When you think about joining a new company, are you nervous about meeting new people, or is this an exciting thought for you?
The interviewer wants you to reflect on your personality and share your feelings about joining a new organization. The goal of your response is to show your confidence in making a career change and express what you will need to feel comfortable during the transition.
"I am an outgoing natural leader who embraces change. Although I am not nervous when I think about joining a new company, I am realistic in my belief that the anticipation of change can impact me at first. Initial nerves aside, I thoroughly enjoy meeting new people, hearing about their passions, and learning how we can collaborate to make the greatest impact. Joining Company ABC will be an exciting transition, and I am eager to get to know your talented team members."
"I have had similar experiences in the past, like joining a new high school, attending my first day of university, and even walking into a large office on the first day of my internship. I tend to be a touch shy at first but can quickly push through the nerves and make meaningful connections. I know that Company ABC would ensure I feel comfortable on my first day. You have taken a friendly and relaxed approach throughout the interview process, and I thank you for being so accommodating and easy to speak with."
Avoid giving an unbalanced response. If you respond in a way that seems far too apprehensive, the interviewer might feel that you are not ready for this career transition. On the other hand, if you respond in a way that shows zero trepidation, the interviewer might feel that you are being careless about your career change. Strike a balance in your response by showing thoughtfulness about your first day, explaining what excites you, and expressing any questions you may have about the transition.
Joining a new company can be scary. Some of the biggest hesitations or fears can stem from giving notice to your current employer, potentially failing at your new job, or feeling alone and uncomfortable among a sea of strangers. If you are highly outgoing, you may not feel these hesitations as strongly as someone shy or more introverted.
When you answer this question, the interviewer should gain a solid understanding of your willingness to make a career change. Your answer should help the company understand the best way to approach your onboarding. For instance, if you are somewhat nervous about meeting new people, the hiring company might consider onboarding you in a more 1:1 environment versus introducing you to the entire team during a company-wide meeting.
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
Meeting new people is thrilling to me. I enjoy getting to know new individuals.
Kevin's Feedback
That's great! What is your approach to building new relationships? What is your approach when entering a new company? How do you set yourself up for success and overcome any trepidation or fears?
“I am a people person for sure, so I am always excited to meet new people. But, coming into a new work environment, as exciting as it is, is also a bit scary. Everyone else has already been there and knows how everything works and understands why the systems there work the way they do and why they are in place. So I would do my best to be friendly, build relationships, and ask everyone for their insights and knowledge. I’d tap everyone as a resource, anyone who is willing to share, that is. So, to answer your questions, beginning a new chapter is exciting, as is stepping outside of one’s comfort zone. But it makes me reasonably nervous as well, in a positive way.”
Anonymous Answer
I am outgoing, a natural leader who is willing to embrace change. For this reason, I am not nervous about joining a new company; rather I am excited to meet new people, learn new things, and embrace how we can begin to perform and collaborate together.
Rachelle's Feedback
Wonderful edit! You show confidence and enthusiasm in your response.
Anonymous Answer
Both. I'm nervous because I do not know anyone. However, I'm excited to learn; I am excited to be involved. I am excited to participate. I am very grateful for this opportunity and look forward to getting to know the team.
Rachelle's Feedback
It seems you are highly personable, enthusiastic, and also confident. This answer has a nice balance and allows the interviewer to know your personality a bit further.
Anonymous Answer
I am very outgoing and sociable; meeting new people excites me, and I love change. I'm a confident individual and happy to introduce myself to people, get to know them on my own accord, and start building connections.
Rachelle's Feedback
Nicely said! It's apparent that you are friendly and eager to collaborate well with others.
Anonymous Answer
Very exciting!!!
Starting a new company for me is an opportunity to demonstrate the skills that you have and can bring to a new company. Really excited to see and hopefully work with my new colleagues at HillRom. The manager has already made me aware of the great team that I would be working with, but even if I didn't know this, it's a great opportunity to show my colleagues to be, who I am and how I work. Building on trust etc.
Cindy's Feedback
Good! You could enhance your answer by discussing the sense of satisfaction that comes with building something new as part of a team.
Anonymous Answer
I am very social and enthusiastic. I truly enjoy meeting new people.
Especially people that share the same goals as I do, which is to better healthcare and improve patient outcomes.
I am enthusiastic to put our unique experiences together to make a project successful!
Stephanie's Feedback
Wonderful! It sounds like you're genuinely friendly and you truly enjoy building relationships with others.
Anonymous Answer
Joining a new company or new site or new assignment was always very exciting for me, It energise me with new challenges, a new team, a new job, a new city, new culture, and lots of learning.
I have gone through this process many times and feel this is the best opportunity to learn and grow.
Marcie's Feedback
Excellent! You come across as eager and excited for new opportunities, which is great, and something the interviewer will appreciate. They are likely looking for someone who isn't easily intimidated and it sounds like you aren't. Good job!
Anonymous Answer
I get excited about meeting new people in all aspects of my life. At a new company yes, and as you are likely to meet people that you wouldn't have encountered before that may become a big part of your life. You can learn new skills from coworkers that you may have different experiences with you that could help in your personal development within a role.
Marcie's Feedback
Nice! You sound excited to meet new people, and you clearly recognize the benefits of adding new people to your life in terms of learning from them, etc. Can you talk briefly as well about a time when you started a new job and how you successfully managed the experience of meeting lots of new people?
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