Introducing Yourself at a Job Interview - How Do You Do It?

"Tell me something about yourself". A statement that scares a lot of fresh applicants. You may have a clear grasp of what you've been throughout your life, but once you're in the spot, you just get lost in your own train of thought.

This is the part where the employer gets a first glimpse of who you are. And no matter how impressive how resume is, they still want to hear it in your own words. If you end up panicking with a question as simple as that, you might come across as a socially-awkward person with terrible communication skills. Not a good way to break the ice.

While you may have many to little experiences in your chosen field, it's important to have a focus on your qualities that are relevant enough to land you the job. Don't go saying anything vague that'll leave your recruiter confused"”in a way that they would question you instead of interviewing you.

But before anything else, it's better to be prepared so that you won't find yourself stuttering and talking about something not pertinent to the job you're applying for. An effective way to get through this initial question is by writing a script that you can practice with overtime.

But what do you put in that script? It's simpler than you think.

Here's how you can construct a good introduction that highlights your key qualities:

Why are you qualified for this job?

• Begin with your most recent job. Or if you are fresh graduate, mention your roles throughout college as well as in your internship. Know your years of experience, and how these can be greatly utilized in this new company.
• You don't have to mention every single achievement, but just some accomplishments you're really proud of.

Example:

"I have been working in the media for the past three years. My most recent job was at a news organization where I worked as a researcher, where I was able to go out of my comfort zone and discover new things despite the given challenges. One of the stories I covered was most recently-awarded at a documentary festival in Singapore.

I pride myself with being a great time manager. I prefer to have my tasks as organized as possible so it wouldn't compromise the quality of the work."

Why did you apply?

• State your interest in moving forward with your career. With this, emphasize your interest in the job and your reasons for it.
• Include your reasons why you chose this company out of its competitors. Make them believe that you really are excited to work with them.

Example:

"I would like to be a Head Writer for one of the biggest media companies in this country because I know that this company has a great reputation of being credible and responsible."

In conclusion...

• State what you are currently seeking for with this new job. Make the tone optimistic without sounding like you're trying to move on from a bad company.

Example:

"Now, what I am looking for is a company that empowers its employees through and through. One that enjoys the company of one another and has a strong dynamic."

You may also use the "present-past-future" formula to keep your statement as constructed as possible.

Additional tips:

• Research the company beforehand. This is so your intentions for joining the company are credible. Plus, they're more impressed with applicants who do their research.
• While there is no specific number of seconds when conducting your introduction, try to limit it to 40 to 60 seconds. Make it as brief as possible.
• Practice your intro script instead of memorizing it. You would prefer to sound more natural rather than sounding like a reporter reading through an idiot board.

• Don't overdo it. You are at an interview for a reason. Don't overwhelm your interviewer with overloaded information that doesn't leave room for questions.

• If you wish to go personal, don't discuss your family situation. Instead, state your hobbies and passions that you think would make you a more interesting candidate.

• Be honest.

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