Delving into the ENFJ Personality
The ENFJ personality type, one of the 16 Myers-Briggs personality types, is often described as the ‘Giver’ or the ‘Teacher.’ These individuals are known for their charismatic, empathetic, and leadership qualities, making them influential in various social settings. Let’s explore the core traits that define an ENFJ:
- Extraversion (E): ENFJs are naturally outgoing and thrive in social interactions. They enjoy connecting with people and have a talent for inspiring and motivating others.
- Intuition (N): This trait allows ENFJs to see the big picture and focus on future possibilities. They are often creative and enjoy thinking about abstract concepts.
- Feeling (F): ENFJs prioritize emotions and values in their decision-making process. They are deeply empathetic and often attuned to the feelings of others.
- Judging (J): Organized and decisive, ENFJs prefer structure and order. They are often seen taking charge and organizing projects and people.
ENFJs are naturally drawn to careers that allow them to utilize their strong interpersonal skills, empathetic nature, and leadership abilities. They excel in roles where they can influence, teach, and help others grow. The careers most frequently chosen by ENFJs reflect these intrinsic qualities, offering them the opportunity to be their true selves at work. In contrast, the least chosen careers often lack the elements of human interaction, emotional connection, and the ability to inspire and lead, which are essential to the ENFJ’s professional fulfillment.
Career Preferences for ENFJ Personality Types
Based on Charles Martin’s “Looking at Type and Careers,” the following table lists 50 careers most often chosen by individuals with the ENFJ personality type, showcasing roles where their natural abilities shine. The table also includes 20 careers least often chosen by ENFJs, which generally don’t align with their core traits and preferences.
| Careers Selected Most Often by ENFJs | Careers Selected Least Often by ENFJs |
|---|---|
| 1. Director of Religious Education | 1. Restaurant Worker |
| 2. Minister | 2. Factory or Site Supervisor |
| 3. Clergy | 3. Computer Operations, Systems Researcher, or Analyst |
| 4. Home Management Advisor/Home Economist | 4. Farmer |
| 5. Rabbi | 5. Social Services Worker |
| 6. Priest or Monk | 6. School Bus Driver |
| 7. Teacher (Health) | 7. Small Business Manager |
| 8. Psychodrama Therapist | 8. City Works Technician |
| 9. Actor | 9. Retail Store Manager |
| 10. Teacher (Art, Drama, or Music) | 10. Coal Miner |
| 11. Suicide or Crisis Counselor | 11. Corporate Executive |
| 12. Fine Artist | 12. Steel Worker |
| 13. Counselor (Runaway Youth) | 13. Regional Utilities Manager |
| 14. Counselor (School) | 14. Corrections or Probation Officer |
| 15. English Teacher | 15. Personnel or Labor Relations Worker |
| 16. Consultant (General) | 16. Police Officer |
| 17. Optometrist | 17. Purchasing Agent |
| 18. Musician or Composer | 18. Military Officer or Enlistee |
| 19. Counselor (Vocational or Educational) | 19. Construction Worker |
| 20. Teacher (Foreign Language, Junior/Senior High School) | 20. Medical Secretary |
| 21. Counselor (All Categories) | – |
| 22. Artist or Entertainer | – |
| 23. Religious Worker (All Types and Denominations) | – |
| 24. Dental Hygienist | – |
| 25. Librarian | – |
| 26. Physician (Family Practice and General Practice) | – |
| 27. Designer | – |
| 28. Child Care Worker | – |
| 29. Nursing Consultant | – |
| 30. Psychiatrist | – |
| 31. High School Teacher | – |
| 32. Writer or Journalist | – |
| 33. Nursing Educator | – |
| 34. Marketing Professional | – |
| 35. Administration (Elementary or Secondary School) | – |
| 36. Pharmacist | – |
| 37. Health Education Practitioner | – |
| 38. Psychologist | – |
| 39. Education Administrator | – |
| 40. Food Service Worker | – |
| 41. University Professor | – |
| 42. Preschool Teacher | – |
| 43. Religious Order Lay Member | – |
| 44. Library Assistant | – |
| 45. Public Relations Worker/Publicity Writer | – |
| 46. Junior College Teacher | – |
| 47. Administrator Student Personnel | – |
| 48. Middle or Junior High School Teacher | – |
| 49. Social Scientist | – |
| 50. Physical Therapist | – |
This table provides a comprehensive view of career paths that align with the strengths and preferences of the ENFJ personality type. The left column highlights professions where ENFJs can utilize their empathy, creativity, and leadership abilities, while the right column lists careers that generally do not align with the ENFJ’s intrinsic qualities.
Ken Meyer
Myers Briggs Master Practitioner and Retired Senior Career Coach at Eastern Michigan University
