INFJ Personality Type

The INFJ personality type is one of the rarest of the 16 personality types, making up anywhere from 1 to 3 percent of the population. They are sometimes called the “counselor” personality type.

This guide will walk you through the characteristics, strengths, and challenges of the INFJ personality type.

INFJ Personality Type In-Depth Profile

What is an INFJ?

INFJ stands for Introvert, Intuition, Feeling, and Judging. The INFJ is one of the 16 personality types according to the theory of Katharine Briggs and Isabel Myers.

INFJ personality types are:

• Introverts: They gain energy by spending time alone and get drained by too much external stimulation.
• Intuitives: They are more concerned with the abstract world than the concrete. INFJs are fascinated by theories, ideas, and symbolism.
• Feelers: They make decisions based on how their choices will impact other people. INFJs are in tune with how other people feel.
• Judgers: They are decisive and prefer an organized external world. INFJs are hyper-aware of time and they work better with structure and routine.

While INFJs are very much introverts, they have a strong love of people and this extends to all of humanity. They genuinely care about understanding others and society at large.

INFJs prefer not to draw attention to themselves, so they’ll often hide part of their personality until they feel like they can truly trust the person or people around them.

While they’re slow to warm up to others, many INFJs are skilled at making other people feel comfortable.

INFJs are future-oriented idealists. This personality type is easily able to see the big picture and predict the outcomes and implications of current events far into the future.

Many INFJs profess feeling like they have “psychic” powers because of their ability to recognize patterns and intuitively assess how events will unfold.

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“Your visions will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.”

— Carl Jung

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INFJ Personality Strengths

The INFJs strengths come from exercising and developing their intuition and their ability to understand others and help them grow.

Here are a few of the INFJ personality type’s strengths:

• Future-oriented
• Motivated by personal growth
• Extremely intuitive
• Good listeners
• Deeply empathetic
• Insightful
• Passionate and purposeful
• Can inspire and motivate others
• See the world from multiple perspectives

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INFJ Personality Type Weaknesses

The INFJs weaknesses come from the lesser developed parts of their personality and are amplified in high-stress environments.

Here are some common weaknesses of the INFJ:

• Lack attention to detail
• Can be easily overwhelmed by data
• Don’t prioritize their personal needs
• Perfectionists
• Struggle with self-doubt

“Stop acting so small. You are the universe in ecstatic motion.”

— Rumi

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INFJ Personality Cognitive Functions

The cognitive functions are the root of personality type. These functions were originally developed by psychologist Carl Jung and used as the bases of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®) developed by Katherine Briggs and Isabel Briggs Myers.

The cognitive functions go much deeper than what can be learned from a personality test result.

The functions help us understand how our brains work. Specifically, how we take in information and make decisions.

Essentially, they allow us to dive past the what of personality and understand the why.

There are eight Jungian cognitive functions that make up the 16 personality types. Each personality type uses all eight functions but has a preference for the top four.

These top four preferred functions make up what we call the type’s function stack.

INFJ Cognitive Function Stack

INFJ personality types rely heavily on the functions in their cognitive function stack.

The INFJs function stack looks like this:

• Dominant function: Introverted Intuition (Ni)
• Auxiliary function: Extraverted Feeling (Fe)
• Tertiary function: Introverted Thinking (Ti)
• Inferior function: Extraverted Sensing (Se)

The four non-preferred functions are known as the shadow functions. The INFJs shadow functions are Extroverted Intuition (Ne), Introverted Feeling (Fi), Extraverted Thinking (Te) and Introverted Sensing (Si).

Introverted Intuition in INFJs

Introverted Intuition takes in information in an abstract way and often sees patterns and symbolism.

As the INFJs dominant function, it is their primary way of understanding the world around them. INFJs are skilled at recognizing patterns and understanding how ideas and theories are connected.

INFJs are able to dissect theories and focus on what part of the idea they’re able to connect to a bigger picture concept.

Extraverted Feeling in INFJs

Extraverted Feeling is the INFJ personality types auxiliary function and it helps guide the INFJs decision-making process. 

It’s due to Fe that INFJs are able to immediately sense the emotional energy in a room of people. People often feel comfortable in the presence of an INFJ and may even open up to them fairly quickly.

This is because Fe allows INFJs to naturally adapt to social situations so to make others feel more comfortable.

Introverted Thinking in INFJs

Introverted Thinking is the Tertiary function of the INFJ. Ti is a decision-making function that makes decisions based on data processed internally.

When developed, Ti is adept at strategizing, analyzing and discovering unique solutions to problems.

In the INFJ, Ti offers a logical balance to the INFJs natural intuitive and emotional sides. Ti can help INFJs understand the logical reasoning behind their intuitive insights.

Extraverted Sensing in INFJs

Extraverted Sensing is the Inferior function of the INFJ personality type. Se has a strong awareness of the physical world. It is skilled at reacting quickly and noticing details in the present environment.

As their Inferior function, Se may appear clumsy and awkward in the INFJ. When an INFJ embraces their Se, they enjoy many sensory experiences — although they can easily get overwhelmed by overstimulation.

INFJs prefer to use Se in low-pressure environments. 

“At the center of your being you have the answer; you know who you are and you know what you want.”

— Lao Tzu

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INFJ Compatibility and Relationships

INFJ personality types strive for true love — someone who truly “gets” them, or at the very least, deeply wants to understand their every layer of who they are.

Once the INFJ finds “the one,” they are extremely caring and loyal partners. They often put their partner first and make the relationship a top priority.

INFJ personality types love to learn about their significant other and use what they’ve learned to improve the relationship.

INFJs match best with someone who shares this desire. Otherwise, they’re likely to feel like they’re not appreciated or valued.

INFJs can struggle to be completely vulnerable; so when an INFJ finds someone who peels apart their layers, they feel an intense bond. If the other person breaks this bond, the INFJ feels intensely betrayed, angry and wounded.

The INFJ may “door slam” the person who betrayed them so an not to risk another betrayal. Because it’s so hard for them to trust in the first place, betraying the INFJs trust is the worst thing their partner could do.

INFJ Relationship Strengths

INFJ personality types bring many strengths to their relationships, including:

• A warm, empathetic and nurturing personality that puts their partner at ease
• Strong listening skills
• Being truly attentive to their loved one’s needs and desires
• A silly, playful side that only comes out around those they trust
• The ability to understand their partners motives and intentions
• A willingness to compromise and make sacrifices for their partner
• Highly valuing honesty and loyalty in the relationship
• The ability to talk through conflict in a calm and analytical way
• Setting high goals for themselves, their partner and the relationship

INFJ Relationship Challenges

In relationships, INFJs may struggle with some of the following challenges:

• Setting and maintaining extremely high and unrealistic standards for their partner
• Remembering small details — like that their partner doesn’t like a certain type of food
• Dealing with issues that may cause conflict in the relationship
• Being completely open and vulnerable with their partner
• Including their partner in their inner world and sharing their passions
• Standing up for themselves
• Separating their wants and needs from those of their partner
• Leaving a toxic relationship for fear of hurting their partner or causing conflict

“I’ve become convinced that the things that matter most are the things that you can’t see — the love you share with others, your inner purpose, your comfort with who you are.”

— Jimmy Carter

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INFJs as Parents

INFJs are loving and devoted parents. They see their children as equals and want to nurture, educate and inspire them to become the best versions of themselves.

As parents, INFJs can have high expectations for their children but are also extremely compassionate, understanding and forgiving.

Strengths of the INFJ Parent

INFJs have many strengths as parents. INFJs are:

• Highly emotionally attuned to their children
• Accepting of their child’s wide range of emotions
• Empathetic and understanding toward their child’s struggles
• Extremely attentive to their child’s needs
• Eager to talk to their children about big picture ideas and instill life lessons

Challenges of the INFJ Parent

INFJ personality types experience the following challenges as parents. INFJs:

• Struggle to discipline or practice “tough love” when necessary
• Can be stubborn when it comes to their vision and values
• Set overly high expectations for their children
• Blame themselves if their child doesn’t meet their expectations
• May feel like they don’t fit society’s mold of the “ideal” mom or dad

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INFJs as Children

INFJ children are inquisitive, reflective and imaginative — they won’t hesitate to ask questions and often hold a variety of interests. As children, INFJs live in a world guided almost entirely by their Dominant function, Introverted Intuition.

The INFJ child will likely appear intelligent and insightful, picking up on ideas and concepts earlier than many other children. However, they may struggle to fully understand reality and appreciate simple joys.

What INFJ Children Need

There are several needs INFJ children require to live happy childhoods and grow into healthy adults. 

INFJ children need:

• Alone time
• To feel heard
• Minimally stimulating environments
• To learn how to speak up for themselves
• Patience
• Encouragement
• Motivation

“We do not need magic to transform our world. We carry all of the power we need inside ourselves already.”

— J.K. Rowling

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INFJ Personality Type Careers

When it comes to careers, INFJs seek purpose, the ability to make a difference and a career that aligns with the visions they have for their lives.

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.

INFJs prefer to avoid office politics and their primary motivator is usually not to climb the ladder or make more money.

According to Truity.com, INFJs are more likely than average to be a stay-at-home parent and less likely than average to manage a large team.

Truity also reports that the average salary for INFJs is $36,575, which is lower than average when compared to other personality types.

What INFJs Need in the Workplace

What do INFJs need to be fulfilled and successful in their careers?

• The opportunity to help others learn and grow
• Positive reinfocement and constructive criticism
• A growth-oriented environment
• A quiet, minimally stimulated workplace
• The ability to strategize and focus on the big picture
• Work that aligns with their vision and values
• A positive and conflict-free work environment

Best Careers for INFJs

What is the best career for the INFJ?

While no one should use personality type as the primary tool for choosing their career, it’s helpful to understand what careers are more fitted for the INFJs unique gifts and challenges.

Here are some of the best career paths for INFJs:

• Counselor
• Social Worker
• Small Business Owner
• Writer
• Editor
• Musician
• Artist
• Photographer
• Alternative Health Care Practitioner
• Physical Therapist
• Family Physician
• Nutritionist
• Medical Researcher
• Clergy
• Social Scientist
• Environmental Scientist
• HR Manager
• Graphic Designer
• Animator
• Librarian
• Marketing Professional
• Radio or Podcast Host
• Life coach

Worst Careers for INFJs

Here are some of the careers that are least popular for INFJs according to Truity.com.

• Electrician
• Mechanic
• Engineering Technician
• Real Estate Broker
• Sales Manager
• Restaurant Manager
• Financial Manager
• Military Officer
• Police Officer
• Paramedic
• Chef

What career is best for you as an INFJ? Click here to take the Truity Career Personality Profiler.

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Famous INFJ Personality Types

Many well-known activists, celebrities and even fictional characters have traits that are similar to the characteristics of the INFJ personality.

Famous INFJ personality types include:

• Adolf Hitler
• Adrien Brody
• Albus Dumbledore (Harry Potter)
• Atticus Finch (To Kill a Mockingbird)
• Carl Jung
• Eleanor Roosevelt
• Hercule Poirot (Murder on the Orient Express)
• Jimmy Carter
• J.K. Rowling
• Leonard Cohen
• Mahatma Gandhi
• Marilyn Manson
• Martin Luther King, Jr.
• Mother Teresa
• Nelson Mandela
• Nicole Kidman
• Tom Selleck

“Our life is composed greatly from dreams, from the unconscious, and they must be brought into connection with action. They must be woven together.”

— Anais Nin

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INFJ Personality Growth

The INFJs personal growth journey requires understanding their strengths and weaknesses and knowing the best ways to manage this information.

It is imperative for the INFJ to not only understand what their strengths and weaknesses are, but why they exist and how they can use this knowledge to maximize their growth potential. 

The key factor in using personality type for personal development exists in the why.

It’s not enough to simply understand who you are — but what in your wiring makes you that way. You can use this knowledge of your inner wiring to transform into the best version of yourself. Ready to get started?