How to Answer: “Tell Me About Yourself”

An interview is like starring in a performance. The focus is all on you. There is a critic evaluating your act. There is even a particular set of clothing to wear. You wouldn’t star in a performance without learning your part and rehearsing your lines, so why improvise a job interview?

The most common interview prompt is, “Tell me about yourself.” Not only is it the most common prompt, it is also most likely to be asked first.

In order to answer the “tell me about yourself” prompt effectively, follow these tips:

Be Concise

Give a brief one-minute overview of your background. This prompt is used as a launching point into a more detailed discussion about your professional experiences. Don’t ramble!

Stay Formal

Though it seems to be phrased as a casual conversation-starter, keep the tone formal and professional. This prompt isn’t designed to delve into your personal life, childhood, or hobbies.

Summarize Your Career

Focus on your most recent job and your responsibilities. Don’t go bullet by bullet over your entire resume. If you’re entry-level without much work experience, tell them about relevant skills you’ve gained through college, like internships or personal experience, such as volunteer work.

Rehearse Your Answer

Outline your answer and practice it aloud. Rehearse until you feel comfortable rattling off your answer without looking at your outline. It looks bad if you are reading from a script to answer a question about yourself.

One thought on “How to Answer: “Tell Me About Yourself”

  1. excellent article!
    I think starting with the present and tell why you are well qualified for the position. So, before you answer this or any question it’s imperative that you try to uncover your interviewer’s greatest need, want, problem or goal. You have shared here great advice and the way to answer this question perfectly, thanks a lot for sharing!

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