You know yourself the best, yet giving a good self-introduction in an interview is quite a task. If your introduction goes well, you feel confident, and the interviewers also get a good impression of you. As morning shows the day, a good self-introduction sets a positive tone for your interview. This open-ended, familiar concept works as an ice-breaker for you and your hiring manager.
Ace the self-introduction in style
Let us break self-introduction for interview in parts.
Who you are?
Greet your interviewers and tell your name to start the formal introduction. It is always a good idea to prepare for this most expected question beforehand. Do not hesitate to include some informal, personal information, such as your hobbies, or what you do on weekends.
Example:
I have moved to this city three months ago. I love the street food here. On weekends, I explore new eating joints. This way, I get to learn the routes of this city and prepare myself professionally. Being a sales professional, my profile requires a lot of traveling.
Do not get carried away with personal details and glide into talking about professional life smoothly.
Where do you come from?
Mention the place you belong to, the location of your school, your college, and so on. Some people do not consider it worth mentioning, but it, surely, gives a lot about your background.
Example:
I have been born and brought up in Jaipur. I came to Delhi 3 months ago to explore professional opportunities. I have already rented a place in West Delhi and enjoying the Delhi winters.
What have you studied?
Give a brief account of your educational background such as your school, graduation, post-graduation and so on. Mention extra-curricular activities you have been a part of.
Do not list all the courses and certifications you have done. Just include what is relevant to the specific job profile.
Example:
I have done my schooling from Jaipur. For my graduation, I chose Xyz program at Abc University. It was a very enriching experience at the University as not only we were actively involved in practical projects, but also got opportunities to participate in a number of sports and other extra-curricular activities such as plays and skits.
Who you are (as a professional)?
It is always a good idea to identify some worth-mentioning professional traits before your interview.
- Start with your current professional profile. You must present your previous work experience in a structured way.
Example:
I have been working as a Sales Professional for 5 years now. I joined as a Sales executive and worked my way up to the position of Sales Manager within 3 years.
- Highlight your personal and professional strengths by mentioning some previous projects.
Example:
I have a thorough understanding of Sales planning and business development. I have been mostly involved in establishing effective client relationships.
I have also developed a superior understanding of customer service and customer relationship with the span of time.
To give you an example, I would like to talk about a relatively difficult and unique project that helped me increase the profitability and annual sales volume of the company(briefly mention the project).
Note: Do not mention those work experiences in detail that are not relevant to the current profile.
To sum it up:
“I have been working as a Sales Professional for 5 years now. I joined as a Sales executive and worked my way up to the position of Sales Manager within 3 years.
I have a thorough understanding of Sales planning and business development. I have been mostly involved in establishing effective client relationships.
I have also developed a superior understanding of customer service and customer relationship with the span of time.
To give you an example, I would like to talk about a relatively difficult and unique project that helped me increase the profitability and annual sales volume of the company (briefly mention the project).”
Another example:
“Being an IT professional, I enjoy learning about the breakthrough in technology. I attended a professional workshop about ‘new technologies’ last year, where I learned about a new tool in the market (mention the tool), and I used it in my last project (briefly mention the project).
I have excellent interpersonal skills, which have helped me carry out the responsibility of leading the meetings with clients in my previous projects (briefly mention the project).”
Note: Just provide an outline of such experiences. The hiring manager will ask you more if he or she is interested. Excessive talking about your skills and talents might go against you.
Always expect a follow-up question about your skills or a tool you have used in the past. Some interviewers might ask you about some specific skills. Even if you have no experience in that area, turn the tables by talking about a similar experience.
Example:
I have not got an opportunity to work with this tool yet. However, I have used a similar tool, ‘PQRS’ systems, in one of my projects.
Self-introduction tips for freshers
It is all the way more dreadful for freshers to prepare their self-introduction. Most freshers are of the view that they don’t have much to talk about. Let us keep this straight: You know you are a fresher; your interviewer also knows you are a fresher.😎
In addition to the above-mentioned points, following are some special tips for freshers:
- Confidence is the key. Maintain good body language and communicate your points well.
- Take this opportunity of self-introduction as your chance to exhibit your qualities in the right way.
- Talk about your educational background and achievements. Mention relevant certificates and awards. For example, if you are giving an interview for the profile of ‘content writer’, an awarded certificate for essay writing is worth mentioning.
- Provide information about your family members. However, do not talk in detail about their professional achievements. Remember: It is your interview. 😃
- As a fresher, you have leverage that you can talk about your hobbies at length. Showcase your qualities and personality while mentioning your hobbies. By doing so, you can take charge of your interview. 😊
Example:
I love playing basketball. I have played many tournaments and traveled a lot as well. It taught me interpersonal skills. And, surely, I learned how to remain focused.
- Do not get carried away while talking about your life experiences. Keep them brief.
Self-introduction example for freshers
“Hi, I am Aayesha. I am from Bengaluru. I completed my B. Com (Honors) from Christ College, Bengaluru in 2018.
My father is a doctor, and my mother is a social worker. I have a younger brother who is pursuing his B.Tech.
I love playing basketball and have represented my school in many competitions. My active participation in sports has taught me many skills. I am also an active member of my school alumni club and take initiative in organizing alumni meets.
I have a fascination for languages, so I am learning the Japanese language.”
Self-introduction example for experienced professionals
“Hi, I am Sunil Kumar. I am from Delhi. I completed my Bachelor of Engineering degree in 2009 from NIT Patna.
I got hired by a renowned IT company through the campus placement. I have been working with the company for almost a decade now. I have learned the ins and outs of IT operations in my journey from a fresher to a manager.
My qualifications and work experience make me a suitable candidate for the profile. I am looking to join your organization to explore new dimensions and for the further development of my skills.”
General tips for self-introduction
Let us discuss some general tips on how to give a good self-introduction.
- A smile goes a long way
Wear a smile when you go for an interview. A smile adds up to your confidence and balances your body language. You also come across as a friendly person. - Greet everyone
A simple ‘hello’ can showcase your etiquettes. - Introduce when you reach the venue
Inform the concerned person or at the reception of your arrival. You should give a proper introduction about yourself.
Example:
Hi, my name is Priya. I am here for an interview for the post of ‘Community Banker’. It is scheduled with Mr. Vikrant at 2:00 p.m.
- Prepare
Always prepare your self-introduction according to the job profile you are giving the interview for. It gives you confidence and leaves a good impression on your interviewers. This preparation also helps you to keep your introduction concise, and you do not end up giving irrelevant information. - Maintain eye contact
It is important that you avoid distractions and maintain eye contact while talking. The idea of self-introduction is not just limited to get to know about the candidate.
Things to avoid during self-introduction
Here are a few don’ts to take care of when giving a self-introduction.
- Do not simply narrate the content of your resume and cover letter. Make it sound authentic by providing examples.
- Do not ask ‘what do you want to know?’. It shows that you are not prepared.
- Do not narrate life stories. Just touch upon an experience if you want to highlight any specific quality.
- Do not consume a lot of time giving your self-introduction.
The mantra is to prepare well and represent the best version of you while giving your introduction.😎
Talk about yourself with pride, not fear. All the best!
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