How You Should Introduce Yourself in an Interview (with Examples)
Your job interview starts before the interviewer asks a single question. In fact, it begins as soon as you walk in the office door—with you introducing yourself.
You need to make a great first impression. Once you know what to wear and what to bring, it’s time to plan your introductions. Today, we’ll share tips and examples for introducing yourself to the receptionist, the interviewer, or an interview panel. Additionally, you’ll learn just what to say before and during the interview, as well as how to bid a memorable farewell.
Make a great first impression
Just because you received a very professional interview request email doesn’t mean the person at the front desk knows who you are or why you’re there. When you enter the office, go up to the front desk and give your first introduction. You can keep things simple and friendly, by saying something like:
Follow their directions for next steps, and be sure to thank them. If you’re offered coffee or water, feel free to accept.
First impressions matter
Your interviewer might come out to get you, or an HR representative might come out to escort you to the interview location. If you’re asked to wait in the lobby, stay away from your phone. Instead, read a book or magazine, or sit quietly. Once someone comes out to meet you, introduce yourself like this:
- Stand up, make eye contact, and smile.
- Give a firm, friendly handshake.
- Wait until the person has introduced themselves.
- State your name, repeat their name, and demonstrate your enthusiasm. Try something like:
This person might show you around the office, or they might drop you off at the interview room. If it’s the latter, be sure to thank them. If this is your actual interviewer, you can skip straight to the introductory details.
Starting the interview off right
If your interviewer escorted you to the interview room, then congratulations: you’re done with your initial introduction! You can skip to the next section.
If an HR rep or the receptionist dropped you off at the interview room, you’ll likely have five or 10 minutes to wait for your interviewer. Take the opportunity to calm your nerves, get out your resume and notebook, and remind yourself why you’re awesome. Then, once the interviewer arrives, repeat what you did in the lobby:
- Stand up, make eye contact, and smile.
- Give a firm, friendly handshake.
- Wait until the person has introduced themselves.
- State your name, repeat their name, and demonstrate your enthusiasm. Try something like:
Diving into the introductory details
You’ve made contact. Next, give the interviewer a hard copy of your resume. Even if they already have it, they’ll appreciate that you were prepared. Usually, they’ll then kick things off with an interview question. Common introductory interview questions include:
- Tell me about yourself.
- Walk me through your resume.
- Why are you interested in this position?
- Why do you want to work here?
- What makes you unique?
If your interviewer doesn’t say anything, stay calm and launch into a 30-second introduction. This is your elevator pitch, and if you’ve been dutifully preparing for the interview, you’ve already perfected it. Briefly share your current situation, relevant experiences, and key qualifications, focusing on how you’ll add value for the company. Remember: You want to be memorable from the first minute of your interview. Here’s an example for an interview introduction:
Enthusiastic, impactful, and ambitious. Who wouldn’t want to learn more about this candidate?
Leave them wanting to see you again
Once the interview is over, you want to bid a fond, memorable farewell. Wait for your interviewer to signal that the interview is over; they’ll likely stand up, shake your hand, and thank you for your time. Do the same, and end everything on an upbeat note by saying:
Then, it’s just about sending that thank you note and waiting it out. With a strong start and a strong finish, you’ll be set up for interview success.
