‘Tell Me About Yourself’
How many times has the ‘Tell Me About Yourself’ question been asked during interviews? Every. Single. Time. You think I got this, its about me and who knows me better than me! Then you start to talk. Things are starting off well, but then you realize you are rambling, veering off course, and end up talking about some vacation you took in the Bahamas last winter. You think what just happened?! Lack of preparation is what happened. So lets get prepared for next time!
Why Do Employers Ask This Question?
First lets tap into why employers even ask this question in the first place. The question is so vague, so do they get the answer they were looking for when they asked it. It all depends on why it was asked. There are several reasons they ask the “Tell me about yourself” question:
Introduction & Ice Breaker
This question allows the interviewer to get to know you and serves as an icebreaker to initiate the conversation. It sets the tone for the interview and helps establish rapport. Sometimes this question is asked because the interviewer is not prepared. They may not have any questions and want you to do all the talking. Once they get you talking the questions will become easier for them. So it can sometimes be a lack of preparation on the interviewers end. I’ve seen it a time or two and may have done it myself while interviewing candidates! Sometimes, as human resources, you get thrown into interviews with little notice so that’s the best first question to ask. Use the question to your advantage as an opportunity to humble brag.
Assessing Communication Skills
Your response to this question provides insights into your communication abilities. Employers want to see how effectively you can articulate your thoughts, present relevant information, and engage the interviewer. They also want to see how well you are on your toes. The question although vague can be very telling of an individuals mindset going into the interview. Did you prepare or are you just spit balling thoughts?
Understanding Your Background
Employers want to gain a high-level understanding of your professional background, experiences, and qualifications. This question helps them assess if your skills and experience align with the requirements of the job. Remember that information is already on your resume, which they have already read and know where you are skilled. That is not what the question is about. They want to hear your career story, your journey and what you have accomplished. Tell them something they cant read on the resume.
Evaluating Your Relevance
By asking about yourself, employers gauge how well you can connect your background and achievements to the position you’re applying for. It helps them assess your fit for the role and the organization. If you cannot connect the dots in the interview of your skillset to their needs then you are not the right person for the job. So remember you are here to talk about what you can bring to the company and why they should pay attention to you.
Identifying Key Strengths
Employers use the question ‘Tell Me About Yourself’ to identify your key strengths and areas of expertise. Your response allows them to evaluate the specific skills and experiences that make you a strong candidate for the job. Typically what you start talking about first is a strength, because that is what you know and what you are most comfortable with. So lead with the strengths that correlate to the job. Always read the job description prior to the interview, so you remember exactly what they are looking for.
Assessing Self Awareness
Your answer can provide insights into your self-awareness and ability to reflect on your professional journey. It helps employers understand your motivations, career goals, and how you perceive your own strengths and accomplishments. Are you someone that takes all the credit for a team project or do you talk about how you couldn’t have done it without your team. That is demonstrating leadership and self awareness and tells the employer you are a team player.
What Not to Say and Why
Many individuals misinterpret this question in an interview as ‘tell me about your life’. Please do not do that. Do not start talking about your kids, your spouse, or your house. That is not what that question means. During a job interview, it’s generally advisable to avoid discussing personal topics when answering the question, “Tell me about yourself.” Here’s why it’s important:
Professional Context
The interviewer asks this question to understand your professional background, skills, and experiences relevant to the job. Focusing on personal topics can sidetrack the conversation and shift the focus away from your qualifications for the role. I know it may feel like you are making progress if you end up bonding with the interviewer but it always comes back to your skills.
Time Efficiency
Interviews typically have limited time, and the interviewer wants to gather relevant information efficiently. Discussing personal topics might consume valuable interview time and prevent you from effectively conveying your professional strengths. If you share too much irrelevant information, it can take away time talking about your skills and what you will bring to the table.
Maintaining Professionalism
By staying focused on professional aspects, you demonstrate your ability to separate personal matters from work-related discussions. This showcases your professionalism and ability to prioritize relevant information. Already knowing to not talk about personal topics in an interview is already a leg up from many other candidates.
Job Relevance
Employers are primarily interested in your qualifications and how they align with the job requirements. Sharing personal details that aren’t directly relevant to the role might not contribute to your candidacy and can potentially distract the interviewer. Its perfectly fine to get to know your interviewer as well, but keep it in small bites and always circle back to the job.
Professional Boundaries
In an interview setting, it’s important to establish appropriate professional boundaries. Keeping the conversation centered on your professional background helps maintain a respectful and appropriate atmosphere. There is also an opportunity for liability for the employer if anything personal is discussed, so a professional interviewer will keep it focused. Liability meaning if they did not get the job they could come back and try to sue the employer for discrimination based on what was discussed, even if it were not the case.
That being said, it’s acceptable to briefly mention personal interests or hobbies if they have a direct relevance to the job or showcase transferable skills. For instance, if you’re applying for a marketing position and have a personal blog or social media presence related to marketing, you can briefly mention it to highlight your passion and expertise. Just make sure to tie it back to the relevance of the position at hand.
How to Answer the Question
Alright so you know what not to say to the question ‘Tell Me About Yourself’, so what can you say?! Remember, the goal is to present yourself as a qualified professional who can contribute to the company’s success. By focusing on your professional background and relevant accomplishments, you can make a stronger impression and increase your chances of landing the job.
Brief Introduction
Begin by sharing your name and a summary of your professional background. For example, “My name is [Your Name], and I have a [number of years] of experience in [relevant field/industry].” Provide a verbal summary of your resume, but keep it brief, meaning a couple minutes tops.
Start with Current Role
Share your current or most recent job title, along with a high-level overview of your responsibilities. This demonstrates your expertise in your field. For instance, “In my current role as [Job Title], I have been responsible for [briefly describe your main responsibilities and accomplishments].”
Highlight Accomplishments
Discuss your core skills and notable achievements that align with the position you’re applying for. Focus on experiences that showcase your strengths and how they can benefit the company. Use quantifiable metrics whenever possible to demonstrate your impact. For example, “I have a strong track record in [specific skill or area], and in my previous role, I successfully [specific achievement or project] which resulted in [quantifiable outcome].”
Connect Your Background to the Position
Explain how your past experiences have prepared you for the position you’re interviewing for. Emphasize the transferable skills, knowledge, and expertise you can bring to the role. This shows the interviewer that you understand the job requirements and are a good fit. For instance, “Given my background in [relevant experience], I believe I can bring valuable insights and contribute to [specific goals or initiatives] within your company.”
Express Enthusiasm
Conclude your response by expressing your genuine interest in the company and the role. Highlight what excites you about the opportunity and how it aligns with your career goals. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and commitment. For example, “I’m truly excited about the opportunity to join your team and contribute to [company’s mission/goals]. I’m particularly drawn to [specific aspect of the role/company], and I believe it’s a perfect fit for my skills and aspirations.”
Examples
So we have discussed why employers ask ‘Tell Me About Yourself’, shared what not to say and then provided how to craft your answer. Are you thinking thanks for the formula but what does that actually look like in real life?! Well below are a few examples/templates you can use to start to build your own ‘Tell Me About Yourself’ answer.
Example 1
“Sure, my name is Emily. I have six years of experience in digital marketing, specializing in social media management and content creation. In my current role as a Social Media Manager at Company XYZ, I’ve successfully developed and implemented social media strategies that have increased engagement by 50% and drove a 30% growth in website traffic. I’m highly skilled in utilizing data analytics to optimize campaigns and have a proven track record of delivering results. I’m excited about the opportunity to leverage my expertise to drive the digital marketing efforts at your company and contribute to its growth.”
Example 2
“Hello, I’m John. I’ve spent the last eight years working in the software development field. In my previous role as a Senior Software Engineer at Company ABC, I was responsible for leading a team of developers and successfully delivering several complex projects. I have expertise in full-stack development, with a strong focus on backend technologies such as Python and SQL. I’m passionate about writing clean, efficient code and implementing best practices to ensure high-quality software solutions. I’m eager to join a dynamic team like yours, where I can contribute my technical skills and collaborate on innovative projects.”
Example 3
“Thank you for the opportunity. My name is Sarah, and I have a diverse background in project management. Over the past ten years, I’ve managed projects across various industries, including construction, healthcare, and IT. In my current role as a Project Manager at Company XYZ, I’ve successfully led cross-functional teams and delivered projects within budget and on schedule. I’m highly skilled in stakeholder management, risk assessment, and resource allocation. What excites me about this position is the chance to utilize my experience in leading complex projects and collaborating with diverse teams to drive successful outcomes. I believe my strong organizational and communication skills will enable me to make a valuable contribution to your organization’s project management initiatives.”
Remember to customize your response based on your own experiences, skills, and the requirements of the job you’re interviewing for. These examples should provide a framework for crafting your own unique answer.
Final Thoughts
By following the strategies outlined in this article, you can craft a compelling response that highlights your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements. Remember to keep your answer concise, tailored to the position, and focused on your professional background, typically 2-3 minutes. Practice beforehand to ensure a confident delivery, and showcase your enthusiasm for the role and company. With thorough preparation and a well-crafted response, you can confidently navigate this question and leave a lasting impact on your interviewer. Embrace this chance to shine and secure your path to interview success. Good luck!
