Find a Job You Really Want In
“So, tell me about yourself.”
This popular interview prompt is often viewed as a challenge by candidates. It goes beyond just listing your qualifications and experiences; it’s an opportunity to give interviewers a glimpse into who you are as a person.
Employers are not only interested in your skills and work history but also in how well you might fit into their team and company culture. After all, if you’re going to be spending long hours together, they want to know if you’re someone they can connect with.
Crafting an engaging response can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can leave a lasting impression. Here at Zippia, we’ve compiled a guide to help you navigate this common question.
Contents
- 1. What Are They Really Asking?
- 2. How to Answer the Interview Question “Tell Me About Yourself”
- 3. Topics to Avoid While Talking About Yourself in a Job Interview
What Are They Really Asking?
When interviewers ask you to tell them about yourself, they are looking for more than just your resume. They want to assess whether you would be a good fit for their team.
By now, they likely have a sense of your qualifications and work history; what they want to know is whether you are a person they can see themselves working with closely. In many cases, your potential direct supervisor or team members will be among those making this decision.
This means it’s crucial to connect on a personal level. Even if a hiring manager is from a large corporation, they will still have insight into the company culture and whether you would fit into it.
So, let your personality shine through while you present your professional self.
2. How to Answer the Interview Question “Tell Me About Yourself”
Your ultimate goal when answering this question is to demonstrate that you would be a beneficial addition to the team. Here are some tips to help you frame your response:
- Start with your personal background. Provide context about who you are by sharing a brief overview of your journey. Make it relatable, but keep it concise.
- Discuss your interests and hobbies. Highlight skill-based activities, physical pursuits, or entertainment preferences that paint a picture of who you are outside of work.
- Integrate your professional journey. Explain what drew you to your field and how your experience aligns with the role you are applying for. Avoid lengthy discussions about future goals unless prompted.
- Engage with your interviewer. Look for common interests that can create a connection. Topics like sports, hobbies, or community involvement can help build rapport.
3. Topics to Avoid While Talking About Yourself in a Job Interview
While there are many positive topics to discuss, certain subjects can detract from your candidacy. Here are some topics to steer clear of:
- Avoid controversial topics, such as politics or social justice issues. While it’s important to express your views in the right context, an interview is not that setting.
- Be cautious with personal matters. Sharing personal stories can be fine, but keep them vague and focused on the positive outcomes rather than detailed hardships.
- Never speak negatively about past employers or colleagues. This can create a perception of unprofessionalism and ungratefulness.
- Stay on topic. Keep your response relevant and concise to maintain the interviewer’s interest.
Conclusion:
In summary, answering the question “Tell me about yourself” is about storytelling. Ensure your narrative has a beginning, middle, and end.
Choose your points wisely, framing your experiences and aspirations in a way that aligns with what the employer is looking for. Practice your response, but allow for some flexibility in the moment. Having a clear closing thought can help you finish strong.
Good luck! For more guidance, check out these helpful resources:
3 Tips to Answering the Question “Why Should We Hire You?”
3 Tips for Identifying the Worst Companies to Work For
3 Big Tips to Deciding What’s a Good Salary For Yourself
Author
Ryan Morris was a writer for the Zippia Advice blog who tried to make the job process a little more entertaining for all those involved. He obtained his BA and Masters from Appalachian State University.
