Why Your Introduction Matters More Than You Think

Q: How should I introduce myself in an interview?

A: Use the S.L.A.Y. Framework — State who you are, List what you’ve done, Add what excites you, and bring Your energy. This 20-second structure helps you sound confident and leave a lasting impression.

We’ve all heard it: “First impressions matter.”
But here’s what most people don’t realize,  interviewers often make up their minds within the first 20 seconds of meeting you.

A study by Oregon State University found that trained interviewers who watched entire interviews and then just the first 20 seconds gave nearly identical ratings both times.

That means your introduction alone can shape how the entire conversation unfolds.

So let’s make it count.

Meet the S.L.A.Y. Framework. A 4-Step Formula for Powerful Introductions

If you’ve ever walked out of an interview wishing you’d sounded more confident or clear, this method is for you.

It’s called S.L.A.Y., because that’s exactly the energy you want to bring into the room.

S — State Who You Are

Start with impact, not titles.
Don’t lead with your job title — lead with your value.

❌ “I’m Angel, I work in operations.”
✅ “I’m Angel, I build systems that turn chaos into scale.”

This small shift turns a job title into a value statement. It tells people what you do and why it matters.

L — List What You’ve Done

Support your introduction with evidence.
Pick achievements that speak directly to the role you’re interviewing for.

❌ “I’ve worked with sales, operations, and weekly reports.”
✅ “I’ve led global teams and launched initiatives that saved $1.2M in costs across three regions.”

Don’t describe tasks — show outcomes.

A — Add What Excites You

This is where your “why” shines through.
❌Avoid clichés like “I’m excited to work for a leading company like ABC.”

Instead, connect to what genuinely motivates you:
✅ “I’m excited about helping mission-driven teams grow with clarity and impact.”

It’s not about sounding perfect, it’s about sounding real.

Y — Your Energy Is Everything

Most people underestimate this part.
Research shows that only 15% of your credibility comes from your words.
The rest? It’s your tone, energy, and presence.

Before you walk in, breathe. Smile. Ground yourself.
Confidence doesn’t always look loud; sometimes it’s calm, focused, and self-assured.

People might forget your words, but they’ll always remember how you made them feel.

Final Thoughts: Your Introduction Is Your Superpower

Your introduction isn’t small talk,  it’s your first leadership statement.
It’s where you show you’re not just another candidate, but someone who knows their value and can communicate it clearly.

So before your next interview, team meeting, or networking event, remember:

S – State who you are
L – List what you’ve done
A – Add what excites you
Y – Your energy is everything

The goal isn’t to impress. It’s to connect, align, and show up as someone who owns their story.

Save this guide before your next interview, and share it with someone who needs the reminder.

If you want more practical frameworks like this, join Angel Kilian’s newsletter for weekly career tools that help you get seen, heard, and valued like the top 1%.

Rooting for you,
 Angel Kilian
Founder | Career inFocus