The Reason for Interviews

Your cover letter, resume, and application give the interviewer a glance into your skills and who you are. However, these can't compare to the impact your personal introduction can have. And, once you know how to professionally introduce yourself, you’ll be able to make a great first impression.

A Good Self-Introduction Pitch Can Set You up for Success

Whether your interview is in person or over the phone, your self-introduction can set the tone for the entire conversation.

When your self-introduction pitch is strong and confident, you make a lasting impression on the interviewer. When you make a good first impression, it may position you as a memorable candidate.

10 Tips To Help You Introduce Yourself During an Interview

Job interviews frequently cause potential employees to feel nervous, which is understandable. However, you can combat some of this nervousness by preparing for your upcoming interview. Since every interview begins with a self-introduction, this is the perfect place to start. Use the tips below to create a stellar self-introduction pitch.

1. Greet Your Interviewer

The interviewer’s first impression of you begins with your greeting. Make sure it’s polite and that you sound confident.
Examples:

• “Good morning.”
• “Thank you for inviting me to interview.”

2. Smile and Shake Your Interviewer's Hand

Studies indicate that people who have a firm handshake tend to be more open and friendlier. Therefore, a handshake with a smile can help you set the tone even before your interview begins.

3. Prepare Your Introduction Ahead of Time

Create an introduction that includes all the key points you’d like to convey as the interview begins.
You can also visit the company’s website to learn more about its culture and the role you’re applying for. This information may help you incorporate the ways that your skills and experience can benefit the company.

4. Your Self-Introduction Pitch Must Be Balanced

By balancing personality and professionalism, you’ll give the interviewer a preview of what you’re like to work with, as well as the value you can bring to the company.

5. Create a Script

As you aim to master the self-introduction process, the first thing you need to do is create a script. Whether you’re preparing for an upcoming interview or you’re just staying sharp, a script can help you make a great first impression.

Make sure your script includes your:

• Name.
• Educational background.
• Skillset.
• Relevant training and certifications.
• Why you're a good candidate for the position you're applying for.

Keep your introduction brief because a long, unorganized introduction can negatively affect your chances of landing the job.

Here are a couple examples of self-introduction pitches:

Example 1

Hi, my name is George Hardin and I've been working within the construction industry for almost 10 years. I have experience in all areas of homebuilding. I've framed, drywalled, and painted the interior of homes. I've also installed fireplaces and windows, placed siding, and laid roofing. I really enjoy the entire homebuilding process, contributing to creating something out of nothing is very satisfying for me. I'm always excited to see the structures once they're complete.

Regardless of my role during the construction process, I worked efficiently and always kept safety in mind. I know how important safety is and I was able to collaborate with OSHA to create and implement safety courses for each construction role in the company.

I've wanted to become a contractor for quite some time, which is why I went back to school to earn my Bachelor of Science (BS) in Construction Management. I also have my contractor's license.

My 10 years of experience, extensive skillset, and educational background make me the ideal candidate for the contractor position you have available.

Example 2

Good morning. My name is Sandra Collins and I've recently moved to Dallas. For seven years I've been an Inventory Manager at Silver States Industries in Carson, Nevada. My role was to monitor the lumber section of the warehouse.

Since most of the products Silver States Industries creates are made from wood, manufacturing efficiency is directly impacted by the amount of lumber in the warehouse. So, to streamline the inventory process, I recommended a management program. Following its implementation, this software simplified the inventory process, making tracking the lumber much easier. In addition, to improve manufacturing efficiency even more, I created a new layout for the lumber section.

I've been a customer of Revlon Cosmetics since I was a teen so, I know how exceptional your products are. My computer knowledge and inventory management skills can ensure that your product manufacturing process is efficient and the products are well organized.

6. Stay on Point

While creating your self-introduction pitch, you need to make sure it reflects your qualifications and relevant background experiences. This information can show the interviewer that you’ll be a good fit for the position. It also helps you stand out from the other candidates.

7. Don’t Rush Through Your Self-Introduction Pitch

If you speak too fast, your words may slur together, and the interviewer may find it hard to follow you.

8. Feeling Confident as You Introduce Yourself

Once you create and practice your self-introduction pitch, you’ll feel more confident about sharing it.

9. Pay Attention to Your Body Language

During your introduction, make sure your nonverbal communication is on point. The impression that you want to leave is that you feel confident (not arrogant) and relaxed. Nonverbal communication (i.e., gestures, body language, and expressions) can hurt your chances of being hired.

Here are some things you can do during your introduction and throughout the interview to improve your body language:

• Use hand gestures (sparingly).
• Maintain eye contact, just remember to blink!
• Mirror some of the interviewer’s movements.
• Smile naturally.

10. Use Expressive Speech

This type of speech requires that you use varying pitches, different volumes, and short, but noticeable pauses. Remember to also show some enthusiasm.

Avoid These Self-Introduction Mistakes

Here are some of the most common self-introduction mistakes.

1. Over-rehearsing. If you over-rehearse, you’ll sound scripted.
2. Talking too much. This frequently accompanies nervousness. Therefore, if you practice your introduction, you could reduce how nervous you feel.
3. Looking nervous. Even though you may be nervous, you’ll need to work on overcoming the look of nervousness (e.g., fidgeting).
4. Being too vague. Include specifics in your introduction. You can use the A.T.R. Model [Action Verb] + [Task] + [Result/Impact] to accomplish this.
5. Emphasizing academic achievements without explaining how they relate to the job they're applying for.
6. Being too casual. Using slang or words that may be considered unprofessional.
7. Disregarding nonverbal cues and body language (e.g., slouching).
8. Neglecting to follow up. After your interview, you need to follow up with an email, phone call, or a letter. These are all great ways to thank your interviewer for taking the time to meet with you.
9. Focusing too much on themselves. You don’t want to come off as self-centered; you can avoid this by expressing an understanding of the company’s goals and mentioning ways that you can contribute to meeting them.
10. Not coming prepared. Hesitating or rambling on makes it clear that you neglected to prepare for your interview. Unpreparedness makes it seem as if you're not very serious about joining the company.

Learning the art of introducing yourself in an interview is vital because a good self-introduction pitch can greatly improve your odds of being chosen for the role that you want to fill.