By: Kristen Eckman
What to Know
In a brief introduction, you should be able to sell your professional/personal qualities and describe the skills and services that you have to offer an employer.
Networking is an important piece of any job search. Preparing a professional introduction ahead of time will give you more confidence and will help you to be more successful in your networking.
A professional introduction is an opening statement that includes the type of role you are looking for, your skills and your related experience. Communicating your goals and key points in a clear, straightforward manner is very important. Do not assume people will understand what you want just by stating a job title or the name of a company. Once you have a professional introduction ready, you can tailor it to fit each situation you may find yourself in.
You can use your professional introduction:
- To network with colleagues, peers, or new contacts
- When you are introducing yourself to potential employers
- To answer the infamous “What are you doing after graduation?”/”How is your job search going?”
Guidelines
- Be specific- communicate your focus and include your goals if possible
- Tailor your introduction to the setting. Make it conversational and not too heavy on the content
- Stand out from the crowd- let your unique skills and personality shine
- Communicate enthusiastically!
What to include in your professional introduction
- What are you looking for? (Describe a dream job, professional career field, fulfilling position)
- Recent education and relevant experience
- Areas of expertise/skills/accomplishments
- Include words that emphasize your enthusiasm
What to Do
Choose a combination of the following components to create your introduction:
Greeting: Include your first and your last name.
Education: Specific program and when you graduated or anticipated to graduation date.
Experience: Related experience in the specific job you want. Be sure to mention your co-ops, class projects or personal projects.
Strengths: Skills you possess that are related to the qualifications of the position you want.
Accomplishments: Things you have accomplished that emphasize your strengths.
Professional Style: Personal traits and characteristics that describe how you perform your job.
Sample
Hello, my name is Sam Smith. I am a junior in the Business Management program at Wentworth Institute of Technology and I expect to graduate in August 2020. I have worked in H&R Block’s volunteer income tax assistance program for the past year and have gained limitless experience serving clients with great confidence. I am very interested in a Tax Assistant Co-op for fall 2019 at Jackson Hewitt. I have applied on your website and wondered if you can tell me more about your interviewing and hiring process?
Develop Your Introduction
Have a plan of options to talk about instead of memorizing!
To read more about crafting your professional introduction, click here.
As always, to make an appointment with your Co-op + Career Advisor call the front desk at 617.989.4101 or stop by the CO-OPS + CAREERS Office. And be sure to check back next week for Part 2 of Adjusting to the Workplace.
Summer 2019 Drop-In Hours: Wednesday and Thursday 2:00pm – 4:00pm while classes are in session.
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