The ENFJ vs ESFJ debate goes on. They are two personality types that can easily be mistyped for each other. It’s easy to see why. The only difference between the two personality types is their second function.

Thus, people who take the MBTI test and find themselves on the borderline between intuition (N) and sensing (S) might be a bit confused as to where they fall.

However, the truth is that it is easy to tell them apart once you know what distinguishes them. In this article, we are going to talk more about their differences.

What Is The Difference Between The ENFJ And The ESFJ?

The main difference between the ENFJ and ESFJ is their manner of processing information. ENFJs are going to focus more on ideas and possibilities while ESFJs are going to be more interested in their external environment.

This main difference is likely to create a host of other smaller differences between the two personality types.

ENFJ vs ESFJ- Cognitive Functions

ENFJ and ESFJ are also different when it comes to cognitive functions. Every MBTI type has four dominant functions out of eight.

Their cognitive functions refer to the way they prefer to take in and process information.

ENFJ	ESFJ
Extroverted Feeling	Extroverted Feeling
Introverted Intuition	Introverted Sensing
Extroverted Sensing	Extroverted Intuition
Introverted Thinking	Introverted Thinking

From the table, you’ll quickly realize that ENFJ and ESFJ share their first and their last cognitive functions. However, the two in the middle are inversed. This makes them quite an interesting study.

Let’s break down the cognitive functions.

Extroverted Feeling

Both MBTI types lead with extroverted feeling (Fe). This means that they are more inclined to state their emotions, feelings, and opinions.

Usually, these opinions are based on their emotions and not logic. So, both the ENFJ and the ESFJ will approach situations from an emotional point of view.

Since they both have Fe, they will also want to connect with a lot of their friends and acquaintances. This also allows them to tap into how others feel about a particular situation.

Ni vs Si

This is where the differences between the two types start to show. ENFJs use introverted intuition as their second function.

This function allows the ENFJ to see patterns and connect the dots between various situations and circumstances. This usually happens in a flash.

This allows the ENFJ to see ideas and understand abstract concepts easily. It also allows them to take these ideas and endless possibilities and create something new and innovative.

ESFJs, on the other hand, have introverted sensing as their second function. This allows the ESFJ to store and analyze past experiences. ESFJs are going to favor traditions over new untested practices.

This is because the Si is going to want to stick patterns that are familiar to them. This is therefore the main difference between both types.

ENFJs are always looking for new ideas while ESFJ will always prefer to stick with methods that are tried and tested.

Se vs Ne

ENFJs use extroverted sensing as their third function. This means that the ENFJ can take information in through their five senses. However, make no mistake. This function does not mean that the ENFJ enjoys routine or mundane activities.

It simply means that the ENFJ craves something refreshing. They want to experience life and novelty. Things like good food and good vacations greatly appeal to the ENFJ.

The ESFJ, on the other hand, uses extroverted intuition as its third function. This complements their first function perfectly.

ESFJs can easily express their feelings, ideas, or emotions in a very clear manner due to this function. This makes ESFJs excellent communicators among their friends, work colleagues, or peers.

Introverted Thinking

Finally, both personality types use introverted thinking as their last function. This can either be a blessing or a curse. This function allows both types to test their theories to see if it holds weight.

When underdeveloped, both types will struggle with analyzing complex ideas and facts. However, most personality types develop their last function as they age.

ENFJ vs ESFJ- Relationship and Love

ESFJ Love

ESFJs approach love and relationships cautiously. However, once they are all in, they are all in. Most times, the ESFJ will love one person for a long time.

Once this happens, they will become quite loyal to this person and protect them. The ESFJ is ultimately a feeler. This means that they will be sensitive to the emotions shown by their partners. They will be willing to care for their partners on a deeper level.

However, dating the ESFJ will also come with its own struggles. ESFJs are big on traditions and beliefs. This might be a problem if their partner does not share their same beliefs. They are also feelers at heart.

If their partners are thinkers, comments made by them might hurt the ESFJ deeply. ESFJs are most compatible with the INFP or ISFP. However, the ESFJ can also be compatible with pretty much all the feeler types.

ENFJ Love

They are very similar to the ESFJ when it comes to romantic relationships. They are going to give their all in a relationship and expect the same from their partners.

When they get into a relationship, they are going to want to commit for a long time. ENFJs care deeply about their partners.

They are going to help their partners reach their goals and be the best versions of themselves. However, like all other types, ENFJs will have some struggles in the relationship.

ENFJs are very energetic people. They will also want their partners to match this energy and zeal. It can become a problem if this does not happen. ENFJs will become very upset or impatient with their partners.

They might even see them as unreliable and unserious. ENFJs are most compatible with INFP and INTP. However, just like the ESFJs, they will be compatible with pretty much all feeler types.

ENFJ vs ESFJ- Population Count

ENFJ is one of the rarer personality types in the world. They make up about 2.5% of the world’s population according to Personality Max. This is in sharp contrast with the ESFJ who is more popular in the world today.

They make up about 12% of the world’s population.

ENFJ vs ESFJ- Enneagram Types

ENFJ is more likely to be typed as type 2 than any other enneagram type. This is followed by type 3 by a long mile. Type 8s come in third on the list.

ESFJs, on the other hand, are more likely to be type 2 than any other type. This is followed by type 6 and type 8s.

Type 2 is dominant for both types as they truly care for others and how they fare in life.

ENFJ vs ESFJ- in the Work Place and Their Career

ENFJ

The ENFJ in the workplace is very cheerful and hardworking. Often called the champion or the protagonist of the MBTI, they are going to help anyone they can to get on well with their jobs.

The ENFJ can be trusted to carry out multiple jobs with competence and skill. However, these tasks must carry an atom of excitement. While the ENFJ is very reliable, they prefer an exciting workplace.

Here are some career options for the ENFJ

• Editor
• Author
• Health Educator
• Social worker
• Lawyer
• Human resource specialist
• Fitness trainer
• Child care worker

Here are some careers that they should avoid

• Mechanic
• Plumbing
• Electrician
• Pathologist
• Military
• Electrical engineer
• Mechanical engineer

ESFJ

ESFJ are happy people who like to communicate with others in the workplace. They are reliable and can be very hard working.

The difference between the ESFJ and ENFJ is that the ESFJ is better with their hands when working. The ENFJ is more into teaching and coming up with creative ideas.

The ESFJ is also going to be way better with details while the ENFJ is going to do better with the big picture.

Here are some of the best career options for the ESFJ

• Mechanic
• Electrician
• Plumbing
• Mechanical Engineer
• Electrical engineer
• Chef
• Paralegals
• Nurse
• Surgeon
• Fitness Trainer

Here are some careers to avoid as an ESFJ

• Lawyer
• Farmer
• Editor
• Investment Banker
• Chemist
• Social scientist

ENFJ vs ESFJ- Childhood

ENFJ

The ENFJ child is going to be extremely sociable. They are going to be friendly and be able to make friends easily. They are also going to very curious kids.

Their need to connect with people will also mean that they will help other children achieve their targets even at an early age.

Even as children, the ENFJ child is still a feeler. This means that harsh criticism will do more harm than good for this child. Parents should do their best to gently correct them and steer them in the right direction.

ESFJ

If there is something that is going to be noticeable with the ESFJ child, it’s their involvement with the family. ESFJ children are going to need a lot of reassurance from their parents.

They would do way better when they are brought up in a family where love is in abundance. Just like the ENFJ child, they are also going to be sensitive to hurtful remarks or comments.

As a parent, make sure you refrain from using such words on the ESFJ child.

ESFJ vs ENFJ- Dealing with Breakup

ESFJ

They thrive on connections with those they love. Thus, they will do all they can to fix the relationship if they see it’s going downhill.

For an ESFJ to give up on a relationship, it has to be clear that it cannot be saved. However, once it is clear that the relationship is completely over, the ESFJ is going to move on. They are going to go through their grieving or healing process.

Once they are done, they will feel so much better.

ENFJ

The ENFJ behaves a bit differently from the ESFJ. Just like their counterparts, they really value the connections they create with their partner.

So, when a relationship ends, they feel a lot of pain and hurt. Instead of going through the healing process, the ENFJ will try to shrug off how they feel. They will deny feeling pain and hurt and become more involved with their surroundings.

So what do you think? Are you an ESFJ or an ENTJ?