The Myers-Briggs system is based on theories developed by the Swiss psychiatrist Dr Carl Jung. It sorts people into one of 16 different personality types by identifying their preference for each of four opposing personality functions:
Extraversion or introversion Sensing or intuition Thinking or feeling Judging or perceiving
Knowing and understanding your personality type and the strengths and weaknesses that come with it can be an important first step in choosing a career that suits you. In this article, we explore what it means to be an ESTP personality, looking at key personality traits and how these might translate into a work setting. We also set out 10 of the best career matches for an ESTP personality, along with a few jobs to avoid. As with the other Myers-Briggs personality types, the acronym ESTP stands for the four key characteristics that influence how this type relates to others, how they work and what motivates them. In the case of ESTP types these are:
(E) Extraversion (S) Sensing (T) Thinking (P) Perceiving
ESTPs are passionate and energetic people who focus on the present and are willing to take risks. They thrive on action and adventure and are wired to seek out new challenges and opportunities. As sociable extraverts, ESTPs have a natural charm that draws people to them. In turn, they are re-energised when surrounded by large groups of people. They are usually able to get along with people easily, although their direct communication style can sometimes come across as blunt or even rude to some. ESTP types are logical thinkers who focus more on facts than feelings when making decisions. Although they are flexible in their approach, they favour the concrete over the abstract and are skilled at coming up with practical solutions. While their energetic, active and detail-oriented approach can make ESTPs valuable in a crisis, their preference for thinking and acting in the moment means they focus less on the bigger picture or planning for the future. Likewise, ESTPs dislike too much structure and routine, preferring work environments that are open-ended and flexible, giving them the freedom to come up with their own ideas and execute them in their own way.
Core Strengths and Weaknesses
As with any other personality type, ESTPs have strengths and weaknesses that will come into play both at work and in their private lives:
ESTP Strengths
ESTPs are adventurous and original in the way they think and act. They are not afraid to explore new ideas, push boundaries and pursue their passions. They have the energy to work at a fast pace. Hard-working and dedicated, ESTPs are willing to take a hands-on approach and to face fresh challenges as they arise. They will seek out new opportunities and enjoy learning from experience. They are very practical thinkers, drawing on facts to make decisions quickly. They focus in on the details and will often steer a group towards taking immediate action. Their attention to detail also makes ESTPs very perceptive; they may make observations that others have missed. ESTPs are comfortable being the centre of attention and their charisma and strong communication skills make them natural leaders.
ESTP Weaknesses
Their willingness to take risks means ESTPs tend to push boundaries beyond what others would consider safe or acceptable behaviour, sometimes landing them in trouble. ESTPs chafe under restrictive rules or guidelines and may become defiant or resentful if they feel they are being confined by structure or repetition. They may also hit back at authority figures when they feel they are being dictated to or lectured. Their constant need for activity and excitement can make it difficult for them to stay focused on one task. ESTPs are not as in tune with their emotions as some other personality types. They can become so caught up in the logistics and practicalities of a situation that they fail to empathise with those around them and can come across as insensitive or rude. By focusing on the present, ESTPs can fail to plan for the future which may lead to problems further down the road.
What is an ESTP Like at Work?
In the right role, ESTPs bring energy and passion to the workplace and take a hands-on approach to any task. They are doers rather than planners, and enjoy having the independence and freedom to make their own rules and come up with their own solutions to problems. ESTPs are constantly active and in search of excitement – they don’t like sitting behind a desk for long and enjoy seeking out new challenges and opportunities. Sociable and charming, they work well with others and will naturally take on the role of leader. They also build up professional networks with ease. While an ESTP’s sociable and engaging nature means they are usually a well-liked member of any team, their light-hearted communication style and willingness to take risks may cause friction with team members who are more serious or prefer to do things by the book.
ESTPs as Managers
Leadership roles tend to come naturally to ESTPs as they are keen to take charge. Their energetic approach means they lead from the front rather than sitting back and giving orders. They are also approachable and open to feedback from their team members, and their ability to read others means they can adapt their methods of persuasion to bring a group around to their point of view. However, ESTP leaders can be overly assertive and fail to take personal feelings or office politics into consideration when giving their opinion. Their focus on the present rather than the future can also mean they may struggle to provide a long-term plan or vision for their team.
10 Best Career Matches for ESTP Personalities
ESTPs are best suited to careers that provide the action and challenges that they crave. They may prefer to create something tangible rather than work with abstract ideas, and tend to favour jobs that offer fun and variety with the freedom to work independently, rather than following set procedures. Below we outline jobs in a range of industries that are a good match for ESTPs.
1. Entrepreneur
This personality type is often known as ‘The Entrepreneur’, so it is no surprise that this is an ideal career path for ESTPs. With their risk-taking nature and willingness to test new ideas, ESTPs are well suited to striking out on their own. They also have the energy and capacity to learn new skills and to adapt if things don’t turn out as planned. Their knack for influencing others enables them to sell their ideas and bring other people on board with them.
2. Actor
Gregarious and outgoing, ESTPs love to be in the spotlight, so a career in acting could suit them down to the ground. Working as an actor would also give them the variety, excitement and sense of adventure that they want from a job, allowing them to travel, experiment with different roles and work with a wide range of people. The self-confidence, drive and ambition needed to succeed as an actor would also sit well with an ESTP’s competitive streak.
3. Business Development Officer
ESTPs would be able to put their powers of perception and social intelligence to good use as a business development officer. This is usually a management role and ESTPs would enjoy the autonomy that comes with that, using their logical, problem-solving skills to come up with new strategies to lead their company to success. The opportunities to network and visit different locations in the course of the job would also suit sociable and active ESTPs, preventing them from feeling bored or restricted.
4. Detective
Whether working as a private investigator or in a corporate environment, detective work requires critical thinking, high levels of observation, attention to detail and a resourceful and flexible approach, making it a great match for ESTPs. ESTPs would also enjoy the excitement and variety of detective work and would excel at thinking on their feet as a case unfolded. Their strong communication skills and their ability to read people would also serve them well. While other personality types might buckle under the pressure of responding to a crisis, ESTPs are not afraid to work at a fast pace and think on their feet.
6. Sales Manager
All sales roles are generally well suited to ESTPs, who can use their charm and persuasive personalities to win over clients. With their natural inclination to lead, a role as a sales manager would give them the freedom and flexibility to do things their way and bring others along with them. A role as sales manager often involves networking and travelling, so this would also give ESTPs the variety and change of scenery that they need to thrive at work.
7. Police Officer
While working to keep communities safe, a job as a police officer can be unpredictable and involves an element of danger – both aspects that would attract adventure-loving ESTPs. ESTPs respond to difficult or tense situations without losing their nerve, assessing the realities of a situation at speed and taking logical and decisive action. Their adaptability and excellent interpersonal skills would also serve them well, as police officers can find themselves dealing with all walks of life in all manner of situations.
8. Construction Manager
Jobs that involve physical activity are ideal for ESTPs, who love being active and working with their hands, and hate being stuck behind a desk. Construction managers may oversee several projects at once and will often have to deal with emergencies and setbacks on a day-to-day basis. With their high energy and ability to multi-task and apply logic to solve problems, ESTPs would take this all in their stride. As ESTPs like to see tangible results. They would also get job satisfaction from seeing a construction project through to its end.
9. Athlete
Professional athletes must be prepared to push themselves to their physical limits and this is something that ESTP personality types do not shy away from. ESTPs are also wired to make the bold, spur-of-the-moment decisions that can mean success or failure in a crucial match or athletic tournament. And while other personality types might struggle to cope with the punishing training regime required to succeed, the thrill and excitement of competing would make it worthwhile for an ESTP.
10. Creative Director
While ESTPs are usually logically minded, they are also outgoing and creative thinkers, which can make them a success in artistic careers. A creative director may work in film, advertising, music or fashion and this role would allow ESTPs to execute their big ideas and use their high energy levels. Creative directors have to lead a team and may need to respond to unexpected situations or sudden changes. ESTPs would do this with confidence and ease.
Three Jobs to Avoid
While there are many roles and industries that ESTPs will excel in, some jobs are not well suited to their particular blend of characteristics. The following are some of the careers that ESTP personality types would do best to avoid.
1. Psychologist
A psychologist’s work involves understanding a person’s thoughts and emotions, a process that may seem quite alien to logical, analytically minded ESTPs. ESTPs can feel uncomfortable or awkward discussing emotions and tend to avoid doing so. Their blunt and direct approach can make them seem cold or insensitive, neither of which are desirable traits in a psychologist.
2. Accountant
Accountancy work requires toiling at a desk for long periods every day, carrying out repetitive tasks and working to strict rules and structure. The desk-bound routine and often solitary nature of the role would not suit ESTPs, who do best in jobs that offer social interaction, variety and some degree of unpredictability.
3. Academic
While ESTPs may have the intellectual capabilities to excel as an academic, they prefer roles that offer them a more hands-on experience and the opportunity to work in an energising, exciting environment. They are likely to find an academic setting too rigid and may tire of the need to dwell on abstract concepts for long periods.
Final Thoughts
Hard-working, charismatic and full of passion and original ideas, ESTPs can be a real asset to a workplace, especially when quick thinking and decisive action are required. While ESTPs enjoy working with others, their inclination is to take charge and they become frustrated if they feel boxed in by strict regulations and routines. This personality type does best in roles that give them the freedom and flexibility to act on their ideas, come up with their own solutions and seek out new challenges.
