How to introduce yourself on the first day of a new job

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How to introduce yourself to a new team

How to prepare to meet your new team
How do I introduce myself to a new team
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A poorly prepared introduction on your first at your brand-new job is a fast route to bad relationship management with your colleagues.

Taking the time to plan out an appropriate, confident self-introduction can help to impress management, warm your new colleagues up and form lasting relationships.

Here’s how to formally introduce yourself to a new team and some extra steps you can take to ensure an easy transition.

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Introducing yourself to a new team is an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience.

To make a positive first impression and ensure a smooth transition, some pre-introduction prep work is key.

“Start by browsing the company website and social media pages,” said David Shogelola, Business Manager at Robert Half UK. “Look for information about the team you'll be joining, their projects, and the company's values and mission statement. This will give you a sense of the overall environment and what's important to the team.”

“Connect with your new teammates on LinkedIn if possible. This can give you insights into their professional backgrounds and areas of expertise.”

Once you have done your research, it’s time to craft your elevator pitch.

Even if an introductory email has been sent to the company, having a great introduction speech under your belt can help to fend off first day nerves.

The night before your first day, take a minute to think about how you’d like to come across and how this will impact the way you introduce yourself to new colleagues. It's important to be your best self at work. Take your cue from the environment you’ll be transitioning into. Are they more relaxed or more formal?

Tailor your approach to suit the company style, remembering to include your name, job title and where you worked previously. You may also be asked to give some background information on your career and to share your hobbies or interests, so have some examples prepared.

Once you have your talking points drafted, practice your introduction out loud. This can be done in front of a mirror, with a friend, or even by recording yourself on video.

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The first few moments of meeting your new team are crucial for setting a positive tone.

Making a good first impression when you introduce yourself to your new team is more than what you say. It’s about your body posture and language, how you make eye contact, and whether your voice is clear and confident.

“Remember, you only have a short window to capture your colleagues’ attention,” remarked David. “Prioritise information about yourself that is most relevant to the team and your role.”

And try to avoid a generic intro: Research the team's projects and needs and highlight skills and experiences that directly align with their work.

This is an opportunity to bridge the gap between your past and future by explaining how your skills will benefit the team and contribute to their success.

So, you've delivered a stellar introduction and made a great first impression on your new team.

Now comes the next step: building rapport with your colleagues.

Don't wait for others to approach you. Take the initiative to introduce yourself to individual team members after your initial introduction.

“A great way to initiate conversation is to offer your help,” says David. “If you see someone struggling with a task, politely inquire if they need help.”

And don't underestimate the power of small talk. Talk about the weekend, upcoming events, or even the weather. This can help break the ice and create a more relaxed atmosphere. If there are any upcoming team events or social activities, try to attend. This is a great way to connect with colleagues in a more informal setting.

What are some easy ways to get to know my team?

Many businesses in the UK provide organisation charts or seating plans along with their welcome literature. Be sure to keep a copy close to hand, so you can link names to faces easily and can locate where each team sits within the office. If you didn’t receive one, try requesting a copy from HR - they’re worth their weight in gold.

Where possible, it’s better to meet each colleague one by one. This eliminates any future awkwardness and gives you a chance to repeatedly practice how to introduce yourself to a new team.

What are some extra tips for making a good first impression with my team?
You will have enough to remember on your first day, without having to worry about people’s names, too. If someone’s name has slipped your memory, don’t be afraid to ask them again - they might have forgotten yours too.

Your body language says a lot about your character and how you feel at any given moment. The same is true of meeting people for the first time. Avoid crossing your arms or putting your hands on your hips and opt for a friendly handshake and some eye contact to show you’re receptive and approachable.

What questions should I ask my new team?

Try to focus on open-ended questions. Some questions to consider include:

"What are some of the things you enjoy most about your role?"

"Can you tell me a bit about how different teams collaborate on projects?"

"What are some of the company's traditions or perks that you enjoy?"

"Is there any specific training or onboarding program I should be aware of?"

How can I overcome nervousness about meeting my team?

Starting a new job is exciting, but it's also natural to feel a wave of nervousness on your first day, especially when it comes to meeting your new team.

Remember that starting a new job is an exciting process - you get to meet new people, learn new things, and contribute your skills to a fresh environment.

Instead of dwelling on your nerves, focus on getting to know your team members. This takes the pressure off yourself and allows you to connect with the people you'll be working with.

Is it okay to ask for help from my new team?

Asking for help from your new team in the first few days is not only okay, but actually encouraged.

Taking the initiative to ask questions demonstrates your eagerness to learn and contribute. It shows you're proactive and want to understand your role effectively.

Your new team members are a wealth of knowledge about the company, the role, and the specific projects you'll be working on. Asking for help allows you to learn the ropes quicker and get up to speed efficiently.

How do I introduce myself to a new team in a virtual setting?

With hybrid working more omni-present across organisations in the UK, preparation is still important when it comes to meeting your team virtually. Especially with video, it’s important to test your equipment beforehand and ensure you are dressed appropriately for an on-camera meeting with your new team.

Keep your introduction concise and go through the steps of engaging with your team with tactful questions. Informally, you can consider reaching out to individual team members for quick virtual coffee chats to get to know them better and ask questions in a more informal setting.

How do I introduce myself to a new team if I am the new manager?

Introducing yourself as the new manager requires a slightly different approach than introducing yourself as a new team member.

Before your introduction, take time to learn about your team members, their roles, and the team's current projects.

When introducing yourself to your team, acknowledge the previous manager or the team's recent situation. Briefly express your appreciation for their past contributions (if applicable) and acknowledge any changes that may be coming.

Share your name, your leadership experience, and relevant skills that make you qualified for the role. Briefly mention your management style if it's relevant to the team culture. Emphasise your desire to collaborate with the team and learn from their expertise and show your commitment to their success.

How should I respond if I don’t receive a warm welcome by my new team?

Building rapport takes time and effort, so don't jump to conclusions after just one interaction (or lack thereof). Your new team might be super busy, adjusting to your arrival, or simply a bit shy themselves.

Consider if there might be subtle cultural cues at play. Perhaps your team is more reserved or prefers written communication initially.

If the lack of warmth persists, have a confidential conversation with your HR representative. They might be able to provide insights into the team dynamics or advise on navigating the situation.

What can/should I do after my first day on the job?

Send a brief thank you note to your manager or HR representative for welcoming you to the team. You can also thank any colleagues who went out of their way to introduce themselves or help you throughout the day.

Take some time to reflect on your first day. Jot down any questions you have, things you need to clarify, or tasks you'd like to learn more about. This will help you during your next day and demonstrate your initiative with your team.

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