The Right Way to Introduce Yourself in Interviews

It sounds easy. After all, who knows you better than yourself? But when an interviewer says, “Tell me about yourself,” most people freeze. They either ramble through their entire life story or stick to a rehearsed script that feels stiff. Neither helps.

Here’s the thing: this question isn’t really about you. It’s about what you bring to the role and how clearly you can connect the dots between your experience and what the company needs.

The best way to approach it is with a simple structure:

• Start with the present. Share your current role, your key responsibilities, and a recent accomplishment that shows your impact.
• Move to the past. Give a quick overview of how your career path led you here. Highlight skills or experiences that directly relate to the role.
• End with the future. Wrap up with why you’re excited about this opportunity and how it fits your goals.

For example, instead of reciting your résumé, you might say, “I’m currently a project manager leading cross-functional teams on software rollouts. Before that, I worked in business analysis, which gave me a strong foundation in understanding client needs. I’m now looking to take on larger, global projects where I can combine both skills, which is why this role excites me.”

Notice how it’s short, clear, and tailored. The interviewer walks away with a snapshot of who you are professionally and why you belong in the room.

So next time you face this “simple” question, don’t panic. Think of it as your opening pitch. Done right, it sets the tone for the rest of the conversation.

For more insights like this, visit www.nrconsulting.com.