How to Introduce Yourself with Confidence

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An interview begins the moment you introduce yourself to the interviewer. To increase your chances of being hired after an interview, you should practice your introduction, just as you practice how to answer common interview questions. This article explains how to introduce yourself with confidence so you can begin your job interview with a good impression.

Why you should introduce yourself with confidence

A confident introduction allows you to create a positive first impression that can set the tone for the rest of the interview. Projecting confidence from the moment you meet the hiring manager or employer can make you feel more comfortable and help you answer questions easier. A job interview is your opportunity to show the hiring manager or interviewer that you are the right candidate for the position, and you can begin proving yourself by introducing yourself well.

How to introduce yourself with confidence

Use these five steps to help you introduce yourself confidently to your interviewer:

  1. Use effective nonverbal communication
  2. Speak your name clearly
  3. Repeat your interviewer’s name
  4. Prepare to talk about yourself
  5. Practice

1. Use effective nonverbal communication

Nonverbal communication is how you present yourself to the hiring manager. Effective nonverbal communication can include good posture, smiling and using hand gestures. 

If you are seated when the interviewer enters the room, you should stand up to begin your introduction. Smile and make eye contact as you stand, and offer a firm handshake.

Although standing, smiling, making eye contact and shaking hands are all small gestures, the combination of these four acts can project a positive attitude. Standing and shaking hands is not only polite but can also express your confidence. Smiling and making eye contact throughout the interview shows you’re interested and engaged in the conversation. 

2. Speak your name clearly

As you meet your interviewer, state your first and last name clearly. You can also offer a pleasant greeting to help move the conversation forward.

For example, you could say, ‘Hi, I’m Abby Lee, it’s a pleasure to meet you.’ If you have been corresponding via email or phone, try, ‘Hi, I’m Abby Lee, it’s nice to finally meet you in person.’ Make sure to speak in a clear and firm voice to show confidence in who you are.

3. Repeat your interviewer’s name

If your interviewer starts the introduction, or if you already know their name, say their name as you make eye contact. Repeating their name shows you are listening actively. If you did not know the hiring manager’s name before the interview, saying it out loud can help you remember it. 

For example, if your interviewer says, ‘Hello, I’m Cathy Isco,’ you can reply with ‘Ms. Isco, I’m Abby Lee. It’s great to meet you,’ or, ‘I’m Abby Lee, thank you for meeting with me, Ms. Isco.’ 

4. Prepare to talk about yourself

A common first interview question is, ‘Tell me about yourself.‘ Your response to this question is an extension of your introduction. It allows you to explain details about yourself and your interest in the role in a few sentences.

It can be helpful to prepare a short response to this question so you can answer with little hesitation. Offering a quick response shows you are confident in who you are and why you’re a great candidate for the open position. Try to make natural eye contact throughout your answer to form a connection with the hiring manager. 

5. Practice

To ensure your introduction is effective, you can practice with a trusted friend or family member who can provide feedback. Honest constructive criticism can help ensure that your handshake is correct, your voice is clear and firm and that you have good posture. Practicing your introduction several times prior to the interview can also help you feel more comfortable with the setting and increase your confidence.

Introduction tips

Here are three tips for introducing yourself with confidence:

  • Introduce yourself to each person you interact with
  • Use open body language
  • Dress with confidence

Introduce yourself to each person you interact with

When you enter the building, you may have to speak to a receptionist first. Make eye contact and say, ‘Hello, I’m Abby Lee, I’m here for a one o’clock interview with Ms. Isco.’ 

It’s possible that another person will meet you in the waiting room and lead you to the interviewer’s office. You can introduce yourself to them as well, and be sure to thank them when they leave. 

Introducing yourself confidently to each person will help you make a good impression on everyone in the workplace. It also allows you to practice your introduction before meeting the hiring manager. 

Use open body language

Along with standing, you can use other body language to signal your confidence to an interviewer. Keep your shoulders back to draw yourself outward naturally and make sure your back is straight at all times. Instead of crossing your arms, try keeping them at your sides or use hand gestures to illustrate your talking points. 

Dress with confidence

Your appearance can be as important as delivering positive and thoughtful answers. You should choose an interview outfit that shows your professionalism. However, your dress should also make you feel comfortable and confident. 

When choosing your outfit, try to find something that matches the company’s dress code and also expresses your personality. Opt for a simple style that allows the hiring manager to focus on you and your responses.