What Interviewers Want to Hear When They Ask for Your Introduction

In almost every interview, the first question you’re likely to encounter is: “Introduce yourself” or “Tell me about yourself.” Despite knowing that this question is coming, many candidates arrive unprepared. Below are some common mistakes that candidates often make — and should avoid — when answering this question:

Mistakes to Avoid During Your Introduction:

1. Answering in the wrong language: If the question is asked in English, you must respond in English. In many regions, including Gujarat, some candidates struggle with English and start answering in their native languages, such as Gujarati or Hindi. However, if the interview is in English, it’s crucial to maintain consistency and answer in the same language.

2. Fumbling while speaking: Nervousness often leads to fumbling, and this sends the wrong message to interviewers. If you’re not confident in talking about yourself, interviewers may question your confidence in your professional skills. Remember, you’re not going to lose anything by answering confidently.

3. Giving an incomplete answer: Many candidates can only manage to say their name and perhaps mention their academic results when asked to introduce themselves. This shows a lack of preparation, which is disappointing since this is such a standard interview question.

4. Talking about your family: Once candidates finish talking about themselves, they often begin introducing their family members. This is irrelevant in a job interview unless specifically asked. Avoid detailing your father’s occupation or your sibling’s marital status — this isn’t what the interviewer is looking for.

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How to Introduce Yourself in an Interview:

Now, let’s focus on how to give a great answer. As an interviewer, I expect a structured introduction that covers the following key points beyond just your name, city, and education:

1. A brief overview of your experience: If you are a fresher, you can mention any internships you’ve done. If you are experienced, briefly summarize your past work experience and highlight key roles or projects.

2. Technologies you specialize in: Highlight the key technologies or programming languages you are proficient in.

3. Tools you have experience with: Mention relevant tools such as Visual Studio, NetBeans, Photoshop, or any others specific to your field.

4. Your skills: Share your core skills, such as coding, designing, SEO, or database management.

5. Publications or articles: If you’ve published any papers, articles, or blogs, this is your chance to mention them.

6. Projects you’ve worked on: If you have work experience, discuss projects you’ve completed in previous roles. Freshers can talk about academic or hobby projects, such as those completed as part of a final semester.

7. Certification courses: Mention any relevant certifications you've completed that demonstrate your expertise and commitment to learning.

8. Extracurricular projects or events: If you’ve participated in any workshops, seminars, or other co-curricular activities, share these experiences to highlight your initiative and versatility.

9. Your areas of interest: For freshers, this could include academic subjects or topics you are passionate about and have studied during your education.

10. The type of job you’re seeking: Be specific about the roles you’re interested in. Don’t say you’ll do “anything the company assigns.” For instance, it’s unwise to imply you’d take a job as a janitor if offered one!

11. Your career goals: Lastly, share your long-term aspirations, such as where you see yourself in the next 5 to 10 years. Being clear about your career plans can show interviewers that you are ambitious and forward-thinking.

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Example of Self-Introduction for Freshers:

“Good Morning Sir/Madam, my name is Ruchir Gupta, and I’m from Ahmedabad. I recently completed my Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering from North Gujarat University, where I developed a strong foundation in web development technologies. During my final year, I worked on a project involving the development of an e-commerce website, which improved my understanding of frontend and backend frameworks like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Node.js. I’ve also completed a three-month internship at Proficed, where I gained hands-on experience working with React.js and Git version control. Additionally, I have completed certification courses in Full Stack Web Development, which enhanced my skills further.

In my 4th semester, I studied Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA), which was my favorite subject and gave me a strong foundation in problem-solving. Later, in my 7th semester, I studied cryptography and encryption algorithms, which further sparked my interest in cybersecurity. I’m really excited about the opportunity to work with Accenture because I believe my background in web development aligns with your current projects. Additionally, I’ve participated in a workshop conducted by CERT-IN on cybersecurity, which is an area I’m very passionate about. In the next five years, I see myself contributing to a large-scale project, specializing in secure web application development.”

Example of Self-Introduction for Experienced Candidates:

“Good Morning Sir/Madam, I’m Ruchir Gupta, and I have over 13 years of experience as a .NET Web Developer. I graduated with a Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering from North Gujarat University, and since then, I’ve worked primarily in backend development, specializing in ASP .NET MVC, MS-SQL, and cloud technologies. My current role at Proficed involves leading a team to design and implement microservices-based architectures using AWS and Kubernetes. I’ve worked on projects that required me to optimize database performance and integrate RESTful APIs for large-scale applications. In addition, I’ve completed certification courses in AWS and Cloud Architecture, which have strengthened my expertise in cloud technologies.

I’m really enthusiastic about the opportunity to work with Accenture as your focus on cloud solutions perfectly aligns with my expertise. Additionally, I’ve presented at conferences and published a few technical papers on cloud security and DevOps practices. In the long term, I’d like to take on more leadership responsibilities, work on AI and machine learning, and contribute to innovative projects in the tech space.”

Conclusion:

Your introduction in an interview sets the tone for the rest of the conversation. By avoiding common pitfalls and structuring your answer to cover key aspects like experience, skills, and career goals, you can make a strong, positive impression. Prepare, practice, and remember to keep your introduction relevant, specific, and concise!