“Tell me about yourself,” the recruiting manager would ask at an interview, starting the dialogue. They would like further information about you and evaluate your uniqueness from other applicants. Knowing how to respond to this question can help you raise your employability and raise your likelihood of receiving a job offer.
We discuss in this post why hiring managers say, “Tell me about yourself,” variants of this question, how to build an answer and samples of replies you may reference while developing your own.
Why do companies probe with the interview question, “Tell me about yourself”?
One often used beginning point to help you both enter the interview is asking questions to find more about you. It enables the interviewer to have a synopsis of your past and expertise, thereby providing them with understanding of what experience and credentials you believe to be most pertinent to the job.
Some interviewers could use your answer to start an informal discussion to get to know you better, therefore acting as an icebreaker. Others could, on the other hand, approach other interview questions straight forwardly after your response.
Variations on “Tell me about yourself”
In several forms, including “Tell me about yourself,” interviewers could ask: I have your résumé here, but tell me more about yourself. Walk me through your résumé. I would be much interested in knowing your path further. Tell me a little bit more on your background. Indicate yourself. Tell me anything about yourself not seen on your CV. Related: What To Expect in an Interview and 10 Steps To Prepare Tips on Reacting to “Tell Me About Yourself”
How should I respond?
The way you answer their need to know more about you will determine the course of the whole interview. Imagine in two minutes or less crafting a fantastic narrative about yourself while you practise responding. Use these guidelines to ready your reply:
1. Talk about achievements and experiences connected to the work. Review the job description first. Observe the abilities needed for the position and note your most recent, matching behaviour. Review the STAR approach to help you to deliver outstanding tales in your interviews. Mostly, refer to current professional experience; but, you may also include prior volunteer work and other pertinent events to help to reinforce your story.
2. Think about how your present employment fits the one you are seeking for. Talk about your present employment and link your background to the available post. If you are vying for a more senior post, describe how you have assumed additional responsibility in your present one. Describe how your current abilities fit the new job if you are moving laterally into one with different capabilities.
3. Emphasise your talents and capabilities reinforced by examples. As you begin to draft each example, pay close attention to specifics and measurable results. For instance, go beyond merely stating you enhanced customer service in a previous job and discuss how you did it. Say you raised customer service response rates each quarter by 10% to 15%, to strengthen your example. If you lack the specific knowledge, project a reasonable value.
4. Emphasise your unique qualities. Share your personality with the interviewer as “Tell me about yourself” is about getting to know you. You might underline your community involvement or discuss interests that exhibit your intellectual progress. Among these interests might be your passion of reading, music, volunteering, or team sport performance. You may also talk about interests like mastering a new ability that exhibit personal discipline and success. Concluding your answer with a discussion of personal hobbies can help you to keep a professional distance.
5. Organise your answer. Arange your response using a formula or structure if you want it to be succinct and unambiguous. Two often used formulae should be taken under review: Present, past, and future. Past, now, and ahead. Both of these recipes will help your response; but, depending on the positions from your experience most pertinent to the job you are looking for, you might select one. Start with the present, for instance, if your most recent job emphasises many of the abilities and credentials needed for the position. You could choose to start with your history, though, if you are changing your job and your experience more directly relates to the position.
In addition to these guidelines, there are essential elements to bear in mind when answering the question, “Tell me about yourself.” Consider the length of your response, make sure to refrain from giving a lengthy autobiography. Keep it concise and relevant to the job you are interviewing for. Tailor your response to highlight the skills and experiences most pertinent to the position. Keep in mind that the interviewer is seeking to understand how your background and experiences align with the requirements of the job. By focusing on abilities, accomplishments, and your persona that best match the job post, you can effectively answer this question.
It’s essential to rehearse your response to this question before the interview to make sure you present yourself confidently and positively. Practice talking about yourself in a way that showcases your strengths and experiences. Remember to make eye contact, use a confident tone, and maintain good posture while answering. Engaging with the interviewer and showcasing your enthusiasm for the job can also leave a lasting impression.
In conclusion, the question “Tell me about yourself” is a common interview inquiry that allows you to introduce yourself to the interviewer and set the tone for the rest of the conversation. By preparing a thoughtful, concise, and relevant response, you can effectively communicate your qualifications and suitability for the job. Use this opportunity to highlight your achievements, experiences, and skills that align with the requirements of the position. A well-crafted response to this question can make a positive impression on the interviewer and increase your chances of securing the job offer.
