New beginnings are always challenging, and joining a new team is no different.
Whether you’re joining as a lower-ranked employee or as a manager, it’s essential to introduce yourself properly when you first meet your new team members.
In this article, you’ll learn how to introduce yourself to your new coworkers when joining a new workforce.
Why It’s Important to Introduce Yourself Properly?
Photo by fauxels/Pexels
Why are first introductions so critical? Surely, if you will be working at the firm for the long term, you will have plenty of time to get to know your coworkers, so why rush to make all those formal introductions on the first day?
Here are the main reasons first introductions are critical when starting a new job.
Break the Ice
Photo by Valeria Boltneva/Pexels
There is always a bit of tension when meeting or working with new people, whether on a romantic date, meeting someone at a social event, or meeting new coworkers. This tension will remain unless you introduce yourself and become closer to your coworkers.
Knowing how to introduce yourself properly to your coworkers will help you break the ice and remove that tension.
Make a Great First Impression
First introductions are your only chance to make an excellent first impression on your coworkers, teammates, higher-ups, and even people who report to you.
Knowing how to dress and establish a rapport with people the first time you greet them is critical for making a good first impression.
Improve Collaboration
Your initial introduction will serve as the building block for your relationships with your coworkers. Establishing a solid foundation will help improve your communication in the long run.
It will make it easier to work with your coworkers on projects, communicate about tasks and deadlines, and get help from them when needed. Furthermore, it will make your workplace more enjoyable, as it’s never fun to go to work at a place where you don’t know your coworkers or aren’t on good terms with them.
Smooth Your Transition
Transitioning to a new workplace is challenging, especially if you are also moving to a new city and leaving your entire social circle behind.
A lot of changes might be taking place, but getting to know your coworkers gives you a bit of a social network that you can rely on and smooth your transition into your new job and role.
Even if you are shifting from one team to another at the same firm, it’s essential to introduce yourself properly and get to know your teammates.
Also Read: Positive Feedback Examples For Peers & Employees
Tips for Introducing Yourself to a New Team
Be Personal
Photo by Tyler Lastovich/Pexels
Be personal and approachable. Smile and have a positive attitude.
We know that you might be nervous and a little stressed on your first day. However, it’s important to greet your new coworkers in a positive manner.
Don’t be cold or aloof, regardless of whether you are the new manager or just another employee. Remember, your goal here is to make an excellent first impression and establish a good connection with your teammates.
Talk about yourself. Tell your new teammates some personal details about your life, career, ambitions, and goals without divulging your entire life story.
Take the Initiative
As a new member of the team, it’s your job to take the initiative and approach others. Sure, you might think that it should be the other way around, but that won’t always be the case.
Others who have been working at the office for a long time might be busy with work and not necessarily be in the mood to go out of their way to greet new employees. However, if you approach them with a smile and a positive attitude, people will be glad to show you the ropes.
Dress to Impress
Photo by The Lazy Artist Gallery/Pexels
If you want to make an exceptional first impression, you must dress the part. If you dress professionally, your new teammates will take you seriously.
You must look professional and put together.
Dress appropriately for the company culture. If everyone is dressed in business casual or casual attire, the last thing you want to do is show up in a suit and tie.
Just as underdressing can be detrimental to a good first impression, so can overdressing. Your coworkers might get the impression that you think you are better than them.
Before your first orientation or your first day at work, ask your new manager about the company culture and what kind of clothing you should wear. If there is a dress code, make sure to follow it.
Also Read: What To Wear For A Zoom Interview?
Learn Their Names
Photo by Heiner/Pexels
When you first meet your new teammates, take the time to ask them their names. People really appreciate it when you take the time to ask their name and remember it.
If you’re bad at remembering names, this might be tough. The last thing you want is to mix up your new teammates’ names or have to keep asking them.
How can you get better at remembering names? Here are some tips that might help:
- Focus! Pay more attention when greeting people and learning their names. If you’re distracted, you won’t remember them.
- Decide to care. Tell yourself that this is important.
- Associate the name with a feature other than the person’s face. That could be where their desk is located, the type of glasses they wear, or anything else that is unique to them.
- Repeat it back to them. Saying it out loud can help you remember it. For example, say, “Nice to meet you, Fred! I’m Sarah.”
The next time you meet them, greet them by name. That will help boost your connection with them.
Explore: Bad Company Culture Examples
Use Your Orientation as an Opportunity
Photo by The Coach Space/Pexels
Many businesses give new employees an orientation. During the orientation, they will show you around the workplace, introduce you to different people, explain what their roles are, etc.
It may also involve signing some paperwork, setting up your workspace and company login details, and more. The general goal is typically to acclimate new employees to their new roles.
Your orientation is a great chance to get acquainted with your new coworkers. Your higher-ups may give you some time to introduce yourself to your coworkers.
What if you don’t get the chance to meet everyone during your official orientation? In that case, seek out other opportunities to get to know the people you have missed during your first few days at work.
Also Read: Best Testimonial Examples For Employees
Ask Questions
Photo by Tirachard Kumtanom/Pexels
When you meet new coworkers, ask questions.
Asking questions about them shows an interest in getting to know them. However, don’t pry into their personal lives or get nosy; instead, ask them about their roles at the company, the things they like about working there, and so on.
Asking questions is also a great way to get to know more about the company and what will be expected of you. You will learn how things work and what to expect.
Things on the ground are often a bit different from the official rules. Your new coworkers will be able to give you the inside scoop on how things actually work at the company, what to expect from management, and how to best go about your new job.
Check Out: Signs That Your Boss Is Testing You At Work
Be Prepared to Answer Questions
Your new teammates may also be interested in hearing about you, so be prepared to answer questions. These questions may sometimes be of a personal nature, but they may also be more professional.
For example, your coworkers might ask you about your prior experience, why you switched jobs, what made you choose this firm, and what your expertise is.
You may also get questions if you are in a senior position. For example, if you are the new manager, people may ask you what you bring to the table that’s different from other managers who came before you, how you plan to change things, and what sets you apart from prior leadership.
Also Read: Constructive Criticism Examples At The Workplace
Use Your First Lunch and Coffee Breaks Wisely
Your first lunch and coffee breaks are excellent opportunities to get to know your colleagues, especially if you did not get a chance to connect with them during your official orientation.
During your lunch break, approach others and start talking to them. This might be difficult if you struggle with social skills, but it’s important because it will create the foundation for your future relationships with them.
A coffee break at the water cooler or in the coffee room is also a great opportunity to chit-chat with your coworkers and connect with them on a more personal level.
Be Humble
Photo by Maddy Freddie/Pexels
When interacting with new coworkers, be humble. They have been on the job longer than you, so you have a lot to learn from them.
Nobody appreciates a newcomer who waltzes in and thinks they know better than everyone else. Even if you have a lot of experience in the industry at a different firm, realize that things might work a little differently here.
Be humble and willing to learn from your new coworkers. Ask for their advice and guidance; they will be happy to help you get acclimated if you ask them nicely.
Explore: Part Time vs Full-time
Learn Everyone’s Role
When you meet new people, take the time to learn everyone’s role. That will help you know where to go to get help when needed or who to communicate with on different issues.
Know who is your senior and who is just another coworker on the same level as you. Depending on your role, there may also be people who need to report to you.
Knowing who needs to report to you is crucial, as you might need to follow up on them to make sure they are doing their jobs.
The larger the firm is, the harder it will be to keep track of who everyone is. An organizational chart that shows the flow of the organization would be constructive, so if you didn’t get one, ask for it.
Respond to Group Emails or Chats Introducing You
Photo by Polina Zimmerman/Pexels
If your manager sent out a group email to all coworkers introducing you, make sure to reply to the email. I will give some examples of how to respond below.
The same goes if you were introduced to the group in the group chat, whether you use Slack, WhatsApp, or another chat app.
Explore: Destructive Criticism Examples & How To Handle
Try to Organize an After-Work Activity
Photo by Kampus Production/Pexels
It might help if you try to schedule an after-work activity that gives you a chance to bond with your new teammates. That could be a hangout at a chill bar or restaurant, or you might simply order pizza for the entire team after work or during lunch break.
If you order pizza for everyone, people will come. They will appreciate you trying to get to know them, and you will also have a chance to interact with everyone.
You probably have a lot of work during those first few days, and you might be stressed. However, making time to get to know your coworkers will only help you in the long run.
Don’t Neglect Anyone
Of course, introducing yourself to your higher-ups is essential. However, you also want to acknowledge the people who are on the same level as you in the company hierarchy, as well as those who don’t report to you but are on a lower level.
You don’t want to be that person – the one who looks down on others or is only interested in their own goals. If you only focus on establishing a rapport with the higher-ups, you might be seen as someone who is hunting for a promotion.
Use the Right Body Language
Photo by Helena Lopes/Pexels
You should use body language that displays confidence. Shake hands, maintain eye contact, and speak clearly and confidently.
This doesn’t apply to email introductions, but it does apply to video introductions if you have a video call where you’re supposed to introduce yourself to your colleagues. While you can’t shake hands, you should pay attention to the following tips:
- Maintain an upright posture.
- Look into the webcam to simulate eye contact.
- Position the webcam at or slightly above eye level.
- Make sure your lighting is on point. Face a window or put lamps or a ring light behind the computer or webcam.
Examples of How to Introduce Yourself
Photo by Yan Krukau/Pexels
In-Person One-on-One Introduction
“Hi, my name is Jack. I’m the new social media marketing advisor for this firm. I have five years of experience in social media marketing, but I’m always learning, and I’m excited to join this team.
I recently moved here from Los Angeles, and I really like the city so far. I’m looking forward to working together with you and the rest of the team. If you have any advice for me going forward, I would really appreciate it. Thanks!”
In-Person Group Introduction
“Hi everyone, my name is Sam. Let me tell you a bit about myself.
I grew up in Austin, Texas, and I’m an avid hockey fan. I studied at The University of Texas at Austin and recently graduated and moved here. This is my first time working in a firm like this, so I’m really excited to get to know all of you and grow as a team. I’m looking forward to getting acquainted with each one of you. If you have any questions about me, please ask!”
In-Person or Email Introduction as a New Manager
“Hi everyone,
I’m Mr. Jones, your new manager. I’m excited to start my job here, and I know we can do great things together. While I’ve been briefed on each one of you, I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone in person. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask.”
Check Out: How To Write An Effective Email?
Email One-on-One Introduction
“Hi Sue,
I’m Clara. We briefly interacted earlier today – I’m the new girl working as a data analyst. It was a pleasure to meet you, and I hope we can work more closely together in the near future. When you have time, I’d love to grab a quick coffee and get to know each other.”
Email or Group Chat Introduction Response
“Hi Mrs. Blackstone,
Thanks for introducing me to the team. As you all already know, my name is Laura, and I’m the new content writer for the team. I’ll be in tomorrow, so I’m hoping to meet you all in person. This is my email address, so you can send me any questions you have directly. Otherwise, see you tomorrow, and thanks for the opportunity!”
Additional Tips for Starting a New Job
It’s normal to feel anxious and nervous when starting a new job. You will feel a lot better once you get to know your teammates, but here are some other tips for starting a new job that can help ease your transition.
Do Your Research
Learn as much as possible before formally starting your job. Learn about the company culture, get a copy of the employee handbook, and know the ins and outs of the company’s history and future vision.
Get a copy of the organizational chart, know who to report to, and understand how many people you will be working with closely.
Be Prepared for the First Day
Photo by Acharaporn Kamornboonyarush/Pexels
The first day is your most important one. Make sure you arrive on time – set your alarm clock the night before and aim to get there 15–30 minutes early.
The last thing you want is to arrive late on the first day.
Dress appropriately. Get a haircut and shave your beard the day before, or make your hair.
If you are working remotely, make sure to set up your workstation the night before. Make sure your Wifi is working correctly, and your laptop is charged.
Expect a Learning Curve
There will likely be a learning curve when you first start a new job. Expect that, and pay extra attention to detail during those first few weeks or months so you can learn as much as possible.
If your new job offers an orientation program, whether it lasts for a day or a week, pay extra attention and make sure you take notes if necessary. The information overload can sometimes be overwhelming, but things will get easier as time goes by.
Your company may have an onboarding process that involves training, learning about the company culture, and fitting into the team. Take advantage of any training opportunities during this period, attend any events that can help you connect with teammates, and ask questions.
Ask Questions and Clarify Expectations
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels
Asking questions is the most important thing. If you are too shy to ask questions, you won’t learn.
Ask your manager, coworkers, or anyone else for help if you don’t understand how to do something, what a project entails, or any other details about working at your new job. It won’t make you look stupid – on the contrary, it shows how eager you are to learn and become better at your new job.
In addition to asking questions, make sure to clarify expectations. Don’t expect that things will be the same as at your previous position, even if you had a similar role in the same industry.
Seek out Additional Training Opportunities
Photo by Tirachard Kumtanom/Pexels
It’s always a good idea to increase your skill set. If the company offers limited training opportunities, seek out additional training opportunities that can help advance your career.
For example, you may discover that you need to use specific software in your new job that you have never used before. An online course might give you more information on how to use it properly.
Be Patient
New jobs can be frustrating. Be patient – things usually work out in the long run, whether it’s a coworker who you seem not to get along with or a specific recurring task that is frustrating and difficult.
Also, be patient about getting promotions or bonuses. It takes time to prove your worth to your boss.
Wrapping It Up
Hopefully, these tips will help you become more acquainted with your new teammates. Never underestimate the power of having strong relationships with the people you work with.
Whether you need help with a project or need someone to cover you for something when you are away, your teammates can help.
