Rebecca Okamoto

Tell me about yourself.

Four simple words that can make anyone ramble or freeze.

Even people at the top of their game can go blank when they hear those dreaded words.

So what does that mean?

Does your introduction really make that big of a difference?

I never thought it did.

I thought my introduction wasn't nearly as important as my qualifications.

For example, right after I started my business, I had the perfect opportunity to shine.

I was interviewing as an instructor for a supply chain institute, and I knew I was the ideal candidate.

I had over 20 years of expertise leading supply chains for one of the world's largest consumer products companies.

As I prepped for my interview, I didn't want there to be any doubts about my qualifications.

I created an elevator pitch and included a complete list of my accomplishments.

When I heard, tell me about yourself, I was ready, and I proudly explained everything that I could do.

When I finished, the interviewer said, uh, instead of talking about yourself,

It would have been more effective if you had explained what you can do for me.

My interview lasted five minutes.

She rejected me on the spot based off of one answer.

That was my wake-up call.

I realized it doesn't matter how smart you are, it doesn't matter how perfect a fit you are if you can't capture someone's attention.

After that, I became laser-focused on cracking the code on introducing myself.