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“Tell me about yourself,” the recruiting manager would ask at an interview, starting the dialogue. They would like further information about you to evaluate your uniqueness from other applicants. Knowing how to respond to this question can help you raise your employability and increase your likelihood of receiving a job offer.
This question is a great starting point for hiring managers to get to know you better and create a conversation. It enables them to have a synopsis of your past and expertise, giving them an understanding of what experience and credentials you believe to be most pertinent to the job. Some interviewers might use your answer to start an informal discussion to break the ice and learn more about you, while others might immediately move on to other interview questions.
Variants of the question “Tell me about yourself” are often used in interviews. The question might be phrased in different ways, such as:
– I have your résumé here, but tell me more about yourself.
– Walk me through your résumé.
– I would be much interested in knowing your path further.
– Tell me a little bit more about your background.
– Indicate yourself.
– Tell me anything about yourself not seen on your CV.
When responding to this question, it is crucial to craft a narrative about yourself that highlights your achievements, experiences, and skills relevant to the job. Review the job description, observe the skills required for the position, and focus on showcasing your most recent, relevant experiences. You can also include prior volunteer work and other events to strengthen your story.
Connecting your current employment to the position you are seeking is important. Discuss your current job and how it relates to the available role. If you are applying for a more senior position, talk about how you have taken on additional responsibilities in your current job. Emphasize your talents and capabilities with examples that showcase your achievements. Pay attention to specific details and measurable results in your responses.
Sharing your unique qualities with the interviewer is also crucial. Highlight aspects of your personality, community involvement, or interests that showcase your growth and character. Conclude your answer with a discussion of personal hobbies to maintain a professional distance.
Organizing your response using a formula or structure can help make it succinct and clear. Consider using the present, past, and future structure or the past, now, and ahead structure to guide your response depending on the positions from your experience most pertinent to the job you are seeking.
Here are a few examples of typical responses to the question “Tell me about yourself”:
1. Healthcare Sector Applicant:
“I started my career in retail management, but a few years ago, the healthcare sector caught my attention. I have always excelled at bringing people together and working towards shared goals. After managing stores and leading teams, I transitioned to health administration. Over the past four years, I have been building a career as a motivated health administrator. In my current role at XYZ Medical Center, I have focused on enhancing office efficiency, particularly in relation to patient outcomes…”
2. Interior Design Field Applicant:
“Design has always been my passion since my high school days when I actively participated in interior design projects. After completing a bachelor’s degree in interior design four years ago, I have been working for a Savannah, Georgia interior design company, gaining experience in designing residential and commercial spaces. Working with local vendors and in historic structures has been fulfilling, and I am interested in specializing in design and preservation of historical buildings in the future…”
3. Restaurant Business Applicant:
“I am currently a host at XYZ Restaurant, where I have been for over two years. My duties include greeting and seating clients, assessing wait times, fulfilling to-go orders, answering phones, and maintaining a vibrant and hectic environment. Before joining XYZ Restaurant, I worked as a retail floor associate, enhancing my customer service and team skills. I plan to further develop my customer service and problem-solving abilities in a dynamic restaurant environment like yours…”
Responding effectively to the question “Tell me about yourself” can set the tone for the rest of the interview and showcase your strengths and qualifications to the hiring manager. Prepare your response carefully, highlighting your achievements and experiences that align with the job you are seeking. By crafting a compelling narrative about yourself, you can increase your chances of impressing the hiring manager and securing the job offer.
