Your first meeting with a new boss is the “meeting your partner's parents” of the corporate world. Whether you're starting a new job or switching teams, this is a chance to set the tone for your working relationship, establish expectations, and make a great first impression.
But what should you say? How do you prepare? And what questions should you ask? Here’s how to handle your first meeting with a new boss.
Why meeting your new boss for the first time matters
First impressions stick. “These first interactions will set the foundation for a productive and positive working relationship with your new boss,” says Kevandre Thompson, senior talent acquisition partner at Innomotics. It’s your opportunity to:
- Build rapport and establish trust
- Gain clarity on expectations, priorities, and preferred communication styles
- Show initiative and a proactive mindset
- Align on goals and how you’ll contribute to the team’s success
A well-prepared and engaging first meeting helps you start on the right foot, making it easier to cruise your new work environment and build a strong professional relationship.
“How do I prepare for a 1:1 meeting with my boss?”
Preparation is key to feeling confident and making the most of your conversation. Here’s how to ensure you’re ready.
1. Handle nerves and frame your mindset
Feeling a little anxious? That’s normal. The best way to ease nerves is to prepare. If you're new to the team, Thompson lists what to keep in mind: “Know the goals and objectives of your role, any projects you’ll be working on, and familiarize yourself with the company culture.”
Remind yourself that this meeting isn’t just about impressing your boss—it’s also about getting the information you need to succeed.
Keep an open mind, be yourself, and approach the conversation with curiosity and confidence. “You don’t need to have everything figured out, but showing curiosity and a willingness to learn will ease your nerves and help you grow as an individual,” Thompson says.
2. Send the meeting invite (with the perfect email)
If your boss hasn’t already set up a meeting, take the initiative to schedule one. Your first-meeting-with-new-boss email can be simple:
Subject: Looking forward to our first meeting
Hi [Boss’s Name],
I’m excited to be working with you and would love to set up a time for us to connect. I’d love to hear more about your priorities and how I can contribute to the team’s success. Let me know when would be a convenient time for you. Looking forward to our conversation!
Best,
[Your Name]
2. Build an agenda
Having a structured first-meeting-with-a-new-boss agenda helps keep the meeting productive. You can make it more literal by adding some bullet points to the invite's description or keep it as a guide document for yourself. Consider including:
- A brief introduction about yourself (your background, role, and key skills)
- Your boss’s vision and priorities
- Your responsibilities and expectations
- Communication preferences (email, Slack, meetings, etc.)
- Feedback process and career development opportunities
Read this next: The Free Meeting Agenda Template That'll Save You So Much Time
What do you say in your first meeting with a new boss?
Your first conversation with your boss is an opportunity to make a positive impression and set the stage for your working relationship.
How to greet a boss in the first meeting
When meeting your boss for the first time, a professional yet warm greeting is key. Smile, make eye contact, and say something like:
- It’s great to meet you. I’m excited to work with you!
- Welcome to the team! Looking forward to collaborating.
How to introduce yourself to a new boss
At this point, a concise and relevant introduction should be at the tip of your tongue. “Your introduction sets the foundation for future interactions, so you must make sure it aligns with the tone you want to establish for your working relationship,” Thompson says.
So, how do you introduce yourself to your new boss? Share:
- Your name and current role
- A quick background on your experience
- What excites you about your work and how you hope to contribute
Example:
Hi [Boss’s Name], I’m [Your Name], and I’ve been a [Role] for [X months/years]. My background is in [briefly mention your expertise], and I’m really excited to work with you. I’d love to hear about your vision for the team and how I can help make an impact.
Questions to ask your new boss in your first meeting
If the conversation goes well, at this point your new boss will probably have answered most of your questions. But it's always important to be ready when they ask, “Do you have any questions for me?”
Here are some smart questions to ask your new boss to show that you’re engaged and eager to learn:
- What are your top priorities for the team in the next six months?
- What’s your preferred way of receiving updates and feedback?
- How do you define success for this role/team?
- What’s one thing you wish more employees understood about your leadership style?
- How do you like to communicate—quick Slack updates or structured emails?
- What’s one thing I can do to make your job easier?
If you'd like to break the ice and keep it more casual, here are some fun questions to ask your new boss:
- What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
- What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
- If you weren’t in this role, what would you be doing?
How to keep it conversational
The vibe of the first meeting should be warm, professional, and open about expectations from each other. “While it’s important to ask relevant questions, I believe a new hire needs to keep the meeting conversational rather than bombarding your boss with a list of inquiries or questions,” Thompson says. This is the perfect opportunity to demonstrate your readiness to engage in your new role and to start building rapport with your boss.
“How do I impress my boss in the first meeting?”
Beyond the basics, here are some key ways to stand out in your first meeting with a new boss:
- Listen actively. Show engagement by nodding, making eye contact, and taking notes.
- Be positive and proactive. Show enthusiasm for your work and a willingness to contribute.
- Follow up. After the meeting, send a quick thank-you email summarizing key takeaways. Try something like:
Subject: Thank you for our conversation
Hi [Boss’s Name],
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. I really appreciate learning more about your vision for the team and how I can best contribute. I’m excited to collaborate and will [mention any action steps discussed]. Looking forward to working together!
Best,
[Your Name]
Read this next: How to Write a Follow-up Email After a Meeting (With Templates!)
Avoid these common mistakes
Knowing what not to do is just as important.
- Don’t ramble: Keep your intro and responses clear and concise.
- Don’t overpromise: It’s great to be ambitious, but don’t commit to things you can’t deliver.
- Don’t skip the small talk: A little lighthearted conversation helps build rapport.
- Don’t bring up problems too soon: Get a feel for the relationship before diving into concerns.
Your first meeting shouldn’t be your last meaningful conversation. Keep the momentum going by checking in regularly, seeking feedback, and looking for opportunities to contribute. Remember, building a strong relationship with your boss is an ongoing process.
Read this next: 3 Moves Smart People Make When They Get a New Boss