"Tell Me About Yourself"

Job Interviews can be a heck-of-a challenge, no matter how prepared and confident we believe ourselves to be. We anticipate every possible question they might throw our way, and we rehearse how to effectively respond to those questions. The trick to success in this endeavour is to understand this basic truth: Interviewers aren't fooling around. They don't have time to waste. They're busy people, and their primary function in the interview process is to find the best possible candidate to fill the role. That's it. Pretty basic.

So as candidates we need to remember that every single question they ask is designed to help them make that determination. Therefore, every single time we open our mouths it should be to project the image that WE are, in fact, the best candidate for the job.

They may ask about your background, your experiences, your problem-solving strategies, your successes, etc. But there is a big scary question that jumps up in most interviews: "Tell me about yourself". This is one of the most important elements of the interview and is normally asked right at the beginning.? Most candidates flounder here, sliding off onto irrelevant tangents or talking about unrelated subjects.? But it is vital in making a positive and professional impression that we truly understand the question in order to articulate a proper response.?

?Tell Me About Yourself really means, “Tell me why you are the best candidate for the role”.? Or “Why should I hire you?”

Your response needs to address that specifically.? They have no interest in where you were born, how many kids you have or if you play golf on the weekends.?They don't care what kind of music you listen to or if you prefer puppies to kittens. They are in that room with you at that moment to help them find the one person best equipped to fill the role.? Every question they ask guides them to finding that person.?

What they're asking is: What is your background as it relates to the job? How did your career path lead you here? What makes you the best fit?

Successfully responding to this question involves briefly touching on the following three areas; (1) our qualifications, (2) our experience as it relates to this occupational goal and (3) our attributes, including your ability to get along with others. In two - three minutes, give them a relevant, but not overly scripted and formal, synopsis of why WE are the wonderful person they've been hoping for.

"Of course, I'd be happy to provide some insight into who I am. Professionally, I've built a solid foundation in (relevant industry/field) through the past (number) of years. I'm really proud of my involvement in (describe a specific project or development you were a key component of). I'm particularly passionate about (specific aspect of your field), which has driven me to (mention any notable achievements).

I've thoroughly enjoyed my career progress so far, and have developed some really lasting and powerful relationships with colleagues and teams I've been part of. Although I am proud of my related education and qualifications, I believe in continuous learning and growth, both professionally and personally (mention any updates, training or qualifications you're currently working on or have recently added) Most people would agree that I'm a (name of some your qualities that are important for the role such as focused, driven, empathetic, goal-driven, outstanding communicator, innovator) individual.

Your company has an outstanding reputation in the industry for (innovation or community involvement or technological advances) and that speaks to me because (explain how this feature resonates with your own philosophy or goals or beliefs)

That's why I'm so pleased to have this opportunity. I believe I'd be a terrific fit in this role, and that this company is one that I would be really proud to be aligned with."

True, this question is just a small element of any job interview. But it is such a personal opportunity for us, as candidates, to engage, to empathize, to summarize our fit, to demonstrate our ability to develop rapport, to speak comfortably and professionally. It's a key opportunity for us to advocate for ourselves.

Employers use interviews to probe into a candidate's motivations, problem-solving abilities, and potential for growth within the organization. They are evaluating our commitment to continuous growth and learning, and what our understanding and perspective of the company is. Remember, employers are really looking for someone to join their team who is going to be an all-round asset in every way possible.? Yes, they are looking for technical abilities, but they also want someone who has potential, who is coachable and willing to learn, is genuinely interested in the company and the other members of the team, and who is articulate.?

At your next job interview when they say, "Tell me about yourself", smile with confidence, look them in the eye, and tell them exactly why you really are the best candidate for the job. Because you are.