Tell me about yourself” really means, “Tell me about your qualifications to perform this job.”

The number one question asked on most interviews is “TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF” or some form of the question.    As you know, you can never get a second opportunity to make a first impression.  This is usually the “ice breaker” question that sets the tone for the rest of the interview.

·         Sales Pitch/ Icing on the cake

So how do you structure your personal statement?  How long should the response be?  What do I want to communicate?

5 Points- Thumb education & experience, Pointer finger – expertise, Middle & Ring- transferable skills, Pinky- How you can add value or what makes you unique.

I always start with what you are or what you want to be (the position you are applying for) then education & expertise.

·      I am a Sales Manager and I have over 19 years’ experience in pharmaceutical sales.  I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from the University of Georgia.  I received a baseball scholarship to UGA and I finished top in my class.

·    My expertise is in selling allergy medicine to physicians in the Atlanta area.

Be prepared for “Why questions…. Ex. why UGA?

 

The next step is to pick your top skills, and then look at the job description for those “nuggets” that tell you what key factors they are looking for.  Hopefully, your skill set will match theirs.  You might see key words such as: Sales, Communication, Organized, Detailed, Teamwork, Relationship Builder, Listening, etc.

·         I have the competency to listen to my customers and really hear what they are saying.  I consider this a key sales trait.  I have an ability to communicate and relate to others, to express myself clearly, and to do it consistently, especially under extreme pressure.

·      My previous VP would tell you that my strengths are my persistence and relationship building skills.  I am able to communicate with and win over the most challenging customers.  I am able to connect with them at their level and listen with empathy.  I take a very personal approach when meeting with clients and I follow up with prompt service.  I work well independently or as a member of a team.  In fact, I led a team that finished first in new sales at XYZ Company.

·      I am very detailed-oriented and have a strong work ethic. I have a talent for identifying opportunities, and setting priorities.  I can juggle a lot of balls at once without missing any details or making any mistakes.

·      How I can add value to your company is that I was the top sales person in my company two out of the past three years.  I doubled my sales goals from 1M to 2M in 2014.  I have a passion for sales and I am very familiar with your products and competition.