How to Answer the Question, Tell Me About Yourself

How to Answer the Question, Tell Me About YourselfHow to Answer the Question, Tell Me About YourselfMost vorstellungsgesprchs departure off with this dreaded question, and in equal standing, most bewerberinterviewees fumble through it. Knowing how to answer the question Tell me about yourself, can move the interview in the right direction, rather than set a sour tone.Weve all been in the hot seat at one point or another, and trying to tell a complete stranger about yourself using such vague directions is easily stress inducing. However, by keeping a few simple interview tips in mind, and by doing a little prep work, you can begin the interview on a more positive note.Tips on How to Answer the Question, Tell Me about Yourself.Prepare Ahead of TimeEven if you dont have an interview scheduled, start practicing for this question now. Get your statement together and practice it so that when the time comes, you will be able to tell them about yourself without fumbling for words or sitting through awkward pauses. Aim to talk for about 30 seconds.Your answer can includeA statement about your overall expertise or career experienceSome personality traits that make you a great fit for the roleSome specifics about experiences that make you stand out for this particular roleA quick mention about your hobbies or interests that make you stand out to interviewers in a GOOD wayAvoid talking aboutPersonal details your family, marital status, age, religion, etc.Things that arent completely relevant to the job at handYour weaknesses, why you dont like your current job or boss, or anything negativeDo Your ResearchThis cannot be stressed enough. Do research ahead of time to learn about the company and fully understand the job and its responsibilities. If you know the name of the person interviewing you, check out their LinkedIn profile and their corporate profile on the company page to get a feel for what they are interested in. Additionally, brush up on your own work experience. Th e more details you know without having to look at your resume, the better.Be Confident and EnthusiasticSet the tone by being confident and enthusiastic. If you stumble and question your own abilities, as well as sound bummed about your professional accomplishments, you are probably giving the same impression to those interviewing you.Be BriefInterviews are timed and this question could easily spin the entire interview out of control. Try keeping your answer to between 30 seconds and a minute, or roughly two to three interesting and useful items. Try using your elevator pitch or five-word job description to make a quick impactKeep It RelevantThe question is expressly asked to give the hiring party an idea of how you respond in such situations, as well as a quick snapshot of your professional self. Dont start out telling your life story. Stick to facts that show how you will fit in on the team and that you can do the job you are interviewing for. It is also acceptable to throw in a fe w of your most important accomplishments.Keep It CurrentIn order to keep your answer brief, you are not going to include your entire work history. Stick to major accomplishments and professional details that have taken place within the last few years or so. Everything before that time period will be addressed on your resume, and if they are interested, they will ask.Telling others about yourself may or may not come easily to you. For interview purposes, it is important, no matter your comfort level, to practice how you will respond to such a vague question. Being clear and concise in your wording, while maintaining the human aspect of your professional brand is important. Keep in mind that the interview is a way for the hiring company to get a feel for you as a person- a way to put a personality with the resume. While it is important to remain professional and stay focused, dont be afraid to let a bit of your personality shine through.Readers, do you struggle to answer when asked, T ell me about yourself? Share your thoughts with us below