Send an email before your first day of work to make a good impression

If you’ve just accepted a new job offer, you’re likely feeling both excited and nervous. You’re bursting with questions, and you want to make a good first impression on your new team. 

To start off on the right foot, take initiative and send your employer, manager, or team an email before your first day of work. Writing an introductory message a week or a few days before you start demonstrates professionalism and enthusiasm for your new role. It also gives you the chance to ask any questions before your first day on the job.

If you aren’t sure what to say, here’s a guide to learning how to introduce yourself to a new boss via email and get the answers you need to feel more confident and prepared.

Why send an introductory email?

You might be busy during the days and weeks leading up to a new job. There’s a lot to do before starting, especially if you have to wrap things up at your previous position. So why should you spend your time writing a letter of introduction if you’re meeting your new team soon? 

There are many reasons to reach out ahead of your start date, like asking questions and confirming details, but the biggest is starting with a good impression. Even in 33 milliseconds, someone can make an effective first impression of you. You want to make that time count even before you walk into the office or go online for a remote position.

Sending your new manager or team a professional email introducing yourself puts you in control of the moment. Done correctly, your message sets the stage for a constructive first day that ultimately leads to a productive working relationship. 

How to write an introductory email for a new job

Your first email to your new employer should make an introduction, express your excitement, and clarify any outstanding details about starting your new position.

This email is doing some heavy lifting, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Keep it short, sweet, and to the point. Here’s a general format to follow:

1. Express gratitude

Start your email by thanking your new employer for the opportunity, and let them know you’re eager to begin. Making it clear that you’re thankful and happy to join the team helps cement a positive impression. If applicable, get specific about the aspects of the job that excite you.

2. Request confirmation

Next, confirm your start date, including the day of the week and the time your employer expects you to show up. Even if your new manager has told you before, this is a good chance to double-check and avoid mistakes when your first day does come. You can also confirm your general hours and schedule.

3. Show initiative

Demonstrate that hiring you was the right decision. Take the initiative and ask your new employer if you can do or bring anything to make your first day go smoothly. They may suggest brushing up on software, completing a new hire checklist, or bringing supplies to make your new office more comfortable.

4. Address additional questions

If you have any questions about company culture or other employment details, now is the time to ask them. You may want to know about things like:

• The company dress code
• Office hours
• Parking, bike racks, or transportation details 
• Meetings you need to prepare for 
• Required materials
• Documents necessary for onboarding

Make sure to include everything you’re interested in knowing more about so you don’t have to send a follow-up email.

5. Close with enthusiasm

End your email by restating your eagerness to begin. Follow up with a friendly signoff with your full name and contact details, and let them know they can reach out to you if they need any more information.

Examples of emails before your first day at work

If you’re looking for inspiration, here are two sample emails confirming the first day of work. Use them as templates and plug in any information that’s specific to your position or employer.

Good morning [hiring manager or contact’s name], 

I’m grateful for the opportunity to join [company name], and I can’t wait to get started. I’m writing to confirm that my start date is [weekday, date] at [time]. Can I do anything ahead of time to help speed up the onboarding process?

Also, I would like to know about the office dress code. During my interview, business casual appeared to be appropriate. Is that the case? 

I hope you enjoy the rest of your week, and I look forward to meeting you soon. 

Sincerely,

[Your name]

[Your phone number]

Hello [hiring manager or contact’s name],

It was great hearing from you so soon after my interview. Thank you for choosing me as the new [job title]! I’m excited to begin.

I’m confirming that my first day will be [weekday, date] and that I’ll start at [time]. Is there anything I need to know or bring to ensure a smooth onboarding? 

I also wanted to know if the building has a bike locker or rack. I plan to ride into the office now that summer is here, and I need a safe place to lock up.

Have a great week. I’m looking forward to seeing you again and meeting my new teammates.

Best,

[Your name]

[Your phone number]

Who to send additional introductory emails

Depending on the position and what teams you’ll be working with, consider sending other emails. You might want to introduce yourself to coworkers, close contacts within your department, or the rest of your company. Here are some more specific examples of emails to send before your first day at work or right as you’re starting.

Your predecessor

If the company still employs the person who previously filled your role, it might be a good idea to connect with them. They’re a valuable resource if you have questions or need further insight into your new position, especially if you know they’ll be training you. 

Hi [person’s name]!

My name is [your name]. I recently started as [company]’s new [position], and I wanted to introduce myself formally. 

I’ve heard a lot about you from my new coworkers. Everyone said you were the person to talk to if I had any questions or problems. I don’t have specific questions yet, but if you have any tips or suggestions, I would love to hear about them.

Congratulations on your promotion. I hope we talk once you settle into your new office.

Take care,

[your name]

[your new title]

[your phone number]

Your new teammates

Your boss isn’t the only person you want to impress. You’ll be a part of a new team, and getting to know them will help you work together more effectively. If you don’t get an in-person introduction during your first day, reach out to your new colleagues and share a little about yourself, your work experience, and your interests.

Hi everyone!

My name is [name], and I’m the department’s new [job title]. I look forward to meeting everyone in person at Friday’s team meeting. I’ve been impressed with the quality of work I’ve seen so far, and I have some big shoes to fill. 

A few things about me: I interned with [old company] for two years, specializing in [topic]. Once I finished my term, I decided to see what challenges I could find within the private sector, and that’s how I found [company name]. I really connected with the culture and I knew it was the right fit.

In my spare time, I’m an enthusiastic amateur wildlife photographer and love a good mystery novel. If anyone has any suggestions for either a photo location or a new page-turner, I’d love to hear them!

See you Friday!

[your name]

[your new title]

[your phone number]

Your network

You’ve probably already told your friends or close peers about your new opportunity, but you could also consider notifying your professional network of the good news. It’s a great way to stay connected, especially with collaborators from previous jobs. 

Hi [person’s name]

I hope you’re well! I just wanted to reach out to make sure you have my updated contact information. I’m excited to let you know I’m starting a new position at [company name] as their newest [position].

I enjoyed partnering with you while I was with [company name] and hope we’ll have the opportunity to work together again soon. You'll know how to reach me if you need help with your research. 

Take care!

[your name]

[your new title]

[your phone number]

Other new hires

New job anxiety can give you the jitters, but chances are you’re not alone. If your company hired more new employees around the same time as you, reaching out to them could make the transition easier. You can relate to each other, ask questions, and share any experiences they might find helpful. 

Take a moment to send a warm welcome email introducing yourself to other newbies and create a network of friendly faces to lean on for support.

Hi [person’s name]!

My name is [your name] from [department]. [Human resources rep] mentioned that you’re also coming on board as the new [position].

I know we're in different departments, but I wanted to reach out to see if you want some company for lunch or a coffee run. I know a great spot down the street if you have time this Thursday.

I’m excited to start at [company name], and I hope we get to work together. 

Talk to you soon.

[your name]

[your new title]

[your phone number]

Your manager

Don’t forget to send a thank-you email to your boss after the first day of work. This note is particularly important if they worked closely with you to show you the ropes. It’s a good opportunity to express gratitude and let them know you appreciate their effort.

Hi [person’s name],

I wanted to send you a quick note to thank you for your support today. I have a much better understanding of my responsibilities after spending the day with you. I also really appreciated the lunch suggestions, and I’d love to get you a meal sometime next week.

See you tomorrow!

[your name]

More tips for writing emails to start a new position

Emails are virtual, and that means you have time to think about what you’ll say and how to say it. Here are some tips for writing a professional intro email: 

1. Your tone: While being authentic is important, you also want to ensure your writing style fits the company’s culture. When in doubt, try a slightly more formal tone, and take note of how your manager or coworker responds.
2. Spelling and grammar errors: In one survey, 65% of respondents said their industry didn’t tolerate typos. Take the time to proofread your text before hitting send.
3. Professionalism: Until you get to know your coworkers, it’s best to avoid corresponding with texting acronyms or emojis. Studies show that people perceive new coworkers who use emojis in a professional setting as less competent, so it’s best to save them for more casual contexts.
4. Subject lines: Your boss and coworkers likely receive numerous emails in a day. Help them notice yours by writing a clear subject and expressing your intention. For example, the subject line for your email confirming a first day of work could read: “Introduction and first-day confirmation for incoming junior statistician.”

Make a successful start

You and the people on your team are going to spend a lot of time together. Start a working relationship that’s friendly and productive with an email before your first day of work. A professional email isn’t only a means of introduction — it lets you kick off your relationship on a positive note.