INFJ Personality Type (Ni-Fe)

What is an INFJ Personality Type?

INFJ stands for Introverted iNtuitive Feeling Judging. Originally, it was a term from the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (or MBTI), which was developed by Isabel Myers and Katharine Briggs. The Myers-Briggs theory (which many incorrectly refer to as just “MBTI”) originally labelled 16 personality types. Myers and Briggs drew their inspiration from Carl Jung’s theory of the cognitive functions. The 4-letter acronyms have now become commonplace within various offshoots or interpretations of Carl Jung’s original work.

INFJ Meaning

The INFJ personality type is Introverted, which does not necessarily mean that they are socially introverted, although many are. They will, however, be cognitive introverts. In Carl Jung’s description of the cognitive functions, Introversion simply means a focus on the subjective, or their own internal world.

The INFJ personality type values Intuition, which means they prioritize abstract information over concrete information. Being an Intuitive does not mean the INFJ is incapable of interacting with the concrete world in an effective way, but rather they will prioritize abstract information when making decisions.

The INFJ personality type values Feeling, which does not mean they are irrational, cry babies. Rather, they will have a natural focus on emotional data, or on how decisions impact themselves and others on an emotional level.

The INFJ personality type prioritizes Judging, which means they prefer a lifestyle that is more structured or planned out. Judgers are typically long term planners, who prefer to mitigate chaos or uncertainties.

INFJ at a Glance

INFJs are forward-thinking idealists who want to live predictable lives. Therefore, they typically dump a lot of energy into thinking about future implications. They focus heavily on the future, as they perceive it could play out, and often form an ideal picture to work towards. INFJs trust their intuition, but due to the vague nature of their thoughts, they often struggle to trace back the reasoning for it. INFJs are typically warm and caring individuals, who pay close attention to how their actions impact others. They prefer to foster a friendly atmosphere, where people can feel comfortable and safe.

Common Strengths (when healthy)

Conceptual
Single-minded
Long term planners
Idealistic
Cautious
Warm
Compassionate

Common Weaknesses (when imbalanced)

Overly vague/Unspecific
Sensitive
Inefficient
Emotionally manipulative
Disconnected from reality
Closed off to spontaneity and adventure

Cognitive Functions of an INFJ

The cognitive functions for the INFJ personality type, in order, are Ni-Fe-Ti-Se. Below, we attempted to break down each cognitive function and practically explain how it will surface in an INFJ. Please realize however that everyone is unique, and the entire world cannot fit into 16 personality type boxes. Ergo, it’s unlikely that an INFJ will relate to or demonstrate every single quirk or trait mentioned below. However, an INFJ should relate to the underlying principle of each function, and most of what is described below. Exceptions may occur when the INFJ is stuck in a Ni-Ti loop or in the grip of Se. These scenarios may be briefly mentioned in the description below, but this page is not specifically written with those scenarios in mind. With all that said, we hope you find this description useful for self-analysis or understanding the minds of others.

Dominant Function: Introverted Intuition (Ni)

The INFJ personality type leads with Introverted Intuition (Ni). Strong Ni users subconsciously utilize the patterns they have stored away to navigate their future and make it what they desire or avoid what they fear. (Click here for a more in-depth description of Ni.) This is why the INFJ personality type tends to be described as future-oriented and visionary. They’re not getting bogged down by the details of the past, but rather using the overarching themes and lessons they’ve learned to predict where a situation will ultimately lead. They’ll play something out completely in their head in order to speculate how it’ll end. Bear in mind, that their conclusions are not always correct… because *ahem* they’re not actually psychic. Experience is always key. The longer the INFJ lives, the more patterns they will have stored away, and the more effective they will become at reading and predicting situations.

Those with the INFJ personality type will tend to look for the meaning or underlying reason behind events or situations. They want to tie everything to a single principle or concept that can be applied universally. They will have a focus on impressions and themes which are by nature more abstract than concrete examples or details from past experiences. They might be prone to attributing something to destiny, calling out strange coincidences, or saying that something was just “meant to be.”

Since Ni users lack Si, those with this personality type probably won’t be incredibly detail-oriented, and probably won’t do everything by the book. This doesn’t mean that they won’t be precise, but that they will only be as precise as they need to be to achieve their goal or complete their task. Some details may be skipped over or ignored if deemed unnecessary. (Of course, an oversight might come back to haunt them later). They’ll be the types to focus more on generalities. They also won’t dwell much on the past, but focus more on achieving their ideal future.

INFJs will likely prefer to focus on relevant information to the task at hand, and may become impatient with people who take too long to get to the point. While Ne users are prone to sharing their strange intuitive leaps out loud, bringing you along on the conversational journey until they finally reach their conclusion with you, those with the INFJ personality will not. Rather, INFJs will work it all out in their head and then share the conclusion with you. You may be able to convince them to back peddle and explain their logic, but the point here is that you’ll probably hear the conclusion before you hear the argument or dissertation. INFJs may also use their Ni to foresee the actions of others, possibly manipulating people to help bring about whatever vision or goal they have in mind. An INFJ that is skilled at doing this may often seem several steps ahead of everyone else.

Auxiliary Function: Extraverted Feeling (Fe)

The INFJ personality type has Extraverted Feeling (Fe) as their second, or auxiliary, function. Fe users, like the INFJ personality type, seek a positive emotional reaction from others. As a result, they will focus on maintaining relationships which makes them natural caregivers. It also means that majority of their decisions will be based on what is best for everyone else. Therefore, INFJs may often be taken advantage of and used as a doormat, so to speak, whether intentionally or unintentionally. However, it’s not necessarily because they’re ignorant of the manipulation, but simply because they will oftentimes choose the other person over themselves. In addition, INFJs tends to be quiet personalities, usually working in the behind-the-scenes if possible, so it will probably be relatively common place for INFJs to feel used and underappreciated. As auxiliary Fe users, those with this personalty type will also probably enjoy giving gifts and doing the little things like sending cards for special occasions. They’re the ones that’ll act happy when you’re happy and sad when you’re sad, attempting to mirror your emotions in any given situation. (Insert the emotion applicable to your scenario).

The INFJ will be more group oriented than individualistic, which means they’re more likely to prioritize the needs of the group they identify with over individuals. (The group could be their family, a social club, their race, or as broad as humankind.) They will desire to remain in line with the spoken or unspoken rules of the group, and will avoid openly acting out against them. However, their Ni-Ti combination may cause them to rebel against rules that don’t make sense and serve no good or higher purpose. They’ll also probably value harmony, common courtesy, respect, and loyalty because these are all things done with others in mind. An INFJ may even rebuke close friends and family friends for not paying attention to common courtesy or bringing up an issue that may cause conflict.

It is possible that an INFJ will mistakenly determine what is best for someone close to them and try to manipulate events to that end. Without Fi to help them with awareness of self, INFJs might make this mistake because they’ll be tunnel visioned on the Ni outcome that they’ve determined would be the most ideal and are working to enforce it. However, what works for one person, might not work for someone else. INFJs may mix this up and assume what’s best for them is best for everyone else. Fe users as a whole, especially high functioning ones, are prone to use emotional manipulation to get what they want. They also may avoid conflict to a fault, resulting in damaged or irreparable relationships because issues aren’t worked out or dealt with in any way. Since all NFJs lack both Te and Si, those with the INFJ personality type will probably be among the least organized of the Judgers, although they will probably strive to maintain a certain level of control over their daily life since they don’t have a high Extraverted Perceiving function to help them deal with new experiences.

Tertiary Function: Introverted Thinking (Ti)

The INFJ personality type has Introverted Thinking (Ti) as their third, or tertiary, function. Tertiary Ti is used for critical analysis and problem solving. It might be something a little like, “How do I move the couch through that narrow corridor over there and get it into the other room?” The INFJ will then rationalize this out in their head, guesstimate how it would best work, and then give it a try. They may enjoy puzzles, brain teasers, and possibly strategy games as a low use of Ti. People tend to take great pride in utilizing their tertiary effectively and will thus try to find small ways to successfully use it. An INFJ will be no different. They may occasionally come out with sudden, sharp and critical insights, which will often be surprising to those around them.

In the negative however, INFJs may use twisted Ti logic to rationalize an Fe decision or manipulation, convincing themselves that what they’re doing is not only best for everyone involved, but it is also the most logical decision. They also may be prone to yielding their own personality, logic, or opinions for the sake of avoiding conflict, or maintaining harmony with those around them. The danger in this is allowing too many other perspectives to muddy their own, essentially sacrificing the logical accuracy of their Ti system in order to include conflicting pieces of information, due to Fe’s desire to maintain harmony.

Inferior Function: Extraverted Sensing (Se)

The INFJ personality type has Extraverted Sensing (Se) as their fourth, or inferior, function. This can manifest for them in a couple of different ways. First, it can manifest as a devaluing of sensory, or concrete information. They may be so determined to perceive deeper meaning or trust an abstract impression that they fail to see the evidence right in front of them. They may refuse to try to support their intuitive conclusions with concrete information, either because they don’t see it necessary or feel unable to do so. (Having Se as their inferior function may essentially result in them not even bothering to try, which may ultimately lead to bitterness when those around them won’t trust their unsupported conclusions.)

Inferior Se can also cause INFJs to struggle to adapt in the moment, or feel present. Being one of the personality types to think far into the future, they may struggle to live in the now, and react when they need to. They may find themselves easily stressed by spontaneous action, preferring plenty of time in advance to prepare.

INFJs may also have a weakness toward sensory pleasures, like overindulging in food or possibly buying expensive and overly lavish things. They may also be very generous toward loved ones and friend in terms of buying gifts or lending money. INFJs will also probably have a slight yearning for adventure, but since this trait is weak the thought of going on such adventures might be nerve wracking to them and could keep them from acting on that desire. They may also have a strong appreciation for aesthetics, which could surface through a very nicely decorated home or an interest in fashion.

INFJ Careers and Job Ideas

At Practical Typing, we hesitate to list specific careers, because each person is far more than their personality type. Cognitive functions do not determine skills, only cognitive preferences. However, there will be certain aspects within a given career field that play better to an INFJ’s strengths. For instance, INFJs typically excel at jobs that require a long term focus. They can be perfectionists, when it comes to achieving their desired outcome. These types often prefer stable jobs that allow them to be part of a team or impact people in some way. As naturally people-focused individuals, INFJs will struggle if their work is too detached, whether that means in process or impact. Friendly, cooperative efforts where the work is meaningful will feel rewarding and motivating. In addition, they want to know that their job, whatever it is, will keep them employed for many years to come. INFJs will feel a sense of security in knowing what the end goal is, so they can ensure that they fulfill expectations and do their job well. INFJs will likely struggle with a career that is too chaotic, unpredictable, and doesn’t allow them time to think.

INFJ Relationships and Compatibility

INFJs are typically loyal individuals who are attentive to the needs of their loved ones, and proactive in taking care of them. They strive to gain a deep understanding of those they are close to, often using their intuition to anticipate their partner’s needs. INFJs strongly desire emotional feedback, so that they can feel appreciated and know that their efforts are not going unnoticed. They struggle with spontaneity, and desire to maintain a sense of calm. However, they may look to their partner to provide the flexibility that they lack, and encourage a more light-hearted approach to life. They often secretly desire adventure, and will appreciate those who take the lead in this area.