Interviews
Self-introduction in English: examples you can use today
A good self-introduction is short, clear and fits the moment. Introducing yourself in an interview is different from introducing yourself to a new team, and both are different from saying hello in a college class. This guide gives you a simple pattern and ready examples for each situation.
अपना परिचय छोटा और साफ़ रखिए। हर जगह के लिए थोड़ा अलग तरीका होता है: interview, office, meeting या college.
The basic pattern
Almost every self-introduction uses the same three pieces:
- Your name: "I'm Arjun." or "My name is Arjun."
- What you do, or where you are from: "I work in the sales team." / "I'm from Indore."
- One useful detail: something that helps the other person talk to you or work with you.
That's it. Three or four sentences is enough in most situations.
In a job interview
In an interview, focus on your work and why you fit the job. Keep personal details out unless you are asked.
Good morning. I'm Kavya Nair. I've just completed my B.Tech in computer science from Kochi, and during my final year I built a small attendance app for my college with two friends.
I'm applying for the junior developer role because I want to work on real products with an experienced team.
For a fuller answer to the most common interview question, see our guide to answering "Tell me about yourself".
On your first day at a new job
Your new colleagues want to know your name, your role and something friendly.
Hi everyone, I'm Sameer. I've joined the marketing team as a content writer. Before this, I wrote for a travel website for two years. I'm really looking forward to working with you all.
If you are introduced in a meeting, the shortest version works well:
Hi, I'm Sameer, the new content writer in marketing. Nice to meet you all.
In an online meeting
On a call, people can't see your ID card or your desk, so say your role clearly and say it slowly.
Hello everyone, this is Deepa from the finance team in Chennai. I'll be handling the vendor payments for this project, so please send any invoices to me.
In college or a training class
Hi, I'm Harpreet. I'm from Ludhiana, and I studied commerce before this course. In my free time I play badminton, so if anyone wants a partner, let me know.
In a class, a small personal detail is welcome. It gives people something to talk to you about.
Mistakes many people make
| Avoid | Say instead |
|---|---|
| Myself Arjun. | I'm Arjun. / My name is Arjun. |
| I am having one sister. | I have one sister. |
| I am from Indore, presently residing in Pune. | I'm from Indore, and I live in Pune now. |
| My good name is Kavya. | My name is Kavya. |
| I passed out from Kochi University. | I graduated from Kochi University. |
These are common in Indian English, and people in India understand them. In an interview, with international colleagues or with customers abroad, the "say instead" version sounds more natural.
"Myself Arjun" की जगह "I'm Arjun" बोलिए। यह छोटा भी है और ज़्यादा natural भी।
How to sound confident
- Slow down. Your name is the most important word in your introduction. Say it clearly, with a small pause after it.
- Look up. In person, look at the people you're speaking to. On a call, look at the camera for your first sentence.
- Practise it out loud. Say your introduction five times today, out loud. By the fifth time, the words come by themselves.
Want to avoid the most common slips in Indian English? Read common Indian English mistakes and what to say instead.