Answering Interview Questions - 1 – So, tell me about yourself.

I have been through several interviews in my life. I mean the job interviews. Mostly sitting on the ‘cold seat’ interviewing people - freshers to people who are more experienced than me. Being there has given me innumerable learning and experiences. I thought it will be good to share my perspectives to help people on the hot seat – the ones that get interviewed. When I feel that is making sense, I plan to pen type in some thoughts for the interviewer. So read on.

So, tell me about yourself

The above harmless question or variations of the same is the most commonly asked question in job interviews. How many of us have felt that we could have done better answering this after interviews? I have felt it myself quite a few times.

One common mistake that I have seen from innumerable candidates is coming unprepared and unrehearsed for this question

As always, I will start with the ‘Why’. ‘Why’ is the interviewer asking this question? She has your resume, possibly checked up the LinkedIn profile. So, what’s she trying to get at?

There is one main reason for this question.

She wants to find the best person, as soon as possible. So, the interviewer is not an interrogator. You know it, every interview gives you tense moments. She wants to put you at ease. At job you have your tense moments, but on an average, at work, you will have more of your normal days than tense days. She wants you to be comfortable, in many situations that brings the best out of you. Once people are at ease, they open-up.

A good answer to this question sets the tone of the interview. It can give you the confidence to participate in the ensuing discussion much better. If you don’t do this answer well, the interview may not go the way you wanted it to go.

Now since we know the ‘Why’ how can we better answer the question and start on a strong footing?

Many people who I have guided or sought my help have asked me several questions around it – Should I start chronologically? Should I talk about where I come from? Should I talk about my strengths and weaknesses? How long this should be?

Well, there are no magic formulas for cracking this, but let me give you some pointers as well as some narrations that could be avoided

1.      Keep it short and concise. I would think 60-90 s is good.

2.      If you have worked with a big brand, include that name. You have cracked the test and interview at that reputed company. It adds credibility. In case you have not worked with a big brand, don’t get disheartened. What is unique about your previous employer? Are they a significant player in a niche area? Were they felicitated in some recent rankings? Eg. One of the top 10 fastest growing tech company startups? Include that.

3.      Connect your experience and expertise to the current role requirements. Fortunately, or unfortunately, you will be recruited based on your experience(yes, some tests if they have). If the interview is for a team-lead role working with teams across various locations, you should mention your experience of having done the same.eg In my previous jobs I have successfully led teams of varied sizes spread across multiple locations.

4.      It will be good to end your narration about why you want that job Is there anything about the company that stood out for you, that you felt passionately about? You can state your intentions clearly. For eg. I have been working with small to medium sized companies. At this stage of my career, I would like to experience scale in terms of operations and challenges. I believe the opportunity xxx (company) offers would align well with my aspirations. I am looking forward to it.

5.      Highlight your achievements – This is a bit tricky. Hence use it only when you have good context. For eg. If the opening is for a senior digital marketing person, you may want to highlight that you won an internal award at your earlier employer for the best project of the quarter. Avoid sounding boastful.

What are best to avoid?

1.      Talking about your family, place where you come from

2.      Making it a summary of your resume

3.      Being boastful about your achievement

4.      Making comments/questions like – Where do you want me to start from? Would you like me to talk about my recent job?

5.      Looking unprepared – using fillers (may be most common when English is not your first language) like ‘Well, when I was in xxx, the stuff I did in xxx

6.      Your likes, hobbies, strengths, weaknesses

7. Acronyms - Avoid all, if you need to use it expand them.

In short, highlight your expertise and why you are interested in the job. 

One common mistake that I have seen from innumerable candidates is coming unprepared for this question. You know this question is to come and still you don’t put your best foot forward and set the tone for the interview. BIG lost opportunity. Many candidates ramble around, not knowing where to stop and what details to include. Answer to ‘So, tell me about yourself’ is an elevator pitch for you. You want to get that done well.

So, prepare. Write it down, sharpen it as if this question is going to come for the ‘exam’. Rehearse. Solid answer to this question will set the tone of your interview, give you the confidence and set you in the path to success.

Be honest. Don’t make up facts or stretch to connect the dots.

What do you think? Does this work? Are there any other pointers from your experience? Pls let me know in the comments below. Like and Share so that this helps more.

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Link to my second article in this series - 'So, why are you leaving your current job?'?

You may also like some of my previous articles linked here

The views expressed above are my personal ones and have nothing to do with my employers - past, present or future.