What should you say when introducing yourself in a job interview?

Introducing yourself is about your first chance to say something that will make you memorable to the interviewer. You've got about 20 seconds before you are either on the "good" or "bad" list so make every one of them count.

Like everything related to job searches there's a lot of rehearsal to be done before the interview. Review what you want to get across (your good points), scout out the place to see what dress standards are in effect. Practice your smile, handshake, the name of the company etc.

First off, have your cell phone turned off. A call in the middle of the interviewer's meeting with you can ruin your chances.

Do not be sitting down as you wait for the interviewer if the chairs are exceptionally low or soft. Nothing is worse for your image than having to struggle out of a chair. There is usually something to stand up and look at - art, a display of company literature, a window.

When the interviewer approaches you or has you brought into his room he will usually introduce himself first and make a movement to shake hands. This is your script:

• Look him in the face with a slight smile. (Practice in mirror. Ask friends for technique comments)
• Shake the offered hand (You should practice this common action with friends asking their impression of your technique. A poor handshake is a real turn-off.)
• Repeat his name (Hello Mr. Smith! A pleasure to meet you!) in a manner that says, first off, you are pleased to meet him and secondly, that you are repeating his name to lock it into your memory
• Then say this (substituting your own information) - "I'm Gregory Harper Smith, but my friends all call me Greg!". This sentence ensures he knows your name, but also lets him become a bit "closer" to you as it will inevitably lead to his using the name that is used by "your friends" putting him (in his mind) into that category.
• Then, do not sit down until invited to do so. You are guest on his turf and should not take any "I'm in control" actions.

Next actions:

• Small talk to break the ice
• Getting down to the interview

Additional tip: As suggested above, shake the offered hand. With more and more people with disabilities able to remain in the workforce longer, there is a small chance that the interviewer could be disabled from stroke or injury and is able to only extend his left hand to be shaken. Be sure when you are practicing handshaking before the interview that you practice responding to and shaking an offered left hand. If unexpected and unpracticed this can create a very awkward situation. Using your right hand to shake someone's left hand can usually only be accomplished with a finger tip shake. It is better to respond with your left hand to theirs. Your ability to quickly adapt and give a proper handshake without falter in that situation could make you stand out in the crowd. Practice makes perfect.