Last week Jamaica Observer reader Alecia R asked about the protocol of introducing oneself at an interview. We addressed the first two parts of the issue, describing scenarios on arrival and in the waiting room. We close the response today by discussing the approach inside the waiting room.

Inside the Interview Room

If you were escorted to the interview room ahead of the interviewers, stand on their arrival and greet each member of the panel. Introducing yourself at this point is appropriate. Along with stating your name, indicate how delighted you are for the opportunity to meet with them to discuss the requirements of the position for which you are being interviewed. If the interviewers are already in the room before your arrival, take the initiative and greet each person before taking your seat, unless it is a panel of many people. In the latter case, follow the directive in respect of seating and offer a polite greeting; briefly introduce yourself to the panel collectively. Rule of thumb: Be observant and move with the flow. Don’t allow your perceived need to introduce yourself to dominate the interface.

In closing, whatever you do, do not respond to the popular interview starter, “Tell me about yourself” with a redundant response such as “As you already know, my name is…”

All the best for your next interview.

Sincerely,

Career Advisor

Carolyn Marie Smith is associate vice-president, Student Services, at Northern Caribbean University in Mandeville, Manchester.

Submit your questions to her at careeradvisor@ncu.edu.jm