Personality Strengths and Weaknesses: List of 16 Personalities Examples

It’s widely known that there are around 16 different personality types that we can use to get a better understanding of the type of person we are. This is backed by extensive research and there are many different tests to see which personality type you are. Each of these 16 personalities has their own strengths and weaknesses; there isn’t a personality that is better or worse than the others and each can thrive in their optimal environments.

So let’s dive into each one to see what the differences are and what kind of career choices they can lead to.

INFP

An INFP tends to be quiet and keeps to themselves. However, they’re open-minded and are creative in almost everything they do.

INFP strengths

• Generosity
• Open-minded
• Empathetic
• Creative
• Passionate
• Idealistic

INFP weaknesses

• Self-isolating
• Unrealistic
• Unfocused
• Self-critical
• Desperate to please
• Vulnerable to negative emotions

INFP career opportunities

• Graphic artist
• Video editor
• Photographer
• Writer
• Social worker

INFJ

An INFJ is very imaginative, often with extremely vivid thoughts of their ideas. However, they often seek perfectionism and are sensitive to criticism.

INFJ strengths

• Creative
• Insightly
• Passionate
• Strong beliefs
• Altruistic
• Inspiring

INFJ weaknesses

• Bad with criticism
• Burnout very easily
• Frustrated by the ordinary
• Reluctant to open up
• Lack of balance
• Little self-appreciation

INFJ career opportunities

• Health care
• Business and law
• Teaching
• Writing
• Interior design

ENFJ

An ENFJ is often known as the protagonist and often holds strong ideas and values while always helping others and harnessing their creative energies.

ENFJ strengths

• Reliable
• Passionate
• Charismatic
• Altruistic
• Open-minded

ENFJ weaknesses

• Unrealistic
• Can be condescending
• Intense
• Idealistic
• Overly empathetic

ENFJ career opportunities

• Social work
• Photographer
• Teacher
• Real estate broker
• Actor

ENFP

An ENFP embraces big ideas. They’re curious, enthusiastic, and are great communicators.

ENFP strengths

• Excellent communication skills
• Highly enthusiastic
• Very perceptive
• Always curious
• Good-natured

ENFP weaknesses

• Can be disorganized
• Always focus on pleasing others
• Overly optimistic
• Overly accommodating
• Restless

ENFP career opportunities

• Entertainment
• Sales management
• Fitness trainer
• Art director
• Psychologist

INTJ

An INTJ possesses strong creativity and is extremely rational, but they often have difficulties opening up their ideas to others.

INTJ strengths

• Very rational
• Always informed and educated
• Able to be independent
• Determined
• Flexible
• Curious

INTJ weaknesses

• Overly critical of others and themselves
• Dismissive of emotions
• Arrogant
• Combative
• Aggressive
• Bad with romance

INTJ career opportunities

• Scientist
• Mathematician
• Architect
• Programmer
• Lawyer
• Industrial designer

ENTJ

Known as the commander, an ENTJ makes quick decisions and construct creative vision from their ideas.

ENTJ strengths

• Highly efficient
• Self-confident
• Energetic
• Strong-willed
• Strategic
• Inspiring
• Natural leadership

ENTJ weaknesses

• Stubborn
• Arrogant
• Ruthless
• Often cold
• Intolerant
• Impatient

ENTJ career opportunities

• Accountant
• Top executive
• Real estate
• Architect
• Historian
• Psychologist

ENTP

An ENTP is bold and creative, but they can be very argumentative and intolerant of others.

ENTP strengths

• Energetic
• Charismatic
• Full of ideas
• Always original
• Knowledgeable

ENTP weaknesses

• Intolerant
• Insensitive
• Prone to argue
• Difficulties focusing
• Not very practical people

ENTP career opportunities

• Lawyer
• Detective
• Civil engineer
• Graphic designer
• Economist
• Historian

INTP

An INTP likes to take an unconventional approach to things. They love seeking out new ideas, but can often feel disconnected from gatherings

INTP strengths

• Always objective
• Constantly curious
• Open-minded
• Analytical
• Original

INTP weaknesses

• Insensitive
• Often dissatisfied
• Impatient
• Can be disconnected from others
• Perfectionistic

INTP career opportunities

• Computer programmer
• Software developer
• Network or computer administrator
• Chemical engineer
• Music director
• Photographer
• Professor

ESFJ

An ESFJ loves taking part in social communities and loves to guide others, but can be a little too selfless at times.

ESFJ strengths

• Strong practical skills
• Sense of duty
• Extremely loyal
• Sensitive to others
• Great communication skill

ESFJ weaknesses

• Can be too selfless
• Needy
• Vulnerable to critique
• Reluctant to change
• Always concerned about social status

ESFJ career opportunities

• Teacher
• Dentist
• Insurance agent
• Fitness trainer
• Dietitian
• Receptionist
• Police officer
• Counselor

ESFP

An ESFP loves unique experiences and they enjoy encouraging others to join in with their activities.

ESFP strengths

• Bold personality
• Loves originality
• Showmanship
• Observant
• Excellent communication
• Practical

ESFP weaknesses

• Can be sensitive
• Easily bored
• Unfocused at times
• Hate conflict
• Bad at long-term planning

ESFP career opportunities

• Chef
• Musician
• Artist
• Costumer
• Designer
• Therapist
• Nurse
• Social worker

ISFJ

An ISFJ is warm, responsible, and focuses on practical details in their everyday lives.

ISFJ strengths

• Very supportive of others
• Reliable
• Patient
• Imaginative
• Loyal
• Always practical
• Observant

ISFJ weaknesses

• Shy
• Can take things personally
• Seldom show their feelings
• Overburden themselves
• Bad with change
• Too altruistic

ISFJ career opportunities

• Dentist
• Social worker
• School principal
• Librarian
• Baker
• Bus driver
• Carpenter

ISFP

An ISFP has an open mind, approaches life in unique ways, and loves exploring hidden potential.

ISFP strengths

• Charming
• Passionate
• Curious
• Artistic
• Imaginative
• Always helpful to others

ISFP weaknesses

• Can get easily stressed
• Overly competitive
• Unpredictable
• Always independent

ISFP career opportunities

• Chef
• Designer
• Jeweler
• Artist
• Optician
• Pharmacist
• Firefighter
• Translator
• Geologist

ESTJ

An ESTJ has excellent fortitude and often helps to keep things organized in large social gatherings and situations.

ESTJ strengths

• Strong will
• Excellent communication
• Creates order
• Loyal
• Patient
• Honest
• Great organization skills

ESTJ weaknesses

• Judgmental
• Inflexible
• Stubborn
• Focused on social status
• Seldom relaxes
• Difficulties expressing their emotions

ESTJ career opportunities

• Hotel manager
• Sales manager
• Judge
• Chef
• Attorney
• Physician
• Airline pilot
• Office manager

ESTP

An ESTP, also known as the Entrepreneur, is someone that is very energetic, action-oriented, and loves to discover new opportunities in life.

ESTP strengths

• Loves originality
• Perceptive
• Direct
• Sociable
• Rational
• Practical
• Natural leader

ESTP weaknesses

• Focuses on small details
• Impatient
• Insensitive at times
• Prone to risks
• Unstructured
• Defiant to the end

ESTP career opportunities

• Mechanic
• Stockbroker
• Property manager
• Biologist
• Bartender
• Budget analyst
• Firefighter

ISTJ

An ISTJ often has a very reserved outlook on life, but they are highly rational and methodical.

ISTJ strengths

• Honest
• Direct
• Strong-willed
• Responsible
• Calm
• Practical

ISTJ weaknesses

• Stubborn
• Insensitive at times
• Strict with rules
• Judgmental
• Unreasonable to themselves

ISTJ career opportunities

• Statistician
• Cost estimator
• Loan officer
• Information clerk
• Top executive
• Mechanical engineer
• Agricultural worker

ISTP

An ISTP has an individual mindset. They pursue their goals without support from others and they focus on improving their own skills.

ISTP strengths

• Optimistic
• Crisis management skills
• Creative
• Practical
• Relaxed
• Spontaneous

ISTP weaknesses

• Easily bored
• Doesn’t like commitment
• Takes many risks
• Insensitive
• Stubborn

ISTP career opportunities

• Forester
• Farmer or rancher
• Chef
• Machinist
• Geologist
• Police officer
• Cost estimator
• Paralegal