ISFP
Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perception
As an ISFP, career satisfaction means doing work that:
Popular Occupations for ISFPs
In listing occupations that are popular among ISFPs, it is important to note that there are successful people of all types in all occupations. However, the following are careers ISFPs may find particularly satisfying and some of the reasons why. This is by no means a comprehensive listing but is included to suggest possibilities you may not have previously considered. Although all of these occupations offer the potential for career satisfaction, the future demand for some careers is anticipated to be greater than for others. Based upon our research, the occupations that are italicized in the lists below are forecasted to enjoy the fastest rate of growth over the next several years.
CRAFTS/ARTISAN
The chief appeal of these careers for ISFPs is the opportunity to work with their hands in the creation of something attractive and, oftentimes, useful. They enjoy using their five senses in a practical way as well as working with real things in the real world. Many of these careers offer ISFPs the chance to work flexible hours and the freedom to schedule their own work. Most ISFPs prefer to be autonomous, without having to conform to administrative guidelines.
HEALTH CARE
ISFPs often find satisfaction in health care careers, especially those where they are able to work directly with clients and patients. They enjoy the hands-on element of many of the therapy occupations, helping others either physically or emotionally, during or after a crisis. They are generally very observant and able to respond well to subtle changes and like short-term problem solving. An essential ingredient in satisfaction within these careers and any other career for ISFPs is to be able to see and experience feedback for their contributions and to believe in the importance of the work they are doing.
SCIENCE/TECHNICAL
ISFPs often enjoy work that deals with facts rather than with theory. They tend to prefer using practical and active skills. The opportunity to be out-of-doors is particularly appealing to ISFPs, and they welcome change and variety in their work.
SALES/SERVICE
Many ISFPs find fulfilling work in service careers. Careers that let them help meet the needs of people or animals in specific and tangible ways are most rewarding. They tend to prefer work environments that share their values and foster and encourage interpersonal harmony, cooperation, and appreciation for the work of all. Many ISFPs enjoy teaching a specific subject area, usually with young children, where they have the opportunity to include lots of spontaneity and fun.
BUSINESS
Clerical careers, if in the right kind of environment, can provide satisfaction for ISFPs. The critical factor is the ability to use their excellent practical skills but in a supportive and affirming climate. ISFPs work best when working as part of a team, in a stable work group that respects the individual need for privacy and growth. They prefer work settings that allow them to create and maintain a pleasant and personalized work environment.
Your work-related strengths may include:
Your work-related weaknesses may include:
The secret to success for an ISFP is learning to: Assert yourself, step back and consider the “big picture,” and not take things too personally.
- Is consistent with my strong, inner values, and is something I care deeply about and want to contribute my energy and talents to
- If done with others is in a supportive and affirming climate where I am a loyal and cooperative member of a team
- Requires attention to detail, where I work with real things that benefit other people and have practical applications
- Gives me freedom to work independently but nearby other compatible and courteous people, and where I don’t feel restricted by excessive rules, structure, or inflexible operating procedures
- Lets me be adaptable yet committed; where I have a sense of purpose and am able to see and experience the actual results of my accomplishments
- Lets me use my sense of taste and aesthetics to enhance my physical work space, personalize it, and make others feel more comfortable
- Is done in a quietly cheerful and cooperative setting and where interpersonal conflicts are kept to a minimum
- Gives me an opportunity to experience inner growth and development within a context of work that I feel is important
- Lets me handle problems promptly and simply, offering practical help
- Does not require me to perform regular public speaking, lead a large group of people I don’t know well, or give people negative feedback
Popular Occupations for ISFPs
In listing occupations that are popular among ISFPs, it is important to note that there are successful people of all types in all occupations. However, the following are careers ISFPs may find particularly satisfying and some of the reasons why. This is by no means a comprehensive listing but is included to suggest possibilities you may not have previously considered. Although all of these occupations offer the potential for career satisfaction, the future demand for some careers is anticipated to be greater than for others. Based upon our research, the occupations that are italicized in the lists below are forecasted to enjoy the fastest rate of growth over the next several years.
CRAFTS/ARTISAN
- Fashion designer
- Carpenter
- Jeweler
- Gardener
- Tapestry worker
- Potter Painter
- Dancer
- Designer: interior/landscape
- Chef
- Artist
- Cartoonist and animator
- Sketch artist
- Tailor
- Musical instrument maker
The chief appeal of these careers for ISFPs is the opportunity to work with their hands in the creation of something attractive and, oftentimes, useful. They enjoy using their five senses in a practical way as well as working with real things in the real world. Many of these careers offer ISFPs the chance to work flexible hours and the freedom to schedule their own work. Most ISFPs prefer to be autonomous, without having to conform to administrative guidelines.
HEALTH CARE
- Visiting nurse
- Physical therapist
- Massage therapist
- Radiology technologist
- Medical assistant
- Dental assistant/hygienist
- Veterinary assistant
- Home health aide
- Primary care physician
- Dietitian/nutritionist
- Optician/optometrist
- Exercise physiologist
- Occupational therapist
- Art therapist
- Respiratory therapist
- Licensed practical nurse (LPN)
- Surgical technologist
- Personal fitness trainer
- Surgeon
- Veterinarian
- Speech-language pathologist
- Pharmacist
- Emergency room physician
- Pediatrician
- Cardiology technologist
- Audiometrist
- Pharmaceutical researcher
- Registered nurse
- Physician’s assistant
- Hospice worker/director
- Substance abuse counselor
- Pheresis technician
- Recreational therapist
ISFPs often find satisfaction in health care careers, especially those where they are able to work directly with clients and patients. They enjoy the hands-on element of many of the therapy occupations, helping others either physically or emotionally, during or after a crisis. They are generally very observant and able to respond well to subtle changes and like short-term problem solving. An essential ingredient in satisfaction within these careers and any other career for ISFPs is to be able to see and experience feedback for their contributions and to believe in the importance of the work they are doing.
SCIENCE/TECHNICAL
- Surveyor
- Computer operator
- Forester
- Botanist
- Geologist
- Mechanic
- Marine biologist
- Zoologist
- Television camera operator
- Soil conservationist
- Archaeologist
- Systems analyst
- Aviation inspector
- Electrical home appliance repairer
ISFPs often enjoy work that deals with facts rather than with theory. They tend to prefer using practical and active skills. The opportunity to be out-of-doors is particularly appealing to ISFPs, and they welcome change and variety in their work.
SALES/SERVICE
- Teacher: elementary (science/art)
- Police/corrections officer
- Crisis hotline operator
- Cleaning service operator
- Storekeeper
- Waiter/waitress
- Beautician
- Travel sales
- Preferred customer sales representative
- Merchandise planner
- Sports equipment sales
- Home health care sales
- Home health social worker
- Child welfare counselor
- Substance abuse counselor
- Social worker (elderly and child day care issues)
- Animal groomer/trainer
- Teacher: preschool
- Teacher: emotionally impaired
- Teacher: physically challenged
- Teacher’s aide, paraprofessional
- Landscape architect
- Art and manual arts therapist
- Fish and game warden
- Insurance fraud investigator
- Translator/interpreter
- Locomotive engineer
- Airplane dispatcher and air traffic controller
- Commercial airplane and helicopter pilot
- High school and college athletic coach
- Landscape architect
- Genealogist
- Residence counselor
- Recreation worker
- Horticultural specialty grower
- Florist
- Farmer
- Firefighter
- Wilderness adventure leader
Many ISFPs find fulfilling work in service careers. Careers that let them help meet the needs of people or animals in specific and tangible ways are most rewarding. They tend to prefer work environments that share their values and foster and encourage interpersonal harmony, cooperation, and appreciation for the work of all. Many ISFPs enjoy teaching a specific subject area, usually with young children, where they have the opportunity to include lots of spontaneity and fun.
BUSINESS
- Bookkeeper
- Legal secretary
- Typist
- Clerical supervisor
- Administrator
- Paralegal
- Insurance appraiser
- Insurance examiner: property and casualty
Clerical careers, if in the right kind of environment, can provide satisfaction for ISFPs. The critical factor is the ability to use their excellent practical skills but in a supportive and affirming climate. ISFPs work best when working as part of a team, in a stable work group that respects the individual need for privacy and growth. They prefer work settings that allow them to create and maintain a pleasant and personalized work environment.
Your work-related strengths may include:
- Ability to welcome change and adapt well to new situations
- Sensitivity to people’s needs and a desire to help them in real ways
- Practicality and realistic perceptions
- Good common sense
- Warmth and generosity
- Loyalty to people and organizations you care deeply about
- Attention to important details, especially those that concern people
- Thoughtfulness and ability to focus on current needs
- Willingness to support an organization’s goals
- Ability to clearly assess current conditions and see what needs fixing
- Flexibility and willingness to take calculated risks and try new approaches
Your work-related weaknesses may include:
- Tendency to accept things at face value and miss deeper implications
- Inability to see opportunities and options that don’t exist at the moment
- Tendency to take criticism and negative feedback very personally
- Dislike of preparing in advance; you have trouble organizing your time
- Trouble making decisions
- Dislike of excessive rules and overly structured bureaucracy
- Difficulty making logical decisions if they conflict with personal feelings
- Unwillingness to risk disharmony to fight for your idea or position
- Tendency to become overwhelmed by large or highly complicated tasks
- Resistance to setting long-term goals and difficulty meeting deadlines
- Difficulty disciplining direct-reports or criticizing others Using your strengths is easy.
The secret to success for an ISFP is learning to: Assert yourself, step back and consider the “big picture,” and not take things too personally.