Buzz
“Tell us a bit about yourself.” If you're getting ready for an interview, you’ll likely hear this request from the employer. While it may seem like a simple question, many candidates struggle with it if they're not prepared. When employers ask you to introduce yourself, they expect a concise yet detailed response that helps them understand you both personally and professionally. Continue reading to learn more about how to prepare, practice, and successfully present your introduction in a job interview.
Steps
Prepare your introduction
Review your application materials. Reread your cover letter and resume, and recall the key points you highlighted in your application. Mark the items you especially want to mention or summarize in your introduction.
Review the job posting. Identify the key skills the employer is seeking and note them down to incorporate into your introduction. By mentioning these skills, the recruiter will remember why they selected your resume and gain a deeper understanding of how well you fit the role.
Think about what they might want to hear from you. Be honest and authentic. That said, it’s perfectly fine to highlight the aspects of your work experience that will capture the employer's attention the most. Considering what they want to hear will also help you determine what to avoid or only briefly mention in your introduction.
Ask yourself a few questions. To develop your introduction and decide what to include, ask yourself a few key questions. Who are you? Why do you want to work for this company? What skills and experiences make you a strong fit for this role? What do you hope to achieve in your career? Write down your answers and use them to guide your introduction.
- You might start with something like: "I recently graduated from ____ with a degree in ____". If you're an experienced professional, you could say: "I've worked as a ____ for ___ years". You could also include some personal information, such as: "I'm a musician and an avid music lover____".
- Next, talk about your skills. For example: "I'm proficient in ____ and ____". Then, provide examples of projects you’ve worked on that demonstrate your expertise in those areas.
- Finally, discuss your career goals and segue into how you can achieve them by working at this company. You might say: "My goal is ____ and I'm excited to discuss how the company can provide the opportunity for me to ____".
Decide how to capture the interviewer’s attention at the start of your introduction. Be creative and think of ways to make a memorable first impression. Choose something that fits your personality. For instance, if you love reading, you might start by saying that a famous literary character represents who you are, then explain why and list your skills. Or, if you're a tech enthusiast and want to highlight this in your skill set, talk about what you found when you Googled yourself and how this information reflects your abilities and expertise.
Write your introduction. To ensure you cover all the main points, turn your notes into a 3-5 sentence introduction. Write exactly what you plan to say. Start by providing basic information about yourself (who are you?) and then move on to specific details about your experience and skills. Conclude with a brief statement about your larger career goal. This final part is especially important as it’s your opportunity to subtly show the interviewer why you’re the right fit without stating it too plainly.
Review sections that can be simplified and/or clarified. Refine your introduction, identifying parts that might need to be shortened or made clearer. The introduction should be concise yet thorough. Remember, employers aren't expecting a ten-minute monologue about yourself; they just want a brief overview of who you are.
Practice your introduction
Read your introduction out loud several times. This will not only prepare you to introduce yourself confidently but also help you spot any inconsistencies or missed points you may have overlooked.
Memorize the key points of your introduction. While you don’t need to memorize the entire text, it’s important to remember the key points and the order in which you want to present them.
Practice until you can deliver your introduction naturally, like a conversation. As the saying goes, practice makes perfect! Keep rehearsing your introduction until it no longer feels rehearsed. You may also want to ask a friend to listen and provide feedback on how you present it.
Consider recording your introduction. Although it might feel a bit strange to watch yourself, hearing and seeing how you present yourself during an introduction can be incredibly helpful in refining your delivery.
Create a memo of your key talking points. Write down the main points of your introduction on a notecard and keep it with you for quick reference before the interview. Having this card can provide reassurance, especially when you're feeling nervous, as you’ll always have it to glance at for support.
Relax. Take a deep breath and head into the interview. You’ve prepared thoroughly for your introduction, so rest assured you’re ready to make a strong first impression. And remember, if you’re a little nervous, that’s okay—your nerves show the employer that you genuinely care about the job.
Present your introduction
Walk into the interview with confidence. Don’t hesitate or fumble when invited in. Simply enter the room confidently and sit down in front of the interviewer, unless instructed otherwise. While sitting, avoid fidgeting or tapping your foot, as these nervous gestures will clearly signal to the interviewer that you’re anxious.
Shake hands with the interviewer. Ensure your handshake is firm (but not too strong) and quick. Two or three shakes are sufficient. Additionally, try to warm up and dry your hands before the interview so the interviewer isn’t caught off guard by cold, sweaty palms.
Smile and stay at ease during the first encounter. The interviewer may want to chat briefly before starting the formal interview. Just smile and be yourself. Until the official interview begins, don’t worry about discussing your skills.
Maintain eye contact with the interviewer. Even if you’re feeling nervous, making eye contact will help you appear more confident. Don’t stare, but look into the interviewer's eyes when they speak to you. Looking around the room or down at the floor is a clear sign of nervousness.
Introduce yourself immediately. When asked, don’t hesitate. It’s perfectly fine to pause when answering tougher questions or while organizing your thoughts, but delaying the initial self-introduction can make it seem like you're unprepared or unsure of your strengths.
Stick to your talking points. Don’t ramble or add unnecessary details to your carefully prepared introduction. Speaking for too long can make you repeat yourself or sound tense. Only speak about what you’ve practiced, then stop. The interviewer will ask for clarification or additional information if needed.
Maintain a positive attitude. Even if your introduction doesn’t go as smoothly as practiced, remember that you were invited to interview because you meet the job's qualifications. Don’t dwell on a minor slip-up or something you said or did wrong. Instead, focus on the things you did well.
Tips
- Never chew gum during an interview. If you need to freshen your breath before the interview, quickly pop a mint into your mouth and make sure to finish it before you begin speaking.
- Bring extra copies of your resume to hand to the interviewer if needed. Being prepared shows you’re reliable.
- Arrive 10-15 minutes early. This demonstrates punctuality and gives you time to review your notes before the interview starts.
