How to Introduce Yourself: The Art of Making a Great Impression

It is important to know how to introduce yourself and make a good first impression, because sometimes it is the only one you get.

Do you have a job interview coming up? Maybe a date with somebody new? Or perhaps you are meeting a business professional for coffee and really want to make a great first impression. Regardless of the reason you search for tips, you have come to the right place. Learning how to introduce yourself is a skill that you take with you everywhere you go in life.

We all need to know how to introduce ourselves. It is one of the most important things we do as human beings. [Read: 10 reasons you could be turning people off]

How to introduce yourself and leaving a perfect impression

Essentially, you are a product of your life experiences and upbringing. You are valuable to many people and companies, and you need to communicate just how valuable you really are.

This is done through introducing yourself to people, and I don’t mean just saying “Hello, my name is Joe.” Introducing yourself is more than what you say. It is almost entirely how you say it.

#1You have to sell yourself. Like I said, you are a product, and like every product, you need to be sold. What is your strategy? What are your selling features? You need to give people a reason to listen to you, because I know you have very interesting things to say.

So, how do you get people to listen to you? You make a good first impression. Introduce yourself in such a way that people want to learn more about you. [Read: 13 inspiring ways to bring out the best in yourself]

#2 Dress accordingly. Before any big job interview, people give this advice: Dress for the job you want. My advice? Don’t. Dress better. This can be applied to any meeting where you introduce yourself. Whether a date or a job interview, look better than they expect you to.

Maybe we don’t want to admit this, but it’s absolute reality: We are human beings and are attracted to physical appearances. Now, don’t fret. This doesn’t mean you have to look like a model! But you have to think like a model.

You know how you feel when you put on a brand new outfit? That’s what we like to call confidence. And confidence goes a long way when you introduce yourself. If you look good, you impress the people you introduce yourself to, and you feel good too. [Read: 15 ways to find your confidence again]

#3 Confidence is key. As the previous point states, you need to be confident. If that means wearing that bold shade of red lipstick that you love so much, then do it. Whatever it takes to make you feel confident in not only yourself, but in your skills, you need to do it.

I was once told in a job interview that although I didn’t necessarily have the work experience they were looking for, for that particular job, they would be willing to put in the time and money required to train me because I was so confident in myself and my skills. Don’t fake it ’til you make it, fake it till you become it.

If you go out with somebody that you think is “out of your league,” think again. Believe that you are exactly who they are looking for, and your personality and confidence may just convince them of that as well. Some of us don’t know what we want until it’s sitting right in front of us.

#4 Be a friendly face and smile when you introduce yourself. Whether you go on a job interview or a hot date, show those pearly whites! A smiling face is known to calm down not only yourself, but the person sitting across from you. A calm environment is always a great way to get to know somebody.

Always introduce yourself with a smile, because it implies a warm presence. [Read: How to smile more often and change your life forever]

#5 Relax—you’re a total catch! Just a friendly reminder that you’re a wonderful human being, okay? You are your worst critic, I swear. Anybody would be lucky to spend time with you, so don’t forget that when you’re wondering how to introduce yourself to people.

Stop freaking out, because if they don’t like you—they’re missing out, not you. Remind yourself that if this interaction doesn’t go well that it’s okay. There will be other interactions in your lifetime that will work out for the better. Some people just don’t mesh together, don’t force it.

#6 I repeat, don’t force it. You really need to accept the fact that some things don’t work, and some people just don’t work together. This door may close, but another door will open. Let the conversation flow naturally, and I swear to you that you will make an extraordinary impression. We all want to be around somebody that makes talking easy.

#7 Shake hands with the person you introduce yourself to. Some say that this is super old school, but I say go for it! There is nothing wrong with a classic handshake, even if you meet a date. If it’s a first date, give them a light handshake, and a sweet smile.

A handshake goes a long way and you stand out. If it is a job interview, you definitely need to give a handshake upon introducing yourself. You would be surprised at the number of candidates who miss job opportunities solely based on not offering a handshake upon meeting the employer. Look them in the eye, shake their hand, smile, and tell them who you are. Do it with purpose. [Read: How to be less awkward and go from social anxiety to butterfly]

#8 Be prepared for the situation. If it is a job interview, arrive with a copy of your resume, the job listing, references, and knowledge on the job and company. Also consider some of the questions you may be asked, such as strengths and weaknesses. If it is a date, arrive with stories to share about yourself that really showcase who you are as a potential partner.

Also, if you are going on a hike, please don’t wear heels. Throw on a hoodie and a baseball cap, and head out. They are looking for a real-life partner not a picture-perfect runway model.

#9 Make your weaknesses seem like strengths. We all have our weaknesses, so let’s just be real about them, shall we? Instead of saying “I get impatient when working in groups,” say “I tend to become very passionate about my work, and as such, it can be difficult to let my peers alter the project.” And ensure you have a solution to your weaknesses. People don’t assume you have no weaknesses, they just want to know how you intend to improve them.

Why haven’t your previous relationships worked out? Be honest, but don’t be crass. Instead of saying “I loved them too much” which comes across as obsessive, say “I opened up my heart without being cautious of who I opened it up to.” Fair enough. [Read: 12 hacks to avoid a first impressions catastrophe]

#10 People want to meet you, so introduce yourself more often. Now that you have the tools for how to introduce yourself, seek out opportunities to do it more.

[Read: The 35 tips you need to charm anyone and make them like you]

Now that you know how to introduce yourself confidently, the world is full of interesting people waiting to meet you and hear your story. Go out there and meet them.