How to Achieve Career Success as an INFJ

Has anyone ever told you that you have an INFJ — or Advocate” — personality?

You have strong intuitive abilities, as well as a caring and compassionate nature. You’re often able to see the world in a unique and insightful way. Your ability to build strong relationships is second to none.

Does that sound like you? You might be an advocate yourself.

Despite your strong personality, you can still have a hard time achieving Career Success. You may not always be sure how to leverage your unique abilities. Don’t worry, we can help.

In this article, we'll talk about everything there is to know about the INFJ personality type. And we'll give you a play-by-play on how YOU can leverage your skills to succeed.

What is an INFJ?

In essence, all of these types are 4-letter acronyms used to represent certain personality traits. This comes from the Myers-Briggs personality test.

• Introvert vs. Extrovert • You get energy from being alone and need time to recharge
• Intuitive vs. Observant • You see future potential as opposed to present fact
• Thinking vs. Feeling • You follow your heart, not your head
• Judging vs. Prospecting • You feel most comfortable when you have a plan

The Advocate is 1 of 16 personality types. It's also considered to be the rarest.

Advocates account for around 1.5% of the general population. Their shared strengths include a sincere, compassionate, and easygoing nature. They have a practical mindset and hardworking attitude. Some of their challenges include a tendency to be overthinking, perfectionistic, and sensitive.

These personality types are rare. But the world has seen many notable Advocate types throughout the course of history. These include…

• Mahatma Gandhi
• Oprah Winfrey
• Jimmy Carter
• Martin Luther King Jr.
• Eleanor Roosevelt
• Taylor Swift
• And more!

What it Means to be an INFJ

While no 2 people are the same, there are common traits shared by most Advocates. The Myers-Briggs personality test defines these as introverted, intuitive, feeling, and judging.

But what does that look like in real life?

You’re Considerate

Individuals with Advocate personalities tend to be very considerate. You're interested in others’ well-being. They are often described as warm, compassionate, and empathetic people. You build strong connections with those around you with ease.

This concern for others’ often manifests itself as a strong desire to make a difference in the world. Many INFJ types feel a responsibility to make the world a better place. That could mean working on social justice issues, or volunteering for a cause. It could also mean being there for someone in their time of need.

You’re Dedicated, Passionate, and Idealistic

Whether it’s a job, a relationship, or a cause you believe in, you'll see it through to the end. No matter how challenging it may be. Advocates are passionate and dedicated individuals. And they often put the needs of others before their own.

This tenacity is often born out of the Advocates’ idealistic nature. You tend to have strong values and convictions that you're always striving to live up to. You want to make the world a better place and often believe you have the power to do so with enough effort. And honestly, you do.

You’re Very Conscientious

You're guided by personal values and are passionate about ethics. Advocate-type personalities are some of the most conscientious people you’ll ever meet. They take their commitments and morals very seriously. And they work hard to live up to their own high standards.

This conscientiousness often manifests itself in Advocates’ strong sense of duty and responsibility. They feel a great need to do what they believe is right, even if it’s not easy or popular.

And when it comes to their work, they are often perfectionists. Face it, you know you're always looking for ways to do things better.

You have an Intuitive Nature

Advocates are intuitive people who are always looking for a hidden meaning. You're quick to see patterns and connections that others miss. You also often have a strong sense of what's going to happen next before it does.

This intuitive nature often leads Advocates to be great at problem-solving. They are able to see the root of a problem and come up with creative solutions quickly. You're also often drawn to deep and philosophical conversations for this same reason.

You Keep to Yourself

You value close relationships, sure. But Advocates also value their alone time and need plenty of time to themselves to recharge. You are introverts in the true sense of the word, and may even prefer to spend time alone rather than with others.

This need for privacy can sometimes make Advocates seem distant or even aloof. You may need time to process your thoughts and feelings before sharing them with the world.

And that's totally fair. Introverts, despite making up 25% to 40% of the population, are often urged to be more social. In reality, we should be on the lookout for more introverted stars. According to a 2021 study, 56.8% of people prefer introverts in leadership positions. Coveted leadership traits — like integrity and resilience — often come hand-in-hand with introversion.

So don't worry if you find yourself staying in more often than going out. You're more likely to find success by being authentic to YOU and your needs.

What Career is Right for You?

Sales

Customer success manager, BDR manager, etc…

Sales leaders need to stay organized, be detail-oriented, and be good at multitasking. They also need to be able to think on their feet and come up with creative solutions. Advocates often have these skills in spades, making them well-suited for a career in sales.

Their empathetic nature is perfect for a career in customer success. They are able to problem solve with an open-mind. For any client, they will go above and beyond.

While you do need to be a people person in sales, many introverts find it solitary enough for them. The opportunity to stretch their other muscles overrides their need for alone time. This makes them extraordinary sales leaders.

Educator

Teacher, college professor, course instructor, etc…

Advocates are natural educators and often have a strong desire to help others learn and grow. They are patient, caring, and nurturing, and they often have a gift for teaching.

A career as an educator is a great fit for someone with an Advocate personality. Their empathetic nature allows them to see potential in others.

Mental Healthcare Professional

Social worker, counselor, psychologist, etc…

A career in mental healthcare is a perfect fit for someone with an Advocate personality. Mental health workers are passionate about helping others. They want to make a difference in people's lives.

Advocates are often interested in the inner workings of the human mind. They are very good at understanding people and can provide valuable insights into the human condition.

These folks are caring individuals who work hard to ensure that everyone has the support they need. They are compassionate and nonjudgmental. Care workers need to be able to build trust and rapport with their clients.

Marketing

Social media manager, brand strategist, communications specialist etc…

Advocates are often very good at understanding people and their motivations. This makes them well-suited for a career in marketing. They can use their skills to connect with others and build relationships.

Social media is an especially effective way to highlight their skillset. They make game plans using hard data, and then their instincts to foretell the next big trends.

How Do You Achieve Career Success?

Advocates can easily leverage their unique traits in professional settings. But achieving Career Success requires more than taking advantage of your strengths. It also requires a deep understanding of how you work best and what you need to be successful.

1 - Find Your 'Why'

As introspective, philosophical individuals, Advocates yearn for meaning in life. They want to find answers to the things that matter. They also want to find justification and reasoning for why they do the things they do.

This need for meaning can be a powerful motivator. It can also be a source of frustration if you don’t know what you’re fighting for. That’s why it’s so important for Advocates to identify their why. This is the thing that drives them and gives them a sense of purpose.

When you know your motivator, it becomes much easier to stay focused on your goals. It also gives you a better understanding of the kind of work that will satisfy you long-term.

2 - Channel Your Energy

Advocates have tons of constructive energy and need somewhere to put it. When this energy isn’t focused on a task or goal, it can turn inward. Many INFJ types report feelings of anxiety and restlessness because of this.

It’s important for Advocates to find an outlet for their energy. Physical activity, creative pursuits, or taking on challenging projects at work can help.

When you have an outlet for your energy, you’re less likely to feel scattered and stressed. And you’re more likely to be productive and successful.

3 - Consider Others' Perspectives

The Judging element inclines INFJ types to be decisive and quick to form opinions. This can be good! It can give you the ability to think on your feet and exude confidence. But it can also lead to problems when you’re working with others.

Advocates are often very idealistic. Their strong opinions can sometimes alienate those who don’t share their point of view. It’s important to remember that not everyone will see things the way you do. It’s okay to be flexible and consider other perspectives.

4 - Trust Your Intuition

As an Advocate, you have unique NF-type goals and values, along with a clear vision of how you want your life to look. You likely also have a very strong sense of intuition. This can guide you through decision-making and help you to achieve your goals.

Advocates should learn to trust their intuition and use it as a tool to help them make decisions. Doing so will give you the insight you need to make the right professional — and personal — choices.

5 - Learn to Listen and Relationship-build

It may be easy to come to conclusions before people finish speaking. But affording others validation is essential for the long-term health of relationships.

Advocates should learn to listen to others, without interruption or judgment. This will make others feel more comfortable around you. It will also help you to build strong, productive relationships.

INFJ Personalities Fit Right In at Uvaro

Advocates are complex, introspective individuals who have the potential to achieve great things. By identifying your needs and motivations you can set yourself up for Career Success as an INFJ!

Interested in making the most out of your abilities?

Download our Career Success Catalog. It's packed with tips and resources for building a successful career... no matter what your personality type may be.