An interview introduction happens in two parts. First comes the greeting: a few seconds of names, a handshake or a smile on camera, and small talk. Then, usually within the first few minutes, the interviewer asks you to introduce yourself properly. Both parts shape the first impression. Below is how to handle each, a simple structure for the longer introduction, and examples for in-person, video, phone, panel and group interviews.
Part 1: The greeting
Keep it simple and warm.
- Stand up if you're seated when they arrive.
- Make eye contact, smile, and offer a handshake if that's normal where you are.
- Say their name: "Hi, Sarah, I'm Alex. Thanks for meeting with me."
- Answer small talk briefly and positively ("Yes, the directions were easy, thanks").
On video, the greeting replaces the handshake: look at the camera, smile, say hello and their name.
Part 2: The longer introduction
When the interviewer says "Tell me about yourself", "Introduce yourself", or "Walk me through your background", use present, past, future:
- Present. What you do now, in one or two sentences.
- Past. One or two experiences that are most relevant to this job.
- Future. Why you're interested in this role.
Aim for 60 to 90 seconds. For a deeper guide to this question, see tell me about yourself.
Examples
Experienced professional
"I'm a customer success manager at a software company, where I look after about 40 mid-sized accounts. Before that I spent three years in technical support, which is why I'm comfortable digging into product issues with customers. I've enjoyed growing accounts, and I'm looking for a role with larger clients and more say in renewals, which is why this position caught my attention."
Recent graduate
"I recently graduated with a degree in accounting. During my final year I interned at a mid-sized firm, where I helped prepare monthly reconciliations for three clients. I also worked part-time at a bank branch throughout university, which taught me to explain numbers to customers. I'm keen to start my career in audit, and your graduate program's rotation across industries is exactly what I was hoping for."
Career changer
"I've spent eight years as a high school science teacher, and over the last year I've been moving into instructional design. I completed a certificate course and built three e-learning modules for a nonprofit as volunteer work. Teaching taught me how people learn and how to keep them engaged, and I'm excited to apply that to corporate training here."
Technical role
"I'm a back-end developer with four years of experience, mainly in Python and PostgreSQL. In my current job I rebuilt our order-processing service, which cut processing time in half. I'm looking for a team that works on high-volume systems, and your platform team's work on payments is a great match."
Adjusting for the format
Phone interview
You can't rely on body language, so smile while you speak (it changes your tone), keep your introduction a little shorter, and have your notes in front of you. Our phone screen interview questions cover what usually follows.
Video interview
- Look at the camera, not the screen, when you start speaking.
- Keep a plain background and good light.
- Pause briefly after your introduction in case there's a delay.
Panel interview
Greet each person, and try to use their names. During your introduction, make eye contact with everyone, not just the person who asked. See our panel interview guide.
Group interview
You'll often introduce yourself to other candidates as well as the interviewers. Keep it to about 30 seconds:
"Hi, I'm Priya. I'm finishing a degree in hospitality and I've worked weekends at a hotel front desk for two years. I applied because I'd like to move into event management, and I enjoy busy days with lots of moving parts."
Listen to the others and remember a few names; interviewers notice. More in group interview questions.
What to leave out
- Your full life story. Start where it's relevant to the job.
- Reading your resume aloud. They have it.
- Personal details like age, marital status, religion or health.
- Negative comments about your current employer.
- Jokes that might not land. Warmth works better than humor with strangers.
- Apologizing ("Sorry, I'm a bit nervous"). Just begin.
How to prepare
- Write your present, past and future in three short paragraphs.
- Cut it until it takes about 60 to 90 seconds aloud.
- Prepare a 30-second version for group interviews and quick introductions.
- Practice the greeting too: name, thanks, smile.
- Record yourself on video once to check your pace and eye contact.
Practice your introduction out loud
Rehearse your self-introduction with YesToTheOffer, built from your own resume and the job description, and review your transcript to tighten it. 30 free minutes, no subscription.
