Being added to a new team can be an exciting but nerve-wracking experience. You likely have questions about your role, responsibilities, team processes and dynamics. A welcome message from your new manager or teammates helps provide some of the details you’re wondering about and makes you feel included. But how should you respond to show you’re eager to dive in while also getting the information you need?
Accept the Welcome
First, thank the sender for including you and making you feel welcome. This starts things off on a positive note. You could say something like:
“Hi [name], Thank you for the warm welcome to the team! I’m thrilled to be joining you and look forward to contributing.”
This shows appreciation for their effort to onboard you and makes it clear you’re excited to join. No need to gush too much in your reply, but do express gratitude.
Ask Logistical Questions
Next, review the details in the welcome message. Does it cover your start date, schedule, required paperwork or systems access? If any of these items are missing, politely ask about them. For example:
“I didn’t see my start date included in the message – could you please let me know when you’d like me to begin?”
“Could you point me to any HR paperwork I need to complete prior to my start?”
“What time should I arrive on my first day and who should I ask for?”
Getting logistics handled early allows everything to go smoothly on day one. Don’t be shy about requesting information if you need it.
Inquire About Team Processes
If the welcome message includes details about team meetings, workflows, tools or collaboration norms, make sure you understand them. Ask clarifying questions if anything seems confusing or incomplete. For example:
“I see we use Slack for team communication. Could you let me know if there are any specific channels I should join right away?”
“I’m unfamiliar with the Agile methodology mentioned. Are there any resources or training you recommend I review before starting?”
“When you say we have a daily standup, is that done virtually or in person?”
Having team processes explained ahead of time allows you to prepare. Don’t hesitate to speak up if the welcome message leaves you with questions.
Express Enthusiasm
At some point in your reply, reiterate that you’re excited to get started. For example:
“I can’t wait to dive in and work with such a talented team!”
“Count me in for the offsite – I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone better in person.”
“I’ll be sure to set up my accounts and review the resources you shared. I’m excited to hit the ground running on my first day!”
Stating your enthusiasm helps build connections with your new colleagues right off the bat. People generally enjoy working with optimistic, motivated team members.
Ask About Priorities
As you transition into your new role, you may want to get a sense of key priorities and expectations. Politely ask about goals or projects you should focus on initially. For example:
“What are our team’s top priorities that I’ll be able to contribute to in my first few weeks?”
“Are there key results you’re hoping I’ll help move the needle on?”
“Is there anything I should spend time getting up to speed on before my start date?”
This demonstrates you’re goal-oriented and want to add value quickly. It also allows you to prepare for meaningful work early on.
Request Onboarding Buddies
Ask if there are any team members who can serve as onboarding buddies or mentors. For example:
“Do you have any recommended onboarding buddies I can turn to with questions as I ramp up?”
“Is there an opportunity to be paired with a mentor or peer coach?”
“Would it be possible to schedule 15-30 min virtual coffees with team members in my first few weeks?”
Onboarding buddies speed your transition by answering questions in real-time. They also make you feel welcomed into the team.
Suggest Ways to Contribute
Offer suggestions for how you may be able to help or add value right away. For example:
“I noticed the team is launching a new product line this quarter. I have experience developing launch strategies and would be happy to contribute.”
“My background is in customer research. I’d love to conduct some interviews with target users if helpful.”
“I could put together an onboarding checklist and presentation to smooth the transition for future new hires. Just let me know if you’d like me to take this on.”
Thinking proactively about contributions demonstrates initiative. It gives your manager an early sense of your talents and willingness to pitch in.
Request 1:1 Time
Ask if you’ll have dedicated 1:1 time with your new manager or team lead soon after starting. For example:
“Do you have weekly 1:1s scheduled with direct reports? I find those valuable and would love to get on your calendar.”
“Are there recurring touchpoints where we can sync up on my progress and any blocks I’m running into?”
“Could we set up 30 minutes in my first week to discuss goals and get to know each other better?”
1:1 meetings build your relationship and provide forums for asking questions. Prioritize getting this cadence established.
Stay Positive
Maintain an enthusiastic, team-focused tone throughout your reply. You want to come across as eager to learn and collaborate. Avoid sounding negative or overly self-interested in your response. With a positive attitude, you’re primed for a stellar start!
Sample Reply
Putting all these tips together, here is an example welcome reply encompassing appreciation, questions, enthusiasm and team spirit:
“Hi Amanda,
Thank you so much for the warm welcome to the team! I couldn’t be more excited to join Project Delta and help drive some amazing outcomes. The collaborative, goal-oriented culture you described sounds exactly like the type of team I thrive on.
I noticed the onboarding packet didn’t include my start date – could you share that when you have a moment? I’d like to make sure my calendar is clear. Also, if there are any key systems or tools I should get access to pre-start, just let me know.
In terms of priorities, I’d love to hear from you what the most important focuses are for Project Delta this quarter. I want to hit the ground running and contribute wherever I can. Do you have any recommended onboarding buddies I could reach out to with questions during my ramp up period? I find that partnering with someone early on speeds up getting up to speed.
Let me know if there is anything I can do before my start, like reviewing materials or touching base with key team members. I sincerely can’t wait to dig in and work alongside you and the team. Thanks again for the warm welcome!
Best,
[Your name]”
This hits all the high notes of thanking the sender, asking pertinent logistical and work questions, expressing enthusiasm and a team mentality, and offering to help. Modify based on your own style, but incorporating these elements sets you up for success.
Conclusion
Being welcomed to a new team is an exciting moment. While you likely have questions and nerves, starting things off right goes a long way. Thank the sender of the welcome message, ask any clarifying questions, express enthusiasm and offer to pitch in. With a thoughtful, positive response, you’ll integrate smoothly with your new colleagues in no time.