All through your life, you frequently introduce yourself by way of the moments you are in, whether they may be professional or personal. We all know that the first impression is a major step to creating a great and positive start, but many of us do not always know the best ways to go.
We introduce ourselves to new people everywhere we go and almost every day, and barely ever realize we are doing it. Whether it is a professional meeting, a private get-together or even a more laid back encounter, introducing you is at times awkward and challenging.
And it is true; especially if you want to make a good first impression to the person, you are meeting. So, how can you start an introduction by making the greatest possible effect and impact?
Here are some of the best ways, both professional and personal, which you can learn and put all the chances on your side.
Introduction to a Job Interview
A first impression can play a significant role in how an employer sees you as a candidate. What you will say during the first introduction of an interview may make a big difference in the result, and it can be in a good way or in a bad way.
In fact, some managers may even make a choice to reject a candidate based on what they did not do when they met them. You see why it is crucial to pay attention to manners and to carefully think through how you introduce yourself during a job discussion.
What to Say when You Arrive
When you arrive at the place of interview, do introduce yourself to the receptionist by stating your name and the purpose of your visit.
Here is an example: "My name is Alex Smith, and I have an interview scheduled with Jane Doe at 2 pm." or "I'm... , and I have an appointment with... at 2 pm."
When You Meet the Person Hiring
Either you will be guided to an interview room, or the hiring manager will come out to greet you in the reception area. Again, take the time to introduce yourself, so the interviewer knows who you are.
Offer to shake hands with him/her, even if the interviewer does not offer their hand first. It is good etiquette to include a handshake at the beginning.
Tell them that it is a pleasure to meet them, smile, and be sure to make eye contact.
Note: Avoid sweaty palms.
Make Your Introduction Short but to the Point
Many people hiring will start an interview with an open-ended question like "Tell me about yourself."
Your response should focus on the essential elements in your background which will enable you to excel in the job for which you are interviewing.
Your introduction should be short and clean enough to hold the person's interest. Usually, a quick summary of your most relevant qualifications will suffice.
You could also mention a couple of things which are not vital to the job but comprise the person you are such as the hobbies you have.
The goal here is to connect on a personal level with that person, as well as to show that you are qualified for the job and you would make a great hiring.
Remember: Show your enthusiasm for the job and company. But do not overdo it and do not spend too much time talking about you.
Follow Up Questions
The person interviewing you may do a follow-up with more questions, so it is crucial to know that you will need to support whatever words you say during the beginning.
Be ready to provide specific examples of how and where you have utilized your talents to work, roles, educational projects, or any other productive endeavors.
Manners Matter for Any Introduction
Your manners do matter when you introduce yourself. Regardless of the job, you are applying for, or the person you are meeting for the first time.
You should act professionally throughout every part of the process, from greeting the person until saying thank you after your interview.
Ensure that you mind your manners and making the best impression you can on the person in front of you.
Introduction to Someone You Never Met
Again, the first time you introduce yourself can be the hardest and sometimes the most important.
Why? The reason is that people are making flash judgments each second. When meeting someone new, every move you make is being looked at.
But with the right introduction, a good personality, and some confidence, you have the power to cement an excellent image in their minds and create an instant bond.
Through my experience, I realized there were two major parts when introducing yourself to someone new:
The first one is beginning the conversation; meaning interacting with them instead of standing around awkwardly.
The second part consists of what you say and how you say it.
The vital element is to start with their name. It is very tempting, to begin with introducing yourself, but if you already know their name, it is a nice touch to address them by it.
Once they have been addressed to, then you can throw your name into the mix, or they will ask you for it.
I do this when I do not know someone and a friend of mine are aware of their name. I will even ask a person who knows their name and then use it to introduce myself.
Start a Conversation
- A unique or mutual icebreaker
You could highlight something that makes you unique such as "I live here, but I am originally from Ukraine." It is quite an icebreaker! Or if you have one, try adding your nickname to make interesting. It both gives you something to talk about, something they are at least somewhat intrigued by.
If the person happens to be talking with or know someone you know, it can be an excellent way to leverage yourself into the conversation. If they are talking to that person, it is easier just to walk up and say hello to your friend, and introduce yourself in a natural way to the new person.
If not, you can just ask their name and confirm it by saying out loud "Mary Osman?" and then mention your friend in saying "I know Michael, he's mentioned you a few times." Then you can begin a conversation from there.
- The 'Compliment' style
It is what I usually do with a person of the opposite sex. Give a compliment is a great tactic that is still used by many like myself because it can work so well.
The key here to be sincere. Anyone can say something like "You look good" which many of us give nowadays. Your best bet is going to be giving a compliment that you truly mean and are prepared to go about in more detail.
- Close conversation
If you happen to be close physically to the person, you want to introduce yourself to or do find yourself in a situation where this might work, just make an intelligent or a funny remark about whatever situation you find yourself in. And the rest can follow.
- The direct approach
When you realize that someone is also busy looking for something to say and talk to you, just walk and approach them with confidence, offer them a handshake, and say, "Hello, Mary, I'm... "
On the other hand, if you are walking to a group of people, you can walk up and say, "Mind if I join you?"
You might be astonished to hear this, but the direct approach works well. People just do not seem to say, "No, you can't join us." or, "We are busy and don't want to talk with you." unless they are totally rude.
In reality, most of the above suggestions to introduce yourself and meet someone new can also be applied to begin all kinds of conversations such as emails and calls as well.
Sergei VanBellinghen, Self-Improvement & Success Expert, Founder of First-Class Lifestyle & SergeiVanBellinghen.com It's not just about ending the 9 to 5. It's about the lifestyle of working less, living more and enjoying life! Find Out How! Visit my Website http://sergeivanbellinghen.com and come to discover how I can afford to stay home and travel anywhere I want.
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