ISFJ at Work

The caring and thoughtful ISFJs enjoy work that allows them to meet the needs of others practically. Preferring to stay out of the spotlight, ISFJs want to apply their meticulous and detailed nature to help others. Persistent in nature, ISFJs will work very hard to ensure that the tasks and assignments given to them are completed properly.

ISFJs prefer work that is defined for them and allows them to adhere to certain established routines in the organisation. They do not enjoy uncertainty or spontaneous decisions at work. Undefined job scopes stress them out because of their desire to take responsibility.

In the work environment, ISFJs prefer a quiet work environment where there is sufficient space for privacy. They bring loving care to their co-workers and likewise enjoy it if their efforts are appreciated and reciprocated.

ISFJ at Work: ISFJ 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.

Health Care and Social Service

ISFJs make great healthcare workers as they are responsible, reliable individuals who have heart and compassion for others. They are good at detail, facts and tangible evidence. This makes them very warm and sympathetic toward patients who have medical conditions, and yet at the same time methodical, painstaking and thorough in ensuring their patients get the right treatment.

• Family Doctor
• Surgeon
• Occupational Therapist
• Nurse
• Optician
• Dentist
• Healthcare Administrator

Education

ISFJs with their heart of compassion and desire to serve others will shine through in the field of education. In education, they may prefer teaching lower levels as they deal more with tangible and concrete facts rather than abstract concepts and big ideas, which are usually found at high levels of education. Some of the careers they could consider are:

• Early Childhood Educator
• Special Education Teacher
• Primary School Teacher
• Educational Administrator
• Historian
• Religious Teacher

Service Sector and Business

ISFJs have a great organisational ability and will excel in organisations or companies that require following set rules or procedures. Because of their considerate nature, ISFJs make great customer service representatives, so any role that involves meeting the needs of others will attract them, this could include:

• Personal Assistant
• Secretary
• Clerical Staff
• Retail Business Owner
• Retail Staff
• Customer Service Officer

Specialized Crafts

ISFJs may also consider the creative and technical crafts as well. Their methodical, painstaking method of executing their craft will ensure that the quality of their work is top-notch and consistent. While they may not be considered ‘creative’ in the traditional sense of the word, their memory will often serve them well in producing and reproducing similar results. Careers they may consider are:

• Interior Designer
• Artist
• Musician
• Electrician
• Car Mechanic

ISFJ at Work: Ideal ISFJ Career Environments

Even though you’re in the right job, it is the culture of the organisation 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 organisations that are known to have:

WELL ESTABLISHED AND FINANCIALLY STABLE

ISFJs enjoy being part of organisations that are well-established and financially stable companies. Their track record and reputation assures ISFJs of their longevity.

Narrow your job search to multi-national corporations if this is important to you as they are more likely to be established organisations as compared to local corporations.

CLEAR ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ISFJs are drawn to organisations that give them clear roles and responsibilities with little room for ambiguity. It gives them a clear and concrete indicator of whether they have sufficiently met the expectations for them.

During your interview, you should ask them about your responsibilities on the job. The more clearly they can answer you, the more likely your job responsibilities will be clearly defined. Nonetheless, be ready that you will be asked to take on more than what is written in the job description.

SERVICE ORIENTED

ISFJs like to work in service-oriented environments, where their colleagues and peers are all watching out for each other and serving each other with a good attitude. They also enjoy making personal friends at work. Such an environment motivates and enhances their productivity at work.

Usually, it is the teaching industry or the social service sectors that will have such work cultures; consider searching there if this is important for you.

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