Job interviews can feel really stressful. People spend a lot of time getting ready learning about the company, practicing answers, and preparing for hard questions. These days, interviews can even include AI screenings, personality tests, or video tasks. But no matter how the process changes, there's one question that always shows up: “Can you introduce yourself?”

For many people, this question feels too simple, maybe even annoying. The interviewer already has your CV, cover letter, and maybe your LinkedIn profile too. So why ask something they already know? The truth is, this question isn’t just small talk. It actually helps interviewers learn more about you than what's written on paper.

They want to see how you talk about your experiences. What do you share first? How do you connect your past jobs or activities? Do you speak clearly and confidently? All these small things give the interviewer a sense of who you are as a person, not just your qualifications.

This question also helps start the interview in a relaxed way. It gives both you and the interviewer a chance to ease into the conversation. They're not only listening to what you say, but also paying attention to how you say it, your tone, energy, and body language. These things show your communication skills and your personality, which are just as important as your technical knowledge.

Also, your answer shows how prepared you are. If you can introduce yourself clearly and naturally, it shows you’ve taken time to think about your story, your strengths, and what you want. But if your answer is messy or sounds like a script, it might show that you’re not ready or not flexible.

Lastly, this question helps move the interview forward. The interviewer can use your answer to ask more questions, maybe about your last job, why you’re interested in the company, or a project you mentioned. It turns the interview into more of a conversation, not just a Q&A session.

In short, “Introduce yourself” may seem like an easy question, but it actually does a lot. It shows your soft skills, helps set the mood, and gives the interviewer a better idea of who you are. So don’t take it lightly, use it as a chance to tell your story in a way that feels real and makes you stand out.