Perhaps it’s because INFJ is the rarest MBTI personality type, making up only 1% to 3% of the U.S. population. Or maybe it’s because they’re walking, talking contradictions. INFJs are easy-going perfectionists. They’re both logical and emotional, creative and analytical. Learn more about what it means to be an INFJ personality type below.
Key Characteristics of INFJ
If you are an INFJ, it means that you are likely to have certain characteristics. These characteristics include:
Compassionate: With their strong sense of intuition and emotional understanding, INFJs can be soft-spoken and empathetic. This does not mean that they are pushovers, however. INFJs have deeply held beliefs and the ability to act decisively to get what they want. Helper: While they are introverted by nature, people with an INFJ personality type can form strong, meaningful connections with other people. They enjoy helping others, but they also need time and space to recharge. Idealist: What sets the INFJ apart is their ability to translate their idealism into action. They don’t just dream about changing the world—they make it happen. Organized: People with an INFJ personality type like to exert control by planning, organizing, and making decisions as early as possible. Both emotional and logical: When making decisions, INFJs place a greater emphasis on their emotions than objective facts. But this doesn’t mean they see the world through rose-colored glasses. INFJs understand the world, both the good and the bad, and hope to be able to make it better.
Cognitive Functions of an INFJ
The MBTI was created in the 1940s by Isabel Myers and her mother Katherine Briggs. It is based on the theories of Swiss psychoanalyst Carl Jung. Jung identified four key psychological functions: thinking, feeling, sensation, and intuition. Each of these functions tends to be either outwardly focused (extraverted) or inwardly focused (introverted). Think of the different cognitive functions as ingredients that go into making up a personality type. The specific recipe for each type is controlled by how these ingredients combine and interact. The MBTI relies on two key factors that combine in different ways, giving us 16 different types. First is the functions themselves, and second is the hierarchical order of those functions. Each type possesses a dominant function that is the core characteristic of that type. This is then supported by an auxiliary function which is another well-developed aspect of personality. The tertiary and inferior functions are less conscious and not as well-formed. The dominant, auxiliary, tertiary, and inferior functions for INFJs are as follows.
Dominant: Introverted Intuition
People with an INFJ personality type are dominant in introverted intuition. This means:
INFJs tend to be highly focused on their internal insights. Once they have formed an intuition about something, INFJs tend to stick to it very tightly, often to the point of being single-minded in their focus. INFJs are sometimes viewed as stubborn and unyielding.
Auxiliary: Extraverted Feeling
The auxiliary function for an INFJ is extraverted feeling. This means:
INFJs are highly aware of what other people are feeling but are sometimes less aware of their own emotions. INFJs sometimes struggle to say no to other people’s requests. They are so attuned to what other people are feeling that they fear causing disappointment or hurt feelings.
Tertiary: Introverted Thinking
The tertiary function for INFJs is introverted thinking. This means:
INFJs make decisions based on ideas and theories that they form based on their own insights. INFJs rely primarily on their introverted intuition and extroverted feeling when making decisions, particularly when they are around other people. When they are alone, however, people with this personality type may rely more on their introverted thinking. In stressful situations, an INFJ might try to rely on emotions when making decisions, especially if it means pleasing other people. Under less stressful conditions, an INFJ is more likely to rely more on their intuition.
Inferior: Extraverted Sensing
The inferior function for an INFJ is extraverted sensing. This means:
While this is a less developed and largely unconscious aspect of the INFJ, it does have an impact on personality. This aspect of personality helps INFJs pay attention to the world around them and stay aware of their surroundings. Extroverted sensing also helps INFJs live in the present moment rather than simply worrying about the future. This aspect of personality also helps INFJs appreciate physical activities such as hiking and dancing.
Personal Relationships With INFJs
INFJs also have a talent for language and are usually quite good at expressing themselves. They have a vivid inner life but are often hesitant to share this with others, except for those closest to them. While they are quiet and sensitive, INFJs can also be good leaders. Even when they don’t take on overt leadership roles, they often act as quiet influencers behind the scenes.
Oprah Winfrey, television personalityMartin Luther King, Jr., civil rights leaderAtticus Finch, character in Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird"Carl Jung, psychoanalystTaylor Swift, musician
INFJs are driven by their strong values and seek out meaning in all areas of their lives including relationships and work. People with this type of personality are often described as deep and complex. INFJs may not have a huge circle of acquaintances, but their close friendships tend to be remarkably close and long-lasting. INFJs are interested in helping others and making the world a better place. They tend to be excellent listeners and are good at interacting with people which whom they are emotionally close and connected. While they care deeply about others, INFJs tend to be introverted and only willing to share their “true selves” with a select few. After being in social situations, INFJs need time to themselves to “recharge.”
Career Paths for INFJs
INFJs do well in careers where they can express their creativity. Because people with INFJ personalities have such deeply held convictions and values, they do particularly well in jobs that support these principles. INFJs often do best in careers that mix their need for creativity with their desire to make meaningful changes in the world. INFJs are usually high achievers and excel in academics and the workplace. They can be perfectionists at times and put a great deal of effort into their work. Co-workers tend to feel that INFJs are hardworking, positive, and easy to get along with. Because they are introverted, however, they may find that they need to retreat at times to recharge. In managerial roles, INFJs can sometimes struggle to exert authority. They tend to lead with sensitivity and are good at helping subordinates feel appreciated in the workplace. Jobs that require a great deal of routine or adherence to strict rules can be difficult for INFJs.
Tips for Interacting With INFJs
If someone in your life is an INFJ, here are some tips for interacting with them based on the relationship you have.
Friendships
Because they are reserved and private, INFJs can be difficult to get to know. They place a high value on close, deep relationships and can be hurt easily—although they often hide these feelings from others. Interacting with an INFJ friend involves understanding and supporting their need to retreat and recharge. People with this personality type sometimes feel misunderstood. You can be a good friend to an INFJ by taking the time to understand their perspective and appreciating their strengths.
Parenting
Because INFJs are so skilled at understanding feelings, they tend to be very close and connected to their children. They have high standards and can have very high behavioral expectations. INFJs are concerned with raising children that are kind, caring, and compassionate. They encourage their children to pursue their interests and talents so they can fully realize their individual potential.
Relationships
INFJs have an innate ability to understand other people’s feelings and enjoy being in close, intimate relationships. They tend to flourish best in romantic relationships with people who share their core values. As a partner, it is important to provide the support and emotional intimacy that an INFJ craves. Sincerity, honesty, and authenticity are all traits that the INFJ appreciates in their partner.
