4 tips on how to introduce yourself in a new company
Estimated Read Time: 4 minutes
What you do when starting a new job leaves a lasting impression. The fastest route to awkward early relationships with colleagues at work is a botched first introduction.
Taking the time to plan out an appropriate, confident self-introduction can help to impress management, warm your new colleagues up and form lasting friendships.
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Here’s what to do when starting a new job, how to introduce yourself in a new job, and some extra steps you can take to ensure an easy transition.
1. Perfect an introduction speech about yourself before your first day
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.
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!
2. Get ahead with a seating chart or organisation chart
Many businesses 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. It is also a useful way to understand inter-office hierarchies and who reports into who.
If you didn’t receive one, try requesting a copy from HR—they’re worth their weight in gold!
Related: Key tips for starting a new job
3. Initiate a team introduction
Did you find yourself plopped down at your desk without the offer of a proper introduction? Speak to your manager to be shown around or take the initiative to introduce yourself to the team.
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.
You’ll be working with other teams and employees at some point during your tenure, so get things off on the right foot by going out of your way to meet everyone.
4. Ask questions and take an interest
When introducing yourself at a new job, always be friendly and forthcoming with everyone you meet—you never know who you might be talking to! 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. Take an interest and ask questions about those you're being introduced to. If someone’s name has slipped your memory, don’t be afraid to ask them again—they might have forgotten yours too!
It's okay to feel a little nervous about starting a new job, but if introduce yourself at your new job well, the remaining days to come will be walk in the park.
To find out more about making a good first impression in a new role or to find your next professional opportunity, contact the Robert Half team today.
