Your first day in a new work environment will likely be devoted to acclimating yourself to the workplace, meeting colleagues, and starting to get comfortable. One way to introduce yourself to your new work mates is by issuing a brief and friendly letter of introduction. This provides people with background information about you and allows you to express your excitement at taking over your new position.

Check with Management

Before you issue a companywide letter, check with your direct supervisor to ensure there's no problem with your correspondence. She might ask you to run a copy of the letter by her prior to distribution to verify you're providing accurate information about your position and responsibilities. Check with her before your first day of work so you have time to compose your letter and get it reviewed so it's ready for distribution the morning of your first day on the job.

Use Email

While it's acceptable to print a written memo for distribution through company mailboxes, a more effective way to distribute your introductory letter to colleagues is via email. Delivery is instantaneous, and it gives your new co-workers an opportunity to save your contact information into their digital address books. It also provides a means for colleagues to send you a quick welcome note, make a query about your role or responsibilities, or otherwise comment on your letter.

Express Your Enthusiasm

Write your letter in an upbeat and cheerful tone. Begin by providing your name and new job responsibilities. Next, provide a brief overview of your professional background, then write a few words about what part of the job you most looking forward to. For example, you might write, “I'm a 10-year veteran of the finance industry, specializing in corporate tax returns, and I just moved to the area a few weeks ago from Chicago. I'm very excited at the prospect of working with international clients and using my foreign language skills.”

End on a Personal Note

Wrap up your introductory letter by telling your colleagues a few things about you personally. This gives them a couple of icebreaker conversation topics for when you meet in the break room or lobby. For example: “I'm an avid runner, I love to bake and write poetry, and I'm really excited about signing up for the company softball team. I was thrilled to be offered this job, and I'm looking forward to the opportunity to build great new personal and professional relationships.”