Everything you wanted to know about the “Tell me about
yourself…..” interview question.
1.
Why is Tell me about yourself the #1 interview
question?
This question is an easy question
to start the interview. It’s an “ice
breaker” and should give the hiring manager valuable information for the rest
of the interview. This is your first impression and it will set the tone for
the rest of the interview.
2.
Do they really want to know all about you?
No, the hiring manager wants to
hear that you can solve their problem.
They want to hear that you have the competency for the position, will
fit in well with their team and add value.
3.
How long should my answer be? A good answer is around 2 minutes long. Too short and it won’t be enough information,
too long and you lose your audience. The
interviewer, if they are good, they will ask you follow up questions based on
your answer.
4.
How do you structure your answer? Start off with
your education & experience, then your expertise (it should solve the
employer’s big problem), then transferable skills (match your skills based on
the job description) ex. leadership, analytical, communication, etc. Then I
would end it by the added value you bring to the position.
5.
Can you use your answer for other
questions? Yes, you can use it as a base
for: Why should we hire you? What can you do better than the other candidates?
What are your strengths?
6.
Is walk me through your resume and tell me about
yourself the same answer? No, when you
are asked to walk me through your resume, the interviewer wants to know what
you were responsible for and what you accomplished in each of the positions you
listed on your resume.
7.
Do you need to tailor your answer for each
position? Yes, based on the job description,
the hiring manager’s big problem, and the core competencies, you need to tweak
your answer for each position.
8.
What are some tips on how not to answer this
question? Don’t talk about your personal
life, ramble on or talk negative.
9.
What are some more tips on how I can ace this
question? Show enthusiasm, thank them for the opportunity to show them why you
are the ideal candidate.
10.
How do I get better at answering this question?
Practice! You need to be prepared for
this question and rehearse it over and over.
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