How to introduce yourself in an interview: Examples & tips

No two job interviews are ever alike. So while you may have your elevator pitch down pat, the way you introduce yourself in an interview will change.

Every role requires an individual approach, with specific questions to determine if you fit the role. All companies have a different culture. And each interviewer has a unique communication style. This gives you a lot of variables to prepare for, from paying attention to your body language to effectively answering any behavioral interview question that comes your way. 

But one thing you can count on during every interview process is having to introduce yourself. Your self-introduction sets the tone for the rest of the conversation, whether it’s over the phone or in person.

It’s your opportunity to convey who you are and what makes you stand out from other applicants. A strong, confident introduction can make a lasting first impression, positioning you as a memorable and competitive candidate. 

Learning how to introduce yourself in an interview requires you to balance professionalism and personality, showing off your value and giving a preview of what it’ll be like to work with you. Here are the tips and personal introduction examples you need to seize this opportunity and make your mark.

How to introduce yourself in an interview: 6 tips

Although you should tailor your professional introduction to the job description and company culture, there are universal pointers to help you deliver an impactful answer. Here are tips to keep in mind to develop a memorable introduction for an interview:

1. Pay attention to body language

An estimated 70% of communication is nonverbal, making your delivery just as crucial as the words you choose. Body posture, eye contact, and vocal tone round out the meaning and impact of your answer. When your words and nonverbal cues don’t match, you may come off as insincere. For example, expressing excitement about a job interview in a monotone voice can send mixed signals.

Practice your introduction and responses to “Tell me about yourself” questions ahead of time to avoid nerves impacting your body language. Rehearse in front of a mirror or with a career coach to ensure you're confident when the time comes.

2. Use a proper greeting

Your first impression starts with a polite and confident greeting. Begin with a simple “Good morning” or “Good afternoon” and express gratitude, such as “Thank you for taking the time to meet me.” Studies show that people with firm handshakes are friendlier and more open, which can give you points even before the interview starts. A firm handshake, accompanied by a smile, helps you come across as open and friendly, setting the tone for the job interview.

3. Start with a unique opener

Before diving into questions, your self-introduction is your chance to highlight a unique trait, professional experience, or achievement. For instance, a candidate for a project manager role might say, “One of my proudest moments was leading a team to build a mobile app. It taught me valuable lessons about teamwork.” This opens the door for follow-up questions and shows off your relevant work experience.

4. Show you’re a problem solver

Demonstrating problem-solving skills is essential. Use the STAR method to share how you handled a challenge in a past professional experience. For example, a marketing candidate might say, “I discovered my love for marketing in college, launching a small side hustle. I experimented with strategies to convert customers on a tight budget.” This highlights your resourcefulness and passion.

5. Share your career goals

Connect your career goals to the company’s mission to show a shared vision. Research the organization’s core values and mention how your goals align. This prevents you from seeming disconnected or overly self-focused, giving the hiring manager a sense of how you’ll fit into the company culture.

6. Keep it brief

While enthusiasm is great, keep your self-introduction concise. Think of it as an elevator pitch. Mention only the most relevant qualifications, background, and job title to keep the interviewer engaged. Practicing brevity ensures you maintain focus and make a lasting impact without over-explaining.

Example phrases to use in an interview introduction

When introducing yourself in an interview, it can be helpful to use simple and clear phrases. Here are some categorized phrases you can use to make a positive impression during your introduction.

General introduction

• "Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I'm thrilled to be here today."
• "Thank you for the opportunity to interview with you."
• "I’m excited about this role because I’ve been working in [Industry/Field] for [X years]."

Highlighting your experience

• "I have a background in [Job Title/Field] and have been focusing on [Key Skill/Experience]."
• "In my last role, I worked on [Key Project] which helped me grow my expertise in [Skill]."
• "I’ve had the chance to develop skills in [Area], which I’m excited to bring to this position."

Focusing on goals

• "I'm looking forward to expanding my experience in [Skill/Field] and contributing to your team."
• "I’m eager to take on new challenges and grow professionally with [Company Name]."
• "My goal is to apply my skills in [Key Area] and continue learning in this role."

Expressing enthusiasm

• "I’ve always admired [Company Name], and I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute."
• "I’m passionate about [Industry/Field] and look forward to discussing how I can be a part of your team."
• "I’m motivated by [Company Mission or Core Value], and I’d love to be a part of that."

Showcasing flexibility or transferable skills

• "Though my background is in [Field], I’ve gained strong skills in [Transferable Skill] that I believe will help me excel in this role."
• "I’ve worked in a variety of environments and am adaptable to new challenges."
• "My experience in [Previous Field] has given me a unique perspective that I’m excited to apply in this new role."

8 “Introduce yourself” examples for different interviews

Your answer to “Tell us about yourself” will be entirely personal — after all, you’re describing your own life experience. But to help you find the right words, here are some samples of how to introduce yourself professionally. Feel free to mix and match these sample answers based on your needs.

General introduction in an interview

Here’s a basic response that covers all the bases and can apply to any job search: 

Hello [interviewer’s name]. I’m really delighted to be here today. Thanks for the opportunity to speak with you. 

I am a [job title] who’s been working in [industry] for the last [number of years of experience]. Throughout my career, I’ve always focused on [relevant skills or goals], leading me to [job role, achievement, or project milestone]. 

Right now, I’m interested in [professional development goal]. When I saw the job posting on LinkedIn, I was immediately interested. I read more about [company name], and I really identified with [vision or core value]. 

To illustrate how you can edit these samples to emphasize your soft skills, milestones, and career objectives, here’s an example that imagines what a mid-career data analyst would say. 

Hello [name of interviewer]. I’m really excited to meet you today. Thank you for taking the time to meet me. 

I’m a data analyst with eight years of experience in the healthcare sector. My mother is a nurse, which compelled me to focus my expertise in that industry to create a positive impact for other nurses. Throughout my career, I’ve always focused on empowering healthcare providers to deliver better service and healthier work environments with statistics. I just wrapped up a project with a family care provider to improve efficiencies by fully digitizing 10 offices, which has increased efficiency by 40% in its first two months. 

Right now, I’m interested in learning more about complex data sets and artificial intelligence to pitch ideas for healthcare practices. When I saw the job posting on LinkedIn, I was immediately interested. I identified with [company name] mission to provide service to underserved communities and hope to contribute positively to the organization. 

How a beginner can introduce themselves in an interview

In the absence of experience, beginners in the job market can highlight skills they’d like to acquire while emphasizing personality traits like eagerness, resourcefulness, and adaptability. The combination will show that you have what it takes to learn and step into your first role confidently.

Good morning, [name of employer]. Thank you for having me here today. 

I graduated last fall from [name of university] with a [type of degree and major]. I’m really motivated [future growth goals]. For my [valuable academic experience], I developed [describe measurable accomplishment].

I’d like to use my [name skills] to work for a [describe company values] like [company name]. I was drawn to the company’s [core value] and hope to have the opportunity to [experience to acquire with the company].

Specialist introduction in an interview

For niche job roles, hiring managers seek expertise and accomplishments that demonstrate a deep understanding of the position. Use this opportunity to emphasize your unique value and separate you from applicants with similar skill sets. 

Good afternoon, [interviewer’s name]. It’s a real pleasure to meet you. Thank you so much for considering me for this opportunity. 

I’m a [most current job title] with [number of years of experience] focused on [most important or relevant job responsibility]. In my most recent role with [company name], I worked with the [describe an important milestone or accomplishment]. 

I have completed several certifications and specialized studies in [list continued education or professional growth areas]. I read about [company name] work in [specialization] and sent a letter of interest. I was thrilled when you responded with information about the [job title]. My expertise in the [industry] in [specialization] can significantly contribute to the company, and I'm excited to hear more about the position. 

Manager introduction in an interview

If you’re applying for a managerial role, showing off clear communication skills is key, and the beginning of the interview is your first chance to do so. Clarity will signal to a hiring manager that you have what it takes to lead people, whether motivating your team or explaining new strategic planning objectives.

Hello [name of interviewer]. Thank you so much for inviting me to interview today. 

I started in [industry or field] working on [describe experience]. I spent the last [number of years] developing [measurable skills that demonstrate your leadership abilities]. Last [year/month/quarter], I [describe career milestone]. 

While I have enjoyed my time with [previous or current company], I’d like to use my experience to work with [describe career objective]. I was impressed by your company’s initiative to [mention a core value or mission]. I think my experience working [tie to a skill or experience] can positively contribute to your growth strategy, and am happy to pitch some ideas. 

Interview introduction example for a career changer

A career shift already demonstrates important skills like courage and initiative. In your introduction, show off your holistic background by explaining the transferable skills that will help you adapt to the job role. Consider explaining past experiences that align with your new career direction. 

Good morning, [interviewer’s name]. I appreciate the opportunity to meet with you. 

I’m currently an [job title]. I [describe job role, responsibilities, and skill set]. I’m interested in [career motivation or objective].

Throughout my career, I’ve worked [describe a professional experience or relationships that motivated you to make a career change]. 

I want to leverage my [transferable skills] to [explain the value you will bring to the new role]. My ability to [most relevant skill] will help me excel in the new role at your organization. 

What to avoid when introducing yourself in an interview

When introducing yourself in an interview, avoid these common pitfalls:

1. Being too vague or generic: Avoid using overly general statements like "I'm a hard worker" without backing them up with specific examples. Instead, share specific achievements or work experience to make your introduction memorable.
2. Talking too much: Keep your introduction concise. Over-explaining or sharing unnecessary details can dilute your impact and lose the interviewer's attention.
3. Lack of preparation: Rambling or hesitating shows that you didn’t prepare. Practice your self-introduction to ensure you come across as confident and organized.
4. Focusing only on yourself: While it's important to talk about your qualifications and achievements, avoid sounding self-centered. Show an understanding of the company's goals and how you can contribute.
5. Being too casual: Maintain a professional tone. Avoid slang, overly personal stories, or appearing too relaxed, as it may come off as unprofessional.
6. Failing to match nonverbal cues: Inconsistent body language (poor posture, lack of eye contact) can make you seem unconfident or disinterested. Align your nonverbal cues with your message to create a positive first impression.
7. Negativity: Avoid speaking negatively about past jobs, managers, or companies. It can make you appear unprofessional and difficult to work with.
8. Sounding scripted: While preparation is key, avoid sounding rehearsed or robotic. Aim for a natural flow in your conversation.

Avoiding these mistakes will help you leave a strong, positive impression during your job interview.

Express yourself from the get-go in your interviews

Learning how to introduce yourself in an interview is a vital skill that sets the tone for lasting impressions. Conveying your passion, experience, and alignment with the company is a mouthful, but remember, you don’t have to say everything at once. 

A strong introduction shows off a few key points with a mix of authenticity and professionalism, opening up the doors for deeper questions and a more personalized interview.