Best careers for ISTP personality types
When you apply for a job, you may need to take the Myers-Briggs type indicator (MBTI) test. This personality test is used to determine whether candidates are a good fit for the company.
There are 16 personality types, one of which is the ISTP. Only 5.4% of people have this personality type.
ISTPs are introverted, calm, detail-oriented, and good problem solvers.
If you're an ISTP or know someone who is, you've come to the right place. We're here to tell you everything you need to know about this personality type.
We'll tell you what an ISTP is and what they're like at work.
We'll also give you a list of the best careers for ISTPs, along with where you can start your job search.
Not sure if you're an ISTP?
Follow these 2 steps to find the best job for your personality type:
Find out your personality type for free on 16Personalities: take the free Personality Test
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 ISTP
The Myers-Briggs personality types are ISTJ, ISTP, ISFJ, ISFP, INFJ, INFP, INTJ, INTP, ESTP, ESTJ, ESFP, ESFJ, ENFP, ENFJ, ENTP, and ENTJ.
The 16 acronyms are a mix of the following personality traits:
Extraversion (E) or Introversion (I)
Sensing (S) or INtuition (N)
Thinking (T) or Feeling (F)
Judging (J) or Perceiving (P)
ISTP stands for introversion, sensing, thinking, and perceiving. Another name for the ISTP is The Virtuoso.
ISTPs are hands-on introverts who like to know how things work. They're action-oriented and like to solve practical problems.
ISTPs are quiet, but they're also confident in their own abilities. They crave adventure, and some ISTPs are thrillseekers. This personality type likes to live in the moment, and their reserved nature can make them seem insensitive.
Famous ISTPs include Amelia Earhart, Bruce Lee, Tom Cruise, and Demi Moore.
What are ISTPs like at work?
In the workplace, ISTPs prefer to work independently. They like flexible work environments, with the freedom to take calculated risks and do things their own way.
They thrive in challenging situations and get bored easily in structured work environments. It's for this reason that ISTPs often choose to work as paramedics or police officers.
ISTPs are good at problem-solving, and they like troubleshooting and finding practical solutions on the go. They're happy in positions that require physical activity or manual dexterity.
These people are hands-on workers, and they don't have patience for personal problems.
ISTPs are rational and calm under pressure.
As introverts, ISTPs are most comfortable in small teams or by themselves. They have the motivation to work remotely.
What are the best jobs for ISTPs?
What are the best career matches for The Virtuoso?
Let's take a look at the best ISTP careers.
1. Dental hygienist
A dental hygienist works with patients to improve their dental hygiene. They offer treatment and advice for a range of conditions, including gum disease and tooth decay.
Some ISTPs enjoy working in healthcare, and dentistry can be a good fit for these quiet introverts.
ISTPs enjoy tasks with tangible results, and in this role, they'll often need to clean and maintain oral health conditions. Dental patients will appreciate the ISTP's calm nature and attention to detail.
You can browse dental hygienist positions on Jobcase.
2. Mechanical engineer
Mechanical engineers work with mechanical and thermal devices. They repair and maintain existing devices and develop new ones.
ISTPs enjoy working with their hands, making anything mechanical a perfect fit. The role often involves troubleshooting and finding solutions, which is something the ISTP excels at.
These jobs are often varied and may include traveling to different worksites. This work structure suits the restless ISTP.
Mechanical engineers work by themselves or in small teams, which is perfect for the ISTP.
You can browse mechanical engineer positions on Jobcase.
3. Paramedic
Paramedics attend emergencies and treat and transport patients. They work with dispatchers and other healthcare professionals.
ITSPs are calm under pressure. They're logical and don't let their emotions take control.
This personality type may find paramedic and EMT (emergency medical technician) roles appealing because of the variety and fast-paced nature of the industry.
They remain cool in a crisis, and their quick thinking and physical fitness are ideal traits for paramedics.
You can browse paramedic positions on Jobcase.
4. Police officer
Police officers serve and protect the community. They visit crime scenes, attend emergencies, interview victims, and write reports.
ISTPs are adventurous and comfortable working in volatile or risky situations. They're calm, logical, and reserved, which are attributes often seen in successful police officers.
ISTPs aren't afraid of hard work, and they'll enjoy the flexibility of working different shifts. Most ISTPs are physically fit, which is an essential quality for recruits.
You can browse police officer positions on Jobcase.
5. Building inspector
Building inspectors check properties for faults or defects. They prepare reports that show the condition of the property.
The construction industry is a good fit for the hands-on ISTP. As building inspectors, they'll enjoy a varied work environment and the opportunity to be independent.
Because ISTPs are analytical and have great attention to detail, they'll take this role seriously.
They'll notice things others may not and make sure the building meets all the necessary safety checks.
You can browse building inspector positions on Jobcase.
What other jobs suit ISTPs?
An ISTP may also like to work as an:
Construction worker
Forensic scientist
Software developer
Landscape architect
What jobs should ISTPs avoid?
Not all careers will be right for the ISTP. Here are a few jobs these personality types should avoid:
Receptionist
Social worker
Journalist
Marketing manager
Hairdresser
Psychologist
Getting a job as an ISTP
If you're an ISTP personality type, you may be wondering what career path is right for you.
In this article, we told you what an ISTP is and what they're like at work.
We also gave you a list of the top ISTP careers and told you where you can search for jobs. Our top five included dental hygienists, mechanical engineers, paramedics, police officers, and building inspectors.
Finally, we told you what jobs the ISTP should avoid.
Ready to start your job search? You can check for local vacancies on Jobcase. And, if you want resume and interview tips, you can visit our resource center.