How to Answer this Popular Interview Question

Answering questions about yourself can be difficult during an interview. How do you sum up who you are in a concise, meaningful and positive way? If you’re a job seeker, you’re sure to have heard this all-too-common question: “Tell me about yourself.” It’s a common way that hiring managers kick off interviews to learn more about who you are and what makes you unique. Being able to answer, “tell me about yourself,” can go a long way in helping to make a great first impression.

Here are a few tips to help you nail your response:

1. Keep it Brief and Informative

You should avoid answering this question by simply listing facts about yourself or repeating back the information on your resume or cover letter word-for-word. Instead, aim to keep it short and sweet, but still informative enough so your interviewer learns something new about you that isn’t already evident in your application materials.

2. Make Your Answer Relevant

Once you know what information is most relevant to what the interviewer is looking for, you can create an answer that’s tailored to better address those needs. Since this question most likely comes at the beginning of an interview, mentioning specifics about the company or position can be a good way to kick off the conversation. For example, if you know that this particular company has been growing rapidly and you want to highlight your ability to adapt quickly in changing environments, then including that information can show how your experience makes you a strong fit for this role.

3. Don’t Focus Too Much on Your Work Experience

While work experience is important, it isn’t everything— especially if you’re just starting out in your career. If you do have a hobby or passion outside of work, mention it briefly. If talking about a work experience, try to incorporate a brief story that applies to interests at work such as volunteer work.

4. Keep it Positive

Don’t dwell on past mistakes or setbacks. Focus on what you learned from each experience and how those lessons have shaped your career. Explain why you’re excited about the particular role or why the company is one you would love to work for. Think of a situation where turned a negative into a positive and share that with your interviewer.

Ultimately, the main thing to keep in mind is to be real, honest and give the interviewer just enough information about you to get them excited about getting to know you more. So, make sure you’re knowledgeable about the company and the position that you’re applying for, and then articulate how your skills and experience will make a great addition to the team. If you’re looking to nail your next interview, The Reserves Network’s experienced recruiters can coach you through the process. Contact us today for more advice, or for help finding your perfect career opportunity!