People have all sorts of personalities – some are outgoing, others prefer solitude; some thrive on organization, while others go with the flow. Whether we realize it or not, these diverse personalities can influence our success at work. Moreover, there are specific careers, job roles, and tips for career development that align with each personality type. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a tool commonly used to evaluate individuals' personalities, sorting them into 16 distinct types.

What is MBTI?

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is essentially a personality assessment test. Individuals assess themselves by responding to a series of questions, and based on their answers, they are sorted into one of 16 personality types, each identified by four letters chosen from a set of eight. For instance, you might get types like ENFP, ISTJ, or INTJ.

MBTI was developed by Katharine Cook Briggs and her daughter, Isabel Briggs Myers. Both were inspired by the book "Psychological Types" written by Carl Jung, a Swiss psychologist.

The MBTI test employs letters to characterize individuals' personalities, utilizing a total of eight letters grouped into four pairs. Test takers receive a single-letter result for each dimension, including:

• Attitude: E - Extraversion (sociable, enjoys meeting people) vs I - Introversion (prefers solitude, prefers listening over speaking)
• Perception: S - Sensing (perceives through the senses) vs N - Intuition (perceives through intuition)
• Decision-making: T - Thinking (logical, uses reasoning) vs F - Feeling (uses emotions, empathetic)
• Lifestyle: J - Judgment (organized, disciplined, decisive) vs P - Perception (flexible, open to new experiences)

The letters in MBTI represent the following:

Attitude: E and I (Extraversion and Introversion)

E: Extraversion ➤ Sociable, enjoys socializing, active in activities, talkative, and friendly.

I: Introversion ➤ Reserved, enjoys solitude, values personal space, quiet, and prefers listening over speaking.

Perception: S and N (Sensing and Intuition)

S: Sensing ➤ Observes through the five senses, stays rooted in the present, practical, and realistic.

N: Intuition ➤ Perceives through intuition, imaginative, grasps the broader picture, and envisions the future.

Decision-making: T and F (Thinking and Feeling)

T: Thinking ➤ Relies on logic, rationality, applies reasoning, and follows principles in decision-making.

F: Feeling ➤ Considers emotions, shows empathy, sympathy, and flexibility when making decisions.

World Interaction: J and P (Judgment and Perception)

J: Judgment ➤ Organized, follows plans, decisive, disciplined, and prefers structure.

P: Perception ➤ Flexible, adapts to situations, open-minded, and receptive to new experiences.

Those taking the MBTI test receive a single-letter result for each dimension, combining to create a four-letter set representing one of the 16 personality types, like ENFP, ISTJ, ESTP, and INFJ.

Take the MBTI test

You can uncover your personality type among the 16 options by taking the MBTI test, a popular assessment available in multiple languages on the website https://www.16personalities.com/th.

Once you determine your personality type, you'll gain valuable insights into your strengths and characteristics. This understanding can guide you in exploring career paths and job positions that align with your personality type. Armed with this information, you can make more informed decisions about your future.

Personality Types: What are the 16 Types?

The MBTI test defines personality into 16 types, categorized into 4 groups: Analysts, Diplomats, Sentinels, and Explorers.

Each personality type, along with its characteristics, suitable professions, and Career Development Guidelines, is as follows:

Analyst Personality Group:

This refers to individuals who take the MBTI test and receive the results with the letters N and T, namely:

INTJ Personality - The Architect:

Characteristics: Imaginative, visionary, creative thinker, observant, skeptical, meticulous, quick learner, open to feedback, self-confident, and decisive.

Suitable Professions: Architect, Engineer, Programmer, Scientist, Mathematician, Marketing Strategist, Accountant, Economist, Teacher, University Professor, etc.

Career Development Guidelines: Individuals with INTJ personality may appear cool and distant when deeply engrossed in their work, potentially overlooking acknowledgment and admiration for others. Therefore, it is essential for INTJs to prioritize breaks and relaxation, listen actively, consider others' needs, and show appreciation. Additionally, encouraging and expressing gratitude towards others' contributions to the work is crucial for their continued growth.

Highlight : rest, relax, listen, consider others’ needs, appreciate, encourage

INTP Personality - The Logician:

Characteristics: Observant, creative thinker, analytical, critical, enjoys planning, excellent problem solver, clear goals, and maintains self-awareness.

Suitable Professions: Logician, Researcher, Scientist, Mathematician, Biologist, Chemist, Biochemist, Lawyer, Teacher, University Professor, etc.

Career Development Guidelines: INTP individuals may encounter challenges when working in a team, especially with those who seem irrational or do not prioritize work adequately. They might struggle with unclear directions and overlook essential details. Therefore, individuals with an INTP personality should strive to understand that everyone has different perspectives, delegate tasks to others, and thoroughly explore various details and truths for a comprehensive understanding.

Highlight : accept differences, delegate, cautious

ENTJ Personality - The Commander:

Characteristics: Assertive leader, self-confident, decisive, organized, strategic, high-energy, and ambitious.

Suitable Professions: Executive, Investor, Broker, Agent, Politician, Lawyer, Judge, Pilot, Actor, Journalist, Astronomer, Programmer, etc.

Career Development Guidelines: Individuals with ENTJ personality may tend to overlook the involvement of others and neglect considering the needs of those executing their plans. This can be due to their strong drive, potentially pushing others hard and causing fear due to a controlling attitude. Therefore, those with an ENTJ personality should actively listen, give importance to others' needs, and recognize that everyone has different potentials and should be understood accordingly.

Highlight : listen, consider others’ needs, accept differences

ENTP Personality - The Debater:

Characteristics: Energetic, charming, observant, enjoys debating and criticizing, likes comparisons, straightforward, quick learner, articulate, and persuasive.

Suitable Professions: Public Relations Specialist, Advertising Copywriter, Sales Representative, Diplomat, Lawyer, Producer, Photographer, Consultant, Researcher, Actor, Astronomer, Programmer, Teacher, University Professor, etc.

Career Development Guidelines: Individuals with an ENTP personality may sometimes avoid making decisions and become excited about ideas that may be impractical due to time or resource constraints. They might challenge others and their ideas excessively. Therefore, those with an ENTP personality should not be afraid to make decisions, even if they are not universally accepted or implemented. However, they must consider various limitations before making decisions and understand that everyone has different perspectives and ideas.

Highlight : decisive, cautious, accept differences

Diplomat Personality Group:

This refers to individuals who take the MBTI test and receive the results with the letters N and F, namely:

INFJ Personality - The Advocate:

Characteristics: Empathetic, helpful, certain, determined, idealistic, honest, clear, and straightforward.

Suitable Professions: Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Social Worker, Counselor, Physician, Dentist, Artist, Musician, Writer, Librarian, etc.

Career Development Guidelines: Individuals with an INFJ personality may appear to be reserved and private, with a tendency to internalize thoughts within their own framework, leading to a visionary perspective that may not align with reality. Therefore, those with an INFJ personality should carefully consider various factors and consult with others before making decisions. When communicating, they should provide detailed and clear explanations to ensure effective understanding.

Highlight : cautious, deliberate, communicate, elaborate, clear

INFP Personality - The Mediator:

Characteristics: Optimistic, open-minded, flexible, attentive to others' opinions, devoted, and skilled in negotiation.

Suitable Professions: Counselor, Translator, Artist, Photographer, Actor, Director, Librarian, Editor, Designer, Historian, HR Manager, Advertising Copywriter, etc.

Career Development Guidelines: Individuals with an INFP personality may encounter challenges when expressing their opinions in meetings, potentially leading others to perceive them as disinterested or uninvolved. Those with an INFP personality should be prepared before meetings and, if necessary, have materials ready to present their ideas. When presenting their ideas, they should do so with confidence and clarity to ensure effective communication and to showcase the value of their thoughts.

Highlight : prepare, confident, clear

ENFJ Personality - The Protagonist:

Characteristics: Charming, open-hearted, determined, natural leaders, empathetic, helpful, trustworthy, and adaptable.

Suitable Professions: Sales Representative, Customer Service Manager, Human Resources Manager, Designer, Nurse, Public Relations Specialist, Psychologist, Social Worker, Rehabilitation Counselor, Counselor, Diplomat, Writer, etc.

Career Development Guidelines: Individuals with an ENFJ personality may sometimes talk excessively and feel genuinely disheartened if others do not respond as expected. People with this personality type may expect everyone to invest as much in the work as they do, manage conflicts, and navigate disagreements. However, they might sometimes make decisions overlooking empirical and logical reasoning.

Therefore, those with an ENFJ personality should strive to be good listeners and not hesitate to seek feedback or constructive criticism. They must understand that everyone's potential is not the same and should acknowledge that conflicts are natural, and the resolution may not always be satisfactory to everyone. Additionally, they should carefully consider various factors before making decisions.

Highlight : listen, seek feedback, accept differences, compromise, cautious

ENFP Personality - The Campaigner:

Characteristics: Enthusiastic, sociable, articulate, diplomatic, adaptable, and creative.

Suitable Professions: Journalist, News Anchor, Writer, Newspaper Editor, Politician, Investor, Teacher, University Professor, Scientist, Psychologist, Counselor, Social Worker, Songwriter, Flight Attendant, Guide, etc.

Career Development Guidelines: Individuals with an ENFP personality may struggle to follow through with decisions or projects to completion and may risk burning out due to excessive responsibility or attempting to explore every possibility. They might face challenges in prioritizing tasks and may encounter difficulties in determining the importance of each item on their to-do list.

Therefore, those with an ENFP personality should practice planning and time management skills, establish clear and measurable goals, and avoid overwhelming themselves with excessive responsibilities or attempting to explore every possibility. Breaking down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps and seeking assistance or delegating certain responsibilities to others can also be beneficial. Additionally, placing importance on taking breaks and relaxation is crucial.

Highlight : time management, prioritize, set realistic goals, delegate, seek support, rest, relax

Sentinel Personality Group:

This refers to individuals who, after taking the MBTI test, received the results of the letters S and J.

ISTJ Personality - The Logistician

Characteristics: Logical, calm, honest, punctual, dislikes speculation, enjoys checking facts, not very expressive of emotions.

Suitable Professions: Accountant, physician, dentist, business owner, business analyst, economist, lawyer, legal advisor, judge, programmer, police officer, military personnel, archaeologist, farmer, etc.

Career Development Guidelines: Individuals with ISTJ personalities may tend to adhere strictly to their own practical guidelines, and they might be perceived as rigid, not paying much attention to others. Therefore, it is advisable for ISTJ individuals to listen to feedback, prioritize others' needs, and express their feelings and needs to others. Additionally, developing flexibility is crucial to adapt to changing situations.

Highlight : listen, express feelings and needs, flexibility, adaptability

ISFJ Personality - The Defender

Characteristics: Trustworthy, patient, diligent, dedicated, observant, helpful, honest, resistant to change, not very expressive of emotions.

Suitable Professions: Manager, military commander, police commander, judge, accountant, banker, economist, businessperson, physician, nurse, photographer, teacher, etc.

Career Development Guidelines: Individuals with ISFJ personalities may tend to be overly cautious and may not consider the logical reasons behind their decision-making. They might also lack the courage to express themselves and may risk making decisions solely to please others.

Therefore, it is recommended for ISFJ individuals to increase self-confidence, express feelings and needs clearly to others, and practice straightforward and polite communication. Additionally, they should consider various factors carefully before making decisions.

Highlight : confident, express feelings and needs, straightforward, learn to say no, cautious

ESTJ Personality - The Executive

Characteristics: Decisive, sharp, organized, detail-oriented, calm, honest, good memory, firm in principles.

Suitable Professions: Executive, banker, accountant, auditor, real estate agent, investor, business analyst, hotel manager, athlete, actor, judge, coach, etc.

Career Development Guidelines: Individuals with ESTJ personality types tend to focus on achieving goals in a pragmatic manner, sometimes overlooking the opinions and feelings of others. In situations that require close relationships, they might feel uncomfortable. Additionally, they may act without gathering enough information, potentially missing new opportunities not in their plan.

Therefore, it is recommended for ESTJ individuals to listen to others, prioritize others' needs, express their feelings and needs, be cautious, and take breaks to rest and relax. It is essential to consider various factors carefully before making decisions.

Highlight : listen, consider others’ needs, express feelings and needs, cautious, rest, relax

ESFJ Personality - The Consul

Characteristics: Approachable, empathetic, helpful, friendly, detail-oriented, responsible, honest, compassionate.

Suitable Professions: Counselor, psychologist, family physician, nurse, physiotherapist, HR manager, secretary, manager, accountant, banker, teacher, curator, etc.

Career Development Guidelines: ESFJ individuals may make decisions influenced by what they think others want, adjusting plans to respond to unexpected opportunities. They might be inclined to accept, respect, and comply with authority figures excessively.

To develop, ESFJ personalities should build confidence in themselves, express feelings and needs, be straightforward, learn to say no when necessary, be cautious, and be ready for change. It's essential to strike a balance in decision-making, avoiding excessive reliance on external influences. Furthermore, learning to prepare and embracing change are crucial aspects of personal growth.

Highlight : confident, express feelings and needs, straightforward, learn to say no, cautious, ready for change  

Explorer Personality Group:

The personality type "Explorer" in the Explorer group refers to individuals who take the MBTI test and receive the results of the letters S and P

ISTP Personality - Virtuoso

Characteristics: Excellent problem-solving skills, logical, optimistic worldview, pragmatic, values justice, loves freedom, dislikes constraints, not very expressive of emotions.

Suitable Professions: Engineer, Technical Officer, Technician, Statistician, Forensic Scientist, Businessperson, Economist, Programmer, Judge, Lawyer, Dentist, etc.

Career Development Guidelines: ISTP individuals may risk focusing too much on immediate tasks, losing sight of the bigger picture. They should avoid being overly detailed and focus on the overall perspective. Additionally, listening to others, considering their needs, expressing feelings and needs, and developing planning skills are essential for successful collaboration with others.

Highlight : consider the big picture, listen, consider others’ needs, express feelings and needs, planning skills, collaborate

ISFP Personality - Adventurer

Characteristics: Artistic, charming, compassionate, friendly, adaptable, spontaneous, dislikes rigid plans, enjoys competition.

Suitable Professions: Archaeologist, Veterinarian, Artist, Musician, Composer, Photographer, Makeup Artist, Designer, Social Worker, Teacher, Librarian, etc.

Career Development Guidelines: ISFP individuals may tend to lack confidence in expressing themselves, making them less influential in the workplace. They might struggle with making tough decisions as they prioritize others' concerns, sometimes delaying decision-making in hopes of better opportunities. Therefore, ISFPs should work on building confidence, expressing feelings and needs, being straightforward, and not fearing rejection or disapproval when making decisions.

Highlight : confident, express feelings and needs, straightforward, learn to say no, cautious, decisive

ESTP Personality - Entrepreneur

Characteristics: Enjoys challenges, observant, energetic, good memory, dislikes rigid plans, competitive, articulate, skilled negotiator.

Suitable Professions: Investor, Agent, Actor, Broadcaster, News Anchor, Programmer, Analyst, Statistician, Pilot, Emergency Medical Technician, Firefighter, Police Officer, Coach, Bartender, etc.

Career Development Guidelines: ESTP individuals may face challenges in time management and lose interest in long and complex projects. Their focus on immediate issues might lead to neglecting systemic problems in the long run. They might not feel comfortable with deep conversations or focusing on relationships.

Therefore, ESTPs should work on planning skills, especially for the long term, and time management. Prioritizing tasks appropriately and setting clear, measurable goals is crucial. If handling significant projects, breaking them down into smaller, manageable steps and seeking assistance or delegating tasks might be beneficial. Additionally, they should be open to feedback, consider others' needs, express feelings and needs, and build good relationships with others.

Highlight : planning skills, time management, prioritize, set realistic goals, delegate, seek support, listen, consider others’ needs, express feelings and needs, collaborate 

ESFP Personality - Entertainer

Characteristics: Fun-loving, friendly, observant, adaptable, optimistic, risk-taker.

Suitable Professions: Artist, Musician, Songwriter, Actor, Writer, Flight Attendant, Guide, Sales Representative, Designer, Teacher, Child Caretaker, Marketing Planner, etc.

Career Development Guidelines: ESFP individuals might face challenges in completing tasks within set deadlines and may struggle to finish what they start. They might lack focus and find it challenging to concentrate on one thing for an extended period or easily get distracted.

To overcome these challenges, ESFPs should develop planning and time management skills. Prioritizing tasks and setting clear, achievable goals is crucial. If handling significant projects, breaking them down into smaller, manageable steps and seeking assistance or delegating tasks might be beneficial. It's essential to avoid multitasking and focus on completing one thing at a time. Additionally, creating a distraction-free work environment can help improve concentration. If interrupted, it's crucial to quickly return to the task at hand.

Highlight : planning skills, time management, prioritize, set realistic goals, delegate, seek support, single-tasking, focus, concentrate