How to introduce yourself in an interview?

The prominence of introducing yourself in an interview 

Being a job seeker, the process of interview is the most crucial one. The goal of an interview process is to analyze the skills you possess from the point of view of the interviewer. But from the point of view of a job seeker interview is the arena where an individual tries to impress the interview board to grab the opportunity of getting employed. In this highly competitive field, it is imperative that one understands the situation in a clear manner. A haphazard preparation for the interview will result in failure. A successful interview has a background of hard work, homework, and confidence. Homework for a job interview includes the perfect preparation and execution of frequently asked questions. Among the frequently asked questions of a job interview, the most important is the one that asks the job seeker to introduce themselves. Hence, it is beyond doubt that a competitive candidate prepares well in advance, the answer for that question and the possible follow-up questions. In this article, we plan to dive into deep various aspects and intentions of the most celebrated question of all time, “Tell me about yourself.”

Why do interviewers prefer to hear this answer

First impressions about the job seeker by the interview board hold huge prominence. It is beyond doubt that the first impression can be very decisive and the final output of the interview. Candidates with an intention to impress the employers must process professionalism and communication skills, and other skills as required by the company. A stepping stone to this presentation is the answer to the question of self-introduction. Invariably it sets the tone in which the course of the interview develops.

There are a variety of reasons why hiring officials use this question in the beginning. At one end of the spectrum, there lies the advantage of this question being an ice breaker and a platform for transition. This introductory question aims to meet the preliminary target from the point of view of the interviewer so that they can get to know about the candidate in QuickTime. Additionally, there is an advantage for the interview was that the answer to this question opens a range of possibilities through which they can navigate the interview. From the perspective of the job seeker, this is an unmatched opportunity. A well-prepared introduction about themselves can help achieve the goal of nudging the interview board to have a discussion in those domains which are comfortable for them.

In many situations, it is observed that the job seeker fails to identify what exactly the hiring official is looking to hear from you. This situation can be very tricky. Alongside, this situation substantiates the necessity for the job shaker to prepare well in advance and to devise a perfect strategy to confront the follow-up questions and clarifications emerging from the self-introduction.

Essential background works before self-introduction.

In this situation where self-introduction can be deemed mandatory, it is wise to do some background work that enables the job seeker to frame a better answer and to impress the hiring official as it can result in great benefits in achieving your career goals. In this section, we will explore those areas where job seeker should put their effort into and the reasons for the same.

1. Background research about the organization

There are many benefits that come along with a research-focused on the organization and organizational structures. Needless to say, a good background to search about the organization will enable you to face the interview better. In this particular situation, background research and the results from the same will help you to customize your self-introduction so as to give the impression to the job provided that you are the best fit.

Those features which will help you to achieve this target include the information about the progress of the company, its work culture, the values it endorses, and the perspective of the employees.

2. Details about the job position 

It is well possible that there exist many grey areas about which you possess multiple opinions. In those situations, aligning your answers in relation to the job position in the prospective company will help you to have the edge over other candidates and eventually help you in clearing this interview.

In other words, if you are successful in giving answers in such a way that it fits in perfectly to the expectations from the job position you have applied for, your job is half done.

3. Craft your answers carefully

Whilst the answer to the self-introduction question is crafted, the objective in your mind shall be the result it may fetch. In all probability and answer, which a lens perfectly with the values of the company will grab enough attention to ensure that you get through the process smoothly. On the flip side, it can be seen that if you remain clueless about certain skills which are considered very important in the particular job position that you are looking for, it is absolutely necessary that you be handy with it.

4. Adapt to the situation

In continuation with the previous areas, adapting to the situation is crucial. You can put some effort into identifying the interest area of the interviewer. This will ensure that the least that a sharp point of difference can be avoided.  

5. Practice, practice, and practice 

The benefit of the predictability of this question can be put into effective use if the candidate prepares well in advance and practices the answer. It is obvious that the practice exercises will increase the confidence of the candidate.  

Tips to adopt

❖    Introduction 

As a job seeker, your answer to the self-introduction requirement should be thoroughly planned and structured. Yourself introduction can begin with a small part constituted by your courtesy and respect for the hiring official or your prospective employer. Other basic things that should be kept in mind include the requirement of eye contact, the gentle smile on your face, and the expression of your pleasure in meeting the company officials.

An additional thing that is to be taken care of is the way you talk to the first person you meet in the company. In most cases, this will be a receptionist. You must expect that the hiring official may ask the receptionist The way you behaved. Any dismissive attitude expressed there could keep you out of the possibilities of getting to the next round of the selection process. Hence, it is crucial that you prepare yourself considering all aspects.

❖    Clarity and logic

Clarity and logic have to be the central pillars on which your interview is based. Alternatively, a candidate who does not possess clarity of thought and fails to arrange the answers logically will never impress the hiring official. Alongside, it is imperative that you do not overdo or exaggerate your achievements and experiences. It is well possible that a follow-up question will come up.

A pro tip here is that your introduction must include those elements which hint at your possible contributions to the company in case you are hired.

❖    Authentic and sincere

Authenticity in your statements is always appreciated by the interviewers. To understand the seriousness of this, think about the repercussions if they come to know that you faked your skills in the hope that you will catch up.

❖    Precision and efficiency 

There will be certain factors that nudge the interviewer to ask for your self-introduction. But it is not wise to assume that you can express everything about yourself. Considering the scarcity of the limited resource of time, you should prepare a concise and precise self-introduction. The productive, in this case, is to strike the best balance possible.

You are advised to set your priorities in accordance with the requirements of the company so that you do not end up wasting each other’s time. A good practice before the scheduled interview will do good for you. Being not precise and short with your self-introduction sends out a message that you are not confident about yourself as a person. The personalized custom prepared answer is the key, and practice is the fuel.

❖    Be Passionate

Even though the larger framework of your interview introduction has to be based on professionalism, this should not 

demotivate you from expressing your passion for the job position you have applied for. It is not a great idea to go into detail about a particular experience that exhibits your passion for the job. But believing in the idea of being a stand out among other applicants, you can mention those instances in very few words.

The intention behind being passionate about your answers is that the hiring officials prefer those people who are connected to the requirements of the job position.

❖    The WHY question

This part of your self-introduction during an interview is about the reasons why you chose to apply for the job position. However, it is advised not to focus too much on the session because it may sound as if you are deviating from the self-introduction.

You have to be candid but not too casual in explaining the reason for you to be there before the interview board. A too casual answer may reflect a negative approach. Hence, the best way out is to state that you are interested in the job position but flexible enough to adjust and accommodate.

❖    Your strengths in the front seat

This is the prime focus area of your self-introduction session. A quick revision of your qualifications and experience should grab the interest of the interviewer. The underlying assumption behind this part of the self-introduction is that expressing your qualifications convincingly will bring you closer to your goal of getting the job. In other words, this is the best chance to sell yourself.

As a job seeker, you shouldn’t be ignorant about the trap that lies here. If you overdo the session or consume time talking about yourself, it can send the wrong message. Hence, it is appreciable if you can include some points which seemingly do not link the job position directly but may have an indirect impact on the final decision they make. This may be about a stand-out hobby of yourself showcasing some of the professional qualities required.

❖    Continuous process

The self-introduction session is expected to be a continuous process. This is a platform from which the real interview takes off. A continued conversation in this context will be based on the way you structure your self-introduction. The interviewer will be interested to know more and hence, follow-up questions.

In this situation, you have to be prepared with reasonings, examples, and life experiences to substantiate and support the assertions you already made. Consider this and another opportunity to link your profile with the job requirements. That means background research may come in handy here.

In order to facilitate a conversation, you are expected to ask a few questions which may be related to the job position, technical details, or the goals and aspirations of the company. This hints at your enthusiasm and interest in learning new things.

❖    Dressing and body language

The role played by your appearance cannot be underestimated. A bit of research needs to be employed to find the appropriate dress code that may suit your prospective company’s work culture. This just adds to the professionalism side. But, this should not end up in a situation where you are uncomfortable with the dress you wear for the interview. Being comfortable is a very crucial element in determining the success of the interview process.

In addition to this, your body language is also important. Body language sends out a message which talks volumes about the intention, attitude, and professionalism in your communication. In short, it can be seen that body language is a simple measure of your confidence. Practice is the solution in case you want to better your body language and be more confident.

❖    Basics stays 

This is not specific to the nature of the job position you are applying for. There is a wide range of things that is to be followed and applied to present yourself as a professional in the interview process. This spectrum of manners begins with the greeting and ends with a thank you note at the very end of the interview. Interview etiquettes are to be mastered and applied.

What not to do?

➔    Wrong choice of language

In situations where the interviewer is curious to know or wishes to confirm some facts, you must be careful enough not to overdo it. Unless and until the hiring official asks for your opinion or requests you to explain certain things, it is not a great idea to stretch your answer consuming their time unnecessarily. Valuing the time constraints of the hiring official or the interview board, add points to your professionalism scale.

➔    Avoidable stammering

There is no explanation other than being underprepared for any job seeker to be afraid of the interview board. Jobseeker has to be fearless but at the same time very respectful. Enough practice and proper preparation can help avoid unnecessary stuttering and confusion during the interview. Since the self-introduction part gives you enough time to express yourself, the chances of stuttering are very high if you are underprepared. This needs to be taken care of.

➔    Running out of ideas.

The self-introduction question is not a rarity in interviews. The predictability of this question comes with baggage. If it is the case that you fail to continue your introduction part and take it beyond 2-3 sentences, it is considered a bad mark. Such situations expose the lack of preparation and commitment devoted to the interview process by the candidate reducing the scope of them to advance in the selection process.

➔    Mechanical communication 

It is possible that the job seeker might have explained the answer to the same question multiple times before. Hence, an experienced campaigner should deal with the situation with at most care. In no situation, a mechanically sounding introduction is appreciated.

Samples of self-introduction

Sample 1:

“Yes, sure. I am currently an assistant editor at The Mirror magazine, where I take decisions regarding the final publications and submissions. Before joining there, I worked as a freelance content editor as well as at The Daily magazine. As a freelance content editor, I have worked for different magazines and newspapers for a span of 7 years. I am confident that my work experience facilitates my quick decision-making skills and familiarity with the state of art technology relevant in the field. This made me interested in your organization as it provides ample resources and opportunities to express myself. I am sure that I can contribute greatly to help achieve the organization’s short and long-term goals.”

Sample 2:

“Well! Writing and public speaking has always been my passion since my school days. It has created the basis for me to pursue my passion in the field of writing. I remember how delighted I was when I took charge of the editor for our school magazine and final year newspaper. My interest in learning and editing has helped me to grab leadership skills and team management skills too. In my current job position as a project evaluator, I make use of what I gained during the whole of my career. Driven by passion and motivated by my curiosity to learn new things, I am sure that I can play a great role in meeting the expectations of the organization if I am hired.”

Sample 3:

“I have been in various roles in the marketing industry for the last seven years. I have been primarily working in project management and evaluation positions. I currently work as a senior program manager for a large non-governmental organization that manages launch marketing campaigns and collaborates with other companies as well. Now I look for advancement in my career path as I am confident in my experience across different industries. That’s why I believe that your company and organization with a high reputation will be decisive in my career trajectory. I am sure that I can contribute positively to meet the requirements of your company.”

Key Takeaways 

The major takeaway from the session of self-introduction in an interview process is that it provides ample opportunities for the hiring officials to judge you in all ways possible. It is because of this that self-introduction warrants great dedication in preparation. Beginning from the greeting and ending with a positive and warm goodbye, self-introduction equips you with an increase in the chance of making it to the next part of the selection process. Being appreciated and thankful for the opportunity given to you is to be expressed explicitly. The most important point that is to be understood with utmost caution is that any action in the interview process must be aimed at setting yourself apart from all other candidates in this highly competitive world.

Adding appropriate adjectives along with a funny spin to your narrative is not a bad idea but sess the situation wisely before any sort of alterations.