Tell Me About Yourself Interview Question

“Tell me about yourself,” or similar questions, are frequently asked by interviewers at the start of job interviews.

Although the interviewers may have the candidate’s resume, the question allows hiring managers to hear a condensed version of the candidate’s background and insight into the candidate’s experience and qualifications.

By answering this question correctly, the candidate sets the tone for the interviewer as someone confident and attentive to the job requirements.

How a candidate approaches the question can sometimes serve as an icebreaker, as interviewers may use the candidate’s response to spark other essential conversations.

So, how best do you go about answering the question “Tell me about yourself” correctly? Keep reading as we share helpful tips to structure your response.

Discuss your current activities and how they relate to the new position. 

Let’s assume you are applying for the role of a Recruiter; in this case, give a brief insight into your work activities and relate it to the new position. 

What is your current job? Talk about what role you currently occupy. For example, I now work as a Recruitment Specialist with XYZ company where I conduct full-cycle recruitment to recruit IT talents and in-house staff. 

Moreover, suppose you are applying for a role unrelated to your current position, like a Customer Service Agent transitioning to Social Media Manager. Then, it is an opportunity to discuss work experiences and educational qualifications that connect with the job role.

You can say I have worked as a Customer Service Representative for over three years in ABC company, where I managed a high volume of inbound calls for customers both offline and online. 

Give a brief overview of your past experiences and education that translate to the job.

Discuss your previous work experience and how it relates to the new position. 

The interviewer isn’t interested in all your previous job experiences but only those relevant to the role.

What you can do is read the job description for the new position, take note of the skills you possess, and identify a recent story or experience that demonstrates them.

For example, assume you’re applying for a Recruitment Specialist position as stated in the explanation in the first subtopic; this is where you will highlight your years of experience in the industry or other work-related functions performed in HR.

For the candidate transitioning from Customer Service to Social Media Management, the candidate does not have internet marketing experience. In this case you might respond this way.

While working on the job, my experience in managing online customers aroused my interest in internet marketing.

Although I don’t have experience in this field yet, I have taken a course on social media management. This course has taught me the techniques of using Canva and Reels to create attention-grabbing graphics and content that boost followers’ engagement that converts to sales.

State why you are leaving your current position.

After you’ve finished discussing your experience, mention why you’re leaving your current job.

Provide concrete responses. For example, I am changing careers for better opportunities or seeking a new challenge.

Whatever the reason, be bold enough to discuss it briefly and quickly. On the other hand, be professional rather than personal, sharing truthful reasons.

Talk about why you’re interested in the job. 

Explain briefly what you’re looking for in your job search and how the new job fits into your description.

Your reason could be I am interested in working for your organisation because:

1. My skills could help solve this problem.
2. I see an opportunity to learn and grow my skills so that we can benefit professionally and financially.
3. I admire the culture of this organisation because it fits well with my personality and values.

There is a lot to discuss here, but rather than discussing the salary, show a strong interest in working for the firm.

Highlight your personality

Since the “Tell me about yourself” interview question helps the interviewer know you, it is an excellent opportunity to showcase your personality.

If you’re applying for a sales role, it’s an opportunity to display your friendly sides and other innate skills that sell “you” as the best candidate for the job.

SAMPLE ANSWERS:

Example 1

I am a competent, professional and dedicated employee who has a great passion for the Human Resources industry. I currently work as a Recruitment Specialist with XYZ company. In my job, I conduct full-cycle recruitment to hire top IT talents and in-house staff.

In my three years of working  as HR Executive, I have successfully onboarded and oganised on the job training for IT staff and managed their welfare.

I focus on the company’s recruitment strategies and goals as a blueprint to hire the best employees using the most reliable sourcing methods. I am highly detail-oriented, and I have an eye for spotting the right fit for the job while following the HR rules and procedures.  

And while I enjoy working in my current firm, I do have great interest  in the Fintech industry, which is why I am excited in the opportunity in AG Bank. While working at your company, I can utilize my recruitment skills to hire the best talent that can grow and secure your company.

Example 2

I enjoy delivering outstanding customer service and helping people. I currently work as a Customer Service Agent at XYZ company, where I provide adequate customer support to clients online and offline. 

My experience in managing online customers while working on the job piqued my interest in internet marketing.

Although I don’t have experience in this field yet, I have taken a course on Social Media Management. This course has taught me the techniques of using Canva and Reels to create attention-grabbing graphics that boost followers’ engagement. I have a few fun projects I started on my Instagram page. I will share the handle after this interview.

Additionally, I see an opportunity to learn and grow my skills and assist the company in expanding its social media reach while winning new customers that convert to sales.

I’m very creative, agile and personable, and I believe that my attributes will play a pivotal role in succeeding on the job.

Watch the video below for more clarification.

Do you still find it difficult to answer job interview questions just like this interview question: tell me about yourself? Then register for our Free Job Interview Course and sharpen your interviewing skills.

Source: The Muse