by Anna Morelock
ESTJs are the “Executives” of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Characterized by the traits Extroversion, Observant, Thinking, and Judging, people with these personality type are assertive, disciplined, and are concerned with making sure that things run smoothly and according to plan. Overall, ESTJs are fiercely committed to laws, standards, and traditions.
But an ESTJ’s strong sense of duty and tradition means they’re typically not well suited to jobs without clear rules, schedules, and parameters.
So, what are the best jobs for this personality types? This blog post will explore five ESTJ careers where this personality type can thrive.
What is an ESTJ Like?
ESTJs are practical and driven. They tend to be loyal, dutiful workers who aim for excellence. They have a strong sense of morals and care deeply about those close to them. As a result, ESTJ types will often stick by their principles even if it doesn’t suit the popular opinion of the moment.
These traits drive ESTJs towards positions of leadership; they’re direct, unafraid to make tough decisions, and dependable. These personality types can lead with ease, all while setting an example for their employees.
But not all ESTJs are the same. Many of these personality types can be further categorized as either assertive (ESTJ-A) or turbulent (ESTJ-T).
ESTJ-A
ESTJ-As are often in search of approval from those around them and can be quite competitive. They are straightforward and often come across as blunt because of their desire to get straight to the point. ESTJ-As can be uncompromising in their beliefs and have a strong work ethic that is seldom equaled by others around them.
ESTJ-T
ESTJ-Ts tend to be more socially adept than their ESTJ-A counterparts. However, turbulent ESTJs can come across as hypersensitive. They sometimes take constructive criticism personally, especially in a working environment. But this only motivates ESTJ-Ts to work harder and achieve high levels of success.
Top ESTJ Careers
The best ESTJ careers offer stability, predictability, and the opportunity to see measurable results in their work. They want to feel like they are making a difference and have a sense of purpose in what they do.
ESTJs also desire strong professional relationships with their superiors as well as opportunities for growth. These personality types want to see a clear path forward and respond well to routine and structure.
Based on these characteristics, some of the best careers for ESTJs are:
- Civil Engineer
- Financial Specialist
- Mechanical Engineer
- Paralegal
- Pharmacist
Civil Engineer
ESTJs are organized, analytical, and detail-oriented. They perform well in environments that require a hands-on approach to problem solving, which is why ESTJs make excellent civil engineers. It involves the application of math and science principles to the design, construction, and maintenance of public works such as roads, bridges, dams, and buildings.
Financial Specialist
Financial specialists are responsible for managing an organization’s financial assets, which may be the perfect career for ESTJs. This is because ESTJs work well in structured environments and love numbers; naturally, they have a knack for handling money.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineers design and oversee the manufacturing of machines, vehicles, or other mechanical devices.
Since ESTJ personality types have a strong sense of order and like their work to be systematic and predictable, mechanical engineering may be the perfect career match. They can be trusted to develop logical, step-by-step plans that will ensure the success of their projects. Additionally, ESTJs have a knack for troubleshooting and can find solutions to problems that others cannot.
Paralegal
ESTJs are excellent at organizing information and ensuring deadlines are met. They are also excellent communicators, so they can easily explain complex legal concepts to clients in a way that is understandable. All of these traits make ESTJ personality types great paralegals, as they can effectively organize and manage important documents, research legal issues, and communicate with clients.
Pharmacist
ESTJs love following protocols and procedures, conducting intensive research, and working independently. Pharmacists must possess all of these qualities to be successful in their role, which is why this may be the perfect career path for ESTJ personality types.
Jobs ESTJs May Avoid
As we mentioned before, Executive personality types should generally avoid careers with unpredictable work schedules or jobs without room for advancement. Here are five jobs ESTJ’s should avoid:
- Artist
- Graphic Designer
- Social Worker
- Writer
Artist
ESTJs may enjoy artistic hobbies (painting, ceramics, etc.), but they might want to avoid making it their career. While it may seem like a good fit at first, ESTJs often struggle with unpredictable work schedules and lack of stability that comes with this career choice.
Additionally, since ESTJs prefer routine and order, they may have difficulty deviating from conventions on a regular basis, which is often necessary in the creation of artistic materials.
Graphic Designer
Graphic designers have to think outside the box and regularly develop new ideas for their company or clients. Unfortunately, ESTJs often struggle with this type of creative thinking. This is why ESTJ personality types are better suited to more analytical and logical activities, such as data analysis.
Social Worker
A career in social work requires high levels of empathy, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal skills. Since ESTJs are more logic-oriented and prefer work that requires analytics, they may not make great social workers.
Writer
Generally, Executive personality types should avoid a career as a writer. This career conflicts with their preference for routine and data-driven work. Also, writing —especially freelance writing— sometimes requires unstructured work environments. ESTJs usually prefer more stability in their lives.
ESTJ Strengths in the Workplace
ESFJ personalities are some of the most reliable people you will ever meet. They perform well under pressure, are unafraid to set goals that challenge them, and are excellent problem solvers. They are one of the most dedicated personality types and are always there for their team members.
Additionally, ESTJs are often good at motivating and leading teams, ensuring that tasks are completed on time and without error.
ESTJ Weaknesses in the Workplace
ESTJs are influential and powerful personality types, but they can lack interpersonal skills.
ESTJs are also hyper focused on rules, structure, and order. This can be a strength in many situations, but it can also lead to difficulty adapting to new situations or thinking outside the box.
ESTJs on a Team
ESTJ personalities are often good at motivating others and will work to ensure the success of their team members. They can provide guidance in problem-solving when necessary, but they prefer to leave the creative, out-of-the-box thinking up to other people on their team instead. ESTJs do best in positions where they have authority over others because this is where they feel confident and content.
ESTJs are Natural Leaders
ESTJs are hard-working, detail orientated, and strategic employees. In summary, “Executive” personality types are essential to every workplace because they take charge, strive for excellence, and never accept the bare minimum.
If you’re not an ESTJ, check out our posts about these personality types:
Whether you’re an ESTJ or something else, we can match you with your perfect job. Head over to the Insight Global job board, which features thousands of listings that match up with your personality.
by Brita Long 
by Insight Global Staff 
