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The ESFJ personality type is one of 16 different personality types of the Personality Type Indicator. The MBTI test involves answering questions about yourself to determine what your personality is.

The ESFJ personality type is one of the more common personality types. It is expected that about 12% of the population are ESFJs. Approximately 17% of women and 8% of men are ESFJs.

What does ESFJ stand for?

The four letters of each personality type indicate a certain trait of the personality. An individual can be classified as either introverted or extroverted, sensing or intuitive, feeling or thinking, and judging or perceiving. The ESFJ personality type is extroverted, sensing, feeling, and judging.

ESFJ characteristics

Common strengths

Warm and compassionate. ESFJ individuals are very kind-hearted and compassionate people. They often put others' feelings and needs before their own. They will often scan the room to locate anyone who does not appear to be having a good time and do their best to help this person feel included and valued.

Teamwork. ESFJs are very extroverted and prefer to work in teams rather than by themselves. Their kind-hearted nature helps to ensure that everyone in the team feels included and valued. Even though they are extroverted and often assertive in social situations, they also are aware of others and try their best to make sure everyone is happy.

Hard-working. ESFJs are very hard-working people. They have a strong sense of duty and will do everything in their power to ensure that all of their responsibilities and obligations are being met to the highest possible standard.

Respect protocol and tradition. Those with the ESFJ personality type tend to make decisions based on protocols, traditions, laws, and personal values. They often view situations in a “right or wrong” manner with no in-between. This can be a strength in some situations, such as working in law enforcement, but can be a bit tricky working in teams.

Organization. Organization and working to a schedule are common strengths of the ESFJ personality type. They thrive on structured routines and need stability to ensure they don’t feel too stressed.

Common weaknesses

Sensitive to criticism. ESFJs can be quite sensitive to criticism and harsh words. Because they are always putting others’ feelings before their own, they often expect others to treat them in the same way. This can cause them to be upset when others don’t like their ideas or don't reciprocate their kindness.

React emotionally. When upset, an ESFJ may react to a situation too quickly and emotionally. They often can come back to a situation later and solve any issues with kindness, but in the moment, their emotions may get the better of them.

Absorbed in their own opinion. Sometimes, the ESFJ may get too absorbed in their own opinion and be dismissive of others. It may be hard to convince an ESFJ personality that they are not right, or that their idea is not the best.

What hobbies do ESFJs enjoy?

The best hobbies for the ISFJ personality are those that involve making others happy and are hands-on. An ESFJ may enjoy:

• Cooking
• Hosting parties or gatherings
• Mentoring
• Team sports
• Volunteering

What career do ESFJs thrive in?

As with the hobbies above, ESFJs thrive in careers that involve helping others. Additionally, the best careers for them have some structure and organization. Some great career options for an ESFJ individual include:

• Administrator or receptionist
• Law enforcement
• Marriage or family therapist
• Nurse
• Teacher

Things to note when working with an ESFJ personality type

If someone you know—whether you work with them, are friends with, or in a relationship with—is an ESFJ personality type, it may be helpful for you to read the following tips on working with an ESFJ personality.

Show them respect. This could be said for any personality type, as you really should show respect to everyone; however, it is particularly important for working with an ESFJ personality type. This is because ESFJs will always show respect and put others first. If this is not reciprocated, they will be easily hurt and may react emotionally.

Do not insult their values. Values are very important to an ESFJ individual. They base most of their decisions on their personal values, as well as the law, tradition, and others' feelings. By insulting their personal values, you are insulting a core part of their personality.

Remember that they will always be taking your feelings into consideration. This has been mentioned many times throughout this article, but that is because it is worth repeating. ESFJs will do everything in their power to ensure those they care about are happy and feel valued. If you have an ESFJ in your life, it is important to reciprocate their kindness.