How to introduce yourself to a new team

How to introduce yourself to a new team
SEEK content teamupdated on 21 July, 2024
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When you’re in a new role, it’s important to start off on the right foot. A strong introduction can help build trust and credibility with your new team, paving the way for a positive working relationship.

In this article, we cover some different ways to introduce yourself to a new team, examples of good introductions, and some common mistakes to avoid. 

Why first impressions matter when meeting new colleagues

Joining a new workplace can be a daunting experience, but it’s important to make a good first impression. First impressions play a role in how your new workmates perceive you, so you want to start off strong. A good introduction will make you seem friendly and approachable from the outset, and will go a long way in creating rapport with your new colleagues, setting the tone for future interactions. With this in mind, it’s essential to make a good first impression with your new team. 

Preparing for your introduction

Introducing yourself to your new team is easier when you’re prepared. There are some personal introduction strategies you can use to create an introduction that makes a good impression and suits your personality.

Start by researching the team and company before your first day. Check the company website and read any employee profiles available. This can help you get a feel for the company culture, which will help you prepare an appropriate introduction.

For example, if your new workplace has a more laid-back culture, your introduction should match that level of informality. Alternatively, you might need a more formal introduction if you’re starting at a more conservative workplace, or if you’ll be speaking to more senior staff.

Before you start preparing an introduction, make sure you’re clear on your new role and title. Once you know a bit about the company and your team and can articulate your role, you can put together a short introduction to practise. 

What to include in your introduction

Aside from being informative, your introduction should convey some of your personality. 

Here are some main points to include in your introduction:

  • Your name and position title

  • A brief overview of your professional background, key skills and experience

  • Your passion/motivation for joining the team

  • A mention of some hobbies or a fun fact about you

It doesn’t hurt to come up with a few different introduction versions, so you have a shorter intro and a longer one to use depending on the situation.  

Tips for delivering your introduction

The delivery of your introduction is just as important as the content. To make a good first impression, speak confidently and make eye contact with your audience. Don’t speak for too long, and ask your new colleagues questions so you can get to know them too.

Here are a few self-introduction tips to remember:

  • Be confident and enthusiastic

  • Speak clearly and at an appropriate pace

  • Be mindful of your non-verbal cues, make eye contact and smile

  • Be concise – don’t speak for too long

  • Invite questions or further conversation throughout your introduction, if appropriate

Introducing yourself in different scenarios

Exactly how to introduce yourself in a group depends on the setting. Here are some of the ways you can introduce yourself based on common situations at work.

In-person team meetings

If you and your team are all based together in the same location (like an office or worksite), chances are you’ll be able to introduce yourself in person. If your new workplace has organised a team meeting to introduce you to the team, it’s often a good idea to prepare a short intro. Share a brief summary of your background and highlight the experience you’ll be bringing to your new role.

Virtual/remote introductions

With many positions remote or hybrid, you may give your introduction in an online meeting. The content of your introduction will be much the same as if you were meeting the team in person, with the added advantage that you can refer to written notes, if you need to. Always have your camera turned on and make sure your microphone is unmuted. Give your intro a clear ending, like ‘great to meet you’ or ‘looking forward to working with you’ as a cue you’ve finished talking. 

One-on-one introductions

Depending on the size of your team, you might have the opportunity to introduce yourself in a one-on-one setting. This can be a great way to quickly get to know your new colleagues on a more personal level, allowing for a deeper initial connection. After sharing your background with your new colleague, you should also show interest in them. Ask about their role, responsibilities and any current projects. Making an effort to introduce yourself personally helps build good rapport with coworkers.

Written introductions

In some cases, you might not have the opportunity to meet and chat with your new team. Instead, you may be sending an email or instant message. As with a verbal introduction, balance friendliness with professionalism, and mention your current position and something about your work history or specialisation. Encourage your new colleagues to reach out directly to introduce themselves or ask questions. 

Following up after your introduction

Once you’ve introduced yourself to your new team, keep building rapport with regular communications. Keep networking with new coworkers so you can continue to strengthen connections and build relationships. 

Now that you know everyone’s name and title, you can send more personalised messages to them when you work. You can also reach out to connect with them on professional online networks. Also take the opportunity to get to know colleagues better by getting involved in team activities and any social work activities. 

Mistakes to avoid

When introducing yourself to a new team, the aim is to make a good first impression. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid: 

  • Being too casual or unprofessional

  • Talking for too long or monopolising the conversation

  • Using jargon or technical terms that are difficult to understand

  • Failing to research the team and company

  • Not tailoring your introduction to the audience

  • Appearing disinterested or unenthusiastic

  • Mumbling or not making eye contact

Your introduction is essential to making a good first impression. It sets the tone for your relationships with your new colleagues and determines how they perceive you. To start off on the right foot, prepare and practise your introduction ahead of time to feel more confident in your delivery. With the above tips, you’ll be able to make a strong first impression whether in person, in a message or in a virtual meeting.

FAQs

How long should my introduction be?

When introducing yourself to a new team, it’s often best to keep your introduction short and sweet – just a few sentences. If you’re introducing yourself to your new team via email, three sentences is enough to let people know your name, what you do and a bit about your personality.

Should I mention personal hobbies or interests?

Sharing a fun fact or hobby can be a great way to build rapport with your new team, as long as it’s appropriate to mention in a professional setting. It’s good to show passion for something outside of work, but it’s also important you don’t monopolise the conversation. Rather, use the opportunity to ask questions and get to know your teammates better.

How can I make a good impression if I’m naturally introverted?

While it can be challenging to speak about yourself to a new group as an introvert, there are a few strategies to make it easier. Identify a few key points you’d like to include in your introduction and practise them before you meet your team for the first time. Being prepared is essential to making a good first impression as an introvert. 

What if I’m joining a remote team and can’t meet in person?

A virtual introduction is much the same as a regular intro, you’ll just be meeting your new team via video call instead. Maintain good posture, look at the camera and speak clearly – if you think you’ll be nervous, keep a written introduction at eye level to read from.

Should I connect with my new teammates on social media?

Rather than adding your new colleagues on social media, it’s often best to keep it professional and connect with them on more appropriate work-related platforms. While social media can be a great way to stay in touch with people, it’s best to be cautious when mixing work with your personal social media. 

How can I continue to build relationships after my initial introduction?

Making a good first impression starts with your introduction, but it’s important to continue strengthening your connections and relationships with your new colleagues. Collaborate on projects, participate in team-building events and look for opportunities to connect and work together with your new teammates.

More from this category: Working relationships

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