Stuck In A Job Rut? Use Your MBTI Type To Find Your Next Career Move

John Hackston
Apr 26, 2023
career moves using your MBTI personality type

If you’re stuck in a job you hate, it’s usually easy to think of the reason why you hate it (or several reasons). Your manager is never satisfied, the job isn't what you thought it would to be, the pay is poor and not getting better, your co-workers are not the vibe — the list goes on. Sometimes solutions for a sucky job aren’t obvious, but knowing your personality type can help you figure out what’s going wrong.

Academic research using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) assessment shows that people who have similar personality types to their co-workers have higher levels of job satisfaction — and are likely to stay in their jobs for longer. Research also show that the strength of this working relationship differs between different occupations. At the Myers-Briggs Company, we’ve built on this research alongside our own data to help place each personality type across a wide range of occupations. Even if you haven’t completed the MBTIOnline careers report, knowing your personality type and preferences can help you decide what your next career move might be. Here's what you need to know!

A Quick MBTI Refresher

The MBTI framework looks at four aspects of personality:

  1. Whether you are energized by and prefer to focus your attention on your external environment (Extraversion, E) or your internal world (Introversion, I)
  2. Whether you take more notice of information that is solid, practical and based on the evidence of your senses (Sensing, S) or instead on the big picture, possibilities and ideas (Intuition, N)
  3. Whether you prefer to make decisions on the basis of objective logic (Thinking, T) or on how people will be affected and how this relates to your values (Feeling, F)
  4. Whether you prefer to live in an organized, structured, planned way (Judging, J) or in a more spontaneous, emergent way (Perceiving, P).

We each have a preference for E or for I, for S or for N, for T or for F and for J or for P – giving 16 different possible personality types. For example, personality preferences for Introversion, Sensing, Thinking, and Judging would be considered an ISTJ.

Online, you’ll find lots of lists of the "best" jobs for each personality type. However, your personality has as much to do with how you fit with the culture of an organization and with the nature of the job itself. Think about what you like and dislike about your current role; don’t just consider the formal content of the job, also think about the physical and psychological aspects of your working environment.

  • Extraversion: Are you looking for a job where you can meet more people, and/or a workplace with more of a "buzz" about it than you have now?
  • Introversion: Do you need somewhere quieter, where you are interrupted less, or would you like to be able to work from home more often?
  • Sensing: Do you need a job where the rules are clearer?
  • Intuition: Would you prefer a job where the rules are less restrictive?
  • Thinking: Are you looking fora job where you are rewarded for your competence, and not necessarily for being a team player?
  • Feeling: Do you want a place where you feel more at home, somewhere more aligned with your values?
  • Judging: Are you looking for a more structured, planned, ordered, organized workplace?
  • Perceiving: Would you like somewhere where you aren’t constrained by schedules and rigid plans?

Let's Get to Work

Photo by Ivan Samkov / PEXELS

As well as thinking about the characteristics of the job and of the organization that you are looking for, knowing your MBTI type can help with the job search process. Here are some things to look out for, depending on your type:

  • Extraversion: You’re energized by meeting people, so use this aspect to network, engage recruiters and others in conversation, and work on your elevator pitch. Just remember to listen and let the other person talk as well.
  • Introversion: Networking may not come naturally to you, but it can be useful. Treat it — and prepare for it — as you would for an interview. Perhaps create a list of recruiters and other useful contacts, and get in touch, proactively, by email or social media in the first instance.
  • Sensing: Your natural work style is likely to build on what you already know and use the methods that have worked in the past, but don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things, explore new ideas, and be open to new opportunities. Your skills and experience might make you suitable for roles you hadn’t thought of!
  • Intuition: You're likely to be open to new possibilities in life. Use this to explore new and different job opportunities, but make sure you get the facts and the details right when you put together job applications.
  • Thinking: Focus your search on roles that will give you opportunities for professional growth and financial success. Do, however, consider the wider background and values of the organizations you apply to; even those with a Thinking preference can be affected by a toxic company culture.
  • Feeling: It’s likely very important that the values and ethos of any organization you join match your own. Find out as much as you can about the values of the companies you are applying to. Don’t just look at what the organization says about itself; resources like Glassdoor reviews can be very useful.
  • Judging: As you like to organize your life in a structured, planned way, apply this to your search. Have a job search plan, keep track of deadlines for job applications, put networking events in your diary, and so on. However, if an interesting opportunity comes up out of the blue, go with it – not everything has to be planned!
  • Perceiving: it’s great to be spontaneous and adaptable, but in order to be successful in finding a new job, planning and organization really does help. So, although it might seem like a chore, sit down and write out a plan for your job search – with realistic dates for each attached, as a way to help you keep on track. Keep up to date with deadlines for applications, interviews, and so on. A little pain now will help in the long term.

Knowing your personality type can help you both to really understand what you are looking for in a new job, and to go out and get it.

Sign up for our newsletter for more MBTI personality content!

John Hackston is a chartered psychologist and Head of Thought Leadership at The Myers-Briggs Company where he leads the company’s Oxford-based research team. He is a frequent commentator on the effects of personality type on work and life, and has authored numerous studies, published papers in peer-reviewed journals, presented at conferences for organizations such as The British Association for Psychological Type, and has written on various type-related subjects in top outlets such as Harvard Business Review.

Header photo by Alexander Suhorucov / PEXELS

Run A Business In California? This Free Loan Tool Can Help You Grow

CA Small Business Loan Match
business loans

Are you a small business owner looking for a good loan to grow your business? California Small Business Loan Match makes it easier to find the right loan for you. Loan Match pre-vets mission-driven lenders and matches you with the best lender for your business, at no-cost. Get started in less than 10 minutes with a brief pre-application and no credit check required!

Loan Match is powered by IBank, a state government agency that helps to promote healthier economies and improve quality of life in California communities. All lenders are enrolled in IBank’s Loan Guarantee Program, which helps bridge the gap between responsible lenders and small businesses.

Photo by RDNE Stock project

Wondering if you're eligible? Any business operating in the state of California, with 1 to 750 employees, is eligible. You just need to be a business entity (Sole Proprietor, LLC, Cooperative, Corporation, Partnership, S-Corporation, or Not-For-Profit), and operate in an eligible industry according to the 2022 NAICS codes (read: a legit business).

Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Fill out a short pre-application questionnaire that takes just minutes to complete. No credit check required!

Step 2: Based on your eligibility, they’ll match you with lenders who fit your needs.

Step 3: Review details about each lender, select the one you like, and they’ll connect you with them.

Step 4: The lender will reach out within three business days to complete the application process. (You’ll also get their contact info so you can follow up directly.)

Most California Small Business Loan Match lenders are certified as Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), which means they offer competitive rates but specialize in helping borrowers who don’t meet the rigid lending criteria of traditional banks — for example, small businesses that have a lower credit score, a prior defaulted loan, or no up-front collateral. CDFIs specialize in helping people in lower-income communities too, and offer a much more flexible and affordable repayment plan than online lenders or Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) loans.

Check them out to help you grow your business, meeting our mission to help you succeed! Good luck!

Hero photo by Amina Filkins

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Hey Mamas! Enter To Win A Diaper Genie + A Refill Bundle

From running on 3 hours of sleep to constant diaper changes, mamas do so much. We've teamed up with @diapergenieofficial for a special Mother’s Day gift to make things easier for new moms: receive a FREE Diaper Genie Select Pail with square refill technology, plus enough refills to get you off to a great start! The giveaway will consist of one Select Pail + four Jumbo Refills for an associated value of up to $118. Say goodbye to diaper odors in style with this sleek, easy-to-use pail. The winner will also receive a $500 Amazon gift card to shop for all their baby and household needs. Check the deets below!

Enter to win a new Diaper Genie Select Pail and four Jumbo Refills here. Giveaway ends on May 31. One lucky winner will be announced on Wednesday, June 5.

Good luck mamas! #DiaperGenie #MothersDayMagic

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How 7 Common Neurodiversity Types Can Shed Light On Your Personality

What is neurodiversity?

In a sense, we are all neurodiverse. When it comes to what goes on inside our heads, none of us are exactly the same. This was the original meaning of ‘neurodiversity’ when psychologist Judy Singer coined the term back in 1999. However, most people now use the word neurodiversity to say that a person’s mental functioning is in some way different from what society has dictated to be ‘normal’. In the past, the medical model was used with these people; they were seen as suffering from a medical condition or disorder, or from some form of learning deficit or impairment. The concept of neurodiversity replaces this with the idea that there is a range of human characteristics, with some people (the neurotypical) closer to the average of these and others (the neurodiverse or neurodivergent) further from the average.

What are common types of neurodiversity?

There are many different forms of neurodiversity, including for example Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), dyscalculia, dyslexia, dyspraxia (developmental co-ordination disorder) and Tourette's syndrome. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is also often seen as a form of neurodiversity. Here's a little more on each of these:

  • With Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), people can seem restless, may have trouble with concentration and attention, and/or may act on impulse more than other people. Some people with ADHD are more inattentive (not paying attention to detail, not listening, or paying attention, getting distracted, making mistakes). Some are more hyperactive or impulsive (fidgeting, never staying still, talking too much, interrupting, not staying seated). Many show a combination of the two. While ADHD may affect tasks that involve attention to detail, repetitive tasks, rule following or strict management of time and resources, people with ADHD can be very creative and energetic, and when they are doing a job that they enjoy and find interesting, ‘hyperfocus’, avoiding distractions and producing high-quality and incisive results.

  • With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), autistic people may act in a different way to other people. They may find it hard to communicate and interact with other people and find it hard to understand how other people think or feel. Some may find things like bright lights or loud noises overwhelming, stressful, or uncomfortable, and get anxious or upset about unfamiliar situations and social events. Some can take longer to understand information while some do or think the same things over and over. Autism represents a spectrum of different behaviors. For most people, not all these issues will apply, and those that do will differ in their impact. Many autistic people can bring a high degree of attention, precision and accuracy to tasks, have in-depth expertise and knowledge in specific areas, and demonstrate a logical, analytical approach.
  • Dyscalculia is a specific and persistent difficulty in understanding numbers which can lead to a diverse range of difficulties with mathematics. Those with dyscalculia may also have trouble understanding shapes, distance, or volume, or have difficulty with time, directions, recalling schedules, sequences of events, or financial planning. People with dyscalculia often see situations in a holistic way, leading to effective strategic decisions and creative problem-solving. They often have a great love of words and a high degree of practical ability.
  • Dyslexia is when people may read and write slowly, confuse the order of letters in words, be confused by letters that look similar, write letters the wrong way round (such as "b" and "d"), and have poor or inconsistent spelling. They may understand information when told verbally but have difficulty with information that is written down. They may, however, have advantages in areas such as big-picture or lateral thinking, visualization, and some forms of creativity.
  • Dyspraxia is a developmental co-ordination disorder affects movement and co-ordination, such as tasks requiring balance, playing sports, or learning to drive a car. Dyspraxia can also affect fine motor skills, such as writing or using small objects. People with dyspraxia have often had to overcome obstacles growing up, leading to a degree of resilience and determination. Having to carry out tasks in different ways means that they can often bring a new and creative view to problems.
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) has historically been seen as a type of anxiety disorder or a form of mental illness, but it is now also often seen as a form of neurodiversity. In obsessive-compulsive disorder, a person has obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. An obsession is an unwanted and unpleasant thought, image, or urge that repeatedly enters a person’s mind, causing feelings of anxiety, disgust, or unease. A compulsion is a repetitive behavior or mental act that they feel compelled to do to temporarily relieve the unpleasant feelings brought on by the obsessive thought, for example cleaning and hand washing, checking and rechecking, counting, or hoarding. The compulsive behavior temporarily relieves the anxiety, but the obsession and anxiety soon return, causing the cycle to begin again.
  • Tourette's syndrome is a condition that causes a person to make involuntary sounds and movements called tics. These may be physical (such as blinking, eye rolling, jerking of the head or limbs, or touching objects and other people) or verbal (such as grunting, coughing, tongue clicking or saying random words and phrases). Although swearing is often depicted as a symptom, only a small percentage of people with Tourette’s syndrome do this.

And it’s important to remember that neurodiverse people are not a tiny minority. It’s estimated that 3 to 4 percent of adults have ADHD, 2 percent have ASD, and up to 15% have dyslexia. If anything, these numbers may be underestimates; many adults might not have had the opportunity for a formal diagnosis, or may feel a pressure not to reveal this about themselves.

Using personality assessments like Myers-Briggs Type Indicator to better understand neurodiversity—a good idea or terrible idea?

Personality assessment had something of a bad press in this area, accused of ‘screening out diversity’. This could be the case when personality assessments are used to screen out job applicants or at other stages of recruitment and selection, though even in this context the research suggests that other hiring practices, such as traditional interviews, can have a more detrimental effect. But when personality questionnaires used as part of development or counseling, as would always be the case with the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) assessment, they can help neurodiverse people in all sorts of ways. Following MBTI feedback, many neurodiverse people report a sense of relief that they now understand themselves better, that they can see how they are different from many other people but that they realize that this difference is OK. For a neurodiverse person, this positive recognition of aspects of their personality and behavior can be extremely empowering. Here are some comments from a recent survey that we carried out:

“I don’t feel as alone”.

“It confirmed that I’m OK”.

“It helped me better understand and manage my intrusive thoughts in relation to my OCD”.

“It was the MBTI assessment that first got me to push for my own diagnosis. There is so much more that I could say here about how powerful the MBTI tool is for helping people with neurodiversity understand themselves and how they can fit into the workplace as themselves and all that they can bring”.

There can be other benefits too. Personality frameworks like the MBTI can help non-neurodiverse people understand the positive benefits of the ways in which others are different, help neurodiverse people understand their behavior and that of other people, and recognize the ways in which they have ‘masked’ their natural behavior. Generally, personality assessment in a developmental context is probably a good idea.

The link between personality and neurodiversity

Can understanding your personality shed light on neurodiversity in other ways too? Well, yes and no. Personality type and the different aspects of neurodiversity are different ways of understanding yourself and other people. Some forms of neurodiversity will not show any relationship with MBTI type at all. Even when research shows that some relationship exists, neither will entirely explain the other. For example, research using the MBTI framework suggests a link between Extraverted Intuition (people with personality type preferences for ENTP and ENFP) and ADHD. However, not all ENTPs and ENFPs will show signs of ADHD, and not all people with ADHD will have preferences for ENTP or ENFP. Personality and neurodiversity are two different ways of helping people to understand themselves, and used together can give a richer picture.

Both our personality type preferences and our neurodiversity contribute to our behavior and to the ways in which we see the world. And there are correlations, overlaps, between these two different ways of understanding ourselves. But it is important to remember that these are general relationships that do not signify cause and effect, and that won’t hold for every person.

adhdpersonality typewellnessmental healthmbti

Reese Witherspoon's Book Club Just Announced Its Rom-Com Pick For May!

After compiling my vacation reads, I'm *finally* ready to start combing through Reese Witherspoon's Book Club list. Her revelation about reading books in her cover feature interview with Harper's Bazaar made me realize I need to step my game up ASAP.

Her admirable hobby - that's since led her to create a bourgeoning book club— continues to highlight books with women at the center, girl does she have a great eye for stories that fit every mood. To date, her book club list has amassed over 90 titles of romantic beach reads, thrillers, and more.

Since it's a new year and we're sure you not ready to tackle that many titles, I went through the list to pick the top 26 books worth diving into. Buckle up because they're sure to take our emotions on a ride! After you finish your TBR (To Be Read list), check out 24 Standout Reads From Jenna Bush Hager's Book Club, 20 Captivating Shondaland Book Club Picks, and 16 Must-Reads From The Oprah Winfrey Book Club!

May 2024: How to End a Love Story

How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang

Trigger warning: This book mentions suicide and grief.
Helen Zhang and Grant Shepard are bound by an event that changed their lives forever. Before you ask, it's not a steamy one night stand where one of them ghosted the other.
Their paths actually crossed because of a pivotal accident that neither of them saw coming and it caused Helen to view Grant as her worst enemy for years. However, time passed and they moved on to separately create lucrative careers. What they couldn't have expected was for their paths to cross, especially not at work.
Given the amazing opportunity to be a writer for the TV adaption of her own successful YA books, Helen anxiously travels to LA to accept the position and hit the reset button on her life. She has a brief moment of euphoria until she realizes that Grant will also be in the writer's room.
Now they'll have to confront their complicated feelings for each other in order not to derail their jobs and lives. They know it's impossible for them to have a true love story, but sometimes the messiness of life is all it takes for two people to find common ground and decide how they want their stories to end.

April 2024: The Most Fun We Ever Had

The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo

When Marilyn Connolly and David Sorenson fell in love, all they knew is that nothing could shake their foundation. Despite their unwavering hope in the past, their current reality looks differently than they imagined. Their four daughters — Wendy, Violet, Liza, and Grace — each have a unique set of problems that creates of chaos for the family. From the loss of one's husband to the secrets the youngest daughter keeps, the Sorensons are never quite sure what to expect.

In a shocking turn of events, a young man — Jonah Bendt — shows up and reveals that one of the daughters is his mom. He was placed up for adoption some time ago, but he's ready to come home to learn more about his biological family. There may be drama in The Most Fun We Ever Had, but there's still a family who finds a way back to the love that Marilyn and David have always believed in.

March 2024: Anita De Monte Laughs Last 

Art student Raquel only comes Anita de Monte's story after she starts feeling like she's starting to make a name for herself among College Hill's socialites. The more she learns about how Anita's life was horrifically cut short, she starts drawing parallels between their lives. It's almost like history is repeating itself and it's hitting too close to home.

As Gonzalez alternates between both of their perspectives, Raquel and Anita's lives begin to intersect in a way that makes Anita de Monte Laughs Last the kind of novel that'll have you thinking about it longer after you finish the last page.

February 2024: "Redwood Court" by DéLana R.A. Dameron

Redwood Court reads like a historical love letter to Black families and contains relationships that remind me of my own family. When Mika Tabor starts asking questions about her family's history, she receives much more than her class assignment asked for. The more she listens to her grandparents and observes her parents, she realizes they've been telling her meaningful stories all along. From tales of racism to the sweet grasp of a world that began moving past obvious racial tension, this novel offers a glimpse into the homes of many Black families.

While I often say I'd like to pass down books to my kids, Redwood Court has become something that I feel is mandatory to read.

January 2024: "First Lie Wins" by Ashley Elston

Reese's Book Club is coming in hot with their first pick of the year! This thriller of a reader is all about "Evie Porter" and her separate identities. One paints the picture of who she truly is, but her job places her in the position of assuming a new name in order to complete the mission given to her by Mr. Smith. She's never met Mr. Smith, her boss, but she has the inkling that her latest mission hits a little too close to home.

Does he know more about her than she realizes and can she successfully fulfill the goal he has for? Buy your copy of First Lie Wins today to find out!

December 2023: "Before We Were Innocent" by Ella Berman

What would you do if you knew a terrible secret that involved the death of one of your best friends? In Before We Were Innocent, Bess and Joni find themselves trying to escape answering this. However, some things are hard to bury — especially when the past comes knocking in the form of Joni. Will the two former best friends be able to maintain their innocence or will they have to accept the truth about themselves?

November Pick: "Maybe Next Time" by Cesca Major

If the past few years have felt like you've been stuck in a weird time loop, you'll love this page turner by Cesca Major. Maybe Next Time follows Emma as she navigates being a busy literary agent, wife and mother - except she only seems to have time for her career. When her husband is involved in a tragic car accident, Emma finds herself distraught only to wake up and see him alive again.

As the scenario continues to repeat, Emma will have to dig deep inside herself to correct patterns she's been a part of her to save not only her husband but life as she knows it.

October Pick: "Starling House" by Alix E. Harrow

Starling House is a daring tale of what happens when dreams meet determination, grit and evil. All Opal wants to do is create a haven for herself and her brother Jasper but she'll have to fight for it once she finds herself in the mysterious mansion of author E. Starling. In the depths of the shadows, she'll come face to face with things that'll test her resilience.

September Pick: "Mother-Daughter Murder Night" by Nina Simon 

Image via Target

The women of the Rubicon family have a lot to tangle with in Mother-Daughter Murder Night. When powerful matriarch Lana's granddaughter Jack becomes the prime suspect in an unsolved murder, Lana becomes determined to find a killer instead of waiting for her disease to have it's last say. Find out what Nina Simon has in store for the town the Rubicons find themselves living in.

August Pick: "Tom Lake" by Ann Patchett

Image via Target

Tom Lake weaves a beautiful tale of remembered love and viewing the humanity of one's parent. When Lara begins to regale her three daughters of a former romance she shared with actor Peter Duke at Tome Lake, they begin to take stock of what they know about their mom as well as their own love lives.

"Romantic Comedy" by Curtis Sittenfeld 

Heartbreak has the potential to make you swear off love, which is something that late night writer Sally Milz knows all too well. She's also a firm believer in the "Danny Horst Rule," the phenomenon where average looking men exclusively date women more attractive than them — until pop star Noah Brewster shows up to host the late night show. Join her for an intoxicating love ride that makes her change her perspective.

"Where The Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens 

If you love a good romance-murder mystery, you'll fall in love with Kya's story. After the town's golden boy winds up dead, everyone in town begins blaming Kya for his murder. With heartbreak and triumph woven throughout, Where The Crawdads Sing will become the summer read you can't put down.

"The House of Eve" by Sadeqa Johnson

Even when forbidden, love seems to find a way in The House of Eve. 15-year-old Ruby is set to be her family's first college attendee, until it appears a scandalous affair will bring her back into poverty. Meanwhile, Eleanor's in love with William, a member of an elite Black family in D.C. that doesn't let just anyone in. The lives of both women will collide in an unexpected way as they forge their own paths.

"The House in the Pines" by Ana Reyes 

Maya witnessed her friend's sudden death in the woods seven years ago. Now, with nothing except a few hazy memories, she's determined to figure out what she saw, and who's behind it. The House In The Pines is proof that sometimes our past — and their secrets — don't stay dead.

"Tiny Beautiful Things" by Cheryl Strayed 

Life can feel like a dumpster fire sometimes which is why Tiny Beautiful Things feels like a soothing hug. If you love advice columns, you'll love the beautiful compilation of questions "Dear Sugar" answers within the pages as Clare sets out to offer advice while her own life falls apart. After you read the book, check out our interview with Sarah Pidgeon, who stars in the Hulu series!

"Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng 

New friends Mia and Elena are pitted against each other when everyone in town splits over a custody battle. Adapted into a mini-series on Hulu at the beginning of the pandemic, Little Fires Everywhere is a tale that shows everything isn't always what it seems, and there are always secrets to be discovered.

"Wrong Place, Wrong Time" by Gillian McAllister 

Wrong Place, Wrong Time is a novel that explores the lengths a mother is willing to take to prevent her son from doing something unspeakable. Will she be able to piece together clues in time or will all hope remain lost?

"Daisy Jones and The Six" by Taylor Jenkins Reid 

This titular novel turned Emmy award-nominated Amazon Prime series Daisy Jones & The Six explores the rise — and fall — of a legendary (and fictional) band.

"True Biz" by Sara Nović 

This heartwarming book about life at the River Valley School for the Deaf, and all of its students with completely different backgrounds, will make you laugh and cry with its beautiful depiction of human connection.

"The Club" by Ellery Lloyd 

If you've never liked hearing "How can you hate from outside the club? You can't even get in," you'll be glad you're not a part of this members-only society. The club has been pushed to its limit and everyone has something to hide.

"The Christie Affair" by Nina de Gramont 

Nan infiltrates Agatha Christie's home in 1925, intent on luring her husband away. There's something about love, affairs, and dark secrets that make for a good read, and you won't be able to get enough of this tale where things aren't always what they seem.

"Lucky" by Marissa Stapley 

"She's so lucky" ...or is she? Lucky redefines what it means to be honest when the titular character completes a million-dollar heist, and is left stranded by the very people who taught her how to scam.

"Sankofa" by Chibundu Onuzo 

When Anna learns the father she never knew is still alive, she travels to West Africa in search of answers. The tale of self-discovery through one's history, as well as the themes of home and belonging, is something we all long to understand at some point.

"L.A. Weather" by María Amparo Escandón 

Families can be complicated, and the Alvarados are no different. If you're looking for a little break from your own family dynamics, you'll get a kick out of reading along as they navigate evacuations, relationship problems, and their father's obsession with the Weather Channel.

"The Paper Palace" by Miranda Cowley Heller 

What happens when desire spills over and threatens to unravel everything two friends have built? The Paper Palace answers that as Elle must choose between continuing the life she has dedicated herself to and the life she never got to live.

"Seven Days in June" by Tia Williams 

When former lovers Eva and Shane reunite in the midst of their successful literary careers, they find that their chemistry is still as strong as it used to be. But, will the flame fizzle before their lingering questions are answered or will Eva choose vulnerability before Shane disappears again?

"The Last Thing He Told Me" by Laura Dave 

What would you do if your significant other disappeared without a trace, only leaving a cryptic note behind? In Hannah's case, she sets out on an unpredictable mission for answers — regardless of what lies ahead. After you read the book, check out our interview with Angourie Rice, who stars in the Apple TV+ series!

"The Sanatorium" by Sarah Pearse 

Le Sommet is a sanatorium-turned-luxury hotel in the Swiss Alps. Detective Elin arrives to celebrate her estranged brother Isaac's engagement to Laure, and her discomfort turns to all-out horror when Laure goes missing.

"You Have a Match" by Emma Lord 

DNA tests can reveal new information about our ancestry, but when Abby learns that she has an older sister — and that her older sister is an Instagram star — the women decide to meet up and get to the bottom of why their parents split them up in the first place.

"The Chicken Sisters" by KJ Dell'Antonia 

Nothing brings families together like food and age-old rivalries, something that sisters Amanda and Mae learn firsthand when they end up on opposite sides of a cooking competition. If you love hit TV series The Bear, you'll love The Chicken Sisters.

Other Stories On Reese Witherspoon's Book Club List

  • "Yellowface" by R.F. Kuang
  • "Cassandra in Reverse" by Holly Smale
  • "Did You Hear About Kitty Karr?" by Crystal Smith Paul
  • "The Nightingale" by Kristin Hannah
  • "The Marriage Portrait" by Maggie O'Farrell
  • "Our Missing Hearts" by Celeste Ng
  • "On The Rooftop" by Margaret Wilkerson Sexton
  • "Honey & Spice" by Bolu Babalola
  • "Counterfeit" by Kirstin Chen
  • "The Dictionary of Lost Words" by Pip Williams
  • "Anatomy" by Dana Schwartz
  • "Honor" by Thrity Umrigar
  • "The Island of Missing Trees" by Elif Shafak
  • "Within These Wicked Walls" by Lauren Blackwood
  • "We Were Never Here" by Andrea Bartz
  • "The Downstairs Girl" by Stacey Lee
  • "Tokyo Ever After" by Emiko Jean
  • "Northern Spy" by Flynn Berry
  • "Firekeeper's Daughter" by Angeline Boulley
  • "Infinite Country" by Patricia Engel
  • "Outlawed" by Anna North
  • "The Light in Hidden Places" by Sharon Cameron
  • "A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow" by Laura Taylor Namey
  • "Group" by Christie Tate
  • "Fable" by Adrienne Young
  • "His Only Wife" by Peace Medie Adzo
  • "Furia" by Yamile Saied Mendez
  • "The Last Story of Mina Lee" by Nancy Jooyoun Kim
  • "You Should See Me in a Crown" by Leah Johnson
  • "Everything Inside" by Edwidge Danticat
  • "I'm Still Here" by Austin Channing Brown
  • "The Guest List" by Lisa Foley
  • "The Henna Artist" by Alka Joshi
  • "UNTAMED" by Glennon Doyle
  • "The Jetsetters" by Amanda Eyre Ward
  • "The Scent Keeper" by Erica Bauermeister
  • "Such a Fun Age" by Kiley Reid
  • "Conviction" by Denise Mina
  • "The Giver of Stars" by Jojo Moye
  • "Fair Play" by Eve Rodsky
  • "The Secrets We Kept" by Lara Prescott
  • "The Last House Guest" by Megan Miranda
  • "Whisper Network" by Chandler Baker
  • "The Cactus" by Sarah Haywood
  • "From Scratch" by Tembi Locke
  • "The Night Tiger" by Yangsze Choo
  • "The Proposal" by Jasmine Guillory
  • "The Library Book" by Susan Orlean
  • "One Day in December" by Josie Silver
  • "The Other Woman" by Sandie Jones
  • "This Is How It Always Is" by Laurie Frankel
  • "Still Lives" by Maria Hummel
  • "Next Year in Havana" by Chanel Cleeton
  • "Something in the Water" by Catherine Steadman
  • "You Think It, I'll Say It" by Curtis Sittenfeld
  • "Happiness" by Heather Harpham
  • "Erotic Stories For Punjabi Widows" by Balli Kaur Jaswal
  • "The Light We Lost" by Jill Santopolo
  • "Braving the Wilderness" by Brené Brown
  • "The Last Mrs. Parrish" by Liv Constantine
  • "The Is the Story of a Happy Marriage" by Ann Patchett
  • “The Rules of Magic” by Alice Hoffman
  • "The Lying Game" by Ruth Ware
  • "The Alice Network" by Kate Quinn
  • "Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine" by Gail Honeyman

Whether you want to challenge yourself to read a book every couple of days like Reese or choose a few books to get you through the summer, I'm sure you'll find titles to add to your growing library. I already have my eyes on Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens and The Club by Ellery Lloyd!

Be sure to follow our weekly newsletter for more updates!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

Header Image via Amazon

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11 Bathing Suit Brands Outer Banks Locals Swear By

Growing up on the Outer Banks means I've gone through my fair share of swimsuits. All it takes is one summer of surfing wipeouts, sun bathing, swimming, and hitting up the shops (because you really do everything in a bathing suit on the OBX) to know exactly which bathing suit brands are worth buying — and which are cheap enough to avoid forever. I took to social media to ask real Outer Banks locals which bathing suit brands they can't get enough of. Keep reading for all the details!

Target

Image via Target

I know y'all love Target just as much as I do — and along with their home decor, cute shoes, and comfy clothes, their bathing suit options are some of my friends' favorites. Target's got a ton of diverse and affordable swimwear options that is full of different styles, sizes, and prices. That means there's something for everyone! I'm obsessed with this Underwire Bralette Bikini Top and High Waist High Leg Extra Cheeky Bikini Bottom.

Aerie

Image via Aerie

Aerie is perfect for Outer Banks fans because it's one of the most-used bathing suit brands on the show! This store balances style with comfort and casual, and TBH half the swimsuits are cute enough to be tank tops. Their bathing suits will make you feel confident and add a pop of color to your summer wardrobe! This Smiley® String Triangle Bikini Top and Cheekiest Tie Bikini Bottom are a great place to start ;).

​Old Navy

Image via Old Navy

Old Navy is a great place to shop for affordable basics, and that definitely extends to swimsuit season. Their bathing suits come in a range sizes, and they're durable, classic, and super affordable (a lot of them are under $20!). They also have just enough Americana edge to live out your '00s rom-com dreams. I can't stop looking at the Zip-Front Bikini Swim Top and High-Waisted Bikini Swim Bottoms.

Body Glove

Image via Body Glove

Body Glove is one bathing suit brand that's just as functional as it is stylish, and it's also equal parts feminine and sporty for any gal who's always on the go. The Free Flow Eli One-Piece Swimsuitis one of my favorite suits because it's so colorful and it's also supportive, which you absolutely need when taking part in a treasure hunt.

AlySwim

Image via AlySwim

If you're looking for the true Outer Banks experience, then you should grab a suit made by someone who grew up there! AlySwim is totally customizable, and a lot of the suits are reversible so you get two looks for the price of one. With trendy patterns and vibrant colors, bathing suits like the Blue Hawaiian Eva Top and Bottoms will make a bold statement.

Rey Swimwear

Image via Rey Swimwear

The bathing suits from Rey Swimwear are as classy as they come, and it feels like there are endless options for colors, patterns, and silhouettes. There are also options for longer torsos, which is such a blessing for us #TallGirls. Sarah Cameron would be all over this Marie bathing suit!

More Bathing Suit Brands OBX Locals Love

Image via Kenny Flowers

Maaji is the thing of our '90s dreams, and each bathing suit will make you feel the summer magic we crave all year long. I love the Hot Magenta Adhara V Wire Bralette Bikini Top and Sublimity Regular Rise Classic Bikini Bottoms!

Left on Friday is for the minimalists. But just because the swimsuits are simple and elegant doesn't mean they're boring — and the asymmetrical silhouette on the Shoreline Suit proves it.

Kenny Flowers immediately reminds me of Palm Royale every time I look on their site because of the old school vibe and bright colors. I NEED the Acapulco Underwire Bikini Top and High Waist Bikini Bottom!!

Lime Ricki is the place to go if you're looking for modest swimsuits that will also turn heads all summer long. The bold prints and bright colors are both nostalgic and playful, and it's also a really accessible brand. Celebrate your individuality in a suit like the Shell Stripe Ruffle-Strap One Piece.

Korni Jeane lets you mix and match different vibes to create a bathing suit that's unique to you and your personal aesthetic. I'm confident Kiara would love this Bandeau Top and All Ruffled Up Bottoms.

Every cute bathing suit needs equally cute accessories so check out The 5 Most Comfortable Walking Sandals For Summer, Ranked next!

Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Lead image via Kenny Flowers

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