How to Introduce Yourself at Work in English

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⏱️ Reading time: 7 minutes

Introducing yourself at work in a new country can feel intimidating. But a polite, friendly introduction is the first step to building good relationships with your colleagues. Learning how to introduce yourself at work doesn’t require perfect English — a simple greeting, a smile, and a brief explanation of who you are is all it takes to make a great first impression.

📋 Quick Summary

  • Keep your introduction short and friendly.
  • Smile and make eye contact when speaking.
  • Mention your name and your new role or department — and it’s fine to admit you’re still learning names.

🤖 AI Quick Answer

How do I introduce myself at work in English?

Say your name and your role or department, for example: “Hi, I’m Anna. I’ve just started in the packing department.” Smile, make eye contact, and keep it brief — you can ask the other person about their role to keep the conversation going naturally.

📖 Key Vocabulary

Word/Phrase Meaning
Approachable Friendly and easy to talk to
Department A specific section or team within a workplace
Dispatch The department that sends out finished orders or goods
Initiative Taking action yourself, without waiting to be asked
Eye contact Looking directly at someone’s eyes while speaking — seen as polite and confident in the UK

💬 Useful Phrases

“Hi, I’m [Name]. I’ve just started in [Department].” 🔊

When/Why to use: Use this as a standard, friendly introduction when meeting a colleague for the first time.

Real workplace example: You see someone in the break room. You say: “Hi, I’m Anna. I’ve just started in the packing department.”

Plain-English explanation: This tells the person your name and where you work in the building.

“I’m looking forward to working with you.” 🔊

When/Why to use: Use this after introducing yourself to a direct team member or your manager.

Real workplace example: After your manager introduces you to your shift partner, you say: “Nice to meet you. I’m looking forward to working with you.”

Plain-English explanation: Shows you’re positive, enthusiastic, and ready to be a team player.

“Could you tell me a bit about your role?” 🔊

When/Why to use: Use this to politely keep the conversation going after you’ve introduced yourself.

Real workplace example: After telling them your name, you ask: “Could you tell me a bit about your role here?”

Plain-English explanation: Shows you’re interested in them and want to learn about the company.

“I’m still getting to know everyone.” 🔊

When/Why to use: Use this if you forget someone’s name or need to ask who someone is.

Real workplace example: You see someone but forget their name. You smile and say: “I’m sorry, I’m still getting to know everyone. Could you remind me of your name?”

Plain-English explanation: A polite, natural way to admit you don’t know or remember someone yet.

🎬 Real Workplace Scenario

🔊 Play Scenario — Meeting a colleague in the break room

You: Hi, I don’t think we’ve met yet. I’m David, I just started in the warehouse today.

Colleague: Oh, hi David! I’m Sarah, I work in dispatch.

You: Nice to meet you, Sarah. I’m looking forward to working here.

💡 David takes the initiative to say hello, keeps it brief, gives his name and department, and finishes with a friendly closing sentence — polite and natural.

✅ Checklist: Introducing Yourself Well

  • ☑️ Smile and make eye contact
  • ☑️ Say your name clearly
  • ☑️ Mention your role or department
  • ☑️ Ask a short question about them in return
  • ☑️ Keep the whole introduction brief — no need to overshare
  • ☑️ Don’t worry if you forget a name — just ask again politely

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Mistake ✅ Better
Talking too much about yourself without asking about them “Could you tell me a bit about your role?”
Being too formal (using “Sir” or “Madam” instead of first names) Using first names — most UK workplaces are informal and friendly
Looking at your phone instead of greeting people in shared spaces Putting your phone away and smiling when someone enters the room

🇬🇧 UK Workplace Tip

Don’t worry too much about forgetting people’s names — everyone forgets names at first! UK colleagues are usually relaxed about this and won’t mind being asked again.

💼 Expert Note

Remember that everyone feels nervous when starting a new job. A simple smile, good eye contact, and a polite “Hello” are often just as important as the words you use. Practise these phrases out loud until they feel comfortable.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What if I’m nervous?

It’s completely normal to be nervous. Just take a deep breath, smile, and stick to a simple “Hi, I’m [Name].” People will understand you’re new.

How much should I share about myself?

Keep it brief. Your name, your role, and perhaps where you’re from if they ask. You don’t need to share your whole life story immediately.

What if I forget someone’s name?

Don’t panic. Just apologise politely and say: “I’m so sorry, I’ve met a lot of people today. Could you remind me of your name?”

🧠 Quick Quiz

Q1: What should a good introduction include?

Q2: What does “approachable” mean?

Q3: What should you do if you forget a colleague’s name?

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