Best careers for ISTJ personality types

The Myers-Briggs type indicator (MBTI) test has 16 different personality types. Employers sometimes use this test to help them decide whether someone’s right for the job.

One of these is the ISTJ personality type. 11.6% of people are ISTJs, and you’ll likely know someone with these qualities.

If you're disciplined, introverted, and detail-oriented, you may be an ISTJ.

But what is an ISTJ? And what are they like in the workplace?

We'll answer both these questions and tell you which ISTJ careers to consider.

Finally, we'll tell you about the jobs the ISTJ should avoid.

Not sure if you're an ISTJ?

Follow these 2 steps to find the best job for your personality type:

1. Find out your personality type for free on 16 Personalities: take the free Personality Test

2. Return to jobcase.com to visit our resource center and find the best jobs for your personality - it’s a great way to kick off the job search and discover the best match for your personality type!

What is an ISTJ?

The Myers-Briggs test splits people into 16 personality types based on different personality characteristics.

The acronyms may sound confusing, but they all have a combination of the following traits:

• Introversion (I) or extraversion (E)

• Sensing (S) or intuition (N)

• Thinking (T) or feeling (F)

• Judging (J) or perceiving (P)

ISTJ stands for introversion, sensing, thinking, and judging.

The ISTJ, or "The Inspector," is someone who’s reserved, practical, and likes to follow the rules. These quiet introverts are often traditional and value planning and organization in the workplace.

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They're disciplined and often get noticed for their strong work ethic and attention to detail.

ISTJs are realistic, and they don't like change.

They can seem insensitive and even judgemental due to their logical nature.

Famous ISTJs include Natalie Portman, Matt Damon, and George Washington.

What are ISTJs like at work?

ISTJs are valued team members because they're reliable and hardworking. They prefer structured work environments with a clear hierarchy.

They're disciplined with strong organizational skills and can work independently.

These analytical introverts work well in teams as long as everyone is pulling their weight. They can become frustrated in flexible workplaces where team members don't have specific jobs. And ISTJs can be stubborn.

ISTJs take deadlines seriously, and other people admire them for their "never give up" attitude.

They prefer managers with good communication, clear expectations, and a structured leadership style. ISTJs value constructive feedback.

Some of the top industries for ISTJs include finance, business, military, healthcare, and law enforcement.

What are the best jobs for ISTJs?

Here are some of the best career matches for ISTJ personality types:

1. Business analyst

​Business analysts work with businesses of all sizes. They help them improve their processes and make their teams more efficient.

ISTJs like to look at numbers and charts. Business analytics uses real data, making this an ideal job for The Inspector personality.

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They'll methodically investigate the business and look for areas for improvement.

ISTJs are organized and confident communicators, and they'll have no trouble sharing what they find.

You can browse business analyst positions on our job board.

2. Pharmacy technician

Pharmacy technicians help pharmacists with medications. They also speak to customers and label prescriptions.

ISTJs are trustworthy and dependable. These qualities make them perfect for a role working in the healthcare industry.

ISTJs have what it takes to work in a pharmacy. They rarely make mistakes and will learn about products and services to make sure they give the right advice.

Their organizational skills will help them record customer details, print labels, and fill prescriptions with accuracy.

Search for pharmacy technician positions on our job board. You can also browse pharmacy assistant jobs and pharmacist jobs.

Or, if you want to work in healthcare but prefer to work with animals, consider becoming a public health veterinarian.

3. Bank teller

Bank tellers serve customers, deposit money, and balance the cash drawer. Some bank tellers process loans and open accounts.

Bank tellers need to be reliable and trustworthy and pay close attention to detail. This description fits with the ISTJ personality type.

They're professional, knowledgeable, and responsible and will remain calm under pressure.

ISTJs are loyal, and they'll be a valued member of the team.

They'll make sure they follow all processes correctly. And because they have strong math skills, they'll excel in the banking industry.

Search for bank teller positions on our job board.

4. Bookkeeper

Bookkeepers record financial transactions and create reports. They reconcile payments and look for any accounting errors.

Bookkeeping is an ideal career for the ISTJ. They're comfortable working with numbers, and their analytical mind is well-suited to the job.

As introverts, ISTJs will enjoy working independently in a quiet work environment. They'll embrace the structure and routine of checking records and inputting data.

ISTJs are accurate bookkeepers, and they won't mind the long hours spent on these tasks.

Search for bookkeeper positions on our job board. You may also like to work as a certified public accountant.

5. Police officer

Police officers protect people in the community, as well as their property. They respond to emergencies, patrol areas, and write reports.

ISTJs often work as police officers. As conservative, law-abiding citizens, they are ideal candidates for the police force.

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They're logical, quiet, and observant, and they won't lose their temper easily.

ISTJs appreciate the organizational structure of the police force. And they'll accurately record incidents and make sure they follow the correct follow-up procedures.

You can browse police officer positions on our job board. You may also like to consider a career as a military officer.

What jobs should ISTJs avoid?

You've heard about the best careers for ISTJs, but what jobs should you avoid?

Here are some careers that ISTJs are not well-suited for:

• Bartender

• Photographer

• Marketing manager

• Journalist

• Musician

• Sales representative

• Receptionist

• Public relations consultant

Most ISTJs should stay away from creative, sales and marketing, and food service industries.

Getting a job as an ISTJ

By now, you know what an ISTJ is. They're introverted, responsible, and logical. And they're hard workers who pay close attention to detail.

After we broke down the Myers-Briggs personality type, we told you what ISTJs are like at work. We also gave you a list of the best ISTJ jobs and showed you where to start your search.

We talked about business analysts, pharmacy technicians, bank tellers, bookkeepers, and police officers. All of these careers are popular for those with an ISTJ personality type.

Finally, we told you about some of the jobs to avoid.

Want more jobs in your local area? Visit Jobcase’s job board. And don't forget to check out our Getting Hired Resource Center for interview and application tips.