ESFJ at Work

ESFJs enjoy work that allow them to work closely with people and help them in practical and tangible ways. They are good organizers of people and things, and often gravitate to managerial roles. Highly meticulous and careful, they are very good with work that requires them to be accurate and detailed.

ESFJs prefer a structured work environment that allows them to mix with a variety of people in their job. They bring a warmth and care to the people they interact with. When it comes to accomplishing a task, they can become highly task-oriented and sometimes appear to be imposing.

They are comfortable with structure and routine; and can get irritated with co-workers who do not follow set procedures or respect the rules. Being organized and planned, they are perfect for maintaining the status quo, especially in mid-sized and established organizations.

ESFJ at Work: ESFJ Careers Suggestions

Before you get to the top career suggestions, it must be stressed that all personality types exist in all occupations.

Due to other factors involved such as interests, geography, salary and working hours, most individuals do not end up in occupations that ideally fit their personality.

However, if you are in a job or career that is not suitable for personalities of your type:

• You may have trouble communicating or agreeing with your co-workers.
• You may find communication issues arising in your work.
• What you deem to be important in a job may not be in sync with your colleagues; hence, the use of your personalities’ strengths during your work MAY NOT lead to promotion or reward.
• Because you do not feel your work is valued, you may experience stress, dissatisfaction, burnout and lack of productivity.

BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT

ESFJs will enjoy certain careers in the bustling world of business and management, especially those that involve working closely with others or involve adding practical value to clients. They enjoy building personal relationships as part of their work. The following careers may appeal to ESFJs:

• Public relations officer
• Personal financial adviser
• Real estate agent
• Insurance agent
• Management consultant
• Real estate appraiser
• Hotel Manager

HEALTH CARE

Healthcare is one of the most suitable careers for the ESFJ. ESFJs are compassionate individuals who enjoy administrating care to others. They enjoy interacting with people as well as listening and meeting their needs. The follow careers will likely appeal to ESFJs:

• Physiotherapist
• Family doctor
• Surgeon
• Nurse
• Dentist
• Nutritionist

EDUCATION

ESFJs also enjoying teaching and empowering people in practical ways through the education system. Their methodical and task-oriented approach to teaching will ensure their students’ understanding of thesubjects. Teaching at younger levels are more appropriate for ESFJs as the tertiary education system often involves abstract concepts; something which ESFJs are not as comfortable with. Some possible career choices are:

• School principal
• School Counsellor
• Child care teacher
• Childcare Centre director
• Early childhood educator
• Religious Teacher

SOCIAL SERVICE

ESFJs are usually avid volunteers in their community. They see the need to be personally involved in serving those that require ground work and their warmth and compassion often shines through in the roles they take up. If there is opportunity, ESFJs can consider the following careers in the social service:

• Social Worker
• Counsellor
• Special Needs Teacher
• Minister or Pastor
• Full-time volunteer

ESFJ at Work: Ideal ESFJ Career Environments

Even though you’re in the right job, it is the culture of the organization that will ultimately determine your job satisfaction.

There are work environments that will support your professional development and there are those that stress you out.

When you are applying or considering a new job, consider looking for organizations that are known to have:

TRADITION AND STABILITY

Security and stability in a job is important for an ESFJ, who prefer working in traditional work environments that have clear structure and hierarchy.

They enjoy the predictability that traditional and stable organizations offer. Narrow your job search to multi-national corporations if this is important for you; these are more likely to be established organizations as compared to small or medium enterprises.

FRIENDLY AND CORDIAL ENVIRONMENT

ESFJs like work environments that are amicable. Besides having a professional relationship with their colleagues, ESFJs enjoy building personal ties with them.

You can consider most recommended careers in the healthcare; service and social service sector as they usually have friendly and cordial environments.

COLLABORATIVE WORK

ESFJs revel in organizations that promote harmony, closeness and teamwork. They like working on projects that require them to collaborate with their colleagues to achieve organizational goals. It is likely that they will not enjoy work that requires them to compete with their colleagues, especially in harsher, more competitive sales positions.

Return to the 16 Types