Most people have heard of the Myers-Brigg Type Indicator (MBTI) thanks to its prevalence of being shared across social media platforms. However, some may not realize that this in-depth personality assessment is highly regarded and used as a form of pre-employment assessment across a multitude of industries.
While personality tests aren’t pass/fail, it is important to understand how they are implemented and assessed in order to prepare yourself for a fair and accurate evaluation of your personality and skills.
The 16 Personality Types
The Myers-Brigg assessment is based off the Carl Jung principle that discusses a multitude of personality types and how each personality type will behavior differently in a variety of situations. The MBI goes beyond a general assessment of personalities and breaks down a personality into four of the 8 conflicting personality types – introverted vs. extroverted, intuitive vs. sensing, thinking vs. feeling, perceptive vs. judgmental.
Each personality type is indicated by four letters that represent one of these traits. Here is an explanation of each of the 16 personality types:
ISTJ
ISJT stands for Introverted, sensing, thinking, judgmental. This personality type is considered to be hardworking and gravitates towards positions of authority. They are highly focused on professional development and tend to follow the rules without fault.
Here are some careers in which ISTJ personalities thrive:
- Law Enforcement
- Litigation Roles
- Admins of High-Demand Positions
- Government Jobs
ISTJ Strengths: highly responsible, honest, well-organized
ISTJ Weaknesses: judgmental, has trouble seeing grey areas, stubborn
ISFJ
ISFJ stands for introverted, sensing, feeling, judgmental. Those with this personality are hardworking and put customer service ahead of personal interest. They are puzzle solvers who enjoy mediating daily struggles and conflicts.
Here are some careers in which ISFJ personalities thrive:
- Educators
- Nurses
- Customer Service Agents
- Management Roles
ISFJ Strengths: joyful, hard-working, practical thinkers
ISFJ Weaknesses: overly shy, don’t like change, tend to overwork themselves
INFJ
INFJ stands for introverted, intuitive, feeling, judgmental. These individuals are highly creative and have an overwhelming need to express themselves in order to process emotions and thoughts. They make deep connections with people and are compassionate.
Here are some careers in which INFJ personalities thrive:
- Child Protective Service Workers
- Journalists
- Novelists
- Doctors
INFJ Strengths: inspirational, determined, compassionate, creative
INFJ Weaknesses: very sensitive, become bored easily, are perfectionists
INTJ
INTJ stands for introverted, intuitive, thinking, judgmental. Those with INTJ personality do not thrive in group work settings but can self-manage very well. They can be harsh on themselves and demand perfection, which leads to stellar work results.
Here are careers in which INTJ personalities thrive:
- Repair Workers
- Lawyers
- Computer Programmers
- Auditors
INTJ Strengths: open-minded, self-reliant, hard-working
INTJ Weaknesses: can be self-absorbed, insensitive, and judgmental
ISTP
ISTP stands for introverted, sensing, thinking, perceptive. These individuals are often unsatisfied with routine but flourish in ever-changing environments. They react well under pressure ,which makes them a value in emergency situations.
Here are careers in which ISTP personalities thrive:
- Emergency Medical Workers
- Call Center Operators
- Firefighters
- Pest Control Providers
ISTP Strengths: full of energy, very practical, laid back while under pressure
ISTP Weaknesses: get bored easily, tend to lack long-term commitment skills, can be insensitive
ISFP
ISFP stands for introverted, sensing, feeling, perceptive. Those with ISFP personalities don’t like being told what to do but they excel in situations where they must come up with a plan on their own. They are extremely creative and curious.
Here are careers in which ISFP personalities thrive:
- Photographers
- Entrepreneurs
- Clothing Designers
- Writers
ISFP Strengths: empathetic, artistic, inquisitive, personable
ISFP Weaknesses: can be erratic, competitive, and get stressed easily
INFP
INFP stands for introverted, intuitive, feeling, perceptive. These individuals enjoy working with others and in customer-facing roles. They are great at being personable and empathetic to the needs of others.
Here are some careers in which INFP personalities thrive:
- Editors
- HR workers
- Therapists/Counselors
- Child Wellness Advocates
INFP Strengths: go with the flow, passionate, empathetic
INFP Weaknesses: tend to have their head in the clouds, are not analytical thinkers, can be impractical
INTP
INTP stands for introverted, intuitive, thinking, perceptive. These individuals tend to behave the most outwardly “introverted.” They prefer to work alone and do well being their own boss. They solve problems quickly and enjoy the challenge of doing so.
Some careers in which these personalities thrive are:
- Financial Analysts
- Post-Secondary Educators
- Architects
- Mechanics
INTP Strengths: very enthusiastic, task-focused, analytical
INTP Weaknesses: overly private, tend to be inadvertently condescending
ESTP
ESTP stands for extroverted, sensing, thinking, perceptive. These individuals love seeing the fruits of their labor but tend to be impatient while waiting for them. They give 100% at all times but take it personally if they are not praised for their efforts.
Here are some careers in which these personalities thrive:
- Law Enforcement
- Athletics
- Military Careers
- Finance Positions
ESTP Strengths: they go with the flow, are upfront about their feelings, get along well with others
ESTP Weaknesses: Very impatient, tend to take on risks, can be rebellious
ESFP
ESFP stands for extroverted, sensing, feeling, perceptive. These people love being friendly and making the days of others. They tend to be bubbly and overly concerned with others well-being.
Here are careers in which ESFP individuals thrive:
- Nursing
- Sales
- Event Planning
- Decorating
INTP Strengths: caring, observant, empathetic, great people skills
INTP Weaknesses: their minds wander, don’t prepare for the future, are easily bored
ENFP
ENFP stands for extroverted, intuitive, feeling, perceptive. These individuals crave variety and excitement and that is reflected in their career goals and behaviors.
These individuals thrive in careers like:
- Teaching
- Engineering
- Marketing
- Consulting
ENFP Strengths: high energy, aren’t fazed by change, great communicators
ENFP Weaknesses: classic overthinkers, become stressed under pressure, find it hard to focus
ENTP
ENFP stands for extroverted, intuitive, thinking, perceptive. These are considered the “classic extrovert.” They are well-spoken and focus heavily on solving problems for themselves and others.
ENTP personalities thrive in careers like:
- Management
- Engineering
- Marketing
- Producing
ENTP Strengths: lots of energy, highly knowledgeable, strong logical reasoning skills
ENTP Weaknesses: Tend to not follow-through, can be argumentative, often intolerant
ESTJ
ESTJ stands for extroverted, sensing, thinking, judgmental. These individuals are easy to count on thanks to their consistency. They value their work and have good follow-through. Careers in which they thrive include:
- Supervisory Roles
- Sales
- Judges
- Auditors
ESTJ Strengths: organized, dedicated, loyal, and have great follow-through
ESTJ Weaknesses: Not very laid-back, easily stressed, don’t express themselves well
ESFJ
ESFJ stands for extroverted, sensing, feeling, judgmental. These individuals are fantastic at organizing their work and their thoughts. They excel in places where expectations are clearly set and attainable. Some careers in which they may thrive are:
- Social Work
- Sale
- Accounting
- Corporate Work
ESFJ Strengths: high sense of loyalty, practical thinkers, good interpersonal skills
ESFJ Weaknesses: can be needy, don’t take criticism well, ten to overshare
ENFJ
ENFJ stands for extroverted, intuitive, feeling, judgmental. They love helping others and are incredibly selfless – sometimes to a fault. They are very empathetic and are great at reading emotions.
Here are careers in which they thrive:
- Management
- Sales
- Coaching
- Public Relations
ENJF Strengths: great communicators, natural leaders, reliable
ENFJ Weaknesses: very sensitive and tend to have a hard time making decisions
ENTJ
ENTJ stands for extroverted, intuitive, thinking, judgmental. ENTJ love being around other people and do well making decisions with a team. They are natural leaders and tend to become the loudest voice in a crowd.
Careers in which they thrive include:
- Lawyers
- Post-Secondary Education
- Principle/Dean
- Management
ENTJ Strengths: lots of energy, strong-willed, very confident
ENTJ Weaknesses: can be impatient, are often stubborn and arrogant
How to Prepare for the MBTI
MBTI (16 Personality) preparation is simple with the help of the prep materials available at JobAssessmentHelp. If you are looking for more information and study materials for a variety of pre-employment tests, JobAssesmentHelp has everything you need.
FAQ
What is the MBTI?
The MBTI is a psychological assessment that categorizes individuals into 16 unique personality types based on preferences in four dichotomies: Introversion/Extraversion, Sensing/Intuition, Thinking/Feeling, and Judging/Perceiving. It’s designed to help people gain insights into their own and others’ behaviors and preferences.
How was the MBTI developed?
The MBTI was developed by Isabel Briggs Myers and her mother, Katharine Cook Briggs, in the early 20th century. It was based on Carl Jung’s theory of psychological types. They aimed to make Jung’s theory accessible to individuals for personal growth, understanding, and development.
What are the four dichotomies?
- Introversion (I) / Extraversion (E): Where you prefer to get your energy from.
- Sensing (S) / Intuition (N): How you prefer to take in information.
- Thinking (T) / Feeling (F): How you prefer to make decisions.
- Judging (J) / Perceiving (P): How you prefer to deal with the world.
Can my MBTI type change over time?
While your core personality is thought to remain stable over time, how you express your preferences might change due to personal growth, experiences, or development. Your reported MBTI type may vary depending on the circumstances of your life when you take the test.
How accurate is the MBTI?
Accuracy can vary. Critics argue that the MBTI oversimplifies personality into binary categories, leading to variability in results. Proponents find it useful for gaining insights into personality and behavior. The test’s accuracy often depends on the honesty of the responses and the interpretation of the results.
Is the MBTI scientifically valid?
The scientific community has debated the MBTI’s validity and reliability. Critics point out issues like the binary nature of its scales and the lack of consistent, predictive validity. However, it remains popular for personal and professional development, with ongoing studies and debates about its application and usefulness.
What can I use my MBTI type for?
Your MBTI type can be a valuable tool for personal growth, career planning, improving communication, and understanding interpersonal dynamics. It’s used in various settings, including workplaces, counseling, and educational environments, to facilitate better teamwork and personal understanding.
Is the MBTI the same as a personality test?
Yes, the MBTI is a type of personality test, but it’s distinct in its approach, focusing on personality preferences rather than measuring traits or abilities. Unlike some other personality assessments, the MBTI sorts individuals into types based on their preferences in specific dichotomies.
How do I find out my MBTI type?
To find out your MBTI type, you should take the assessment administered by a certified MBTI practitioner or through an official platform. While there are many unofficial tests available online, the official test includes a detailed analysis and interpretation of your results.