How to Effectively Answer the ‘Tell Me About Yourself’ Interview Question

“So, tell me about yourself”.

This common, yet valuable question is one that a majority of candidates are often required to answer during their interview process. Thinking back to a time when you too were asked this question will likely be an easy task, but what makes it such a go-to for employers?

More than just an icebreaker, this open-ended question allows the interviewer to get a sense of who you are, both professionally and personally. It offers a prime opportunity for you to showcase your skills, qualifications, and leave a positive first impression (hopefully landing you the 2nd interview). 

Interviewers also ask this question to evaluate the confidence of a candidate, which will provide them a view of how new hires may present themselves to customers, clients, and colleagues, should they be offered a position.

Despite your familiarity with the question, the advantages of answering “tell me about yourself” effectively are rewarding and surely worth the extra thought and effort.

Start your interview off on the right foot by considering these interview question tips to help nail your next response:

Keep it Concise

While the length of interviews is highly situational, most will last anywhere between 30-60 minutes. Your interviewer will aim to cover as much ground as possible during that time, thus, you’ll want to refrain from oversharing those unrelated details. It’s likely they have more pressing tasks to tend to and let’s be honest, sharing your life story isn’t the purpose of your meeting.

Now, staying on topic doesn’t mean providing a summary of your work history (that’s what your resume is for) or listing all the things you disliked about your last job. Instead, focus on what has led you to apply, why, and how you feel you’d succeed in the role. We recommend keeping your answer to around 2-3 minutes in length. Run a mock interview with a trusted friend to sample your ‘tell me about yourself’ answer. Record your response to get an idea of how you’ll sound to the employer. Does it leave a thorough impression of who you are as a professional? Take advantage of answering this question effectively by adding extra effort to your interview preparation plan. 

Tailor Your Answer to the Position

While obvious to some, many candidates can easily lose track of their objective, finding themselves rambling, and ultimately causing the interviewer to lose interest. Spend some time reviewing the job description and researching the organization. This allows you to easily tie in specifics on the role while showing the interviewer you’ve done your homework. The interviewer wants to know how you can contribute to the company and the position you are interviewing for. So, be sure to not over-generalize your answers.

Highlight Your Most Relevant Skills and Experiences

Plan your reply prior to the interview by determining your strengths and how they will boost your performance in this role. When answering the question, focus on your most relevant skills and experiences that are directly related to the position you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a sales position, you may want to highlight your sales experience and your ability to close deals. Pro tip: Including metrics is always a plus!

Explaining your career-related motivations such as the desire to build your experience and take on added responsibilities is worth the mention. Be sure to include a brief statement explaining why working for this specific company appeals to you.

Show Your Enthusiasm

Answering interview questions enthusiastically during an interview can demonstrate to the employer that you are excited about the opportunity to work for their company and that you possess a positive attitude. Expressing enthusiasm has the potential to make the interview more enjoyable for both the interviewer and the interviewee, which creates a more comfortable atmosphere. Asking questions after the interview is over along with follow-up (e.g., thank you email) is a great way to show you are eager to move forward in the process.

Nail Your Next Interview With Help From Glades Talent

It is important to remember that the “tell me about yourself” question is not just an opportunity for the interviewer to learn more about you, but also a chance for you to showcase your skills and qualifications. With the right preparation, you can answer this interview question in a way that demonstrates why you are the best candidate for the job.

Glades Talent recruiters serve as a valuable tool for job seekers looking for help answering those tricky interview questions. We provide guidance on how to effectively communicate qualifications and experiences. Anticipate the questions that might be asked and prepare answers accordingly to increase the chances of a successful outcome. If you’re looking for your next professional opportunity, we can help! Speak with a member of our expert team for support with your personalized career goals today.