Your introduction at a job interview is one of the most important moments of the entire session. It is your first chance to show the interviewer who you are—beyond your CV. The way you greet them, speak, and present yourself creates an impression that often shapes the rest of the conversation.
A great self-introduction reflects confidence, professionalism, and readiness for the role. Below is an expanded step-by-step guide on how to properly introduce yourself in a job interview, with practical examples and tips you can apply immediately.
1. Start With Confidence, Courtesy, and a Positive Presence
First impressions begin before you even say your name. As soon as you walk in:
Smile warmly
Maintain eye contact
Offer a firm but friendly handshake
Greet the interviewer respectfully
These small gestures communicate confidence, respect, and enthusiasm for the opportunity.
Example greeting:
“Good morning. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for inviting me for this interview.”
Your body language and tone together communicate professionalism even before the formal conversation begins.
2. Clearly State Your Name and Basic Professional Identity
Once the interviewer asks you to introduce yourself, begin with your full name and a short summary of your background. This helps the interviewer immediately understand who you are and where you’re coming from professionally.
Example:
“My name is John Okafor. I recently completed a degree in Accounting from the University of Lagos, and I’ve spent the past year interning at XYZ Consulting, assisting with financial audits and preparing client reports.”
Keep it brief, but make sure it sets the foundation for the rest of the discussion.
3. Go Straight Into Relevant Experience and Achievements
After your basic introduction, transition into the part that matters most: your experience. Rather than listing your entire work history, focus only on the experience that relates to the job you’re applying for.
Example:
“I have over three years of customer service experience, where I developed strong communication and problem-solving skills. In my previous job, I helped improve customer satisfaction by 20% through improved service coordination and response strategies.”
This tells the interviewer exactly what makes you valuable—without overwhelming them with unnecessary details.
4. Mention Your Key Strengths and Core Competencies
Highlight two or three strengths that are directly aligned with the job. This helps the interviewer immediately see how you fit into the role.
Example strengths:
Strong organizational skills
Ability to work under pressure
Collaborative teamwork
Creativity and innovation
Analytical thinking
Attention to detail
Example statement:
“I’m highly organized, work extremely well under pressure, and I enjoy collaborating with team members to deliver the best results.”
Always tailor your strengths to the specific job you’re interviewing for.
5. Explain Why You’re Interested in the Role and the Company
This part shows the interviewer that you didn’t randomly apply—you genuinely want their job and their company.
Example:
“I’ve always admired your company’s commitment to innovation and excellent customer experience. I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills to a team that values constant improvement and creativity.”
This demonstrates enthusiasm and shows that your goals align with the organization’s mission.
6. Keep the Introduction Professional and Focused
Avoid personal or unrelated details such as:
Family background
Hobbies (unless relevant)
Religion or politics
Unnecessary personal struggles
Keep the introduction centered on what you bring to the organization. Even if your last job ended badly, keep your tone positive and focus on what you learned.
7. Practice Your Introduction Before the Interview
A great introduction shouldn’t sound memorized—but it should be practiced. Rehearsing helps you speak smoothly and confidently.
Tips for practicing:
Practice in front of a mirror
Record yourself and listen
Rehearse with a friend
Focus on tone and clarity, not memorizing exact words
The goal is to sound natural, confident, and prepared.
8. A Complete Example of a Strong Job Interview Introduction
Here’s a well-structured introduction that brings all the steps together:
“Good morning, and thank you for having me today. My name is Chika Nwosu, and I’m a digital marketing specialist with four years of experience helping brands improve their online presence. At BrightEdge Media, I managed digital campaigns that increased client engagement by over 30% using data-driven strategies and creative content planning. I’m passionate about innovative marketing solutions and excited about the opportunity to bring my skills to your fast-growing digital team.”
This introduction is concise, confident, and tailored to the role.
9. Maintain Good Body Language Throughout the Introduction
Your words matter, but your posture, expressions, and gestures matter just as much.
Good body language includes:
Sitting upright
Keeping your shoulders relaxed
Making consistent eye contact
Avoiding fidgeting
Keeping your hands calm and natural
Avoid closed-off posture like crossing your arms, looking down, or leaning too far back.
10. End With Positivity and Openness
Close your introduction with a positive statement that invites the conversation to continue smoothly.
Example:
“I’m excited to be here today and look forward to discussing how I can contribute to your team.”
This leaves a strong, confident final impression.
Conclusion
Introducing yourself in a job interview is more than just stating your name—it’s your chance to set the tone for the entire conversation. A strong introduction should be:
Confident
Clear
Professional
Tailored to the job
Enthusiastic
By practicing your introduction and presenting yourself positively, you create a powerful first impression that helps you stand out as a strong candidate from the start.