Overcoming New Job Nerves: Strategies for Every Myers and Briggs Personality Type

Everyone experiences new job jitters. Whether it’s fear of failure, meeting new colleagues or adjusting to a new environment, the thought of the unknown can be overwhelming. But what if we told you that your personality type might hold the key to managing that anxiety? 

Here’s a deep dive into what each of the 16 personality types might find stressful about starting a new job and how they can address it to hit the ground running from the very first day. 

ISTJ: Request an Orientation 

ISTJs value structure and predictability. Change feels disorienting for you, and the uncertainty of new procedures and expectations can be a major stressor. Make sure you know exactly what your role is and what's expected of you from the beginning to give some much-needed structure to this new experience.

Tips for ISTJs: 

• Request a detailed orientation: If one isn’t provided, ask your manager for a step-by-step guide to the first week or month of responsibilities. 
• Create your own systems: Consider organizing training materials, emails or meeting notes into easy-to-follow task lists or binders. 
• Set milestones early: Break tasks into achievable goals, and reward yourself for completing each one as a way to reintroduce predictability. 

ISFJ: Connect with the Team 

ISFJs are known for their warm and nurturing personalities. But that can also make it tough to join a new team, especially if you're shy and don't yet have common ground on which to build friendships. 

Tips for ISFJs: 

• Volunteer to assist colleagues: Offer to help with small tasks or projects, such as organizing team lunches or taking notes during meetings. This can give you an opportunity to interact and get to know your new coworkers in a low-pressure environment.
• Be open-minded about different communication styles: Remember that not everyone communicates in the same way, and it’s important to adapt and find common ground with your new team members. Become a bit of a chameleon and be open to new ways of interacting while you settle in. 
• Join office groups or clubs: If your company has any interest groups or social clubs, consider joining one.

ESTJ: Take Ownership 

ESTJs excel at taking charge and getting things done. However, when starting a new job, you may feel overwhelmed by the lack of control in the situation, and you don't want to go in and immediately take over as this may rub colleagues the wrong way. 

Tips for ESTJs: 

• Identify areas where you can take ownership: Instead of trying to lead everything, focus on taking charge and finding solutions in your own area of expertise.
• Observe office dynamics before asserting yourself: Take some time to observe how things work in your new workplace before making any changes or offering suggestions. This will give you a better understanding of the team dynamics and help you make informed decisions.
• Communicate openly with your manager: If there's a lack of structure or direction in your role, don't be afraid to talk to your manager about your concerns and offer suggestions for improvement. Your direct approach will likely be appreciated and could help establish your role as a leader in the team.

ESFJ: Build Relationships 

ESFJs thrive on connecting with others, and you may worry about being accepted by your new colleagues and fitting into the team dynamic.  There's a fine art to putting yourself out there when you're feeling vulnerable and are not sure how your efforts will be received. 

Tips for ESFJs: 

• Bring cake! Okay, maybe not on day one, but bringing in treats every now and then can be a great ice breaker and show your colleagues that you're friendly and thoughtful. 
• Ask questions: People love to talk about themselves, so ask your coworkers about their roles and interests. This will help you get to know them better and establish common ground.
• Be yourself: While it may be tempting to put on an overly professional front at first, don't be afraid to let your personality shine through. Your warmth and charm will endear you to your new colleagues.

ISTP: Stay Open-Minded 

ISTPs are independent thinkers who value logic and efficiency. Starting a new job can often disrupt your established routines and methods, making you feel uncomfortable and out of place. 

Tips for ISTPs: 

• Be open to learning new processes: While it may be tempting to stick with what you know, remember that every workplace is different and there may be more effective ways of doing things.
• Don't be afraid to ask questions: It's important to understand the expectations and procedures in your new role, so don't hesitate to ask for clarification or further explanation if something doesn't make sense.
• Keep your out-of-work hobbies and interests: Having a separate outlet for your creative and independent pursuits can help you feel grounded and maintain a sense of self outside of work.

ISFP: Create a Calm Workspace 

ISFPs are sensitive souls who value harmony and are easily overwhelmed by change. The pressure to perform well in a new job can be especially daunting for you, since you get stressed fairly easily and a misplaced word from a new colleague can feel like a huge criticism. 

Tips for ISFPs: 

• Create a calm workspace: If possible, personalize your desk or work area with calming colors, plants, or photos to create a comfortable and inviting space for yourself.
• Take time to decompress after work: Make sure you have some quiet time after work to relax and recharge. This will help you process any new information or experiences from the day without becoming overwhelmed.
• Set boundaries: While it's important to be open and friendly with new colleagues, don't be afraid to set boundaries when needed. Let them know if you need some quiet time or prefer not to discuss certain topics at work.

ESTP: Take on Challenges 

ESTPs are known for their confidence and adaptability—traits that should make starting a new job a breeze. However, you may struggle with boredom if you're stuck in endless onboarding, and worry about how the skills and charisma that landed you the job will translate into the new role. 

Tips for ESTPs: 

• Embrace the learning process: While it may be tempting to jump right into action, take some time to learn about your new company, team, and role. This will give you a better understanding of the organization and help you make more informed decisions.
• Be proactive in seeking out challenges: You thrive on challenges, so find some quickly and go all-in. This will show your manager that you're eager to take on more and can handle pressure well, as well as satisfying your need for action and variety.
• Remember to talk less and listen more: While your natural charisma can be a huge asset, don't forget to take the time to listen and observe before taking action. This will help you gain a better understanding of the company culture and dynamics, as well as build stronger relationships with your colleagues.

ESFP: Treat It Like an Adventure 

ESFPs are energetic, outgoing and thrive on social interaction. However, starting a new job can come with its own set of challenges for an ESFP—meeting new people, learning new tasks, and navigating office politics. 

Tips for ESFPs:

• Treat every day like a new adventure: Embrace the challenge of starting a new job and see it as an opportunity to learn and grow.
• Be friendly, but don't overshare: While your outgoing personality is likely to be appreciated by your coworkers, remember to maintain some boundaries and avoid sharing too much personal information in a professional setting.
• Stay positive even during stressful moments: Your upbeat attitude can help boost morale in the workplace, so try to remain optimistic even when you're feeling overwhelmed. Taking breaks throughout the day and focusing on self-care can also help keep your energy levels up. 

INFJ: Use Your Empathy 

INFJs are known for their empathy and ability to understand others' perspectives. Starting a new job can be tough for you as you navigate new relationships and workplace dynamics, but your natural intuition and understanding can help you excel in this transition. 

Tips for INFJs: 

• Use your listening skills: Take the time to listen to your colleagues and get to know them on a deeper level. This will not only help you build strong connections, but also give you valuable information about how to collaborate effectively with each person.
• Have one-on-one meetings: As an INFJ, you likely thrive in more intimate settings and may feel overwhelmed by group interactions. Taking the time to have one-on-one meetings with your coworkers can help you establish stronger relationships and avoid feeling drained.
• Speak up when needed: While you may prefer to avoid conflict, don't be afraid to speak up for yourself or others if a situation warrants it. Your empathy and understanding make you a valuable mediator in workplace conflicts and your coworkers  will appreciate your thoughtful approach.  

INFP: Ask Lots of Questions 

If you're jumping ship to a new job, INFP, chances are it already aligns with your values and you will be doing something meaningful to you everyday. That gets you half way there when it comes to settling in quickly.  The major challenge you may face is staying true to yourself while navigating new workplace expectations. 

Tips for INFPs: 

• Be open to new ideas: While it's important to stay true to your values and ideals, try to keep an open mind when it comes to learning about the company and its processes during your first few weeks. For example, if your team follows a workflow that seems unfamiliar, try to adapt and observe how it functions before suggesting changes.
• Ask all the questions: You're naturally curious and enjoy digging deeper into topics that interest you. Use this curiosity in your first days to ask targeted questions about your role, the organization’s goals and team dynamics. For instance, asking "What has worked well in this role before?" can help you tailor your approach to fit seamlessly into the team. 
• Build meaningful connections early: During your initial days, take time to connect with coworkers on a one-on-one basis. Compliment someone on their work or ask for their advice to establish rapport.

ENFJ: Prioritize Understanding Team Dynamics 

ENFJs  thrive in collaborative environments so your top priority will be finding your place in a well-established team. Your goal will be to understand your colleagues and how you can work together effectively. 

Tips for ENFJs: 

• Observe the communication styles of your coworkers: Take note of how your colleagues communicate with each other and try to adapt to their style. This will help you build trust and rapport quickly.
• Use your natural leadership skills: You excel at bringing people together and leading teams towards a common goal. Use this strength to foster teamwork among your colleagues and help everyone feel heard and valued.
• Be mindful of potential conflict: While you may prefer harmony in the workplace, it's important to also address any conflicts or issues that arise.

ENFP: Build Genuine Connections Through Shared Interests 

ENFPs are social, enthusiastic and have an infectious energy that can bring people together. While starting a new job may feel intimidating at first, embrace the opportunity to meet new people and build connections based on common interests. 

Tips for ENFPs:

• Networking is your superpower: Use your natural charm and networking skills to get to know as many coworkers as possible. This will not only help you build relationships, but also give you insights into different roles within the company.
• Don't shy away from sharing ideas: Your creative and innovative approach can bring valuable perspectives to the table in any team. Don't be afraid to share your ideas and speak up in meetings.
• Take breaks when needed: As an ENFP, you may find yourself getting caught up in the excitement of a new job and neglecting self-care. Remember to take breaks throughout the day to recharge and avoid burnout.

INTJ: Observe and Analyze Your New Environment 

INTJs are driven to create better, more efficient solutions but unless you've been hired to  shake things up, you'll need to take time to understand the existing structure before making any changes. Your early weeks are all about understanding the organization and its processes. 

Tips for INTJs:

• Learn the company culture: As an INTJ, you may not prioritize socializing or building relationships in a new workplace. However, it's important to understand the company culture and team dynamics in order to effectively work with your colleagues.
• Take time to observe and analyze: Use your natural ability to think critically and gather information to assess the current state of the organization before making any suggestions for improvement.
• Don't be afraid to ask the difficult questions: While you may prefer to figure things out on your own, don't hesitate to ask for clarification or more information if needed. This will help you avoid misunderstandings

INTP:  Come Prepared

INTPs have a tendency to go with the flow and use their natural curiosity to lead them in new directions. However, when starting a new job, it's important to arrive prepared with a plan and goals so you don't get off track before you even get started. 

Tips for INTPs:

• Have a good morning routine: Wake up earlier,  have a good breakfast and mentally prepare yourself for the day ahead. This will help you feel more organized and ready to tackle the challenge of a new job.
• Set achievable goals: As an INTP, you may have a tendency to get lost in your thoughts and ideas. Setting clear, achievable goals can help keep you on track and focused on the task at hand.
• Ask for help or clarification: While you may prefer to figure things out on your own, don't hesitate to reach out to colleagues or superiors if needed. This will not only help you understand your role better, but also show that you are willing to learn and collaborate. 

ENTJ:  Build Relationships First 

As an  ENTJ, your first instinct is to jump in when you see an opportunity for improvement. This may not go down well with coworkers who do not know you or trust your intentions yet. Spend the early days and weeks building relationships before trying to make your mark.

Tips for ENTJs:

• Listen first, talk later: Talk with and actively listen to your coworkers to figure out the lie of the land. This will help you understand the dynamics and power structures in the organization.
• Clarify expectations: Make sure you fully understand your role and the expectations of your superiors so you're not overstepping any boundaries in your enthusiasm to make changes.
• Focus on small goals: While you may have big ideas for improvement, focus on smaller goals and tasks first. This will help you build credibility and trust with your coworkers before taking on larger projects.

ENTP:  Listen More Than You Talk

ENTPs are known for their quick thinking, resourcefulness and gift of the gab, and you're not afraid to share your opinions. However, when starting a new job, it's better to listen before you speak and stay neutral until you know people better. That will help you build strong relationships in the long run.

 Tips for ENTPs:

• Be open to different perspectives: You may have a natural inclination towards debate and challenging ideas, but be mindful of how this may come across to your new colleagues and try to listen and learn from their perspectives.
• Ask questions: Use your curiosity to ask thoughtful questions and show interest in getting to know your coworkers better.
• Study your new role. You have 3 months or so to learn your role; use this time wisely. ENTPs tend to have a growth mindset by nature, so use this opportunity to learn as much as you can and show your superiors why they were right to hire you.