WHAT IS A SELF-INTRODUCTION?

A self-introduction for interview, presentation or a work meeting is your entry

into a conversation. It’s the one thing that’ll determine how the conversation
progresses. For someone who’s never met you before, you can help them
understand you a little better.
Let’s look at an example of a short self-introduction for interview.
“Good Morning. My name is Jinnie and I am a communications associate at
YX Inc. I’m passionate about digital media marketing and I always stay on top
of trends to connect with our readers.”
When you talk about who you are, what you’ve done professionally or
personally and where you’re from, you are essentially providing the listener a
glimpse into your life. A self-introduction that’s relevant and powerful can alter
the course of an event. And if this event is your job interview, you need to pay
a lot more attention.
What you say can give the listener a chance to ask follow-up questions about
your experience or skills. In this case, the listener will obviously be the hiring
manager or recruiter. A self-introduction sets the pace for how your interview
will unfold. Whether it’s a structured or unstructured interview, you’ll likely be
asked to answer “tell me about yourself”. If you’re wondering how to give a
self-introduction, remember that being authentic and true to yourself is one of
the most effective ways to make a good impression.
Say you have to deliver a presentation on sustainable tourism. A good self-
introduction, in this case, could include instances that depict volunteer
experience where you contributed toward ecotourism to help local
communities. Talk about something you’re passionate about or have hands-
on experience in to enrich your self-introduction. You can elevate your
introduction with personal experiences because they add substance to your
profile. They’re what make you, you.

HOW TO CRAFT AN EFFECTIVE SELF-

INTRODUCTION
It may seem simple but writing and preparing a self-introduction for
interview or something else can take a lot of work. What you need to do is to
start with the basics. Your name, experience, current role can be the first few
things you add to your self-introduction. Understanding how to give self-
introduction takes practice and experience.
Here are some steps on how to give self-introduction:
1. STRUCTURE YOUR CONTENT WELL

The classic interview question, “tell me something about yourself” can either
be the easiest or the most difficult question to answer. The best way to tackle
self-introduction for interview is to prepare beforehand. If you have a structure
in place—where to start, the middle, and how to end—you are more likely to
say what you want in a way that is crisp and simple. Illustrate with examples
and talk in a lively manner to convey your enthusiasm.

2. STAY CALM AND COMPOSED

It’s all right to feel nervous and a little flabbergasted when you introduce
yourself. However, it’s good practice to take deep breaths, think about your
answers, and speak slowly. You don’t want to rush through what you have to
say because you want to get it over with. No one will fault you for wanting to
pace yourself. You can do a much better job if you’re composed and thinking
clearly.

3. STRIKE A BALANCE BETWEEN PERSONAL AND

PROFESSIONAL

Whether you are speaking in front of a crowd or introducing yourself in a job

interview, a self-introduction helps you establish your authority. It is important
to supplement your professional experiences with personal information.
Talk about your passion, your hobbies, your family, or your dreams. But
remember to keep it relevant and brief. Whether you decide to discuss your
pet cat or that one trip to Japan, it’s important to keep in mind that you are in a
professional setting.
Networking events are a great way to connect with industry professionals and
build lasting relationships. For example, if you attend a networking event for
investment banking and fund management, you can talk about personal
financial achievements to build on your professional aspirations.

4. DON’T BE AFRAID TO TALK ABOUT YOUR STRENGTHS

AND WEAKNESSES

Many times, especially during a job interview, you may hesitate to talk about
your strengths or weaknesses. It’s important to have a clear idea of what
you’re good at and where there is room for improvement so you can deliver a
job interview self-introduction that is honest and aspirational.
Talk about how you overcame a challenge at your previous organization. If
you helped a colleague with their work to meet a deadline, share that too. Talk
about any other example that showcases your role—either as a team player
or a leader.
If you’re talking about your weaknesses, on the other hand, mention ways in
which you turned them into strength. It’s a good way to let the hiring manager
know that you are open to change, growth, and improvement.

5. BE PREPARED TO ANSWER QUESTIONS

What you say as part of yourself introduction for interview determines the kind
of questions you will be asked. Support your claims, corroborate your skills
with results, and end in a way that keeps the conversation going. Be honest
about your achievements and failures because you don’t want to end up
fumbling for being untruthful about an event. If you’re delivering a
presentation, your introduction can even set the tone for how the Q&A will
proceed.

A self-introduction for interview will take a lot more practice. Give it time, prepare
yourself and reach out to friends and family for help. You can take their feedback
and improve your self-introduction for interview. There are some things you can be
mindful of while preparing for and delivering a self-introduction. Along with the
verbal aspect of your introduction, you have to also be careful of your body
language, gestures and expressions.

A self-introduction for interview isn’t just about the words you say, it’s also
about how you present yourself through your expressions and your attitude.
Talking about yourself and the things you’ve done doesn’t have to be difficult
because you already know the answers.

HERE ARE A FEW POINTS TO NOTE ON HOW TO GIVE A SELF

INTRODUCTION:
 Keep it short and easy to understand
 Remember to add personal references
 Define your professional goals clearly
  Support your experience with examples
 Leave room for questions

“Good morning. My name is Amrita Singh and I’m a graphic designer at

Rebrand Design. I’m an art enthusiast and I’ve worked with our design team
on a project to digitize famous works of art. I’ve won various art and design
competitions that have helped me refine my skills. Independently, I’ve worked
on projects such as painting a mural for my neighborhood cafe and designing
social media campaigns for brands. It would be an immense pleasure for me
to work with your team. I would love to work on creating digital sets that
showcase valuable art history and learn about creative geniuses in the
process.”