Tell Me About Yourself / introduce yourself / Tell me something about yourself / tell me about yourself interview answers - Best Tricks To Answer the very common interview question.
Introduction:
“Tell me about yourself”.
The first Question in any job interview. This could be the most difficult question and disqualify you if you are not prepared for it.
Alternative forms of the question:
The interviewer can also ask you same questions in different ways like:
- Tell me something about yourself.
- Can you tell me a little about yourself?
- Briefly introduce yourself.
- Please tell us about your background.
- How would you describe yourself?
Asked in every interviews:
In every job interview it is universal that you will be asked the question:
“Tell me about yourself”.
Regardless of your industry, experience level or job type your interviewer will come up with the question, most frequently the first question of the interview. Since it’s often the first question to be asked in an interview, it’s your big chance to make a first impression.
This question is an opportunity for you to set the tone of the job interview and emphasize the points that you most want this potential employer to know about you.
Interviewer's Expectations and Perspectives:
So what your interviewer’s want to know by asking this question?
- His ultimate goal for this interview is to find out enough about you to decide if you’re a good fit for the job opening. In most cases, he wants to like you.
- Can you communicate comfortably?
- How potential candidate you are for the job?
- How your experience is pertinent to the job description you're interviewing?
Some Common Mistakes:
Now, let us talk about some common mistakes not to make while answering the question:
- Don’t recitate your resume: Many candidates; respond by launching into a recitation of their resume; from the very beginning. This can turn into a very long monologue; that is probably the least relevant experience.
- Avoid talking about personal details or life story: Avoid mentioning personal information such as marital status, children, political or religious affiliations, etc. These can be highly sensitive topics that might work against you as a candidate. No one is interest on it.
- Don’t be too modest: Many candidates; make the mistake of being too modest. They reply with a humble or vague introduction; that fails to clearly communicate their strongest qualifications.
How to prepare yourself:
Now let us see some tips to prepare yourself:
- Your answer should be focused on your Top Qualities, Skills, Experiences, Achievements, Distinct Extra curricular activities.
- Short (usually than 1 minute, prepare for 2 minutes).
- Write down your answer and print it.
- Practice the answer again and again.
How to Answer:
Your answer should have three components:
- Who You Are: Concisely summarizes diverse background. Your first sentence should be an introduction to who you are professionally, an overview statement that shows off your strengths and gives a little sense of your personality too.
- Expertise Highlights: The emphasis here is on experience, enthusiasm, and proof of performance. Don’t assume that the interviewer has closely read your resume and knows your qualifications. Use your elevator pitch to briefly highlight 2-4 points that you think make you stand out.
- Why You’re Here: Concise and positive. End by telling them you want the position and why.
Sample Good Answers:
An experienced HR Manager can answer, like:-
“Well, Thank you for giving me the opportunity to introduce myself.
I’m an innovative HR manager with 10 years of experience leading and managing all aspects of the Human Resource functions, — from recruiting to training to benefits — for large enterprises that have multi-cultural and diversified environment.
I have spent the last six years developing my skills as a customer service manager for Telenor Inc. where I have won several performance awards and been promoted twice. I love managing teams and solving customer problems.
Although I love my current role, I feel I’m now ready for a more challenging assignment and this position really excites me.”
An experienced software developer answers may be:
“Thank you for giving me the opportunity.
Well, I have more than five years of experience as a technical project manager at CMMI Level 5 certified Software Development companies.
In my current position I led the development of machine learning enabled IoT based Predictive Healthcare Information Management System and implemented in Savar, Bangladesh to keep track of health record of around 5000 villagers. This project won multiple awards along with national ICT award 2020.
I’m a person who thrives in a fast-paced environment and like to work for Health development. So, right now, I’m looking for an opportunity to apply my technical experience and my creative problem solving skills at an innovative software company that implement innovation in Health.”
Practicing your answer over and over will be the key to success.
Best of luck.
