How to introduce yourself to new coworkers 

Regardless of how your new company handles introductions, seeking opportunities to introduce yourself properly can establish a solid foundation for a happy and rewarding work life. Here are some tips to help you make introductions to colleagues at your new workplace:

1. Ask questions

Asking your new coworkers questions after introductions can help create a two-way conversation and a connection with them, which can lead to positive relationships in the future.Since you are communicating with colleagues for the first time, asking work-related questions is typically more appropriate. Examples include what their roles are in the company, how long they’ve worked there or if your roles will allow for future collaboration. You can ask more specific questions after your introduction.

2. Match your tone to your company’s culture

Whether the work environment is relaxed or formal, you should usually include your name and job title in your introductions. In addition, the way you make introductions could depend on your role and who you are addressing. As a manager, introducing yourself properly to your new team can help gain their respect and establish you as a leader. In some cases, you may find it more appropriate to give a longer introduction.

3. Use positive language

When you introduce yourself to new colleagues and supervisors, make sure to use positive language and avoid mentioning anything negative in your introduction. This is your chance to make a great first impression and you want to leave people with a positive impression.

4. Take advantage of your company’s orientation program

Orientation is one of the best times to introduce yourself. If your new employer has an orientation program, use the opportunity to introduce yourself to as many colleagues as possible. Having a more senior employee with you will make introductions easier and more comfortable. The person showing you around will likely help with introductions so you don’t have to approach anyone alone. Typically, they will introduce you to your team members, department colleagues and other people you’ll interact with often. Whenever you meet someone during the orientation session, you can use the speech you prepared to introduce yourself.

5. Introduce yourself to other teams

Introducing yourself to coworkers outside your team can help create a positive atmosphere to work together more efficiently. In many cases, you’ll be working with other teams so you should try to establish a good relationship with them as early as possible.Find out who you’ll often interact with and then introduce yourself. You can ask your manager or human resources representative to formally introduce you to all the teams connected to your role or you can make the introductions yourself.Example: “Good morning. I’m Javier, an engineer in the IT department. I’m looking forward to working with you in the future.”

6. Find more opportunities for introductions

Finding opportunities for introductions enables you to make more new acquaintances and friends in your company. If you don’t get the chance for introductions during orientation, you can introduce yourself to your coworkers in many other ways.During your first meeting, your manager may formally introduce you to the attendees. If not, ask if you can make an introduction. To introduce yourself during a meeting, first determine what kind of introduction you should make. If you are making a formal introduction, keep it brief so it won’t interfere with the meeting.

What not to say in an introduction

While your introduction should be tailored to your work environment, there are a few common topics you should avoid when you are meeting people for the first time. Here are a few things you should not say during an introduction:

• Anything too personal
• Anything negative about a former colleague or employer
• Anything controversial
• Anything that could be deemed inappropriate or offensive