Networking and meeting people is important for developing a web of helpful connections during your first days on the job. While nothing can replace a good old-fashioned handshake, you might not be able to meet everyone in person if you work in a large office or for a company with multiple locations. Reach out and make connections by writing a professional introduction letter to send to your colleagues via email. While you should discuss your past work experience, you should also include information that positions you as friendly and approachable.

Hello Everyone!

Open with a casual salutation, but don't get too relaxed. "Hi everyone," is an appropriate greeting, while " 'Sup team?" might raise a few disapproving eyebrows. Now, explain who you are. Provide your full name, department and position in the first line of your opening paragraph. For example: "My name is Sarah Best, and I just recently joined the marketing department as the new communications coordinator."

I'm Writing Because....

Tell everyone why you;re writing to them. Say how excited you are to learn about the company and get started in your new role. Mention that you're looking forward to meeting more of your colleagues as you settle in during your first week. For example, "I'm really excited to join Company X and I can't wait to start contributing my part to recent re-branding efforts here. I hope to meet many of you in person as I settle in and learn more about the company."

Here's What I Bring to the Table

In the next paragraph, outline one or two of your most recent positions and list any areas of expertise: "I come to you with three years of experience as a marketing assistant in a collateral production role at Company Y. I'm particularly interested in branding and customer relationship management." If you recently finished college and you don't have much professional experience, use this paragraph to describe your program, when you graduated and any honors you earned as a student.

Here's What Makes Me Human

It's a good idea to provide some insight into your personal interests and hobbies in a separate paragraph. Don't go overboard – one or two should be enough to give colleagues a glimpse of your personality. It's OK to take on a more lighthearted tone. For example, "When I'm not slaving away in Photoshop, I like to take to the great outdoors. You can find me hiking the trails near my house or camping with my family during my off hours."

Come and Meet Me!

Describe where you sit so new colleagues can find you and introduce themselves. If you're free for lunch, consider extending an open invitation to your workmates: "If you have a minute and want to stop by to say hello, you can find me in the Chicago office in the cubicle next to the water cooler. I'm heading out for lunch at Ethel's at 1. Stop by my cube if you want to join me and we can walk down together."

Thanks for Your Time

Close with a statement that emphasizes how eager you are to work with everyone and sign the email with your first name: "Thanks to everyone for being so welcoming. I look forward to working with all of you." If there's an email signature policy at your workplace, format your signature to match your manager's. Use that signature to sign off on your introduction letter.