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ISTJ: MBTI® personality profile

ISTJ personality types are sensible and reliable, and pay attention to detail.

This introduction to the ISTJ personality type, based on the Myers-Briggs® Step I personality assessment, can help you to understand how ISTJs interact with others, and what careers they might enjoy.

The Myers Briggs ISTJ personality typeISTJ strengths

Dependable and systematic, ISTJ types enjoy working within clear systems and processes. They tend to be traditional, task-oriented and decisive. 

Potential development areas for ISTJs 

People with ISTJ preferences can become set in their ways and can sometimes be seen as rigid and impersonal.

Typical ISTJ characteristics

Typical characteristics of an ISTJ

ISTJs are typically thorough, conscientious, realistic but also systematic and reserved. 

Their most common characteristics are shown here in the form of a fun Typie, which you can download and share.

ISTJ careers & career ideas

ISTJ types like to have clear goals and realistic deadlines, and to work with factual data to solve problems and monitor progress. They prefer to work in traditional organisational environments, with people who take their responsibilities seriously. Attractive occupations for ISTJs tend to be within management or administrative positions, with law-enforcement and accounting also holding appeal. More insight about ISTJ jobs can be found in our Introduction to Type and Careers.

ISTJ stressors

ISTJs under stress

ISTJ stress triggers can be things that challenge their natural preference for structure and logic. In extreme circumstances they may become accusatory and pessimistic, tending to withdraw and shut down. Download and share* this ISTJ stress head, to remind yourself and your colleagues about the things that stress ISTJs.

*Terms of use apply

 

ISTJ relationships

An ISTJ is generally perceived by others as someone who values traditions and is also consistent and orderly. ISTJs develop strong loyalty in relationships in their lives and they work hard to fulfill commitments.

Read our blog post on "What if your date is not your type?!"

ISTJ

Fun ways to share ISTJ characteristics:

  • Explore what kind of drink, sport or shoes we think depicts an ISTJ personality
  • Discover more ways to characterise the ISTJ personality on our Fun ways to share your type page 
  • Already have your MBTI Step II profile? Create your Personal Typie
  • Read more on our blog about how aspects of Type dynamics are captured in each Type