Lesson for meeting 1: General English

SELF INTRODUCTION

What is a self- introduction?

A self-introduction explains who you are, what you do and what others need to know about

you. You should provide a self-introduction any time you meet someone new and don’t have

a third party to introduce you. Offer a self-introduction when you are:

• Beginning an interview

• Attending a hiring event

• Networking with new connections

• Giving a presentation

• Meeting people at a trade show

A self-introduction includes your name and occupation (or desired occupation) and key

facts that will help you make an impression on the person you’re speaking to. In a few

sentences, cover the most important thing that others need to know about you.

How to write an introduction about yourself

Whether you plan to deliver your self-introduction verbally or in writing, it’s helpful to

draft a sample of what you want to say in advance. Preparing and practicing a verbal

introduction will solidify the key points in your mind so you don’t forget any important

details. Crafting a written self-introduction will give you a template that you can turn to

quickly when you need to send an email regarding a job posting or sales opportunity that

you’ve found.

These steps will help you write an effective self-introduction:

The first sentence of your self-introduction should include your name and job title or

experience. If you’re unemployed and seeking a job, you might mention your educational

degree, certification level or current place in your job search. For example:

• “My name is Jordan Lin, and I’m a recent computer science graduate from Stanford

University.”

• “I’m Avery Lucas, and I’m seeking an entry-level warehousing job that will use my

organization, attention to detail and time management skills.”

• “My name is Rylan Curtis, and I’m chief engineer for Jacobs and Associates.”

2. Elaborate on your experiences and achievements

Customize this part of the introduction to highlight the details most relevant to the

person you’re speaking to. If you’re in a job interview, discuss your professional skills and

accomplishments. If you’re giving a presentation, offer information that supports your

authority in the area you’re speaking on. When you’re introducing yourself to a potential

client, mention your products and services.

3. Conclude with a lead-in to the next part of the conversation

Keep your introduction short and conclude it by leading into what you’d like to happen next.

For a presentation, you would summarize what you plan to discuss. In an interview, mention

why you’re the best person for the job. A self-introduction to a new client or colleague

should end with a call to action. This could be a meeting, sale or further correspondence.

Self-introduction examples

There are many types of self-introductions you may deliver at various points throughout

your career. Below are samples suited to some of the most common situations you may

encounter:
 • Self-introduction sample for a job interview

• Self-introduction sample for a presentation

• Self-introduction sample for networking

• Self-introduction write-up sample

Self-introduction sample for a job interview

“My name is Riley See. I’m a recent elementary education graduate from Ball State
University. I’ve been working at a camp for elementary children this summer, and I’m
excited to find my first teaching position for the coming school year. I have several
original lesson plans I created during my teaching internship that I look forward to
implementing in my own classroom. I attended Brookwood Elementary myself and believe I
would be a great fit for your second grade opening. It would be a joy for me to teach
students in the same place that sparked my love of learning.”

Self-introduction sample for a presentation

“Good afternoon. My name is Calob Cor and I’m the VP of Administration and Finance at
Northern Investing. I’ve always been passionate about finding smart ways to save money. I
believe establishing money management strategies as early as possible is the key to
securing your future. I began using these strategies myself as I was working through
college, and I now have over $10 million in my retirement fund. That amount is growing
every day, and I’m here to teach you how to set up an account like that, too.”

Self-introduction sample for networking

“My name is Sheree Townsend, and I’m the marketing director at Wise Technology. We’re
developing some innovative marketing campaigns designed to engage new customers right in
the streets of Bloomington. I’ve been recruiting local businesses that want to get involved
in these activities. I love chatting with residents around the area and learning more about
what they’re looking for from their smart devices.”

Self-introduction write-up sample

Hi Elise,

"My name is Kareem Ali. I’m the product development manager at Smart Solutions. I’ve
created over a dozen apps designed to streamline sales and marketing activities for busy
professionals. I see myself as a relentless problem-solver, and I’m always looking for a new
challenge. I’ve recently gotten interested in recreational boating and noticed that the
sales professionals at Dockside Boats don’t seem to have a streamlined system for
tracking their sales. I’d love to discuss your needs in this area and find out if you’re
interested in participating in beta testing for a new sales app I’m developing."