Interviews can be nerve-wracking, especially when you encounter an important question cleverly disguised as an icebreaker. The way you respond to the “tell me about yourself” opener sets the tone for the entire interview. It’s a chance to capture your interviewer’s attention within the crucial first five minutes and position yourself as the ideal candidate. But here’s the thing: you need to plan your answer ahead of time.
So why is the “tell me about yourself” question so significant? Well, it’s one of the most commonly asked questions in job interviews for a good reason. It gives the interviewer insights into your personality, communication style, and background.
When you’re asked this icebreaker, the interviewer wants to glimpse into your current career situation, professional outlook, goals, and passions. They want to know what inspired you to pursue your chosen path and how your work reflects your values and interests.
In an interview, especially in a competitive market, you have a short window of about two minutes to tell a story that showcases your experience, values, passions, and, most importantly, your motivations for the job you’re applying for. Crafting a concise overview that aligns with the job’s requirements will help you stand out from the crowd. Employers are often looking for the right attitude, drive, and willingness to learn rather than a perfect skill set.
Plan your answer with a strategy
To prepare your answer, start by reviewing the job description for the position you’re applying for. It will provide valuable clues about the qualities and skills your potential employer seeks in their ideal candidate. Additionally, researching the company will give you insights into its values, approach, and culture.
Next, take a look at your CV and identify the highlights that match the job description or the company’s ethos. Focus on the following key points:
- Your strengths and abilities
- Areas of expertise
- Professional and personal passions
- The reasons behind your current role
- Your future career aspirations
Keep your answer concise yet detailed enough to highlight key achievements relevant to the role and the value you can bring, show enthusiasm for the position and demonstrate a good understanding of the company by conducting thorough research. Look up the latest news about the company—have they been acquired? Who are their key customers? What is their market valuation?
“Tell me about yourself” answers to avoid
While answering the “tell me about yourself” question, it’s crucial to avoid certain pitfalls that may raise red flags for employers:
- Getting too personal: Refrain from sharing your entire life story or academic history. Stick to discussing your current career status, professional aspirations, and skills.
- Complaining about your current job: Focusing on the negative aspects of your current employment situation can create a negative impression. It may make you appear as someone with a pessimistic attitude, solely seeking an escape from your current employer.
- Summarizing your CV: The interviewer wants to get to know you and your perspective by asking this question. Merely repeating the content of your CV indicates a lack of initiative and may disengage the interviewer.
Example answer
Here’s a detailed “Tell me about yourself” example answer:
“I’m the kind of person who embodies [personality traits]. I’ve been working as a [current job title] for [tenure length] years, and I’m eager to delve deeper into [an aspect of your role that you find enjoyable]. I believe this opportunity can help me achieve that.
I consistently meet deadlines, communicate effectively, and thrive in multitasking environments. My manager has praised my enthusiasm and attention to detail in performance reviews.
I’m a hardworking, resilient, tenacious, and professional individual who occasionally takes an “unorthodox” approach to problem-solving. In addition, I have a passion for [insert personal interests here].
I’m ready to take the next step in my career and would love to explore an opportunity with a leading [characteristic] company like yours. I’m deeply passionate about [specific company values or beliefs] and would be thrilled to contribute to making a difference through my work.”
Final Tips
Lastly, here are some final tips to keep in mind. Keep your answer concise and engaging. Remember, the opening icebreaker sets the tone for the entire interview, so aim to capture your potential employer’s interest while showcasing a bit of your personality.
Stay positive, remain humble, and ask the interviewer if they have any concerns or reservations about you towards the end. It’s important to express your interest in the role and inquire about the feedback and update timeline.
And most importantly, smile, show enthusiasm, and treat the interview as a learning journey. Even if you’re not particularly interested in the role, you can always gain something valuable for your personal growth from the interview.
