Most job interviews start with one common question, even if it’s worded differently: Tell me about yourself, Introduce yourself, or Market yourself. At its core, it’s all about the same thing—how you present yourself.

But here’s the real question: Is your self-introduction impressive? If you were the interviewer, would you hire yourself based on it? For most of us, the answer is probably not.
Why? Because we often repeat what’s already in the resume—details the interviewer already has. If that’s all we offer, we might as well let an audio tool narrate it.
I’ve observed that many candidates, whether students or professionals, feel nervous about interviews. This fear largely comes from uncertainty: What will they ask? While interviewers can ask anything—from technical questions to testing your problem-solving skills—there’s one question you can always count on: Introduce yourself.
Yet, how many of us prepare a solid self-introduction? We spend days on technical preparation but barely invest an hour crafting a great introduction. Isn’t that ironic?
A well-prepared self-introduction is not just for freshers. Even experienced professionals struggle with this. In my view, this question is a golden opportunity—a chance to steer the interview in your favor.
Here are some tips I’ve personally used to make my introductions impactful:
- Start with a Bang (Your Secret Talent)
Begin your introduction with something unique about yourself. Share a skill or talent that sets you apart—something that aligns with your career goals.
For example, during my first interview, I started like this:
"I’m Senthil, but my friends call me SK. One thing about me is that I can persuade people on almost any topic if given a little time."

This wasn’t just a random statement—it highlighted a hidden talent. I explained how this skill helps me influence decisions, whether it’s convincing friends, teachers, or parents. I linked it to my ability to persuade clients, showing its value in my career.
So, think about a unique trait you have and start your introduction with it.
- Highlight Your Technical Skills
Quickly move to your technical expertise or the skills you’re learning. Tailor this to your background and goals. Explain a couple of projects you worked on.
For instance:
"I’m a front-end developer with hands-on experience in React JS, Next JS, and Tailwind CSS."
If your skills don’t directly align with your degree, explain the shift voluntarily:
"I studied Electrical Engineering because I was always curious about how things worked—like fixing lights or altering power cords at home. In my sixth semester, I was introduced to Java, and it sparked my interest in programming. Since then, I’ve spent over a year exploring and practicing it."

Talk about achievements that reflect your abilities and link them to your career. Share achievements mostly that depict your soft skills or technical skills.

Leadership Skill:
"I led my team to win the inter-zonal cricket tournament, and I was named Man of the Series. This experience taught me leadership and teamwork, which I apply in my professional life."
Problem-Solving Skill:
“My team won the state-level Hackathon that was conducted by IT giant Infosys and I contributed a bigger part in that competition.“
Technical Skill:
“During my internship at [Company Name], I optimized a frontend application, reducing load time by 30%. This experience gave me insights into real-world problem-solving.”
Discuss Your Goals:
Share your career goals—both long-term and short-term.

Long-term goals give a vision for where you want to be:
"My long-term goal is to become a Software Architect."
Short-term goals show your immediate action plan:
"Right now, I’m focused on getting a job, improving my Java skills, and enhancing my communication."
Talk About Your Inspiration
Everyone is inspired by someone. Mention your role models and explain why they inspire you.
For instance:
"My inspirations include Rajinikanth, Adolf Hitler, and Ricky Ponting."
If this raises eyebrows (like Hitler did in one of my interviews), be ready to explain:
"Yes, Hitler was controversial, but I admire his leadership. Under his rule, Germany had the strongest economy and army. His speeches could move an entire nation. That’s the kind of impact I aspire to make."
This approach shows that you can think critically and see different perspectives.
Share Hobbies and Extracurricular Activities
Hobbies and extracurriculars give a personal touch and show your well-rounded personality.

Reading and Writing
"I enjoy reading books, especially on personal development and technology. Recently, I finished Atomic Habits, which gave me new insights into personality development."
Creative Pursuits
"I enjoy sketching and painting in my free time. It helps me stay creative and calm."
Public Speaking and Debate
"I was an active member of the debate team during my college years. It helped me improve my analytical thinking and communication skills."
Gaming and Strategy
"I’m passionate about playing strategy-based games like Carrom, which enhance my logical thinking and decision-making skills."
Including such hobbies and extracurriculars showcases your personality, interests, and skills beyond academics and work, making your introduction more relatable and engaging.
Finally, be clear and confident. Speak with purpose and stay authentic. Don’t just recite memorized lines—mean what you say.
About the Author
Steering the helm at LTIMindTree as a Senior Specialist, Senthil Kumar Thangavel role involves crafting high-performance web applications that drive business success. With a solid foundation in the MERN stack, his expertise lies in developing scalable solutions that enhance user experience and operational efficiency.