Tips on how to introduce yourself professionally

In our lifetime, we have met and will continue to meet different people from different places with different personalities and customs. The first impression of us we give them is of utmost importance as it can last for a very long time. 

In a professional workplace, networking is important to make connections for future references. So, how exactly do you introduce yourself to people? Do you have an elevator pitch or do you just go with the flow?

People have different personalities; some of us are outgoing and can easily cook up conversations, while it takes all the courage in the world for some people to speak to others.

When we are asked to introduce ourselves, be it in an interview or first date, this sudden rush of nervousness and diffidence hit us so bad that we often blurt out whatever comes to mind like “My name is Aurora and I ummm live in Delhi. I aaa (scratches head) love dogs. I am a hard worker.” Now, this is not necessarily a bad response but from a professional point of view, one can see that there are fillers and that the speaker’s train of thought is all over the place. Moreover, the scratching of the head indicates that the speaker lacks confidence. 

In this blog, we are going to share a few tips on how to properly introduce yourself professionally. 

How to introduce yourself professionally in an interview

Focus on the context

When we say context, it involves the topic at hand, the place and the environment. For instance, let’s say you are at one of the office gatherings where everyone from different departments will be present. You want to network with someone from the social media marketing department. You could start by stating your name, the department you are from and the position you hold. As they probably won’t know what your role and responsibilities must entail, go beyond your title and give them a brief about what it is exactly that you do. 

Even in an  interview, a professional introduction is most appropriate. Start with your name and continue with why you are there. 

For example, let’s assume that you are applying for the role of a content writer: 

“My name is Aurora and since I can remember, I have always loved to read and later on found my passion in writing. I do believe that my imaginative mind is perfect for this position. In the past, I have participated in a few poetry and short story writing competitions. I have always received positive feedback and awards. So, this opportunity to turn my passion into a career is a dream come true for me.”

In this example, the speaker is sticking to the point and stating her purpose without providing information that is not related to the context. 

Mind your body language

We start to fidget when we are nervous, don’t we? We play with our hair, scratch our head and even bite our nails. Well, any of these habits is a big no-no during an interview. Fidgeting tells the interviewer that apart from being nervous, you also lack confidence. 

When introducing yourself, sit straight but not too firm that you are uncomfortable and maintain eye contact. As we can no longer shake hands due to the coronavirus pandemic, give the interviewer a head nod with a smile before and after the interview. 

When you answer the questions, examine the size of the room and adjust your volume accordingly. If the room is small, you don’t have to be loud, just be audible and clear. Some interviews take place in one room where many interviewers interview different candidates at a time, Here, it is a given that it is going to be quite noisy, so ensure that you speak loud enough for the interviewer to hear you, but without shouting. 

Dress for the occasion

This is specifically for interviews. As we have mentioned before, first impressions last. No matter how well you introduce yourself, if you are wearing a t-shirt that says ‘Hope is Dope’ or a top that is too revealing, you will not be taken seriously. Therefore, you have to wear professional-looking attire. Like beauty, you need to be professional inside and out. 

Stick to the point

When speaking to potential investors, be confident and stick to the points. It’s best to note down your pitch and practice. Talk about your company and what it does, the market size and how the investor will fit in. Generally. It will have to be a phone call or an email. With email, it’s easy to make a perfect pitch as long as it is error-free and again, you stick to the point. With a phone call, you will have to introduce yourself professionally and ensure that you do not get off topic and mind your tone. 

Even when speaking to clients, don’t go astray from the topic. Just mention your name, your company and state your purpose. 

We hope the above information helps you in boosting your career.