ISTJ

Introverted Sensing Thinking Judging

by Joe Butt

"It is in keeping with tradition throughout our history that I should express simply and directly the opinions which I hold concerning some of the matters of present importance." --Herbert Hoover, Inaugural Address, Monday, March 4, 1929.

ISTJs are often called inspectors. They have a keen sense of right and wrong, especially in their area of interest and/or responsibility. They are noted for devotion to duty. Punctuality is a watchword of the ISTJ. The secretary, clerk, or business(wo)man by whom others set their clocks is likely to be an ISTJ.

As do other Introverted Thinkers, ISTJs often give the initial impression of being aloof and perhaps somewhat cold. Effusive expression of emotional warmth is not something that ISTJs do without considerable energy loss.

ISTJs are most at home with "just the facts, Ma'am." They seem to perform at highest efficiency when employing a step-by-step approach. Once a new procedure has proven itself (i.e., has been shown "to work,") the ISTJ can be depended upon to carry it through, even at the expense of their own health.

ISTJs are easily frustrated by the inconsistencies of others, especially when the second parties don't keep their commitments. But they usually keep their feelings to themselves unless they are asked. And when asked, they don't mince words. Truth wins out over tact. The grim determination of the ISTJ vindicates itself in officiation of sports events, judiciary functions, or an other situation which requires making tough calls and sticking to them.

Their SJ orientation draws the ISTJ into the service of established institutions. Home, social clubs, government, schools, the military, churches -- these are the bastions of the SJ. "We've always done it this way" is often reason enough for many ISTJs. Threats to time-honored traditions or established organizations (e.g., a "run" on the bank) are the undoing of SJs, and are to be fought at all costs.

(ISTJ stands for Introvert, Sensing, Thinking, Judging and represents individual's preferences in four dimensions characterising personality type, according to Jung's and Briggs Myers' theories of personality type.)

Your Type Preferences

Introvert(19%) Sensing(3%) Thinking(16%) Judging(47%)

Because you appear to have marginal or no (3%) preference of Sensing over Intuition, characteristics of more than one personality type may apply to you:
ISTJ and INTJ.

ISTJ Career Choices

Introvert(19%) Sensing(3%) Thinking(16%) Judging(47%)

Due to their natural strengths ISTJs often find themselves in occupations that involve effective control of production process, good understanding of details, clear-cut planning, require responsibility and being an efficient worker. They are found across a wide range of industries and verticals, in organizations of all sizes. ISTJs succeed as military and police workers, engineers, auditors, lawyers, surgeons. They are found in technology companies among those who deal with practical aspects of technology (e.g. implementation specialists). ISTJs make good project managers, mid-rank managers, department heads.

Jung Career Indicator™ determines occupations and areas in which ISTJs find themselves most fulfilled and content, are most successful, and likely are most represented in. The following list factors in the level expressivenes of each of four characteristics of personality type. It lists the most suitable areas of occupations along with some examples of educational institutions, where you can receive a relevant degree or training. The most preferred areas appear first. Click occupation names and school logos to request program information.