Photo by The Jopwell Collection on Unsplash
We’re all aware of the dreaded “tell me about yourself” question. Some people have no problem describing themselves, but for the other 95% of us, it seems to be a struggle. This notorious question is often one of the first things asked in an interview, and it serves as an opportunity for you to make a positive first impression and set the tone for the rest of the conversation. Here's a structured approach to answering this question effectively:
Start with a brief personal introduction:
Begin by stating your name. Mention your current job title, or your educational background if you're a recent graduate.
From there, showcase experiences, strengths, and abilities as they relate to the job you’re discussing, and be ready to share specific examples for each. Provide a concise overview of your professional background:
Highlight your relevant experience and skills that are directly related to the position you're applying for.
Mention your career progression briefly, focusing on the roles and experiences that are most relevant to the job. If just starting your career, speak about what you aspire to be doing in the next 5 years.
Also, be prepared to address any gaps in employment that were more than a month, and to provide reasons for leaving past jobs.
Explain why you're interested in the position:
Show your enthusiasm and interest in the company and the role you're interviewing for. Referencing the job description is always a great idea.
Mention what attracted you to the job, the company culture, or any specific projects or challenges that piqued your interest.
Conclude with a forward-looking statement:
Express your desire to contribute to the organization's success and how you see yourself fitting into the team.
Hiring managers want team members who want to be there! Emphasize your eagerness to learn and grow within the company. Let the interviewer know that you're excited about the opportunity and look forward to discussing your qualifications in more detail.
Remember, the key to a successful response is to strike a balance between being professional and personable. Practice your response beforehand to ensure you're confident and well-prepared. Tailor your answer to the specific job and company you're interviewing for, highlighting the aspects of your background that are most relevant to the role. Finally, be ready to expand on any points you mention in your response if the interviewer asks follow-up questions.
You’ve got this!
Written by: Emily Henion, Search Consultant at Hunter Crown, LLC
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