What to Say in a Video Interview Introduction: Tips to Make a Lasting First Impression

If you’ve been wondering what to say in a video interview introduction, you’re not alone. For many job seekers, that first minute on camera can feel like the most nerve-racking part of the entire process. You know the interviewer is forming an opinion about you instantly, and you want to sound confident, natural, and professional all at once. Whether you’re interviewing for your first job, a senior role, or a creative position, what you say—and how you say it—during your video interview introduction sets the tone for everything that follows. The good news is that with a clear plan and the right structure, you can deliver an introduction that feels authentic, polished, and memorable.

When an interviewer clicks “Join Meeting,” they’re not only evaluating your qualifications—they’re assessing your personality, communication style, and professionalism. The way you greet them, introduce yourself, and express enthusiasm for the opportunity can leave a strong first impression that lasts throughout the interview. This article will walk you through exactly what to say, why it works, and how to adapt your introduction for different situations, complete with practical examples.

What to Include in Your Video Interview Introduction

The key to a strong video interview introduction is balance. You want to sound prepared but not rehearsed, confident but not arrogant, professional but still human. The best introductions are short—around 30 to 60 seconds—but packed with purpose. Here’s a breakdown of what to include and why each part matters.

1. Start with a Polite Greeting and a Thank-You

Every great introduction starts with courtesy. Begin by greeting your interviewer warmly and expressing appreciation for their time. Simple, professional greetings work best, such as:

• “Good morning, and thank you for meeting with me today.”

• “Hi, it’s great to meet you. Thank you for the opportunity to interview for this position.”

• “Hello, and thank you for taking the time to speak with me today.”

This small gesture demonstrates respect and sets a positive tone. A polite greeting immediately shows emotional intelligence—something every employer values.

2. State Your Name and the Position You’re Interviewing For

Next, clearly introduce yourself by name and mention the role you’re applying for. This helps ensure everyone in the meeting knows who you are, especially if multiple candidates or interviewers are involved.

Example:

• “My name is Jordan Lee, and I’m excited to interview for the Digital Marketing Specialist position.”

Mentioning the position reinforces your focus and lets the interviewer know you’ve prepared specifically for this role.

3. Give a Brief Professional Summary

After you introduce yourself, offer a short snapshot of your background. This should be no longer than two sentences. Think of it as a quick elevator pitch that highlights your current role, experience, and area of expertise.

Examples:

• “I’ve spent the past five years working in content marketing, helping brands grow their online presence through data-driven strategies.”

• “I’m currently a project coordinator at a tech startup, where I manage cross-functional teams and streamline workflows to deliver projects on time.”

The key is to keep it focused and relevant to the position you’re interviewing for. Avoid overloading your introduction with details about every job you’ve had—save that for later in the interview.

4. Highlight a Key Strength or Achievement

Once you’ve given a quick summary of your experience, add a single highlight that helps you stand out. This can be a strength, accomplishment, or professional skill that directly connects to the job requirements.

For instance:

• “In my current role, I led a campaign that increased customer engagement by 40% in just three months.”

• “One of my strengths is building strong client relationships, which helped me maintain a 95% customer retention rate last year.”

Including one impressive detail makes your introduction memorable without sounding like you’re bragging. It gives the interviewer a reason to remember you when they think back on the conversation.

5. Express Genuine Enthusiasm for the Role

End your introduction by showing excitement about the opportunity. Employers want to hire candidates who are not just qualified, but also genuinely interested in the position and the company. A short, natural statement of enthusiasm leaves a positive impression.

Examples:

• “I’m especially drawn to this opportunity because your company’s focus on sustainability aligns with my personal values.”

• “I’m excited about this position because it offers the chance to combine my skills in communication and technology to make an impact.”

Your tone here matters as much as your words. Speak with warmth and confidence to convey authentic enthusiasm rather than rehearsed excitement.

When you put all these elements together, your introduction should flow naturally and sound conversational—never robotic.

Example of a Strong Video Interview Introduction

Crafting the right introduction depends on your field, experience level, and the tone of the interview. Below are sample introductions tailored to different contexts.

Example 1: Formal (Corporate or Executive Role)

“Good morning, and thank you for meeting with me today. My name is Rachel Kim, and I’m thrilled to discuss the Senior Financial Analyst position. I’ve spent over seven years in corporate finance, specializing in budgeting, forecasting, and process optimization. Most recently, I managed a team that improved financial reporting efficiency by 20%. I’ve always admired your company’s commitment to innovation, and I’m excited to explore how my analytical skills can support your growth goals.”

This version is polished, confident, and structured for a professional environment. It conveys authority without being stiff.

Example 2: Creative or Marketing Role

“Hi there! I’m Jordan Lee—thank you so much for having me. I’ve spent the past four years working as a social media strategist, helping brands tell their stories through creative content and data-driven campaigns. I’m passionate about blending creativity with analytics to build authentic connections between brands and audiences. I’m really looking forward to talking about how I can bring that same energy to your team.”

This introduction is lively and personable, reflecting the creativity and enthusiasm expected in marketing or design roles.

Example 3: Entry-Level or Student Applicant

“Hello, and thank you for taking the time to meet with me. My name is Taylor Nguyen, and I’m a recent graduate from the University of Michigan with a degree in Computer Science. During my studies, I worked on several software development projects, including one where my team built a mobile app for student collaboration. That experience taught me how to balance creativity with technical problem-solving, and I’m excited to apply those skills to this role.”

This example strikes a balance between professionalism and fresh energy, perfect for recent graduates or those entering the workforce for the first time.

Example 4: Career Changer

“Hi, I’m Maria Hernandez, and I really appreciate the opportunity to interview for this Human Resources Coordinator position. I’ve spent the last eight years in customer service management, where I developed strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills. I recently earned my HR certification because I’m passionate about helping people grow within organizations, and I’m eager to bring my customer-focused approach to your HR team.”

This introduction highlights transferable skills and genuine motivation for changing careers—a must for candidates pivoting into a new industry.

Example 5: Remote or International Candidate

“Good evening, and thank you for taking the time to meet with me virtually. My name is Samuel Tan, and I’m a software engineer based in Singapore. Over the past six years, I’ve worked with distributed teams to develop scalable web applications for international clients. I’m excited about this opportunity because I admire your company’s commitment to innovation and global collaboration, which aligns perfectly with how I’ve built my career.”

This example shows adaptability and global experience, which are highly valued in remote or international roles.

Each of these examples includes all five components of a strong video interview introduction: greeting, name, background, achievement, and enthusiasm. The tone and word choice simply adjust to fit the context.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in a Video Interview Introduction

Even well-prepared candidates can fall into common traps when introducing themselves. Here are mistakes to avoid and how to correct them.

1. Sounding Too Rehearsed

While it’s important to practice, avoid memorizing your introduction word-for-word. Over-rehearsed answers sound robotic and unnatural. Instead, rehearse the main points so you can deliver them conversationally. The goal is to sound prepared, not scripted.

2. Talking Too Long

Your introduction should take no more than one minute. If you go on too long, you risk losing the interviewer’s attention. Think of your introduction as a movie trailer—it should spark interest, not tell the whole story.

3. Using Filler Words or Rambling

Words like “um,” “like,” or “you know” can make you seem unsure of yourself. Practice speaking slowly and clearly. If you need a second to think, pause silently instead of filling the space with unnecessary words.

4. Forgetting to Smile or Make Eye Contact

Since video interviews lack physical presence, your facial expressions and tone carry extra weight. Smile naturally, maintain good posture, and look directly into the camera when speaking. This creates the impression of eye contact and connection.

5. Skipping Enthusiasm or Authenticity

It’s easy to sound overly formal or cautious during an interview, but that can make you seem disengaged. Employers want to see your genuine personality. Even a small smile or a warm tone can make you appear confident and approachable.

6. Not Tailoring Your Introduction to the Company

Avoid generic introductions that could apply to any role. Before the interview, research the company’s mission, values, and recent projects. Mentioning one relevant detail—such as a shared value or area of admiration—shows that you’ve done your homework and are truly interested.

7. Ignoring Technical Details

While not directly related to what you say, technical issues can derail a strong introduction. Always test your camera, lighting, and audio beforehand. Make sure your background is tidy, and position your camera at eye level for a natural, professional look.

How to Prepare and Practice Your Introduction

The best introductions are polished through practice. Here’s how to prepare effectively without overdoing it:

1. Write down bullet points, not a script. This keeps your delivery natural.

2. Record yourself on your phone or computer to assess tone, speed, and body language.

3. Adjust your pacing—most people speak too fast when nervous. Slow down just enough to sound clear and confident.

4. Practice smiling and maintaining eye contact with the camera, not your screen.

5. Get feedback from a friend or mentor before the actual interview.

By rehearsing strategically, you’ll ensure that your introduction feels authentic rather than rehearsed.

Body Language and Tone: Making a Strong Visual Impression

In video interviews, non-verbal communication plays a crucial role in how you’re perceived. Your tone, posture, and facial expressions can either enhance or undermine your words. Here are a few simple yet powerful ways to project confidence:

• Sit up straight, but stay relaxed.

• Use hand gestures sparingly to emphasize points, not distract.

• Keep your movements smooth and minimal—avoid fidgeting or looking away too often.

• Modulate your voice by varying pitch and rhythm to sound engaging rather than monotone.

These subtle cues show confidence and help you build rapport even through a screen.