If you’ve been through a couple of job interviews in the past, one of the questions you probably have been asked almost every single time is “tell me about yourself”. Of course, hiring managers would like to get a good grasp of your background, skills and even personality in summary to help them determine whether or not you’re a good fit not only for the role but for the existing culture of the company. And while this question seems like an easy one to respond to, it’s actually a bit tricky as a lot of candidates fail to answer this one correctly.
So, what’s the best way to respond to this question and convince them to hire you?
Mention previous job experiences that relate to the position you’re applying for
Before you walk into the interview room, expect the interviewer to ask you to tell them something about yourself. Prepare for this most anticipated question by going back to the job you’re applying for. What does the job entail and require? How do your current job as well as your previous work experiences relate to job opening?
Draw your answer from your recent professional experiences and cite how you demonstrated skills and best practices that can help you succeed in the role you’re applying for.
Focus on your skills and strengths
Another important thing that to mention when you’re asked to say something about yourself are your strengths and skill sets. Your potential employer would be interested to learn about what you do best and where you’re good at. They want to know what you can bring into the table and how you can contribute to the growth and success of the company.
When telling them about your skills and abilities, don’t forget to cite specific examples and details of scenarios where you were able to exhibit these skills. It’s even a lot better to cite examples in figures. For example, mention how your skills in marketing has helped increase your department’s sales by 10%. That will sound more impactful and realistic.
Say something that reveals a bit of your personality
While you want to put your best foot forward and try to impress the hiring manager about your skills, they’d also want to get a glimpse of your personality. Don’t forget to share something personal, something that will help them get to know you a little.
For instance, you can talk about your love for books and how the same penchant for reading led you to some materials that helped you with your career development. Or share about your hobbies that showcase personal achievement, discipline and a positive attitude. Sharing some personal interests when responding to this question is encouraged but be sure to keep everything in a professional tone.
“Tell me about yourself” may seem like a very common question in almost all job interviews but it can be a bit tricky at the same time. Use these tips to make this question work in your favor, ace the interview and land that job!
