Making a respectable first impression is the foremost thought on a new employee’s brain. Equally true, every good manager knows how important it is to make a new hire feel welcome and at ease.
As a recent college grad, one could make the (very valid) argument that I’m green in more ways than one. (In fact, if there’s one thing I’m not new at, it’s being new.) I started at a new company about a month ago, and I was presented with the opportunity to write my very own new employee announcement. Cue nerves!
After quite a bit of research and a splash of personal experience, I found that, whether you’re writing your own “about me” email or sending an introduction message on behalf of a new coworker, there are three important elements of every new employee announcement:
1. Keep it Simple.
First, the best advice I’ve ever received: keep it simple. Whether your tone is formal or informal, it’s important to cut to the chase. This isn’t to say your message should be curt, but rather it should be succinct and clear.
In fact, it may take days, weeks, or months (yes, months) for fellow employees to recognize their new coworker. (That’s okay—more opportunities for first impressions!) But by keeping it simple you can cut out forgettable fluff and make sure that busy coworkers make it to the bottom of the message.
Hint: Make the subject line clear: “New Employee Announcement” or “Welcoming New Employee” are appropriate and concise. This helps avoid the risk of the message getting buried in the collective company inbox.
2. Invite Conversation.
Being the new kid on the block isn’t easy, no matter the size or culture of the company. Include a personal detail, interesting anecdote, or fun fact that could start a conversation in the break room. Examples include hometown, favorite sports teams or shows, or perhaps something a bit off-the-wall (for example, my family raises llamas…top that!) Fellow employees will be more likely to reach out when there is common ground or some relatable aspect.
Hint: Keep in mind that every company’s culture is different, so read your audience. What may be considered perfectly appropriate to mention at one company could be a touchy subject at another.
3. Show Your Cards.
Make it clear what you or your new hire can bring to the table. This may include past jobs or responsibilities held by you or the new employee. It is important for everyone at the company to understand a new employee’s value from the get-go.
Hint: Think your last job may not be particularly relevant to your new position? Don’t let that discourage you from sharing—you never know what sort of skill set your company may be in need of. For example, my new position relies heavily on data management. However, I mentioned my journalism and publishing background in my new employee announcement email—and, voilà!—here I am, putting those skills to use for my new company. Opportunity is the name of the game, for both you and your company.
Have any other useful tips for creating a new employee announcement? Share them in the comments below!
