{"id":17039,"date":"2022-11-24T14:42:58","date_gmt":"2022-11-24T07:42:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog?p=17039"},"modified":"2024-03-05T10:20:16","modified_gmt":"2024-03-05T03:20:16","slug":"how-to-ace-the-tell-me-about-yourself-interview-question","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/how-to-ace-the-tell-me-about-yourself-interview-question","title":{"rendered":"How to Ace the \u201cTell Me About Yourself\u201d Interview Question"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, you\u2019ve 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, \u201cSo, tell me about yourself.\u201d You freeze, think, and come up blank.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As daunting as this question may seem, do not fret! In this article, we\u2019re covering just about everything you need to know on how to ace the \u201ctell me about yourself\u201d interview question.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_26 counter-hierarchy\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">TOPICS<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"display: none;\"><label for=\"item\" aria-label=\"Table of Content\"><i class=\"ez-toc-glyphicon ez-toc-icon-toggle\"><\/i><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"item\"><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class=\"ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1\"><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/how-to-ace-the-tell-me-about-yourself-interview-question\/#Why_do_they_even_need_to_ask\" title=\"Why do they even need to ask?\">Why do they even need to ask?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/how-to-ace-the-tell-me-about-yourself-interview-question\/#So_how_do_I_answer\" title=\"So, how do I answer?\">So, how do I answer?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/how-to-ace-the-tell-me-about-yourself-interview-question\/#Tip_1_Filter_your_answers\" title=\"Tip #1: Filter your answers\">Tip #1: Filter your answers<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/how-to-ace-the-tell-me-about-yourself-interview-question\/#Tip_2_Do_not_ramble\" title=\"Tip #2: Do not ramble\">Tip #2: Do not ramble<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/how-to-ace-the-tell-me-about-yourself-interview-question\/#Tip_3_Practice_beforehand\" title=\"Tip #3: Practice beforehand\">Tip #3: Practice beforehand<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/how-to-ace-the-tell-me-about-yourself-interview-question\/#Tip_4_Use_professional_language\" title=\"Tip #4: Use professional language\">Tip #4: Use professional language<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_do_they_even_need_to_ask\"><\/span>Why do they even need to ask?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The initial thought you may have to this question is, \u201cWhy does it matter? It\u2019s all on my resume anyway.\u201d But this question holds a lot more meaning than what meets the eye\u2013or 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"So_how_do_I_answer\"><\/span>So, how do I answer?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div style=\"border-left: 6px solid #0086FF; padding: 5px;\"><span style=\"padding-left: 5px;\"><strong>Read about<\/strong> <a href=\"\/blog\/the-worst-ways-to-answer-the-question-tell-me-about-yourself\">The worst way to answer these similar questions<\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Present<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Past<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Give your recruiter a glimpse into the past \u2013 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Future<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Think of the question, \u201cWhat now?\u201d 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now that you have the structure downpat, let\u2019s dive into some practical tips and tricks (some do\u2019s and don&#8217;ts) for you to think about when answering the \u201ctell me about yourself\u201d question.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tip_1_Filter_your_answers\"><\/span>Tip #1: Filter your answers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As mentioned, you need to keep in mind that your answer should be relevant to the company. Let\u2019s 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\u2019s a good idea to adjust and tailor your answers to the nature of the company and the job description.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tip_2_Do_not_ramble\"><\/span>Tip #2: Do not ramble<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tip_3_Practice_beforehand\"><\/span>Tip #3: Practice beforehand<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tip_4_Use_professional_language\"><\/span>Tip #4: Use professional language<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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 \u2013 and everyone else in the company \u2013 with utmost respect.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There\u2019s 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\u2019ve got this!<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"cta\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"emul cvr-bg\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/2-2.jpg');\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"cta-logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/3.png\" width=\"75\" \/><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wrap\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"caption\" ><p>Every week we produce new insights perfect for fresh graduates like you. Subscribe to our email newsletter.<\/p><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" class=\"button btn-white\" >Subscribe Now<\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- end of wrap -->\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- end of emul -->\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<br\/>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- end of cta -->\r\n\t\t\t\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>So, you\u2019ve 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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":17040,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[18],"tags":[33],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17039"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17039"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17039\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17040"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17039"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17039"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17039"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}