You visit a local museum and find yourself wide eyed with fascination as you walk down the quiet hallways, marveling at the exhibits in the display cases.Your imagination spins stories about what you see, and you wonder what it would be like to be a museum curator or display artist. You're more comfortable in an imaginative setting like this than in the hectic office where you work. If this is a scenario that could happen to you, you may be an ISFP personality type -- introverted, sensing, feeling, perceiving -- and there are some jobs that are better suited to you than others.

Personality Features of ISFPs

To find the job that is best suited for you, it is important to first understand your personality type. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) assessment identifies 16 personality types. Among them is the ISFP. ISFPs tend to be quiet and introverted with strong feelings of empathy for others. ISFPs are creative and sensitive, dislike strict regimens and routines and prefer visuals and art to facts and figures. Kindness and service are common virtues of an ISFP.

ISFP Positive Work Situations

ISFPs are successful at work when they are given autonomy to freely exercise their creative gifts; they understand the values that motivate them and prefer to follow their ideas through to conclusion with little interference. Because they are introverted, they work well alone, but their innate kindness makes it natural for them to try to help others.

ISFP Negative Work Situations

ISFPs do not enjoy mundane tasks but will perform them if necessary. They prefer spontaneity to routine and dislike being confined to the ordinary. ISFP personalities are sensitive to their environment and can become anxious if they are overwhelmed or feel they are failing. ISFPs are also uncomfortable in structured settings that suppress personal creativity or freedom.

ISFP Skill Sets

ISFP personalities enjoy working in the present and are good short-range planners. Their amiable and helpful personalities make them pleasant to work with. Because ISFPs want their work to matter, they have a strong work ethic and a well-developed sense of responsibility. ISFPs care about what they do and like to please.

ISFP Personalities Need Work That Matters

ISFP personalities need to know that their work has merit and makes a difference; they are seldom satisfied with working solely for monetary gain. Their strong work ethic and service-oriented tendencies compel them to try hard to please, as long as they have the freedom and space to work in their own way.

The Best Job Options for ISFP Personalities

Because of their empathetic and artistic natures, ISFPs are well suited for service and creative careers, as well as jobs in which they can work independently. ISFPs appreciate an aesthetically pleasing and non-hectic environment. The following job types are a few career suggestions that make sense for ISFPs: clergy, social worker, counselor, therapist, physician, nurse, nutritionist, personal fitness trainer, coach, dancer, chef, teacher, veterinarian, museum curator, interior designer, firefighter, jeweler, writer, artist and pilot.

Conclusion

True ISFP personalities are rare, making up only 6 percent of the population. They are individualistic, creative and caring. ISFPs are friendly, but they can be sensitive and may react negatively to criticism or advice. The ISFP personality enjoys living in the moment and works best in a less stressful environment. Because ISFPs are service oriented, they make ideal counselors, teachers and caregivers. ISFPs' strong work ethic and desire to serve makes them invaluable employees.