Mastering the 'Tell Me About Yourself' Interview Question

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Ground Rules for Answering the Question
   • Rule #1: Do not talk about personal or family life
   • Rule #2: Do tell a story
3. Tip #1: Give a snapshot of your work history
4. Tip #2: Describe major responsibilities and accomplishments for each position
5. Tip #3: Acknowledge the employer's needs
6. Tip #4: Make a strong case for why you're the right fit
7. The importance of a standout resume
8. Conclusion

How to Answer the "Tell Me About Yourself" Interview Question

Introduction

When it comes to job interviews, one question that often leaves candidates feeling stumped is "Tell me about yourself." This seemingly simple question can catch many off guard if they're not prepared. In this article, we will discuss four major tips on how to answer this question effectively and stand out from the crowd.

Ground Rules for Answering the Question

Before diving into the tips, it's important to establish a few ground rules for answering the "Tell me about yourself" question. By following these rules, you can craft the perfect response that highlights your professional qualifications and experiences.

• Rule #1: Do not talk about your personal or family life. The interviewer is not interested in hearing about your personal life choices or your journey as a human being. They want to know about your professional background, qualifications, and why you're a good fit for the role.

• Rule #2: Do tell a story. While you shouldn't share your life story, you should share a concise and engaging professional work story that showcases your career progression and accomplishments.

Tip #1: Give a snapshot of your work history

Start your response by providing a snapshot of your work history. Begin with the earliest professional job you've held and describe the company, your title, the duration of your tenure, and your major responsibilities.

For example, if you started your career as a Financial Analyst and have since become a Finance Manager, you would start by talking about your role as a Financial Analyst. Provide a brief overview of the company, your title, the duration of your role, and your key responsibilities in that position.

Tip #2: Describe major responsibilities and accomplishments for each position

Once you have given a snapshot of your work history, delve into the details of each position. For each role you've held, explain the major responsibilities you had and highlight one significant accomplishment. An accomplishment can be anything that resulted in quantifiable results for your company or department, such as saving time or improving profitability.

By sharing your responsibilities and achievements, you not only demonstrate your capabilities but also showcase the value you can bring to a new role.

Tip #3: Acknowledge the employer's needs

After outlining your work history and accomplishments, it's crucial to acknowledge the employer's needs for the position they're hiring for. Show that you understand what they are looking for in a candidate by explicitly mentioning the skills and abilities they require.

By acknowledging the employer's needs, you establish a connection and demonstrate that you are not only aware of your own abilities but also aware of what they are seeking in a candidate.

Tip #4: Make a strong case for why you're the right fit

To make a lasting impression, conclude your response by emphasizing why you are the perfect fit for the job. This is an opportunity to highlight your unique qualifications and strengths that align with the requirements of the role.

By explicitly stating why you are the right fit, you leave no room for ambiguity and showcase your confidence in your ability to excel in the position.

The importance of a standout resume

While mastering the answer to the "Tell me about yourself" question is essential, it's equally important to have a standout resume that catches the attention of hiring managers. Your resume should effectively convey your qualifications, experiences, and achievements.

If you're unsure if your resume is up to par, be sure to download a free copy of my 10 ultimate resume hacks cheat sheet. This resource will provide you with valuable tips to make your resume stand out and increase your chances of landing an interview.

Conclusion

Crafting a compelling response to the "Tell me about yourself" question requires strategic storytelling, highlighting your accomplishments, and addressing the employer's needs. By following the tips outlined in this article and ensuring your resume is exceptional, you'll be better prepared to impress hiring managers and land the job you desire.