with people.
INFP
1% of population
Calm – seemingly reserved, but hugely caring – idealistic INFPs can feel isolated. They value honour
and are willing to sacrifice themselves for their cause. Seeking unity, they can be tragic figures.
Although committed to good, they can be aware of, and fascinated by, evil. They can therefore be
drawn to making secret atonement for evil thoughts that only they are aware of.
Interested in the symbolic rather than the factual. They nevertheless see life as real rather than
hypothetical. They are adaptable, aware and good with people, if distant. They work well alone.
INFPs tend to blossom academically later – better in college than in school – and especially in
languages. They have an aptitude for the ministry, college teaching and psychiatry or psychology.
Willing to make personal sacrifices, they expect the same of others. They stay committed to their
promises and always keep their word. With a need for harmony they are sensitive and idealistic and
enjoy pleasing others. Their romantic ideas about relationships can be difficult to live up to in daily
life. They don’t like to tempt fate with displays of too much happiness and therefore tend to play
down their feelings.
An INFP’s home is their castle. Fiercely devoted and sympathetic, they are loyal and easy to live
with, until their values or ideals are violated – then they are apt to dig in their heels stubbornly in
defence of their ideals.
ENTJ
5% of population
The ideal word to describe the ENTJ is commandant! Natural group leaders, they have a desire for
structure. They are objective, and able to sum up situations easily. Their strength lies in planning
and organizing – but always towards a goal. A sense of coherence guides their thoughts, therefore
they will abandon anything they feel has no real goal. They can be impatient, especially with
inefficiency. They need reasons – feelings are not acceptable as reasons for doing anything. Vision is
important to an ENTJ, their long and short-term objectives are always clear. They prefer to base
decision on impersonal data, like to work from well-thought-out plans and expect others to do the
same.
They are responsible and tirelessly devoted to their job. They can be ruthless in getting rid of people
who appear aimless. They tend to rise to the top level in their career.
ENTJs take charge at home, but can be frequently absent – especially if male! They need a partner
with a strong personality and good self-esteem who can live up to them. Family life (especially for a
male) is seen as part of their professional background. As parents they tend to be stern and expect
obedience. They are not very romantic but like order and good management in the home – and
harmonious relationships. A male ENTJ expects his wife to be educated, sophisticated and involved
in the community. An ENTJ woman may have trouble finding a man who isn’t overpowered by her
strong personality.
ENFJ
5% of population
ENFJs are outstanding leaders – never doubting that others will follow their lead. They are
charismatic and cooperative. People are their priority and they feel responsibility for others’ feelings:
caring, concerned and willing to be involved and therefore both nurturing and supportive. However
they feel burdened with guilt if they cannot meet the sometimes unreasonable demands on them.
They tend to idealise relationships to an unrealistic level, and can therefore be overpowering –
despite their tolerance and reliability.
Fluent in language and communication, especially verbally, they can get hurt if people don’t agree
with their position. They are very empathetic and can stretch themselves too far by trying to become
involved too deeply with too many people.
Intuitive, they should follow their hunches – even though they are not always logical, they are very
good at reading other people’s characters accurately.
Good friends and good parents, they are devoted but not domineering; even-tempered and always
trying to please. This can make them vulnerable to an over-domineering friend or partner. Their
generous and idealistic nature can make them feel dissatisfied because things are so seldom ideal.
Because of this they can be restless in their career. “People” careers are the most suited to them –
they are popular in media, the ministry, and stage and screen; they are also exceptionally good at
therapy, teaching and as salespeople! ENFJs like to be settled and organized – they plan ahead and
are reliable. They are at home in complex, multi-tasked situations, and can be charming with
people. Popular because they can both lead and follow, they are also able to organize without the
need for planning – valuing harmonious relationships they are attentive to everyone in a group
situation. They are independent and not easily crushed by others’ valuations.
INFJ
1% of population
INFJs focus on possibilities and come easily to decisions. Sadly they are so few as they are unusually
caring and enjoy helping others. They are complicated people and can understand complex issues
and people. Likely to be visionary types they are apt also to understand psychic phenomena. They
can be strongly empathetic and aware of others’ emotions and can intuitively sense the presence of
good and evil in others surprisingly accurately.
INFJs make good students – creative but not show-offs. They take their work seriously to the point
of overperfectionism. Not necessarily leaders, they will nevertheless be quietly influential behind the
scenes. They are hard to get to know and tend to share their inner feelings only with those they trust
and are easily hurt. Their complicated personalities can sometimes lead them to react in surprising,
if logical, ways.
They lie to please others and find conflict destructive. Their vivid imaginations can amount to
genius especially in the field of the arts. Often poetic by nature they can also have uncanny
communication with certain people, even at a distance.
INFJs like to interact with people but preferably on a one-to-one basis. They might, therefore, make
good doctors or psychiatrists. Writing is also an attractive career and they tend to use language in a
complex and elegant way, loaded with imagery and metaphor – although they do not like the ideas
of a faceless audience and prefer to write with a particular person in mind. They also make
outstanding therapists and counsellors, where they can use their great personal warmth, enthusiasm,
insight, originality and organizational skills.
They like to work on their own but can work with others on problem-solving or other deeply
interactive ways. They are good listeners and will consult and cooperate with others. They value
harmony and can be crushed by criticism, being highly motivated by praise.
INFJs express their affection subtly – often humorously or unexpectedly. Their friends are likely to
be few but very good and long-standing. They are fiercely devoted parents, but firm in discipline.
They are concerned about the comfort and emotional health of their family.
INTJ
1% of population
The most self-confident of the types – they are introspective and use ideas as if they were real
experience. They are decisive and look to the future rather than the past. As typical “builders” they
use ideas and people for positive ends.
INTJs are not impressed by authority, only by ideas or positions that make sense; although they do
stick to rules if they see them as useful. For them, reality is something they can control and ideas
and theories are all important. If they regard a system as logical they will follow it with their whole
energy. They like to complete things and have long-term views. They love a challenge that requires
creativity and are outstanding scientific researchers. They work well with INTPs to ensure that their
ideas work.
INTJs can be single-minded to the point of ignoring others’ wishes. They are responsible and work
hard, hating inefficiency – they like to use technology for problem solving. People tend to feel, often
uncomfortably, that INTJs can see right through them – they seem unemotional and cold, and
frequently demanding. However, they are dedicated and loyal in their careers – and are verbally
positive rather than critical.
They like order in home and relationships, but are independent and like to trust their own
intuition in choosing partners. They can seem unemotional in relationships but, in fact, can be very
sensitive to rejection. They are not good at putting people at their ease socially and do not make
small talk. They tend to avoid physical contact except with a chosen few. INTJs make single-minded
parents, with their children as a major focus in life. They are supportive but not overwhelming and
are not bothered by criticism. They need privacy. They are thinkers but not always effectively where
relationships are concerned.
ENTP
5% of population
ENTPs are imaginative with people and with the things around them and are sensitive to
possibilities. They enjoy analysis – the more complicated the better. They are generally enthusiastic
and interested, and easy to please. They are always keen to find new and better ways to do things.
ENTPs have confidence in the things they enjoy and tend to ignore tradition and authority,
bringing a fresh new approach to their work and their lives.
For ENTPs ideas are valuable for their possibilities – they enjoy a challenge and have a great ability
to improvise and make something out of nothing. This gives them a sense of competence and
power. They can be fascinating at conversation and enjoy debate – often being one jump ahead of
their opponents. They like to solve problems as they arise rather than with careful planning
beforehand – although their plans may frequently fail because of this neglect.
ENTPs can succeed in a variety of occupations as long as they are not boring. Projects which are no
longer challenging fail to keep their interest and are likely to be left unfinished. They do not like to
conform, but prefer to beat the system – liking to understand the people within the system without
judging them. They are good at innovative projects and are usually outstanding teachers,
continuously devising new and exciting ways of learning. They hate to be manipulated but are good
at relationships – being good humoured and optimistic makes them very popular.
They are lively partners and laugh easily and often. Life with them can be adventurous but
economically, even physically, unstable. Sometimes their love of a challenge puts them in a difficult
position with people in power, although the ENTP can usually dream up a way to solve the
problem. They enjoy hobbies and can be expert in unexpected areas – but they are not necessarily
willing to share these with their family. Very easy-going, they can also be undependable or even
easily discouraged.
INTP
1% of population
INTPs show great precision in thought and language: they are natural architects – of ideas as well as
buildings. They notice contradictions in statements because they always search for relevance. They
have great concentration. They are not impressed by authority, only logic. They hate waste and
muddle – the meaning of life is their greatest concern. They prize intelligence and have excellent
memories – but can therefore become obsessed with analysis, and impatient with others not as
quick as themselves – sometimes appearing arrogant.
INTPs are driven by a need to understand and make sense of things – as mathematicians,
philosophers, scientists – though they prefer theory, leaving practical details to others. This can
mean that they are often not given credit for their ideas.
They make excellent teachers – but not necessarily popular ones – they demand hard work of others
and prefer to work quietly and alone themselves.
INTPs make faithful and devoted partners – but will retreat into their own space as much as
possible. Easy to live with, they are nevertheless forgetful of birthdays, anniversaries and even the
basic rituals of daily life. They do not express emotions easily, but are devoted parents, serious about
the upbringing of their children. Often shy, they can easily be misunderstood, especially when one
of their principles is violated, when they can become very stubborn. They can also be insensitive to
the needs of others – as feelings are frequently difficult for them to understand.
ESTJ
13% of population
In touch with the things around them, ESTJs are responsible community members. Organizing and
orderly, they can be impatient with people who do not follow rules attentively. They are realistic and
matter-of-fact, and prefer rules to ideas. They are loyal and faithful partners – duty is important to
them and they are likely to end up in positions of responsibility in their community. They are
punctual and expect the same of others.
ESTJs are not always sensitive to others’ ideas and feelings, and can be impatient and unwilling to
listen to views different from their own. Because they are comfortable with established rules and
regulations they dislike change and are neat and orderly.
They use routine and ritual for establishing relationships and enjoy family traditions such as
reunions, birthday celebrations or weddings. They are dependable and consistent: what you see is
what you get.
ISTJ
6% of population
ISTJs are decisive in practical affairs and very dependable. They can be quiet and serious but will
persevere to the end – never breaking their word, they consider honour to be important. They do
not show off, but work quietly, often unnoticed in the background.
ISTJs are thorough, just and practical and work smoothly in jobs such as banking or accounting.
They are unlikely to take chances with money. They are good with figures, and reliable and stable –
making good supervisors in business and law. As teachers, their subjects are likely to be economics,
or physical education. They are often seen as cold, but are in fact easily hurt.
They are patient with work but not always with people – they like everything and everyone to be in
the right place at the right time. Loyal and faithful partners, they understand duty. A male ISTJ
tends to be patriarchal and to see himself as the breadwinner. A female ISTJ is likely to very straight
and sensible. They make consistent parents and have clear rules. As children they are obedient and
popular with parents and teachers! Though practical and sensible themselves, they often pair up
with irresponsible types and assume the role of the rescuer – they will accept reckless behaviour
from others that they would not allow in themselves.
ISTJs dislike ostentation and prefer plain and practical furniture and clothes, and no-nonsense
food. Male ISTJs enjoy male company and rituals – and are likely to be involved in community
serices such as Boy Scouts! They also like family group rituals – weddings, birthdays and office
parties.
ESFJ
13% of population
ESFJs are the most sociable of all the types – energized by people and tending to idealise what they
admire. Striving for harmony, they respect institutions – school, church, community. Excellent
hosts, they remember names and attend to everyone’s wellbeing. They feel comfortable recalling the
past and keeping up traditions.
They value others’ opinions, need to be needed, and prefer not to be alone. Taking social rules
seriously, they are also apt to personalize their career – if selling a product they treat it as if it were
their own, and teaching, preaching, writing are all expressed in the same way. They are loyal to their
superiors, and enjoy the personal side of gossip rather than abstract conversations on philosophy or
science.
Family rules will consist of “shoulds” and “should nots” for ESFJs and they expect everyone to help
run an orderly home. They enjoy entertaining, but like strict schedules. Devoted to traditional
values, they are good, sympathetic partners. They are aware of status and like to know their place in
society – this can be indicated by their choice of material possessions and the way they respect the
opinions of their superiors. They are outgoing emotionally, and need to be loved – can be seriously
affected by careers or relationships going wrong, and blame themselves. They are respectful and
responsive to parent and teachers, and, later, will make family and friends feel important by making
much of birthdays, anniversaries and special occasions. At the same time, they are apt to anticipate
disasters in a pessimistic way – and need to suppress this negative tendency. In the same way, they
feel their children’s behaviour reflects personally on them, and they can be very critical if their
family does not live up to expectations. They judge themselves by comparison with others, and are
happier when they can see people and things as useful in their terms.
The lists represent careers and jobs people of various types tend to enjoy doing. The job
requirements are similar to the personality tendencies of the various types. It is important to
remember that these do not list all the jobs possible under the headings. And it is very important to
remember that people can, and frequently do, fill jobs that are dissimilar to their personality... this
happens all the time...and sometimes works out quite well.
Why then should we even consult these lists? The lists are just another tool to give you ideas
about careers and jobs you might enjoy. Use the lists as a tool not a box!
ISTJ
ISFJ
INFJ
INTJ
management
accounting
auditing
efficiency expert
engineer
geologist
bank examiners
organization
development
electricians
dentists
pharmacist
school principals
school bus drivers
file clerk
stock broker
legal secretary
computer operator
computer programmer
technical writer
chief information officer
police officer
real estate agent
counseling
ministry
library work
nursing
secretarial
curators
bookkeepers
dental hygienists
computer operator
personnel administrator
paralegal
real estate agent
artist
interior decorator
retail owner
musician
elementary school
teacher
physical therapist
nurse
social worker
personnel counselor
alcohol/drug counselor
career counselor
psychologist
educational consultant
special education teacher
librarian
artist
playwright
novelist/poet
editor/art director
information-graphics
...designer
HRM manager
merchandise planner
environmental lawyer
marketer
job analyst
mental health counselor
dietitian/nutritionist
research
educational consultant
architects
interpreter/translator
management consultant
economist
scientist
computer programmer
environmental planner
new business developer
curriculum designer
administrator
mathematician
psychologist
neurologist
biomedical researcher
strategic planner
civil engineer
intellectual properties
attorney
designer
editor/art director
inventor
informational-graphics
...designer
financial planner
judge
ISTP
ISFP
INFP
INTP
surveyor
fire fighter
private investigator
pilot
police officer
purchasing agent
chiropractor
medical technician
securities analyst
computer repair person
race car driver
computer programmer
electrical engineer
legal secretary
coach/trainer
commercial artist
carpenter
paralegal
dental assistant
radiological technician
marine biologist
software developer
bookkeeper
clerical supervisor
dental assistant
physical therapist
mechanic
radiology technologist
surveyor
chef
forester
geologist
landscaper designer
crisis hotline operator
teacher: elementary
beautician
typist
jeweler
gardener
potter
painter
botanist
marine biologist
social worker
information-graphics
...designer
college professor
researcher
legal mediator
social worker
holistic health
...practitioner
occupational therapist
diversity manager
human resource
...development specialist
employment development
...specialist
minister/priest/rabbi
missionary
psychologist
writer: poet/novelist
journalist
editor/art director
organizational
development
...specialist
strategic planning
writer
staff development
lawyer
architect
software designer
financial analyst
college professor
photographer
logician
artist
systems analyst
neurologist
physicist
psychologist
research/development
...specialist
computer programmer
data base manager
chemist
biologist
investigator
ESTP
ESFP
ENFP
ENTP
real estate broker
chef
land developer
physical therapist
stock broker
news reporter
fire fighter
promoter
entrepreneur
pilot
budget analyst
insurance agent
management consultant
franchise owner
electrical engineer
aircraft mechanic
technical trainer
EEG technologist
radiological technician
emergency medical
tech.
corrections officer
flight attendant
veterinarian
flight attendant
floral designer
real estate agent
child care provider
social worker
fundraiser
athletic coach
musician
secretary
receptionist
special events producer
teacher: preschool
teacher: elementary
emergency room nurse
occupational therapist
exercise physiologist
team trainer
travel sales
public relations specialist
waiter/waitress
labor relations mediator
conference planner
speech pathologist
HR development trainer
ombudsman
clergy
journalist
newscaster
career counselor
housing director
character actor
marketing consultant
musician/composer
artist
information-graphics
...designer
human resource manager
merchandise planner
advertising account
manager
dietitian/nutritionist
speech pathologist
massage therapist
editor/art director
systems designer
venture capitalist
actor
journalist
investment broker
real estate agent
real estate developer
strategic planner
political manager
politician
special projects developer
literary agent
restaurant/bar owner
technical trainer
diversity manager
art director
personnel systems
developer
computer analyst
logistics consultant
outplacement consultant
advertising creative director
radio/TV talk show host
ESFJ
ENFJ
ENTJ
nurse
social worker
caterer
flight attendant
bookkeeper
medical/dental assistant
exercise physiologist
elementary school teacher
minister/priest/rabbi
retail owner
officer manager
telemarketer
counselor
special education teacher
merchandise planner
credit counselor
athletic coach
insurance agent
sales representative
massage therapist
medical secretary
child care provider
bilingual education
teacher
professional volunteer
entertainer
recruiter
artist
newscaster
writer/journalist
recreation director
librarian
facilitator
politician
psychologist
housing director
career counselor
sales trainer
travel agent
program designer
corporate/team trainer
child welfare worker
social worker (elderly
...services)
interpreter/translator
occupational therapist
executive: small business
alcohol/drug counselor
sales manager
program designer
attorney
administrator
office manager
chemical engineer
sales manager
logistics consultant
franchise owner
new business developer
personnel manager
investment banker
labor relations
management trainer
credit investigator
mortgage broker
corporate team trainer
environmental engineer
biomedical engineer
business consultant
educational consultant
personal financial planner
network integration
...specialist
media planner/buyer
ESTJ
government employee
pharmaceutical sales
auditor
computer analyst
technical trainer
project manager
officer manager
factory supervisor
credit analyst
electrical engineer
stockbroker
regulatory compliance
...officer
chief information officer
construction worker
general contractor
paralegal
industrial engineer
budget analyst
data base manager
funeral director
cook
security guard
dentist