A Guide to Presenting Yourself to an Interview

• Begin by researching the interviewers and company.
• Dress professionally for an interview.
• Keep your eyes on contact.
• Be confident and relaxed.
• Be conscious of body language.
• Write down what you will say.
• Practice the introduction you will make with a buddy.
• Check out the examples we have provided below.

Check out this article for more specific tips on introducing yourself during an interview.

First impressions happen quickly. During an interview, it is possible to have several instances where you’ll be introduced to the interviewer at the reception desk or the front desk area or a recruiter for the person who will be hiring and possibly to other interviewers. There are a few rules that you can follow when deciding how to introduce yourself to an interviewer.

To assist you in the process, we’ll begin with identifying the best way to present yourself, making yourself known; then, we’ll provide examples of interviews where you’ll be able to apply these abilities.

Read More: What is an Interview? Types of Interviews

Things to think about when introducing yourself during an interview

Before you go to the appointment, it is important to consider many aspects regarding your appearance and attitude, which can help you prepare for a successful interview.

Dress to impress

Your appearance is a crucial factor when meeting people for the first time. The clothes you choose to wear for an interview can show the persona of your personality to the people you’ll be meeting. Different workplaces have different dress codes, so you’ll need to research the corporate culture before attending the job interview. For instance, a finance consultant’s interview may require formal attire instead of a tech startup. If you’re not sure, then contact your office contact or your recruiter before the interview to make sure to ask. This will show that you pay particular attention to the small specifics and want to make an impression. Erring to the side of professionalism is a good idea. Here are some suggestions:

• You are who you are. Your clothes are an aspect of your identity, so utilize them to express your style when appropriate.
• Focus on your interviewer. Avoid distracting visuals like elegant jewelry or busy prints to ensure that your interviewers are attentive to the conversation you are having.
• Feel at ease. Professional doesn’t mean that you must be uncomfortable. Just make sure you feel comfortable wearing your clothes as you leave your home.

Know what you will say

Once you’ve got your visuals in place, think about the beginning few minutes of your speech. It’s equally important to be confident when you begin to describe yourself and follow the same guidelines when speaking with the person before you.

For a firm base, be bold in stating your name. Be confident in speaking out; you’ll want to ensure that nobody struggles to remember your name or repeat it. If you speak up confidently, you’re confident and excited about the chance and desire to respect your time.

It’s evident, but you must be sure to know and keep in mind the title of the person you are interviewing. Nerves could make it easier for this information to slip through your fingers. Repetition and listen to their name in your introduction to help remember the name as you continue the interview. For instance:

Interviewer: “Hi, my name is Manoj.” Manoj.”

Your: “Manoj, it’s a pleasure to have you as a guest. “My name is Sanjay.”

Watch out for body language.

Body language is an essential element of communication. When you’re interacting with someone in the process of interviewing, be aware of the traits you would like your physique to show. For instance, if you’re trying to show confidence, make sure you keep your shoulders back, chin elevated, and chest up. Maintaining eye contact when your introduction is also an excellent way to show interviewers that you’re actively engaged and able to communicate effectively with potential colleagues.

Pro-tip: Are you unsure what you should be doing to present yourself in introductions?

Consider inviting someone from your family or a friend to join you for a session to practice how to introduce yourself, including your clothes or body language and your handshake. Mirrors can be good to practice with.

The best way to introduce yourself during an interview

Before the interview

When you first step into the location where your job interview will be held, You may have to contact reception for an entry. Introduce yourself by stating your full name, your interview date, and the title of the position you’re applying for. This is quick and easy; for example, “Hi, my name is Sanjay Sharma. I’m here to attend an interview at noon for the position of Program Manager.”

After checking in, you might be asked to sit while the employee who contacted you or another HR representative arrives to greet you. It’s a good idea to refrain from having your phone out to keep track of time while waiting. If you’re sitting, place your hands on an armrest or your lap, and your feet may sit on the floor or at the ankles.

If someone comes to greet you, make sure you stand to greet them. Handshake them with an icy handshake, but don’t hold their hands too tightly. Introduce yourself by introducing yourself with your complete name. If they introduce themselves, say, “It’s good to have you as a guest,” and repeat their name aloud. You’ll be more likely to be able to remember the name of their person if you repeat it to them the first time you encounter it.

If you’ve spoken with the person via telephone or email before the interview, you may say, “It’s nice to meet you in person.” At the same time, you’re speaking with them, smiling, and gazing at them in the eye. From here, the individual could give you a short walkthrough or guide you to the interview location. If the person is helping you find the room instead of conducting an interview, thank them before when you leave.

Read More: What Is A Face-To-Face Interview And How Does It Work?

During the interview

Typically, you’ll be sitting in a waiting room until your interviewer is ready to greet you. You might want to take this opportunity to grab your notebook and pen for notes, or take a sip of water and take a few deep breaths to ease your body. If your interviewer walks into the room, welcome them with confidence by standing up and reaching out your hand of yours to them, stating your interviewer’s name, and smiling.

Most likely, the person you interview is aware of the job you’re applying for and has read your resume. However, you must make a brief introduction to ensure they understand who you are and the position you’re applying to. You can say something like, “It’s ideal to meet with you to discuss the role of associate in your team for events.”

After introductions have been made, you may offer them a copy of your resume if they don’t have one. The chances are that you will make a few friendly exchanges before tackling the interview questions, particularly when they’ve had a full day ahead of them. If they start conversations, they should lead the initiative.

If you hear silence, do not be afraid to start with your elevator pitch, which quickly summarizes your professional experience and interest in the position. Here’s an example one who is applying for a Graphic Design position might use:

“I’m graphic designer with 5 years experience in designing amazing, unique experiences on websites that make people’s time with the brand more enjoyable. I’m excited to develop my management abilities to hopefully create and motivate the team I have built.”

The most common interview question you could be asked is, ” Tell me about your background.” A good internally outlined plan (or in writing, should it be you’re interested–but do not read it directly to maintain a conversational tone) can guide your response. Be concise and focus on why your experience is the most suitable for the job.

You are being prepared before the interview will ease nerves. Do some studies about the company and, if you can, the interviewers. This will guide the conversation, prepare you to respond confidently, and ask intelligent, well-informed inquiries of yourself. Making yourself appear competent and confident will convince your prospective employers that you’re the best choice for the job.

It is a good idea to take notes during your conversation. It is possible to refer to the notes to ask questions after the interview. You can refer to them in the following follow-up conversation following the interview to prove that you paid attention and appreciated your time spent with them.

The person interviewing you wants to choose a competent candidate for the position. However, they also want to hire someone they desire to be working with and who will be a great fit for the company’s culture. While answering the interviewer’s questions and getting ready to answer your questions, be sure to be your best self with your persona shining through.

Be sure to breathe and go through the conversation each step at a time. It’s a good idea to stop to think about your thoughts and then say, “Let me take a few minutes to reflect on that” before you begin to respond. This could signal to the interviewer that you’re committed to providing them with the most effective answer.

Find out more: Best 16 interview questions and answers.

Following the interview

A good introduction can’t be complete without the final goodbye. When your interview is over, follow the example of your interviewer, stand when they are standing, and then shake their hand and say thank you for your time and attention and smile. You can prepare some phrases to conclude the interview with a positive tone:

• “It was an honor to have the pleasure of meeting you. I truly appreciate the time you took today.”
• “Thanks for the great conversation. I hope you are enjoying the remaining time of your life.”

If you’ve had several rounds of interviews, Be prepared to greet the next interviewer by repeating the steps above.

Once you’ve had time to think about and analyze your notes from your interview, be sure to send your follow-up notes promptly to your interviewers through email or by handwritten notes. Sometimes, recruiters won’t share the email addresses of interviewers; therefore, make sure to get their business cards or inquire with the recruiter if they can forward a thank you note to interviewers. If you’re sending notes in handwriting, one of the easiest ways to send them to the interviewers is to mail them to the address of your office in the names of the interviewers.

You’ve probably met hundreds of people throughout your lifetime. A job interview requires a lot of the same protocol you’d use to meet any person for the first time. The interviewers are looking to recruit an effective teammate as you’d like to be part of the team, which means they want you to be successful. If you introduce yourself during an interview shortly, confidence planning and smiling will make a difference.