Please help with email to new boss who prob already has bad impression

[saavi]

Okay so I know this is not a tough task all at but I am massively overthinking it. I just got back from holiday (well cousin's destination wedding) and found an email from my new boss introducing himself and explaining my new placement (graduate scheme). The email is from a week ago so I am worried this will leave a bad impression although there's not much I could have done.

My boss goes into a lot of detail (which is great) and he offers to meet up before I start.

I've asked for advice from my parents but they're not really interested and were a bit sarcastic/harsh. Also, I can't meet up for the next month or so as I'm going interrailing (I leave on Tues).

Aibu to ask what my reply should include. I've thanked him for the email, apologised and said I'm looking forward to starting especially as I now know exactly what I'll be working on. I've also asked if he can recommend a way for me to familiarise myself with some of the technical terms (should I keep this). I've mentioned how I'm travelling but would love to meet up when I return.

My reply just looks a bit generic and sparse.

Thanks to anyone who responds, I've really blown this out of proportion in my head!

He only sent the email to be polite. Just send back your polite response saying thank you, you're looking forward to meeting him, and a meet up when you get back from interrailing would be great.

He only sent the email to be polite

Good to know! Thanks

Why have you apologised?

Have you just finished studying Saavi? If so I would think your new boss will fully expect you to be making the most of your summer before you join - totally normal for new graduates in my experience!

The fact that you’ve already asked for how you can get up to speed is really positive and shows you’re interested. Everything you plan to include in your reply is perfect. The interrailing will give you something informal to talk about when you do catch up and will help to break the ice.

So really I wouldn’t worry! Send the email, maybe let him know how he can contact you if needed and enjoy your trip!

Why have you apologised?

For the delay in responding.

Have just noticed the heading - I don't think he will have a bad impression at all. Don't overthink it. And have a good time interrailing

It's fine. He'll be impressed that you are travelling. I would be.

I wouldn't ask about the technical terms. You haven't started yet. You will be travelling. Both bloody good reasons not to be studying up.

A simple email thanking him for his email, briefly explaining that you are travelling with limited access to email also that you'd love to meet up, you'll be available from .

Less is more. Waffley over-promising is worse.

BellaBellaBelle
Yes, I just graduated (I assume my boss is aware of this). Your post was really reassuring. Thanks!

Your email sounds fine. Don't worry about not getting back to him for a week, that's normal at this time of year. He won't be analyzing your response now either, so just write what you have suggested in polite and professional terms, send it off, and head off and enjoy interrailing!

Your boss is busy and not sitting at his desk waiting for your response.

Thank him for his email, say you’re very much looking forward to meeting him when you start and enjoy your trip.

I wouldn't ask about the technical terms. You haven't started yet.

I was considering this/thought the same. I really wanted to get a handle on the terms as he included a fair amount of technical info in the email. I'm going into a STEM role which preferred graduates from a STEM background to apply. As a non-STEM grad I just want to familiarise myself a bit.

Polite, acknowledged the delay and explained when you'll next be available. Also asked something to show you're keen. Sounds like the perfect graduate to me. Enjoy the holiday 👍

Hi OP

Your response honestly sounds fine. You e explained the delay and showed enthusiasm and positivity for the role and also showed you've got outside interests. People have a million emails, polite and succinct is fine

Cheers everyone, I just want to make a good first impression.

I used to employ graduate placements - just be friendly and polite. He will understand you are enjoying your summer - even he will have had holiday plans. Tell him hat your schedule is over the summer and see if there is a convenient time to meet for a chat.

The inter railing will break he ice, and give him something to ask about when you eventually meet in person.

Good luck, and please don’t stress about this.

I would be fine getting an email like that from you. You are not yet in employment with them and are entitled to be away not sitting about waiting on emails from your new work.

As others have said, it’s likely just a being polite, keeping in contact with you email (at my work I get an HR reminder to contact my new starts and given them basics like contact info etc) so don’t read too much into it and offer to meet up when you are back inter railing.

I'm sure it will be fine. Good luck and n your new job and enjoy interrailing.