How to Ace the “Tell Me About Yourself” Interview Question

So, you’ve done it: you were able to book an interview with the hiring team of the company you applied for. Congratulations on this career milestone! But the journey is not quite over yet. Aside from fighting off those interview jitters and planning what to say, there seems to be one question that fazes a good number of job applicants. The interviewer asks, “So, tell me about yourself.” You freeze, think, and come up blank. 

As daunting as this question may seem, do not fret! In this article, we’re covering just about everything you need to know on how to ace the “tell me about yourself” interview question. 

Why do they even need to ask?

The initial thought you may have to this question is, “Why does it matter? It’s all on my resume anyway.” But this question holds a lot more meaning than what meets the eye–or ear, rather. First thing you need to understand is that, by asking this question, it helps the recruiter ease you into the interview. Instead of jumping straight into the accomplishments you would like to fulfill or even your career snapshot, it all starts with a simple question about who you are. This also gives you a chance to elaborate on your soft skills and hard skills, as well as what your work ethic is like. Moreover, this quintessential interview question is a test to see if you are able to be both concise and informative, while remaining somewhat creative with your answer.

So, how do I answer?

Though there are many ways you can approach this broad question, there is also a formula presented by career counselors. This will help you structure your response in a more effective and clear manner. 

Present

This is your chance to talk about who you are now. Give a summary of what your current role is like, what you do on a daily basis, and recent projects you are working on. 

Past

Give your recruiter a glimpse into the past – such as your previous work experience, what you have accomplished, and the like. Remember to always keep the information you give aligned to the job you are applying for. Make sure to know what is relevant to the recruiter and to the company by and large.

Future

Think of the question, “What now?” With all the information you have laid out for the interviewer to assess, think about what you can contribute to the company given everything you have experienced. Be it in work or in school or in another professional setting, everything you said should lead up to how the company can benefit from your input and work style. 

Now that you have the structure downpat, let’s dive into some practical tips and tricks (some do’s and don’ts) for you to think about when answering the “tell me about yourself” question.

Tip #1: Filter your answers

As mentioned, you need to keep in mind that your answer should be relevant to the company. Let’s have an example: you are applying for a job in the accounting and finance department of a certain corporation. Will your grade school art class projects be something worth mentioning to your interviewer when it comes to school accomplishments? It certainly will not be top of mind. With that being said, it’s a good idea to adjust and tailor your answers to the nature of the company and the job description.

Tip #2: Do not ramble

Digressing from the question and using flowery language can easily turn off your interviewer and make them distracted too. It gives off the impression that you are not focused on the question presented to you. Be concise, speak professionally, know what to include and what not to include. An interviewer goes through countless job applicants in a day. Make sure your interview is worth their time. 

Tip #3: Practice beforehand

Try to use the format of present, past, and future mentioned above. You can opt to practice on your own aloud or with a trusted friend or family member just so you can get the flow of your answer. This will help you get constructive feedback as well! Take note of the improvements that can be made. 

Tip #4: Use professional language

Though this question is meant to ease you into the interview, do remember that this is still a professional setting you are applying to. No, you do not have to be uptight the whole time. Relax, breathe, and make sure to treat your recruiter – and everyone else in the company – with utmost respect.

There’s no denying that this question can be a little challenging for most, if not, all job applicants. It can seem nearly impossible to condense who you are into a few minutes during the interview. But, remember, this is your chance to make the best first impression possible. Make it count and know you’ve got this!

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