Top 14 ESFJ Careers

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Individuals with an ESFJ personality type possess a distinctive array of traits that help them thrive in professions that prioritize empathy, strong interpersonal abilities, and a dedication to assisting others.

In this article, we explore the top 14 ESFJ careers and provide insights into how these traits can help ESFJs leverage their unique traits to excel in their professional lives.

ESFJ is one of the 16 personality types identified in the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).

It stands for:

• Extraversion (E): ESFJs are extroverts. They are outgoing, social, and enjoy interacting with others.
• Sensing (S): ESFJs prefer to gather information through their five senses and pay attention to concrete, tangible details. They are often practical and attentive to the present.
• Feeling (F): ESFJs use their feelings to make decisions. They prioritize personal and interpersonal values, empathy, and harmony when making choices.
• Judging (J): ESFJs like to have a structured and organized life. They tend to be decisive, plan-oriented, and prefer closure.

ESFJs have distinct strengths and preferences in the workplace.

Here’s how they behave and excel in a work environment:

• Effective Communicators: ESFJs are strong communicators and are skilled at conveying ideas clearly and ensuring that everyone is on the same page. They are often excellent at customer service and client interactions due to their empathetic communication style.
• Organized: ESFJs prefer a structured work environment, and their strong organizational skills ensure efficient and streamlined processes. They excel at managing schedules, to-do lists, and project plans, ensuring that tasks are completed on time and orderly.
• Dedicated and Responsible: ESFJs take their responsibilities seriously and are committed and reliable workers who will do their best to meet deadlines and fulfill their obligations. They often excel in positions of trust and responsibility.

As a colleague, ESFJs bring several valuable qualities to the workplace that contribute to a positive team dynamic.

Here’s what you can expect when working with an ESFJ:

• Team Players: ESFJs thrive in team-oriented settings and are often seen as natural team players who enjoy collaborating with colleagues and contributing to group efforts.
• Supportive and Nurturing: As a colleague, ESFJs are often supportive and caring. They genuinely care about the well-being of their co-workers and are quick to offer help or a listening ear when needed.
• Detail-Oriented: ESFJs pay attention to details, which can be beneficial in tasks that require precision and accuracy. Their thoroughness and diligence contribute to meeting deadlines and problem-solving in the workplace.
• Empathetic: ESFJs’ strong empathy creates a supportive and positive work atmosphere. They are understanding and compassionate colleagues who offer emotional support when needed, enhancing team morale and interpersonal relationships in the workplace.

Healthcare

ESFJs often gravitate toward health careers because these fields allow them to fulfill their strong desire to care for and connect with others. Their empathetic nature and attention to detail align well with their roles in healthcare, where they can make a positive impact on people’s lives.

Here are some careers ESFJs can consider:

1. Midwife

The role of a Midwife is an ideal career for ESFJs because it aligns with their nurturing and compassionate nature. 

Primary Duties:

• Assess the health and progress of expectant mothers throughout their pregnancies.
• Provide comprehensive prenatal care, which involves regular check-ups and assessments. 
• Offer advice on proper nutrition and dietary choices during pregnancy to ensure the mother and baby receive the essential nutrients for growth and development.
• Monitor labor, provide emotional support, assist with delivery and ensure the safety and well-being of both the mother and the newborn.

Skills Required:

• Communication skills to explain medical concepts and provide emotional support to expectant mothers and their families.
• Strong sense of empathy and compassion for making expectant mothers feel comfortable and safe.
• Problem-solving skills during labor and delivery to ensure the safety of the mother and baby.
• Organizational skills to manage patient records, appointments, and hospital protocols.

Average Salary: $122,450 per year

2. Medical Administrative Assistant

ESFJs may be inclined towards a career as a Medical Administrative Assistant due to their strong organizational skills and desire to support others.

Primary Duties:

• Manage patient appointment schedules, ensuring that appointments are coordinated efficiently, and confirmations are sent.
• Collect patient information, including medical history and insurance details, during the registration process.
• Maintain and update patient records, ensuring that records are accurate and up-to-date.
• Respond to patient inquiries, providing information on services, appointment availability, and billing.

Skills Required:

• Communication skills to interact with both patients and healthcare staff.
• Strong organizational skills to manage appointments, records, and administrative processes efficiently.
• A keen eye for details when transcribing medical information and processing billing and coding.
• Problem-solving skills to address administrative issues and find practical solutions. 

Average Salary: $41,260 per year

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Creative Arts

ESFJs show their expertise in creative arts careers due to their strong desire to connect with and uplift others through their creative expression.

Here are some creative art careers:

3. Choreographer

ESFJs might enjoy a career as a Choreographer because it allows them to harness their creativity and passion for movement, creating visually captivating performances that connect with audiences. 

Primary Duties:

• Design original dance routines and movements that synchronize with the music or theme of a performance.
• Hold auditions to select dancers for specific projects and match them with suitable roles.
• Conduct rehearsals to teach dancers the choreography, refine their movements, and ensure synchronization.
• Choose appropriate music or collaborate with composers and musicians to create a soundtrack that complements the choreography.

Skills Required:

• Leadership skills to guide and inspire dancers during rehearsals and live performances.
• Communication skills to convey choreographic ideas and collaborate with dancers and other creative professionals.
• A keen eye for detail to ensure precision and synchronization in dance movements.
• Problem-solving skills to troubleshoot and make choreographic adjustments as needed.

Average Salary: $80,646 per year

4. Makeup Artist

The role of a Makeup Artist is an ideal career for ESFJs because they can use their creative and nurturing skills to help clients look and feel their best.

Primary Duties:

• Discuss clients’ preferences and desired looks, understand their styles, and consider any specific requirements.
• Apply makeup to clients, ensuring it complements their features, skin tone, and personal preferences.
• Stay up-to-date with makeup products, tools, and techniques to provide the best recommendations and applications.
• Prepare clients’ skin through cleansing, moisturizing, and other skincare routines before makeup application.

Skills Required:

• Communication and active listening skills to understand and fulfill clients’ makeup preferences and requirements.
• A keen attention to detail to achieve precise and flawless makeup applications.
• Problem-solving skills to troubleshoot and make quick adjustments to make up as needed.
• Proficiency in color theory to accurately match and blend makeup products with clients’ skin tones.

Average Salary: $50,312 per year

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Sales and Training

ESFJs favor careers in Sales and Training due to their communication abilities, empathy, and dedication to assist both customers and learners effectively.

Here are some careers ESFJs can pursue:

5. Corporate Trainer

A career as a Corporate Trainer is an excellent choice for ESFJs because of their natural ability to connect with people, facilitate learning, and create a positive training environment.

Primary Duties:

• Design and develop training programs and materials that align with the organization’s objectives and address specific learning needs.
• Conduct needs assessments to identify knowledge and skill gaps among employees and determine training priorities.
• Create training curricula, lesson plans, and learning objectives that are engaging and effective for adult learners.
• Facilitate training sessions in various formats, such as in-person workshops, webinars, e-learning modules, or on-the-job training.

Skills Required:

• Strong communication and active listening skills to listen and convey information, engage trainees, and facilitate learning.
• Organizational skills to manage training schedules, resources, and documentation.
• Critical thinking skills to analyze training needs, develop creative solutions, and adapt training programs accordingly.
• Time management skills to manage training schedules and ensure that training sessions stay on track.

Average Salary: $65,725 per year

6. Advertising Sales Agent

ESFJs make excellent Advertising Sales Agents because of their interpersonal skills, which enable them to build strong relationships with clients and understand their unique advertising needs. 

Primary Duties:

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, understanding their advertising goals and providing personalized advertising solutions.
• Conduct market research to identify potential clients, industry trends, and competitive analysis to tailor sales strategies.
• Create and deliver compelling sales presentations to showcase the benefits of advertising with their platform or media outlet.
• Negotiate advertising contracts and pricing with clients, ensuring a win-win outcome for both parties.

Skills Required:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for presenting proposals, connecting with people, and negotiating and building client relationships.
• Problem-solving skills to identify and address client challenges.
• Customer service skills for addressing client inquiries or concerns promptly and professionally.
• Data analysis skills to analyze advertising campaign performance and provide clients with data-driven insights and recommendations.

Average Salary: $58,450 per year

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Hospitality and Event Planning

A career in hospitality and event planning is well-suited for ESFJs, as their strong interpersonal skills and natural inclination to create warm, welcoming environments align perfectly with the industry’s focus on guest satisfaction.

Here are some hospitality and event planning careers suitable for ESFJs:

7. Meeting Planner

ESFJs may enjoy the role of a Meeting Planner because it allows them to leverage their strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and service-oriented approach to create well-organized and memorable events. 

Primary Duties:

• Plan, organize, and coordinate all aspects of meetings, conferences, seminars, or events.
• Create and manage event budgets, tracking expenses, and ensuring that the event remains within the financial parameters set by the client.
• Research, select, and negotiate contracts with venues, hotels, and vendors to secure suitable event locations.
• Design event programs, schedules, and itineraries that meet the client’s goals and ensure a smooth flow of activities.

Skills Required:

• Communication skills to convey event details to clients, vendors, and attendees.
• Organizational skills to manage multiple tasks, deadlines, and details.
• Time management skills to handle tasks, schedules, and timelines to ensure well-coordinated events.
• Problem-solving skills to address unexpected challenges during the meetings.

Average Salary: $52,560 per year

8. Restaurant Manager

The role of a Restaurant Manager is a fulfilling career for ESFJs due to their people-focused nature, excellent communication skills, and desire to provide a welcoming and enjoyable dining experience.

Primary Duties:

• Recruit, train, supervise, and schedule restaurant staff, including servers, cooks, and support personnel.
• Provide exceptional customer service by addressing customer concerns, managing reservations, and maintaining a welcoming atmosphere.
• Oversee day-to-day operations, including inventory management, food preparation, and maintaining cleanliness and hygiene standards.
• Ensure the quality and consistency of food, beverages, and service, and address any issues.

Skills Required:

• Leadership skills to inspire and manage restaurant staff, set expectations, and create a positive work environment.
• Strong communication skills to convey instructions to staff, interact with customers, and resolve issues efficiently.
• Crisis management skills to handle unexpected situations, such as equipment breakdowns and staff shortages.

Average Salary: $64,277 per year

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Real Estate and Insurance

ESFJs are highly people-focused and have strong interpersonal skills, which helps them showcase their strengths in the insurance and real estate fields.

Here are some careers ESFJs can consider:

9. Real Estate Agent

The role of a Real Estate Agent is a suitable career for ESFJs as they thrive in people-oriented roles. Their interpersonal skills and ability to connect with clients help them guide individuals through the complexities of buying or selling property. 

Primary Duties:

• Meet with clients to understand their real estate needs, preferences, and budget constraints.
• Identify properties that match clients’ criteria, including location, size, amenities, and price range.
• Create and manage property listings, including detailed descriptions and high-quality photos.
• Arrange and conduct property showings for prospective buyers, providing information about the property’s features and answering questions.

Skills Required:

• Strong communication skills to explain property details, contracts, and negotiations to clients and colleagues.
• Negotiation skills to negotiate property prices, terms, and conditions on behalf of clients.
• Problem-solving skills to identify client needs and offer appropriate real estate solutions.
• Networking skills to build a strong professional network of real estate professionals, inspectors, appraisers, and lenders.

Average Salary: $114,592 per year

10. Insurance Agent

ESFJs’ ability to build trust, explain complex insurance concepts, and meet clients’ individual coverage needs helps them excel as Insurance Agents. 

Primary Duties:

• Meet with clients to understand their insurance needs and assess their risk factors.
• Provide clients with personalized insurance recommendations and explain various policy options and coverage details.
• Sell insurance policies to clients and help them complete the necessary paperwork.
• Prepare insurance quotes and determine the cost of premiums based on coverage and risk factors.

Skills Required:

• Communication skills to explain complex insurance concepts, policies, and coverage options to clients.
• Analytical skills to analyze clients’ needs and risk factors to recommend appropriate coverage and pricing.
• Excellent customer service skills to assist with claims and policy changes and answer client inquiries.
• Organization skills to maintain client records, policy documents, and paperwork in an organized and accessible manner.

Average Salary: $66,707 per year

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Business and Management

ESFJs often thrive in Business and Management careers because they flourish in structured and organized environments and roles that require clear communication, teamwork, and attention to detail.

Here are some careers ESFJs can consider: 

11. Office Manager

ESFJs excel as Office Managers due to their preference for structured environments, strong organizational skills, and ability to foster positive working relationships. These traits help them oversee office operations and maintain a productive work atmosphere.

Primary Duties:

• Supervise and coordinate the day-to-day administrative functions of the office, such as managing schedules, handling office supplies, and ensuring efficient operations.
• Oversee administrative staff and support personnel, delegating tasks and providing guidance.
• Manage budgets, including expenses for office supplies, equipment, and other resources.
• Coordinate with vendors and suppliers, ensuring timely deliveries and quality services for the office’s needs.

Skills Required:

• Communication skills to interact with employees, vendors, and clients.
• Leadership skills to supervise administrative staff and ensure everyone works effectively and harmoniously.
• Problem-solving skills to identify and resolve issues that arise in the office.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and handle unexpected challenges.

Average Salary: $54,338 per year

12. Human Resources Manager

ESFJs are drawn to Human Resources Manager roles due to their exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, making them adept at fostering positive workplace relationships and handling HR responsibilities.

Primary Duties:

• Attract and select qualified candidates to fill job vacancies by creating job descriptions and conducting interviews.
• Oversee the onboarding process for new employees, ensuring a smooth transition into the company.
• Maintain a harmonious work environment by facilitating communication and resolving issues.
• Meditate and find amicable solutions, promoting a productive and cooperative atmosphere within the organization.

Skills Required:

• Communication skills to convey information and facilitate conversations with candidates.
• Problem-solving skills to find solutions to conflicts and address complex personnel issues.
• Leadership skills to implement policies and drive employee development and engagement.
• Strong sense of empathy to understand and address the needs and concerns of employees.

Average Salary: $130,000 per year

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Education and Academia

ESFJs are an excellent fit for careers in education and academia due to their exceptional interpersonal skills, enabling them to create a supportive and engaging learning environment for students. Their compassionate and nurturing nature makes them excellent mentors and role models for students.

Here are some careers ESFJs can consider:

13. School Counselor

ESFJs are well-suited for careers as School Counselors due to their strong interpersonal skills, natural empathy, and ability to provide emotional support to students.

Primary Duties:

• Provide one-on-one counseling to students to address academic, social, emotional, and behavioral concerns.
• Conduct group counseling sessions to address common issues among students, such as peer relationships, bullying, and stress management.
• Assist students with career exploration, college, and vocational planning, and make informed decisions about their future educational and professional paths.
• Advise students on course selection, academic goals, study habits, and strategies for academic success.

Skills Required:

• Communication and active listening skills to comprehend students’ challenges and emotions and convey information to students, parents, teachers, and administrators.
• Problem-solving skills to identify and resolve students’ academic, social, and emotional issues.
• Proficiency in a variety of counseling techniques to provide support to students.
• Conflict resolution skills to mediate and resolve issues among students.

Average Salary: $60,140 per year

14. School Registrar

ESFJs’ organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to maintain accurate academic records make them suitable for careers as School Registrars. 

Primary Duties:

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date student records, including enrollment, attendance, grades, and transcripts.
• Manage the registration and enrollment processes, which involve admitting new students, verifying documentation, and ensuring compliance with school policies and regulations.
• Issue official transcripts, diplomas, and academic certificates to students and alumni.
• Create and maintain class schedules, assign classrooms, and assist with course registration for students.

Skills Required:

• Communication and interpersonal skills for dealing with students, parents, and school staff in a helpful and friendly manner.
• Problem-solving skills to address inquiries, discrepancies, and issues related to student records and registration.
• Proficiency in data entry, record-keeping, and using student information systems.
• Attention to detail to ensure the accuracy and completeness of student records, transcripts, and other documents.

Average Salary: $48,982 per year

ESFJs bring a unique set of strengths to the workplace that make them valuable and effective team members.

Here are some of their key strengths in professional settings:

• Practical: ESFJs are good at getting things done and always finish what they start. In the workplace, this meticulous and goal-driven approach allows them to excel in project management, ensuring that tasks are executed efficiently.
• Empathetic: ESFJs form lasting emotional bonds and make empathic connections with others. When someone at the workplace needs guidance, ESFJs will be by their side, supporting them with advice that is concrete, sensible, and guaranteed to produce good results. 
• Loyalty: ESFJs value stability and security, which translates into loyalty and trustworthiness in their professional relationships. This loyalty is a significant strength in the workplace, as it fosters a sense of trust and reliability among colleagues and superiors, contributing to the organization’s success.
• Responsible: ESFJs have a strong sense of responsibility and work hard to fulfill their duties. This sense of duty ensures that they are diligent and dedicated employees, contributing to a strong work ethic and meeting deadlines and responsibilities.

While ESFJs possess numerous strengths, their weaknesses affect their performance in the workplace.

Some weaknesses for ESFJs include:

• Lack of Creative Thinking: ESFJs focus on the present, potentially missing out on growth opportunities and creative solutions. While their practicality is an asset, a lack of long-term thinking and creative exploration can hinder innovation and adaptation in the workplace.
• Resistance to Change: ESFJs value tradition and structure, making them resistant. While this adherence to customs and systems can provide stability, it can also limit their ability to adapt and explore innovative solutions in the workplace, potentially hindering progress and growth.
• Vulnerable to Criticism: ESFJs are sensitive to criticism and become defensive and hurt, particularly when receiving feedback on their habits, beliefs, or traditions. This sensitivity to criticism can make it hard for them to accept and utilize constructive feedback and grow in the workplace.
• Excessively Selfless: ESFJs seek to prove their worth through excessive attention and care, which can overwhelm colleagues who don’t require it. This can sometimes be seen as overbearing in the workplace.

ESFJs may find certain jobs less suitable due to their personality traits.

Here are some careers ESFJs can avoid:

Highly Isolated Jobs

Because ESFJs thrive on social interaction and meaningful connections, they may want to avoid the following highly isolated careers: 

• Freelance Writer: A career of a Freelance Writer involves solitary work, crafting content in isolation. ESFJs may find this lack of direct social interaction unfulfilling.
• Forensic Scientist: The role of a Forensic Scientist involves solitary work in laboratories, analyzing evidence for criminal investigations, which lacks the social and interactive aspects that ESFJs value.
• Transcriptionist: Transcriptionists typically work alone, listening to audio recordings and converting them into text. This role offers limited social engagement, which may not align with ESFJs’ preference for interpersonal interactions.

Highly Technical or Analytical Roles

ESFJs may not thrive in highly technical or analytical roles because these positions lack the people-centric aspects essential to their work fulfillment.

Here are some careers ESFJs may avoid:

• Financial Analyst: The role of a Financial Analyst focuses on in-depth data analysis and complex financial models, which may not provide the level of social interaction and direct human connection that ESFJs thrive on.
• Biostatistician: Biostatisticians typically work behind the scenes, dealing with complex data and focusing on analytical tasks, which doesn’t match ESFJs’ preferences for interpersonal interactions and a more socially engaging work environment. 
• Forex Trader: The role of a Forex Trader can be highly unstable and stressful, with substantial financial risks, which usually doesn’t match the preference of ESFJs for more stable and predictable career paths.

Highly Competitive Environments

ESFJs find highly competitive environments challenging to work in as these settings prioritize individual success and can lead to a confrontational atmosphere. The intense competition and emphasis on personal achievement may conflict with their preference for collaboration, teamwork, and maintaining harmonious relationships.

Here are some highly competitive careers ESFJs may want to overlook:

• Professional Athlete: Professional Athletes face intense competition and pressure, with a strong emphasis on individual performance. This may not align with ESFJs’ preference for collaboration and teamwork.
• Management Consultant: ESFJs may avoid the highly competitive career of a Management Consultant because of the demanding nature of this job. It can lead to long working hours and high stress levels, which might not be in line with ESFJs’ desire for a balanced and stable work-life experience.
• Hedge Fund Manager: The demands of managing a hedge fund, including making high-stakes financial decisions and navigating intense market volatility, can be stressful and may not provide the balanced, stable work environment that ESFJs typically seek.