Introduction
“Tell me about yourself” is the most typical question you get asked during an interview. But don’t let the ordinariness of the question fool you. It has proven to be one of the most important questions asked. It is the first question most interviewers ask, as a way of setting the tone and introducing conversation.
What seems like an easy question is actually a lot harder to put into words. Responding to such a broad invitation to talk about yourself is stressful and complicated. What do they want to know? What would make them more impressed by me? What would make me stand out?
To overcome such thoughts, it’s better to come prepared with a well-structured, thought-out answer that gets across all your points in a brief, straightforward way. You want your answer to include points that give the interviewer crucial insight into your personality, background, and suitability for the role. Additionally, you want to talk about your personal history, professional achievements, and relevant skills; after all, you are trying to sell yourself.
A Simple Formula
So how can you deliver all the necessary components in a short, coherent response? Well, there’s a quick, easy, and simple method that will help you do so:
- Talk about the present: What is your current role and the scope of it? Discuss your most recent big achievements as a way to sell yourself to the interviewer and stand out.
- Delve into your past: Discuss previous experiences that are relevant to the job and company you’re applying for.
- Look forward to the future: Express why you’re interested in the job and why you believe you will be a great fit for the role.
Of course, you can tweak and make amendments for your own personal liking, but this is just a basic structure that covers all the points in a short, to-the-point way.
What should your response cover?
Additionally, your response should cover the following:
- A brief summary of your professional background: Detail past roles and experiences that relate to the job you are applying for, but in a way that’s short and precise (avoid going into too much detail).
- Example: “I began my career as a junior marketing associate at XYZ Corp, where I learned the fundamentals of digital marketing and campaign management. Over the years, I progressed to more senior roles, including my current position as a marketing manager at ABC Inc., where I lead a team of five and oversee our company’s digital marketing strategy.”
- Demonstrate your key achievements: You want to stand out above your peers. A good way to do this is to highlight specific accomplishments that demonstrate your skills and expertise. Showcase relevant achievements and provide specific examples.
- Example: “One of my key achievements was spearheading a social media campaign that increased our brand’s online engagement by 40% and led to a 20% boost in sales within six months. Additionally, I managed a project that streamlined our content production process, reducing turnaround time by 30%.”
- Include a component that covers your future goals: A good way to conclude your answer is connecting your career goals with the potential job role. It adds a personal element because it not only shows that you are qualified but that you have a genuine interest in the position. This may touch the interviewer and make them more inclined to choose you.
- Example: “Looking ahead, I’m eager to leverage my experience in a dynamic environment like DEF Corp, where I can contribute to cutting-edge marketing initiatives and help drive the company’s growth. I’m particularly drawn to the collaborative culture here and the opportunities for professional development.”
The final step
Once you have a finalized, perfected response, keep rehearsing to ensure that delivery is on point and feels natural. Try not to make it too long; a minute or two will suffice. You want to be thorough and not overwhelmed or thrown off guard. Get feedback from family and friends to aid you in making necessary adjustments.
For more tips on what to include in your answer, click here: https://eller.arizona.edu/news/9-essential-things-include-your-tell-me-about-yourself-interview-answer
Conclusion
“Tell me about yourself” is a simple question that many people struggle to answer. By following this format and including some of these points in your answer, you will find that a question that seems overwhelming is, in fact, just all in your head.
Thank you for reading, click the link below to read our other Career Articles: https://insidesuccessmagazine.com/category/career
