The “Tell me about yourself” question seems like a tricky question. It is one of the most simple-looking but complicated questions.
This question is usually asked by an employee but other people who are trying to know you might as well pop this question.
It’s simple-looking since you want to believe you know yourself, but while at it you’ll need to know it’s not the personal info about yourself that is being asked. Your employee does not want to know what you had for supper, what you ate before coming for the interview or even your favourite music type. Yes, they don’t really care about that.
Before you answer this question, you need to understand the question.
An interviewer or employee’s reason for this question is to get to know you and take you unaware by starting from an easy question into technical or behavioural questions. They also want to know if you can communicate clearly, assuming however you communicate to them is how you’ll communicate in meetings, with your colleagues or clients.
They expect you to answer in a concise yet natural way.
Hence, this is a great opportunity to win them over if you have armed yourself with a strategic answer.
Firstly, do a thorough research on the company you’re looking to work for. Prepare yourself with enough information about the company, so you don’t talk out of line in your interview.
Then start with your past. What you studied,your relevant work experience, or positive feedback. Your answer should be in line with the job/company. If you’re applying for a content marketing role then you don’t need to tell the recruiter about your experience as a real estate agent.
If you don’t have work experience or you’re an undergraduate, then this is also a good time to talk about school activities , projects, volunteers or internships. Discuss skills that make you an asset to the company.
Secondly, move swiftly to discuss your current job or role and a recent accomplishment or award you attained. This should lead you to arrive at why you are interested in that role or what you’re looking to do next.
Explain why you’re the best candidate for the job, how the role aligns with your career goals to show you’ll put in the work to accomplish the company’s goals in order to be successful.
Since we’ve talked about the basics of answering the question “Tell me about yourself”.
I’ll be giving tips on how to effectively answer the question accurately.
Tips To Answer An Interview question
Keep your answer simple and concise. You don’t need to tell your life story, you can make do with 1 or 2 minutes to answer. Pay keen attention to the interviewer(s), in order to know when they’re being distracted as this can show you’re becoming boring. End your answer if you notice distraction from an interviewer.
Do not memorise. Rehearse and practice your questions but do not memorise. If it’s convenient then get someone to listen to your practice, maybe a close friend or family member. But do not memorise so you don’t sound like a robot and lose your chance of getting your dream job.
Do not speak ill of your past employee or company. Saying bad things about companies you’ve worked with will give an impression that you’ll speak ill of them if you’re hired.
Don’t try to look perfect. No one is perfect and your employees know that too. Trying to come off as perfect will leave the impression that you’re insincere. Concentrate on your strengths but also talk about your weaknesses in a way it is advantageous.
E.g I am emotional but that helps me understand my clients better in order to serve them adequately.
I hope the next time you’re faced with such a tricky question, you’ll scale through successfully and land yourself a job.
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