INTJ Personality: 5 Traits, Strengths, Weaknesses & More

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) test is one of the most well-known personality assessments you can take, with 16 different "types" a person can be. And if you're an INTJ, you're one of the rarer ones, making up only about 2% of the population. Here's what to know about this personality type, from strengths and weaknesses to romantic compatibility, and more.

Overall, INTJs tend to be quiet, objective, and logical while having a creative and abstract flair.

INTJs approach things creatively and innovatively, but ultimately, Nardi explains they're very pragmatic about what works in real life. They're good problem solvers when it comes to having a strategy or backup plan, he adds.

Thanks to their combination of logic, creativity, and attention to detail, these folks make very hard workers. They have excellent focus and willpower, Nardi says, with a strong ability to see their goals through to the end. He also adds they tend to need alone time to do their best work.

Thanks to the "T" (for thinking) in INTJ, this type is very logical. Nardi adds that they are good (though not perfect) with technical details and will ultimately favor their logic over their emotions in a majority of cases.

Although INTJs aim to stay logical and objective, Nardi explains that "they tend to be loyal to a few specific people and causes," almost to a fault. Their loyalty and idealism "can be childlike at times," he notes, though you can count on these people to have your back if you're close. "On an emotional level, INTJs care deeply about a few select people and ideas and are generally aloof about anything else," he says.

Don't be surprised if an INTJ needs some space. "They have some social skills, but they tire easily and can get annoyed or argumentative if you waste their time or repeatedly state illogical things," Nardi says. And again, they do their best work on their own, with this type's introverted and analytical nature lending itself to an independent personality.

They can be aloof and accidentally insulting at times, not giving much attention to others' emotions—or their own. And Nardi says, you should "definitely not assume they can read your thoughts, much less your emotions."

In terms of compatibility, the INTJ will find the most relationship success with an ENTJ or ENFP, as they can balance out their introverted nature while sharing their intuitive quality. INTJs also get along well with INTP and ENTP types. They may not see the same relationship success with Sensing-Judging types, such as ISFJ, ESFJ, or ESTJ.

INTJs will do well in whatever career they put their mind to, according to Nardi. That said, they do gravitate toward careers where they can be innovative and efficient, which attracts them to the fields of science, engineering, and finance. "If they go into another area like the arts," he adds, "they will approach it with the mentality of a scientist." 

Overall, they want a job that keeps things fresh and exciting, without too much repetition—or micromanagement. "They should run from any job that lacks opportunities for innovation and advancement," Nardi says.

And because INTJs can have a hard time relaxing, they need regular practices to de-stress, get perspective, and get in touch with their emotions and intuition, he notes. 

While the INTJ type may come off as quiet, bookworm types, they have a rich and creative inner world just waiting to be shared—with a select few, if you're lucky. Every Myers-Briggs type comes with its strengths and weaknesses, and in the case of INTJs, these quick-witted and hardworking people make for loyal and intelligent friends, sure to keep you on your toes.