Interviews are stressful since they cause us to worry before responding, but this is normal as we want to perfect our responses, but the commonly asked question is
What can you tell me about yourself?
The statement is relatively simple to answer in writing since it is easier to write than say, but in interviews, we cannot put it in writing.
Nevertheless, when you look at any of it, it’s a broad question to answer so we start to worry about how to respond as we tend to think about like
Do you begin with your history? Do you read everything on your cv? Or do I identify myself as an individual rather than as a professional?
Also read this post: tell me about yourself sample answer for fresh graduate for more information.
How to Respond to the Questionnaire, “Tell Me About Yourself”
Understanding why they asked the question, can help you respond to it more effectively.
Keep in mind that the recruiters aren’t probing you about your personal life or what you had for breakfast; rather, they’re trying to determine whether you’re qualified for the position.
It serves as an opening question, and based on your response, it will assist the employer to determine what and how to ask next.
If you provide a correct response, the recruiter will eagerly pursue you with further inquiries. Yet, if you select the incorrect response, you will be classified as the “OK Applicant.”
So what constitutes a “good answer”?
It’s rather simple, though. A suitable response would’ve been
Customized – Your response has to be customized for the position you’re looking in.
Based on your experiences & Accomplishments – Be quite precise in the response.
Organized – Your response must be clear, and uncomplicated in manner. Equation “Past-Present-Future.” Hence, format your response as described in the following:
- The past- What is your history and prior job expertise that is pertinent?
- The present- What position do you have right now? What do you do? Which are your greatest successes?
- The future- What are your plans for the coming years? What draws you to this job, specifically?
Four Crucial Pointers for “Tell Me About Yourself” Responses
1) Be succinct and competent.
Maintain a formal tone and make your response brief since you do not want to ramble on. Extended responses convey a sense of insecurity, and that is certainly not a positive impression.
Advice: If you see that the employer is becoming disengaged, it may be best to eliminate the conversation.
2) Practice, but avoid memorization
In almost every job, the question “tell me about yourself” will be asked.
It is always recommended to practice and comprehend your answer rather than memorize it.
Rather, prepare a broad notion about what you’ll discuss, memorize the outline, then create the remainder of the conversation.
3) Understand Your Market
It’s critical to remember who you are speaking to.
Is it HR ? or commercial director? the manager? the hiring authority?
The fact is, every one of these folks has a different perception of the response.
And thus always adjust your response to leave a positive impression.
4) Work, Academic, and Personal format
- Work- 80% of your response should be related to work as you’re here to work.
- Academic – You must then discuss your social history in 10 to 15 percent of your response.
- Personal – The remaining 5–10% ought to concern you personally.
