• Tell them about yourself. Don't spill your whole life story in one conversation, but tell them a little of who you are and ask them questions about who they are. Try to find some commonalities in your conversation and remember to listen as they speak. A good friend always listens.
• If you have an office pool, such as fantasy football, basketball, hockey, golf or the NCAA final four occurring when they are hired invite them to join the pool. Remember your new co-worker typically will not know anyone in the office, inviting them to join in some extra office fun will typically be met with thanks.
• If you and some friends go out for drinks after work, go invite your new co-worker to come with you. This will be a good way to introduce them to others and let them get to know you outside of the office.
• Look for visual cues around their workspace such as pictures of a loved one, a pet, a favorite vacationing spot or a certain sport or sports team. If you have any of these same things in common bring this up in the conversation. Friendship is based upon commonality and trust. When you start talking about the things your new co-worker likes, rather than you doing all the talking, they will open up to you. Most people enjoy talking about loved ones or things that are dear to them.
• If you have a lunch break at the same time invite them to go to lunch with you. Similar to inviting them out for a drink a casual lunch will usually allow people to see who you are outside of the office.
• Once you have made that initial contact with a new co-worker and you find the two of you have some commonalties and you would like to create a friendship remember these simple points about a good friend.

1. Be reliable. If you and your friend agree to meet somewhere, don't be late, don't stand them up. If you're not going to make it on time or make it at all, call them as soon as you realize it. Don't make them wait for you unexpectedly; it's rude, and it is certainly not a good way to launch a potential friendship. When you say you'll do something, do it. Be someone that people know that they can count on. 2. Be a good listener. Many people think that in order to be seen as "friend material" they have to appear very interesting. Far more important than this, however, is the ability to show that you're interested in others. Listen carefully to what people say, remember important details about them, ask questions about their interests, and just take the time to learn more about them. 3. Be trustworthy. One of the best things about having a friend is that you have someone to whom you can talk about anything, even secrets that you hide from the rest of the world. Be honest about yourself and your beliefs, and don't gossip about others or spread rumors. 4. Be there. Part of being a friend is being prepared to make sacrifices of your time and energy in order to help out your friends. If a friend needs help with an unpleasant chore, or if he or she just needs a shoulder to cry on, be there. Don't be a fair-weather friend.