tell me about yourself

How To Answer “Tell Me About Yourself” | Dos & Don’ts

Is it that time of the year when you should be ready for job interview questions? But don’t know how to answer “Tell me about yourself”? Before going for an interview, remember some “Dos & Don’ts”. Generally, interviewers are seeking to hire those candidates who can be the best fit for the culture of the company. 

The main purpose of this question is to have overall information about the candidate. It’s a perfect way to analyze competency as well as the communication skills of a job seeker. Answer this right and you will help the interviewer to understand your potential at the company. While answering tell me about yourself, job seekers must communicate their abilities to the interviewers. 

Freshers, are you looking for a job opportunity? Click here to find the most promising jobs in the industry.

Dos for “Tell Me About Yourself”:

  • Start Slow, Safe & Personal:

Start with who you are as a person, and offer a peek into your family and personality. If you have hobbies and interests that are relevant to the job please let the hiring managers know your specialty. 

For example, if you are approaching a consultancy job and you are good at putting your thoughts into words then let the interviewer know. If you have done volunteering or assistance in any type of pitching competition then you should show your solid character to the questioner. 

  • Achievements:

Exhibiting your accomplishments in front of an interviewer can boost your interview a little. If we move further with the previous example of a consultancy job and you have achievements like certificates in extempore or a medal in inter-college competition then it will be a success. 

Or if you are a professional with some work experience then mention your previous experience of pitching the product to your clients, similarly, if you have cracked any deal, mention that as well.

  • Work Experience: 

While talking about your work experience and skills, always be sharply defined. Let the interviewer know all the things you have learned from your experience. Tell about your projects, the difficulties you faced, and the outcome.

If you are a fresher then speak about your internship projects, college projects, and how you have game-planned them. With this, prepare yourself to explain the gap in your employment window. 

  • Sell your Skills Relevant for the Job:

More and more employers are looking for skills like emotional intelligence, teamwork, communication, digital literacy, critical thinking, leadership, strong work values, and analytical and problem-solving (we know that’s a lot).

Leave no stone unturned while answering to tell them about yourself and your skills with a set of examples that show exactly who you are. During the interview process, you should highlight as many of your strengths as possible.

Try to talk about the uphill battle that you faced in your previous job and how you have raised the bar for other employees.

Don’ts for “Tell Me About Yourself”:

  • Information Overload: 

While answering “tell me about yourself” try not to provide information that is loaded, it should be crisp. You want to sound natural, like a real person that people would like to have in the next cubicle or talk to while a happy hour. Although an interviewer will be trying to find out more about you, make sure you know where the line is. 

Small talk can help to break the ice, but don’t disclose too much personal information about your life. Stay professional and only share what’s relevant to your job.

  • Controversial Subjects:

Unless you’re interviewing for a company that’s committed to politics, it’s best to stay as far away as possible from this topic during your interview. But don’t forget to acknowledge the interviewer’s perspective.  

Religion, Politics, Personal Life, Career Aspirations, Health Problems, and your debts- try to avoid talking about these topics. Try sticking to safe topics while answering “tell me about yourself” and practice for the topics that are less controversial like movies, music, travel, and food (especially if you bring some to share).

  • No Negative Information:

If you believe you had the worst job experiences, resist the urge to badmouth them during your job interview. The interviewer may ask you about your present or past employment situations, and while you have to answer it should be brief and neutral.

If you are no longer at the company, explain why. Try to make a short statement about what you have learned. Answer the question smartly and try to easily move on to the next question in your interview.

Companies don’t need to know that you’re drowning in student loan debt or having relationship problems. The wrong private details can often disqualify an otherwise excellent candidate.

  • Bragging: 

Have you ever felt like people don’t want to listen to you? Then stop talking big about yourself, always be specific and to the point.

Do: Let the interviewer know that you’re the best fit for this position he or she is going to find. Show them you’re perfect for the job, a hard worker, an excellent problem-solver, and a leader. Don’t be afraid to brag(but don’t be diarrhea of the mouth). Appropriate bragging will surely help you. 

Don’t: There’s no way you can go to a job interview and say, “I’m awesome! You should hire me!”

Employers are sick of hearing job applicants saying foolish things. The problem is that bragging doesn’t work. It’s not convincing and sends the wrong message. Bragging about yourself doesn’t convey confidence; it conveys anxiety. Only nervous people stoop to beg other people to think they are smart, accomplished, or clever. 

Things To Do Before Job Interview: 

  1. Fix your Questions 
  2. Exercise your Interview Techniques
  3. Plan your Journey
  4. Stay Focused
  5. Sleep Well
  6. Stay Calm and Confident
  7. Eat a Healthy Breakfast/Lunch
  8. Don’t Forget Printouts
  9. Dress Suitably

It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in or what stage of your career you’re at. The job interview is nerve-racking every single time. The secret to keeping your anxiety at bay is crafting the “tell me about yourself answer” in advance. If you have to stay ahead of the pack, then you should know the answers to the questions given below- 

  1. What does this particular job search include?
  2. Is there a lot of leadership and authority involved? 
  3. Talk about your experiences, how you have dealt with things that you haven’t thought about (No matter how small the problem was) 
  4. Does the job involve a lot of traveling or a high level of technical skills? 
  5. You need to “tailor” your answer to, “tell me about yourself,” in a nutshell. 
  6. What you can bring to the table?
  7. What makes you work for the company you’re interviewing at?
  8. Why is this job a good fit?

Your answer to the question “tell me about yourself” isn’t the only thing that matters. What matters, even more, is your confidence, passion, tone, and delivery. If you get on well with an employer, try not to shoot from the hip next time.

Also, find similar blogs with must-know tips, easy steps, sample phrases, and sentences.

The Bottom Line: 

Remember that a job interview is an opportunity to sell yourself to a prospective employer. Be sure to slip in the right catchwords to give you the best chance possible of securing your dream job. Your body language always casts you who you are. Sitting in a posture of confidence even when you don’t feel confident can boost your chances of success. 

“You are the only person on earth who can use your ability”~ Zig Zigler

All the best!

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