Your 30-Second Introduction: What to Say When You Meet an Employer

You walk into a job fair, see a room full of employers, and then comes the hard part: What do you actually say?

If introducing yourself to an employer makes you nervous, you’re not alone. You don’t need a perfect speech or a long explanation of your work history. You just need a simple way to start the conversation.

With the Tulare County Job Fair coming September 30 at the Visalia Convention Center, you have a great opportunity to practice this skill. More than 80 employers are expected to attend with more than 1,000 job openings.

Here’s how to make those first 30 seconds count.

Use This Simple 3-Part Introduction

When you approach an employer, remember this formula:

Who you are + What you can offer + What you’re looking for

That’s it.

For example:

“Hi, I’m Carlos. I recently completed an office technology program and have customer service experience. I’m looking for an administrative position where I can use those skills and continue to grow.”

You’ve given the employer three helpful pieces of information without telling your whole life story.

Now they have something to ask you about.

Try an Introduction That Fits Your Experience

You don’t need years of work experience to introduce yourself with confidence. Focus on the skills and experience you do have.

If you’re a recent graduate:

“Hi, I’m Jasmine. I recently graduated and I’m dependable, comfortable working with people, and ready to learn. I’m looking for an entry-level position where I can gain experience and build my skills.”

If you have work experience:

“Hi, I’m David. I have five years of warehouse experience, including shipping, receiving, and inventory. I’m looking for a full-time position where I can use my experience and continue growing.”

If you’re changing careers:

“Hi, I’m Maria. I’ve worked in food service for several years, where I developed strong customer service and teamwork skills. I’m interested in moving into an office or customer service position where I can use those skills in a new way.”

If you’re returning to work:

“Hi, I’m Anthony. I’m returning to the workforce and have previous experience in construction and general labor. I’m dependable, comfortable working as part of a team, and looking for an opportunity where I can put those skills to work.”

Notice that none of these introductions are complicated. They give the employer enough information to continue the conversation.

Practice Until It Sounds Like You

Your introduction shouldn’t sound memorized.

Write down your three parts and practice saying them out loud. Try it in front of a mirror or with a friend or family member.

You can even make a few versions depending on the employers you plan to visit.

If you’re talking to a warehouse employer, highlight your warehouse or teamwork skills. If you’re talking to an office employer, you might mention customer service, computer, or organization skills.

The goal isn’t to perform a speech. It’s to feel prepared enough to start a conversation.

Keep the Conversation Going

After your introduction, ask a question.

Try:

• “What qualities are you looking for in a new employee?”
• “Can you tell me more about this position?”
• “What skills are most important for this job?”
• “What does a typical day in this position look like?”

A good introduction opens the door. A good question keeps the conversation moving.

Prepare Before the Job Fair

Practice.

Employment Connection Career Coaches can help you prepare. Career Coaches provide job-search assistance, interview practice, resume assistance, and career guidance.

Stop by an Employment Connection center before the job fair and practice your introduction with our team. Sometimes saying it to another person a few times is all it takes to feel more comfortable.

You don’t have to walk up to an employer with all the right answers. You just need to start the conversation.

Remember:  Who you are + What you can offer + What you’re looking for.

Thirty seconds can be enough to make a connection—and that connection could lead to your next opportunity.