How to Introduce Yourself in English

Introducing yourself is often the first thing you do in an interview or a new job. It sets the tone for the rest of the conversation. Yet, many people stumble when asked, "Tell me about yourself."

The 3-Step Formula

A great introduction follows a simple structure: Present, Past, and Future.

1. Present: Who you are right now

Start with your current role and a highlight of what you do.

• "I'm currently a Final Year Computer Science student at XYZ University, where I focus on Full Stack Development."
• "I am a Software Engineer with 3 years of experience specializing in React and Node.js."

2. Past: How you got here

Briefly mention relevant experience or projects that led you to this point.

• "Before this, I interned at a startup where I built their customer dashboard, which increased user engagement by 20%."
• "I've always been passionate about solving problems, which led me to participate in 5 hackathons last year."

3. Future: Why you are here

Connect your background to the opportunity you are applying for.

• "Now, I'm looking to apply my skills in a larger team environment, which is why I'm so excited about this opportunity at Google."

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Rambling: Keep it under 2 minutes.
• Reciting your resume: They have your resume; tell them the story behind it.
• Being too personal: Stick to professional details unless asked otherwise.

Practice Makes Perfect

The best way to nail your introduction is to practice it out loud. Try recording yourself or using an AI coach to get feedback on your tone and pace.