At the start of every interview, your potential hiring manager and interviewer will almost most likely ask job seekers to answer this question, “Tell me about yourself”?
No, your interviewer is not asking for your life story, your marital status or your hobby, but your qualification, skills and experience relevant to the job and company for the particular job.
Great tip to all interview questions is to keep your answers concise and relevant to the position as this is an opportunity that your interviewer is giving you to set the tone of your job interview.
How to Answer, “Tell Me About Yourself” During Job Interview
Many interviewers use this common interview question to evaluate a candidate and as an icebreaker to help you ease into the actual interview itself.
When your hiring manager ask this question, tailor your answer relevant to the position you’re applying. Here’s how you can position yourself to be a strong candidate for the position.
1. Showcase Your Experience
Using experience as a way to answer the question, “Tell me about yourself” can be a good way to differentiate yourself. Every candidate has an experience unique to them and this can play a huge role in differentiating you from the rest of the candidates.
Here you should include:
- Mention the experience related to the current position you are applying for
- Highlights some of the proudest moments in your previous company, and the experience that your employer will be looking for.
Good Example
“I really enjoy my 8 years of career as a web designer. I have been working as a lead designer at ‘Studio 123 Designs’ for the past four years.
During my time with the company, I was in charge of ten web designers who delivered over 150 high-profile projects per year.
Previously, I worked at ‘Studio ABC Designs’ for four years, where I perform custom web designs to major clients such as ABC Company and XYZ Company. It has been a great learning experience, but I am ready to pursue my career at one of the fastest-growing design companies such as ‘Fast Studio Design’. That is why I am very excited about this position.”
Bad Example
“I have always been really interested in designing. That is the reason for the past eight years now I have been a designer.
But my passion for designing started long ago when I am still very young in my school days. I love to draw and design my own shirt. It was until I move to Texas that I started a design job.
I really like design and I can’t think of anything other than doing design work.”
2. Use Achievements
Achievements in most cases speak louder than words. When most of the candidates have a certain level of experience, it can be hard to differentiate yourself. But by having achievements, you make yourself stand out from the crowd.
And this gives you a huge advantage even over all other candidates who may even have more experience than you.
Because having achievements tells that you are exceptional in your work. And employers want people who are exceptional in their team.
Here you should include:
- What is your best achievement from your previous job?
- What is the best record from your previous job?
Good Example
“I really love to provide our clients with solutions that most suit their needs.
Previously, I lead a team of 10 sales professionals at XYZ Company for two years. Our proudest moment was to be able to be awarded the 100 Most Valued SME Company Award. Not long after I was given the opportunity to work as a sales consultant at ABC Company.
With my experience as a sales professional, I have helped the company to increase 52% sales revenue in one year by making some changes to our sales process.
It has been an enjoyable ride, but I am looking for more challenges with greater opportunity in a high-performing consulting firm such as [Insert Company Name].”
Bad Example
“I have always been really interested in sales. I guess for the past eight years now I have been in the sales profession, but my passion for sales started long ago when I am still very young during my school days.
I love to search for cheap items and resell them back to my friends. I made my first penny when I am just 10 years old. It was until I move to Osaka that I started my first official sales job.
I really like sales and I can’t think of anything other than doing sales work.”
3. Know Your Job Role
There is a saying, “Preparations make everything easier.” This same goes for how you should answer the, “Tell me about yourself” question.
You have to know and understand what the job role before you is apply for the job. If you started your introduction which is totally out of topic, probably the interviewer will think twice about hiring you.
Here you should include:
- Understand the job role which is usually written in the Job Description (JD)
- Understand what are the skills that the role required
- Understand what are the things that the employer wants to know when they are hiring for this job role
Jobs Description Example
Medical Receptionist
One of the biggest clinics in the U.S. seek medical receptionists. The right applicant will have the ability to handle hundreds of patients and any other minor task per day. This includes but is not limited to phone, email, and walk-ins.
Job Responsibilities:
- Serves patients by greeting and helping them, scheduling appointments, and maintaining records and accounts.
- Keeps patient appointments on schedule by notifying patients
- Comforts patients by anticipating patients’ anxieties, answering patients’ questions, and maintaining the reception area.
- Ensures availability of treatment information by filing and retrieving patient records.
- Maintains patient accounts by obtaining, recording, and updating personal and financial information.
- Maintains business office inventory and equipment by checking stock to determine inventory level, anticipating needed supplies, etc.
- Protects patients’ rights by maintaining the confidentiality of medical, personal, and financial information.
- Maintains operations by following policies and procedures, and reporting needed changes……
Good Example Answers
“I thrive and love the challenges to work in a fast-paced environment. As a medical receptionist at ‘ABC Clinic’. I am responsible for all the administrative tasks in the clinic, such as stock-taking and inventory ordering.
I often interact with more than 200 regular clients per day, while ensuring each of our patients is taken care of on any inquiries they may have.
In fact, I have patients that wrote letters to thank me for being so patient with them during their appointments and answering their questions. These are pleasant memories, but I believe this position at “Busy Clinic” would really make my talents shine.”
Bad Example Answers
“It has been a long eight time since I have been working as a medical receptionist and I really love my job.
I really like the part about interacting with people and taking calls or talking with people in general. I like the feeling of interaction when I get to meet different people every day.
Even during my weekends, I like to hang out with friends and be around people in general. I am also a very hardworking and responsible person as you can tell.”
Why Do Interviewers Ask You To Tell Them About Yourself?
You might think that the interviewer is just having a casual chat or just too lazy to read your resume and want you to summarize it.
Fortunately for you, the interviewer is not asking you to recite your resume (They have already read your resume before asking you to come for the interview remember?). Neither is this the time for you to tell them how much you love to travel or how amazing is your kids.
The interviewer’s goal is short and simple.
They want to find out more about you so that they can decided if you are suited for this post.
And to get that answer, an open-ended question such as “Tell me about yourself?” gives them an opportunity to see the following:
- What is your thought process when asked an open-ended question with no clear instructions?
- What kind of personality do you have and is it a good fit for the team or the role?
- What is the first impression you will give?
- Are you prepared enough to come for this interview?
They are hoping that this question will get you talking so that they can know you better.
This will help them set the tone on what to ask and with the first impression determine if you are ‘The One’ that they are looking for.
Your answer should do the following 2 things:
- Set a great first impression with a positive tone
- Pointers that guide you to sell your strongest selling point during the rest of the interview
How to Answer Common Interview Question “Tell Me About Yourself” During Job Interview
When answering the question “Tell me about yourself.” Always focus on these 3 key points:
- Experience
- Achievements
- What the Job Role Requires
You can draft your killer answer by these 3 simple steps:
- First – Talk about your most recent role then your previous role and why you are so excited for this opportunity
- Then – Add in your achievements that will showcase you are an exceptional candidate that your employee will want to hire
- Put it all Together – Ensure your experience and your achievement are relevant and related to the job description
When you put them all together you will get your killer answer to this question.
Tell Me About Yourself Sample Answers
When you are answering such a question you want to try relating your relevant previous experience and accomplishments to your current job role and show that you are excited about this opportunity and is serious about the position.
Example Answer: “Tell me about yourself” for Sales Professionals
“I love to use my talents to bring a worthy product to the public so that it can benefit more people.
I worked as a marketing manager at ‘ABC Healthline for three years. I spearheaded one of the most successful marketing campaigns that make an increase of 78% in sales worldwide.
With the use of social media and collaborations with our event partners, we are currently the No.1 company in terms of sales volume.
I am ready for bigger challenges, and I believe a fast-growing healthcare company such as ‘ABC International’ which sells products that saves a life is a perfect place for me to use my talents.”
Example Answer: “Tell me about yourself” for Graphic Designers
“Creativity has been the driving force behind my journey as a graphic designer, and I thrive on turning ideas into visually compelling realities.
In my previous role as the lead graphic designer at ‘ABC Artistic Visions Agency,’ I played a pivotal role in transforming conceptual visions into captivating designs. One notable project involved creating a brand identity for a startup that resulted in a 40% increase in client engagement.
Through a seamless blend of color theory, typography, and innovative design software, I’ve consistently delivered projects that not only meet but exceed client expectations. My passion for staying abreast of design trends and emerging technologies has allowed me to bring fresh, contemporary perspectives to every project.
I’m excited about the prospect of contributing my design expertise to a dynamic team, such as ‘DEF Creative Dynamics,’ where I can continue to push the boundaries of visual storytelling and elevate brands through impactful design.”
Example Answer: “Tell me about yourself” for Web Designer
“Designing digital experiences that seamlessly blend form and function has been my passion throughout my career as a web designer.
In my previous role with ‘ABC Tech Innovations Studio,’ I led a team in crafting user-centric websites that not only reflected clients’ brands but also optimized user journeys. One project I’m particularly proud of involved redesigning an e-commerce site, resulting in a 30% increase in online sales and a 20% boost in user engagement.
My approach to web design involves not only aesthetic considerations but also a deep understanding of user behavior and the latest UX/UI principles. By staying at the forefront of technological advancements, I’ve successfully implemented responsive designs that elevate the user experience across various devices.
I’m eager to bring my skills to a forward-thinking company like ‘DEF Digital Dynamics,’ where I can contribute to creating innovative and visually appealing web solutions that leave a lasting impact on users.”
Example Answer: “Tell me about yourself” for Copywriter
“Words have always been my playground, and I find joy in crafting compelling narratives that resonate with audiences.
In my role as a senior copywriter at ‘ABC Creative Expressions Agency,’ I’ve honed my skills in transforming complex ideas into concise, engaging copy. One of my notable achievements includes spearheading a content strategy for a client in the tech industry, resulting in a 25% increase in website traffic and a 15% uptick in user conversions.
My approach to copywriting goes beyond just words; it’s about telling a story that captivates, informs, and inspires. I thrive on understanding the nuances of different audiences and tailoring my language to create a genuine connection.
I’m excited about the opportunity to bring my passion for storytelling and persuasive writing to a dynamic team like ‘DEF Innovate Insights,’ where I can contribute to creating impactful and resonant messaging for clients.”
Example Answer: “Tell me about yourself” for Video Editor
“Visual storytelling is my forte, and I thrive on shaping raw footage into captivating narratives that leave a lasting impression.
In my previous role as the lead video editor at ‘ABC Cinematic Creations Studio,’ I played a key role in crafting videos that not only met but exceeded client expectations. One project that stands out is a promotional video for a lifestyle brand, where my editing techniques contributed to a 50% increase in social media engagement.
With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of pacing, color grading, and audio synchronization, I bring a holistic approach to video editing. Whether it’s a promotional video, documentary, or narrative piece, I’m dedicated to enhancing the visual appeal and emotional impact of every project.
I’m eager to bring my expertise to a collaborative environment like ‘DEF Media Innovators,’ where I can contribute to creating visually stunning content that resonates with diverse audiences.”
Join over 11,000+ achievers who are committed to achieving their career goals!
