The right answers for common interview questions - "Tell me about yourself"

Almost every interviewer you would face would start off with this question! Since the first impression is the best impression, it becomes mandatory that you absolutely nail this first question without giving the interviewer a doubt about your ability to fit the role that you are applying for. Here is how you do it right.

Being concise

Though many people would tell you otherwise, a crisp and concise answer that briefly gives the interviewer an idea of who you are is all that is needed. Some people have the habit of reciting their entire resume which is not needed since the interview would most probably have gone through the resume already.

Look for cues and see if the interviewer is expecting more out of you. In that case, after you are done with the summary of yourself you can move onto the most important role and responsibility that you handled in your most recent job that is also connected to what is required of you by the interviewing organization. If the interview seems to be waiting to shoot the next question, you can cut it short and later pick up on what you had introduced.

Giving what the interviewer wants

An interviewer, just like you, has an end goal in mind. You want the job – he wants to fill the job vacancy. So, play to what the interviewer wants. Keep in mind the job role you are looking to fill in and let everything you say about yourself indirectly and subtly point in the direction of the job objection required. Do not overdo it and sound desperate from the first question onward but try to convey you have what it takes.

For example, if you are a Business Analyst applying for a client-serving role in an organization, your about me speech should include that you are good with people and comfortable making contacts. This will plant the seed in the interviewer’s mind that you could be a good match for the vacancy.

Avoid overload of personal info

Many people get the wrong information about this question being personal! No interviewer wants to know what your hometown is or what your hobbies are! Take it off your speech and reserve it for the right moment if the interview goes off in that direction.

If you wish to share your background, keep it professional and summarize your professional life. If you are experienced, there is no point about telling the interviewer how you started your career and how it transitioned! The key here is to focus on things that will get you the job.

Be confident!

Some people get caught up in two worlds – they are unsure of what information they should be giving out and end up giving a vague description of what they intend to say. Be confident and share whatever you started off in the best possible manner. Have a plan of what points you would like to cover and try to throw in a few facts and stats to make you look good. Never be unprepared!

“Tell me about yourself” – the most common, yet challenging question at an interview. It’s also predictable and hence the easiest to prepare! Have a plan of what you would like to say well in advance and shine brightly to bag the opportunity.