INFJ Careers: What INFJs Need In The Workplace

The majority of careers are not created by or for the INFJ personality type, which makes it difficult for INFJs to find complete fulfillment in their work. However, INFJs can bring under-represented skills to any job — perhaps even molding the position to fit their personality instead of trying to fit into a pre-defined role.

INFJs thrive in work environments that allow them to use their dominant Introverted Intuition process and auxiliary Extraverted Feeling function. They also tend to prefer careers that are more suited to their introverted personality.

To determine what INFJs need in the workplace, let’s look at what introverts, intuitive types, and feelers need to thrive in their careers.

What Introverts Need in the Workplace

Since INFJs are also introverts, the enjoy careers that cater toward their preference for solitude.

Introverts succeed in jobs that offer:

• Long periods of quiet concentration: Introverts need plenty of time to focus in quiet environments.
• Time to think through decisions: Introverts appreciate having time to think about decisions — especially ones made in group environments like in a meeting.
• The “why” behind their work: Introverts are more focused on the process, while extroverts focus more on results. For this reason, introverts need to understand the idea behind the job more than extroverts.
• One-on-one conversations: Introverts perform better in one-on-one calls and meetings than they do in group environments.

What Intuitives Need in the Workplace

Many intuitive types prefer jobs that allow them to explore theories, possibilities and complex problems from a big picture perspective.

Intuitive types excel in careers that offer:

• Flexible work schedules: Intuitive personality types often prefer to work in short burst of inspiration and find it more difficult to work a 9:00 to 5:00 job.
• Learning opportunities: Intuitives generally enjoy learning a new skill more than practicing it.
• Complex challenges: Intuitives are patient and motivated by coming up with solutions for complicated issues.
• Fast paced environments: Intuitives enjoy solving problems and reaching conclusions quickly. They are less patient than sensors at following step-by-step processes and procedures.

What Feelers Need in the Workplace

Feeling types prefer jobs that allow them to work with, persuade and inspire people. Feelers focus on maintaining harmony and making sure they meet the group’s needs.

Feeling types thrive in careers that give them:

• Recognition and praise: Feelers, more than thinkers, need to be shown appreciation for their work.
• People-focused decision making: Feeling types allow their decisions to be influenced by their own or other people’s wants or needs. They need the freedom to take feelings into account when making decisions at work.
• Group feedback: Feelers need more feedback and input than thinkers when it comes to making decisions. They become more confident in a direction when they know that the team is on board.
• Opportunity to help: Feelers are sympathetic to other people’s needs and want to help in whatever way they can. For this reason, careers in healthcare and teaching are popular among feeling-focused personality types.

What INFJs Need in the Workplace

Since INFJs are introverts, intuitives, and feelers, they need a bit of all of the above in order to thrive in their work. Here’s a look at some of the main things INFJs need to be fulfilled and successful in their careers.

• A growth-oriented environment
• A quiet, minimally stimulated workplace
• Continuing educational opportunities
• The ability to strategize and focus on the big picture
• Recognition for their contributions and achievements
• Work that aligns with their vision and values
• Independence and autonomy
• The ability to innovate and experiment
• A positive, conflict-free workplace
• The opportunity to help others learn and grow
• Some degree of structure and security
• Positive reinforcement and constructive criticism

No one should use personality type as the only tool for choosing their career. However, understanding your unique gifts and challenges as an INFJ and learning how those apply to your work can help you find a career or workplace that values your preferred processes.