How to give a compelling self-introduction
The short self-introduction that every candidate must give at the beginning of a job interview is supposed to serve as an avenue leading to more in-depth discussion. The self-introduction is your chance to unreservedly promote your greatest qualities and leave your interviewer with a favorable impression.
Self-Awareness
If you want your self-introduction to score big with the interviewer, you first need to think hard about what it is that you can bring to the company. Of course, you can't produce qualities and talents out of thin air; every point you make needs to be backed up by facts. Ideally, candidates should discuss their past achievements, such as contributions they've made to previous places of employment, awards they've won, or praise that they've earned from their former superiors. Obviously, any examples you use must be in some way relevant to the nature of the job to which you're applying. The more important the position you're applying for, the more important it is to know your strengths.
Cater to the interests of the interviewer
You can start preparing the content of your self-introduction as soon as you are aware of your strong points. This content may include: your style of work, your qualities, skills, outstanding achievements, specialist knowledge, academic background, etc. However, there is one thing you must keep in mind at all costs: the underlying point of your self-introduction. What must ultimately stand out in your introduction is what you can contribute to the company. For instance, you may be able to increase the company's annual turnover, reduce their costs, help them exploit new markets, etc.
Organise your information
The order in which you present the content of your self-introduction is of the utmost importance. Whether or not you can seize your listener's attention depends entirely on the structure of your presentation. Therefore, the information you present at the beginning should be the thing that you want your interviewer to remember above all else. This response you give should generally be your proudest achievement. As you discuss this achievement, you can add some actual examples or figures to make it more memorable in your interviewer's mind.
Body language
No matter how compelling your work experience is, if it isn't presented well, then it won't be of interest to anyone. During your self-introduction, it's crucial to pay attention to different aspects of your self-expression—in particular, your verbal delivery. What you must avoid at all costs is sounding like you're reciting from memory. It's a good idea to practise using your friends as an audience, making sure that your intonation is natural and exudes self-confidence. Body language is also a crucial element, especially eye contact. Consistent eye contact will not only hold your listener's attention, but will also make you seem more self-confident. Studies have indicated that 70% of communication is nonverbal. Therefore, should you wish to succeed in your next interview, it's essential that you practise your body language.
