INFP Careers: Best Jobs For Your Personality

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The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a personality test that identifies 16 different personality types. Employers sometimes use MBTI results to help them hire the right people for a particular job. Knowing your personality type can also help you find work that suits you best. If your Myers-Briggs test results show that you have the INFP personality type, you score high on Introversion, Intuition, Feeling and Perception. In this article, you can learn more about the INFP personality type and the career options that are a good fit for someone with these traits.

What is an INFP personality?

Someone with an INFP personality is inquisitive, curious and innovative. INFPs tend to be optimistic, inspirational and enthusiastic team members. They are creative, abstract thinkers who can easily find connections in hidden patterns. In the corporate world, INFPs focus more on the big picture and less on the details. They continually want to learn new things and ‘change the world,’ and they may get bored doing the same thing over long periods. For an INFP, multiple responsibilities are manageable as long as they aren’t stuck on the same project for months. The best jobs for INFP personalities are ones that allow them to have personal connections but also a certain amount of space so they can focus without distractions.

The best careers for an INFP personality

Here are some careers to consider if you have an INFP personality type:

Human services 

Counseling, therapy and social work jobs tend to be a good fit for INFP personalities. If you’re an INFP, you are likely to be empathetic and a good listener, with a passion for helping others. 

Examples of human services jobs:

  • Counselor
  • Social worker
  • Occupational therapist
  • Child care worker
  • Caseworker

Arts and humanities 

Since INFPs are creative, they do well as graphic designers, musicians, writers or artists. They can also make good editors and critics. INFPs tend to enjoy working alone and would excel in artistic jobs.

Examples of arts and humanities jobs:

  • Musician
  • Writer
  • Artist
  • Production assistant
  • Painter
  • Art director
  • Interior designer

Science and engineering

INFPs enjoy investigating and research. Being inquisitive, they want to understand the world and find ways to improve it. Depending on their hobbies and interests, they can do well in either science or engineering jobs.

Examples of science and engineering jobs:

  • Archeology
  • Biological sciences
  • Anthropology
  • Sociology
  • Design engineer
  • Architect
  • Technical writer

Education and healthcare

Because INFPs are interested in improving people’s lives, they would enjoy a career in education or healthcare. Since they are naturally empathetic and tend to prefer quiet spaces and one-on-one conversations, they’re well-suited for one of the helping professions.

Examples of education and healthcare jobs:

  • Special education teacher
  • Guidance counselor
  • Tutor
  • Kindergarten teacher
  • Preschool teacher
  • Lead teacher
  • Teacher assistant
  • Librarian
  • Teacher
  • Museum curator
  • Mental health professional
  • Physical therapist
  • Massage therapist
  • Speech-language pathologist
  • Nurse practitioner 

Media and communications

INFPs are skilled at making connections and love to read and discuss complex topics. They can be creative problem-solvers and may be talented at foreign languages or the visual arts. 

Examples of media and communications jobs:

  • Copywriter
  • Editor
  • Graphic designer
  • Photographer
  • Film editor
  • Web designer
  • Videographer

Business and technology

INFPs tend to avoid high-stress positions like sales or customer service. However, there are plenty of support roles in the business world where INFPs can use their creative side and excel. 

Examples of business and technology jobs:  

  • Fundraising manager
  • UX designer
  • Design technician
  • HR generalist
  • Administrative assistant

What jobs should an INFP personality avoid?

Doing something that lets you use your natural talents will most likely give you job satisfaction. Though any personality type can find a way to succeed in diverse positions and organizations, INFPs may find open office environments a little challenging. INFPs need alone time and are more focused and productive in a quieter space. They can find roles that require them to deal with people in stressful, fast-paced situations draining. 

Some of the positions that INFPs should avoid include: 

  • Military officer
  • Police officer
  • Materials engineer
  • Electrician
  • Systems analyst
  • Sales manager
  • Financial manager
  • Auditor
  • Cost estimator
  • Engineering technician
  • Chemist
  • Chemical engineer
  • Dentist
  • Judge

INFP personalities as team members

An INFP team member will be supportive and bring creative ideas to a team. Their empathy and desire to work toward a common goal can promote unity within the group. They listen to all points of view, consider all the options, and find creative solutions that incorporate all team members’ ideas. They are hard workers who are innovative and flexible and appreciate a commitment from their team members. They strive to find common ground to achieve the team’s goals and seek mutual support and understanding.

INFP personalities in leadership roles

An INFP leader will motivate and encourage team members to accomplish their vision and goals. Having a meaningful, worthwhile goal at work is vital to them, and they like to have team members who share their passion. They see the potential in others and are good at drawing out people’s strengths. INFPs appreciate creative thinking and try to avoid conflicts and difficult decisions. By nature, they’re flexible and seek harmony in their environment.

INFP personalities can shine as both leaders and team members. With their creativity and empathy, they can find a fulfilling career in many different fields as long as they have both meaningful interactions and some time to work on their own.