How to introduce yourself in an interview

TL;DR

To introduce yourself effectively in an interview, focus on building rapport rather than listing adjectives. Create a compelling "origin story" that connects your past to the role, use confident nonverbal cues, and structure your response with professional and personal highlights to establish a memorable, human connection.

Insights

Lead with a concise origin story that links your past experiences to the role, then explicitly connect it to the position by highlighting a relevant professional trait or achievement.

When introducing yourself in an interview, it is essential to focus on building rapport rather than simply reciting a list of descriptive adjectives or values . Experts suggest preparing for the common "tell me about yourself" question by crafting a compelling "origin story"—a narrative from your past that highlights your personality and links directly to the requirements of the position.

To deliver an effective introduction, consider these strategies:

• Mind your nonverbals: You must match your words with appropriate body language, including smiling and making eye contact to demonstrate confidence.
• Structure your verbal response: Start with a brief greeting, state your name slowly to signal confidence, and add a positive word about being there.
• Use a concrete framework: If you find the question too broad, it is recommended that you organize your answer into two points about your professional experience and two points about your personal life. This approach makes you appear articulate, prepared, and provides a clear structure for your response.
• Incorporate a personal connection: Sharing unique details or hobbies—such as a passion for problem-solving or a specific childhood interest—can make you more memorable and help the interviewer understand why you are a valuable candidate.

Ultimately, the goal is to move beyond the resume and form a strong, human connection with the interviewer.