How to answer "Tell Me About Yourself" (With Answers)

Posted on 3/28/2023, 10:33:23 AM

The job interview is a critical moment in your career search. It’s your chance to showcase your skills, experience, and personality to the hiring manager. One of the most common questions you’ll be asked in a job interview is “Tell me about yourself.” It’s a seemingly simple question, but it’s also one of the most important. How you answer this question can set the tone for the rest of the interview and determine whether or not you get the job. In this article, we’ll provide tips and sample answers to help you prepare for this important interview question.

Why Do Interviewers Ask This Question?

The “Tell me about yourself” question is often the first question in a job interview. The interviewer is looking to get to know you beyond your resume and cover letter. They want to understand who you are as a person and what makes you unique. This question is also an opportunity for you to demonstrate your communication skills and showcase your personal brand.

How to Answer the Question

When answering the “Tell me about yourself” question, it’s important to keep in mind that the interviewer is not asking for your life story. Instead, they want to know how your skills and experience align with the job requirements. Here are some tips to help you craft a strong response:

1. Keep it concise

Your answer should be brief and to the point. You don’t want to ramble on and lose the interviewer’s attention. A good rule of thumb is to keep your answer to two minutes or less.

2. Focus on relevant experience

Your response should focus on your professional experience, skills, and accomplishments that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for. Make sure to highlight specific examples that demonstrate your expertise.

3. Highlight your unique qualities

The interviewer wants to know what makes you unique. Highlight any special skills or qualities that set you apart from other candidates.

4. Be confident

Confidence is key when answering any interview question. Make sure to speak clearly and confidently, and maintain eye contact with the interviewer.

Sample Answers

Here are some sample answers to help you prepare for the “Tell me about yourself” question:

1. “I am a highly motivated and experienced marketing professional with over 5 years of experience in the industry. In my current role, I am responsible for developing and implementing successful marketing campaigns that have resulted in a 25% increase in sales. I am excited about the opportunity to bring my skills and expertise to your team.”

2. “I am a recent graduate with a degree in accounting. During my time in school, I completed an internship at a local accounting firm, where I gained hands-on experience in bookkeeping, tax preparation, and financial analysis. I am eager to apply my skills and knowledge in a professional setting and continue to learn and grow in my career.”

3. “I am a creative and detail-oriented graphic designer with a passion for typography and layout design. I have over 3 years of experience working with clients in a variety of industries, including healthcare, finance, and education. My design work has been recognized by several industry publications, and I am excited about the opportunity to bring my creativity and expertise to your team.”

4. “I am a dedicated and results-driven sales professional with a track record of exceeding sales targets. In my current role, I have been able to increase sales by 30% through effective prospecting and relationship-building. I am excited about the opportunity to work with a company that values sales excellence and has a strong commitment to customer service.”

In addition to the tips and sample answers provided above, here are some additional details to keep in mind when preparing for the "Tell me about yourself" question:

1. Practice, practice, practice

One of the most effective ways to prepare for this question is to practice your response ahead of time. Record yourself or ask a friend to listen to your answer and provide feedback. The more you practice, the more confident you'll be in your delivery during the actual interview.

2. Use a storytelling approach

One effective way to answer the "Tell me about yourself" question is to use a storytelling approach. Start with a brief overview of your current role and then transition into a story about a challenge you faced and how you overcame it. This can demonstrate your problem-solving skills and showcase your personality in a memorable way.

3. Tailor your answer to the job

Make sure to tailor your response to the specific job you're applying for. Review the job description and company website to get a sense of the skills and qualities they value. Use this information to highlight your own relevant experience and qualities.

4. Be authentic

While it's important to prepare and practice your response, it's also important to be authentic. Don't try to present yourself as someone you're not. Instead, focus on highlighting your strengths and unique qualities in a genuine way.

5. Keep it professional

While the interviewer wants to get to know you on a personal level, it's important to keep your answer professional. Avoid sharing personal details that are not relevant to the job, such as your hobbies or family life. Stick to professional experiences and qualities.

In conclusion, the "Tell me about yourself" question is an opportunity to showcase your skills, experience, and unique qualities to the interviewer. By preparing a concise and tailored response that highlights your relevant experience and qualities, you can make a strong first impression and increase your chances of getting hired. Remember to practice, use a storytelling approach, tailor your answer to the job, be authentic, and keep it professional. Good luck with your job search!

For more career advice, book a call with a mentor at mentordial.com. Our mentors have over 10 years of work experience at leading companies and startups. They can help you with the job interview process.