Almost each and every interview begins with the same old question:
“Tell me about yourself!”
We do agree that this question looks as easy as ABC on the paper. After all, we all love talking about ourselves all the time, right?
However, when you get down to the nitty-gritty of this question, you will know that it is an open-ended question.
So, how should you start? Should you discuss your background? Or go through whatever is already mentioned in your CV? Or should you introduce yourself less as a professional and more as a person?
Are you unsure or worried about answering this question? Well, relax, mate!
A lot of people struggle with this question. You are not experiencing it alone. This is why we have gone through numerous answers to this question only to find the best one for you.
You would be surprised to know that there is a very simple method to answer this daunting interview question. Want to learn how? Below, we have told all about it!
So, let us get the ball rolling.
How To Answer “Tell Me About Yourself”
You might be able to catch the eye of the recruiter by submitting an exceptional CV and hiring any reputable CV writing service provider. However, to ace the interview, you need to focus on confidently answering the questions asked during this daunting phase of recruitment. A lot of people start stuttering when asked to tell more about themselves.
Now, we know that it is completely fine to become anxious at such an important phase of your career journey. Thus, to help you pin down your personal as well as professional life story to answer the question, here are some basic tips about what to include and how to structure your answer perfectly.
What To Include In Your Answer
Needless to say, the exact contents of your answer to this specific interview question will be greatly specific to you, of course. However, broadly, your answer must:
- Provide a detailed overview of your professional history, current position, and where you see yourself in upcoming years.
- Start by showing the interviewers what makes you the perfect fit for this job. For that, your answer must be in terms of soft skills, experience, along with hard skills.
- Showcase that you are able to convey your message effectively and clearly. Connect with other people and react to them positively to present yourself as a professional.
- Prove that you have carried out your research and know how this company and job would become the perfect next step in your challenging career journey and a lot more.
A Simple Formula To Make Your Answer Compelling
To deliver all the best possible components of the perfect answer to the interview question “Tell me about yourself” in one go, you need to be familiar with a simple magic formula. That is:
- Present: Discuss a little bit about your current position. Shed light on its scope and maybe highlight any recent accomplishment while discussing your present.
- Past: Tell your interviewer about how you got there. Moreover, you should also mention any prior experience that you have that is relevant to the company or the job you are applying for.
- Future: Next up, you need to bring light to what you are seeking to do next and what caught your eye about this job position. Moreover, also tell them 2 to 3 reasons that make you the perfect fit for the position.
Apart from acing your interview, you need to grab the attention of your interviewer by standing out from the others. You can easily do so by submitting an expertly tailored cover letter. You can get it made from any trustworthy cover letter writer at budget-friendly prices.
What we mentioned above is an ideal way to come up with a compelling response. However, feel free to tweak it as you like. If there is any specific story about what fascinated you about this field, then now is the perfect time to tell it. Begin your answer with that specific past story and then gradually highlight how you are doing in the present.
No matter which sequence you opt for, make sure you eventually tie it to the company and job. You need to be in no doubt that your interviewer is under the impression that it makes perfect sense that you are sitting here talking to him regarding the job position.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best answer to the interview question “Tell me about yourself”?
To answer this question, start with your current situation. Highlight your current role and explain your responsibilities, major and relevant achievements, etc. Do not forget to hit the key points in your professional journey. Recapitulate your prior experiences and how they have helped you prepare for the particular job role.
How should I introduce myself at an interview?
You should introduce yourself at an interview by giving a brief yet compelling introduction. Tell your recruiter your name and the current position you are serving. After that, provide a concise overview of your professional background, mentioning a few career highlights that suit the job position that you are applying for well.
What hobbies should I add to my CV?
You should add this section to your CV because adding interest and hobbies to your application offers you an opportunity to stand out from your competitors. Therefore, strategically use this section to display some of your innovative passions and strengths. It can help tailor a more memorable and well-rounded first impression.
What skills are ideal to bring to a job?
You can add any of these skills to your CV to make your application shine a bit brighter. Here is a list:
- Effective communication
- Teamwork and interpersonal skills
- Commercial awareness
- Planning and research skills
- Relevant work experience
- Adaptability
- Leadership and management
- Resilience and a lot more
Summing It All Up!
Interview questions, particularly “Tell me about yourself,” will catch you off guard if you have not prepared for them beforehand. These four unassuming words right at the start of any job interview are enough to make any person question their entire life. At the same time, this question was asked with the intention of being an icebreaker and helping the interviewee ease up a bit. However, it might evoke an entirely opposite reaction – Tongue-tied and frozen! Instead of getting carried away, we suggest you follow the advice we shared above. And we assure you that you will make it through your interview with flying colors. Isn’t that what you wanted?