Oftentimes in an interview, you’ll be asked a number of questions that are so open ended that your head will spin coming up with an answer. The “tell me about yourself” question should be on the top of the list.
Generally speaking, this question isn’t meant to stump you. Interviewers will usually ask it in the very beginning of the interview as an ice breaker of sorts. They’re looking for more information to lead the conversation further.
While your answer should be tweaked slightly to cater to the position you’re vying for, the outline should remain the same. This is something that you can practice and recite back simply. Don’t feel the need to memorize it though, otherwise you’ll just sound like you’re reading lines off of a script.
When asked this, try to keep it catered to your professional side. While throwing in some personal tidbits can be great, you can always get to this later. Focus on the professional side and work into the personal side of things when prompted.
An easy rule of thumb that I try to follow is this, first written by Lily Zhang with The Muse. Start with the present, work your way into the past, and then wrap it up with the future.
Present: Walk through your current role briefly and what sorts of responsibilities you take on. Utilize an example of a recent accomplishment if it feels authentic.
Example 1: Currently I am a technical recruiter with TEKsystems, where I work directly with IT professionals to understand their background while learning about the roles they are targeting in their job search. From there, I work to align them with a variety of openings at our clients.
Example 2 (College Student): I am currently in my last semester at UW-Whitewater, working toward a major in Communication. In addition to going to school, I work as an intern at the National MS Society where I work directly with volunteers, donors, and event management to help coordinate Walk MS events.
Past: This is where you cover (you guessed it) the past! Try to keep this brief if you can. The interviewer has your resume right in front of them and can quickly glance through your past work history if they want to. Covering the past should explain how you got where you did while mentioning relevant past experience. Again, keep this brief!
Example 1: Prior to this role, I worked briefly within new and current client management at a financial planning firm. While I didn’t mind this position, I had a large interest in recruiting and was excited when given the opportunity to grow my skill set in that area.
Example 2: I originally pursued my major in hopes of working within public relations. Through several internships working within development at non-profits, including Make-A-Wish Wisconsin and the National MS Society, I realized my passion and interest in fundraising, volunteer management, and event coordination.
Future: This is where you wrap it up and tie it into the position you’re interviewing for. You should explain where you hope to go in your career while including how this position will help you get there. You want to leave the impression that this job makes sense for you and is a good next step.
Example 1: While I enjoy the work that I do, I am hoping to further my career in recruitment by dedicating myself to one specific organization and their recruiting efforts. This is why I’m excited for this opportunity with XYZ company.
Example 2: I’m looking to utilize my specific background to expand my knowledge and experience while dedicating myself to the work and mission of this non-profit. I’m passionate about the work that you do and want to help further your cause, which I believe I can do in this position.
By structuring your answer, you can share your background in a concise manner without fear of rambling. Just remember to keep it positive and professional!
Say you’ve already answered this question but the interviewer asks you to share something that’s not on your resume. This is your excuse to err on the side of personal, but obviously still remaining professional in what you share.
Bowling was my go to. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m an avid bowler and have been doing it since I was 5 years old. I even bowled for the women’s collegiate team at UWW.
Either way, this is something lighthearted that isn’t really listed anywhere on my resume. Generally speaking the interviewer has a lot of questions and it serves as a way for them to get to know me. Now that I’ve started writing this blog, I will likely defer to that instead.
Hobbies are usually fair game to discuss (pending it’s not something like collecting dead bodies or participating in illegal activities). Key accomplishments within a past job that you’re proud of are also fair game.
Quite honestly, the interviewer can read your resume and get a good sense of you as a candidate. Through answering these questions you have the ability to add value and differentiate yourself, while showing that you’re capable for the job.
Having trouble pulling out what’s important to note in an interview? Shoot me a message and let’s discuss.
This article is my own and does not necessarily represent the views or opinions of TEKsystems.
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