“So, tell me about yourself.”

More often than not, this is the first question you’ll be asked in an interview—whether it's in-person or virtually. It’s a great ice breaker that allows the interviewer to learn more about you while giving them an opportunity to smoothly transition into the next question.

The nature of such a broad, open-ended question can be intimidating but you can use that ambiguity in your favour—it’s a chance for you to present yourself with an impactful personal statement that gets the interviewer excited about your candidacy.

Structuring your answer to “tell me about yourself”

First things first, make sure you keep your response to “tell me about yourself” in an interview between 1-2 minutes long. This shows your ability to communicate clearly and effectively, and helps to avoid losing the interest of the interviewer.

So how do you keep it concise? Think of yourself as the architect behind your answer. Like any sturdy structure, you need a solid foundation to start, and then you can build your answer, brick by brick.?

When you're prompted with the question in an interview, put yourself in the perspective of the interviewer. They want to understand why you should be considered for the position and what about your background and experience will make you a great fit for the role.

When crafting your answer, it’s important to frame it around how your experience is pertinent to this role. What an interviewer is really asking is, why are you a good fit for this job? So make sure your response answers that question.

1. Call out your relevant experience and skills

Before the interview, do some research on the position and re-read the job posting.Communicate how your unique experience and qualifications make you a great fit for the role. Remember to be specific and support your answer with real results.?For example, instead of saying "I have experience in new client growth," try, "Growing the new client base over 60% in 18 months is one of my proudest accomplishments from my role as ____ at ____."

Pro-tip : Use some key sentences from the job posting and add your own style to them

2. Communicate your passion

Interviewers will often reject technically qualified candidates who lack enthusiasm, so use this section as an opportunity to set yourself apart.?

Example: "While reading about the role financial industry can play in combating climate change, I was very interested in sustainable finance space….”

3. Share your career goals?

Talk about your career goals and how you see them being met at this company and how you can contribute to the company. This builds confidence that you are serious about the job and not testing waters.

Example: "I really liked being able to train and manage junior developers in my role as a team lead over the past two years at my current company. I’d like to be able to take on more responsibility in this area to move up to become a manager in the next 5 years. I understand that your company has a great track in developing and grooming internal talent and I would be thrilled to work in a growth environment"

What to avoid when answering “tell me about yourself” in an interview

Don’t bad mouth your former employers: If the interviewer asks why you’re looking to leave your current role, give an authentic answer—but keep it positive.?

Don’t recite your full resume in your first answer: Leave the interviewer with more to ask about and elaborate on.?

Avoid sounding rehearsed: Reciting a memorized answer can come off as impersonal and flat.?

Don’t disclose too many personal details: Keep your answer to “tell me about yourself” work-centred and professional.?

Putting it all together

Considering all of these elements, you’ll be prepared to confidently deliver a response to “tell me about yourself” that communicates your experience and skills, excitement for the opportunity and career goals.

Keeping your answer clear, concise and impactful will leave the interviewer ready to hear more!