Are you preparing yourself for an upcoming Interview and Looking for some Tell Me About Yourself Examples? Well, This is what I am going to discuss in this blog.
We all know the first and foremost question you will ever face in any interview is “Tell Me About Yourself.”
There are hundreds of ways to answer this question. The question seems easy when you have to write it on paper, but it becomes difficult when you have to speak.
Worried about how to answer this question?
Relax, you are not alone!
Most people struggle with this question.
Remember that this is your first chance to impress your Interviewer. So make sure you answer it carefully and impressively.
This article will help provide an idea of how to answer the question. Moreover, I will also give some Tell Me About Yourself Examples for your better understanding.
Tell Me About Yourself Examples
Before answering this question, you first need to understand why they are asking it in the first place.
Hint: the interviewer isn’t looking for your life story or which movie you watched last night.
Rather, the question is a way for them to ease into the actual interview and get a general idea of what you’re all about.
It acts as an introduction and depending on how you answer, it will help the interviewer decide what to ask next.
This is your opportunity to leave a lasting first impression.
Here are a few Tell Me About Yourself Examples:
Clearly mention the details
Start with a pleasant greeting by mentioning the full name with clear pronunciation. Mention the place you belong to, followed by the name. Tell the educational qualifications starting from school education till your graduation by stating your percentage details. A little information about your family would be an additional advantage but don’t dump all the details of your background. Simply mentioning your father’s name and occupation is adequate. This comprises the first part of your introduction. Take this as an opportunity to present yourself and keep this introduction more as a direct conversation rather than a simple recitation.
Here is an example:
| Good morning. I am John Williams, I am from XX city. I completed my B. Tech graduation in Computer Science and Engineering from YY University with an 8 GPA. I completed my school graduation from ZZ Higher Secondary School with 98%. My father’s name is Joseph and he is a retired teacher. |
Prior Experience
If you are a fresher who is aiming for your first ever dream job, defining your educational qualifications is enough. However, if you have any prior working experience, you can state them by mentioning the organization’s name, contribution to that organization, and duration. Then, you can briefly explain all the experience you acquired from that organization and the areas of your interests. Of course, there is a chance that the recruiter might interrupt here and ask questions regarding your accomplishments. So, you have to be true and confident while stating your qualifications and your work experience.
Here is an example:
| I have prior experience in this field from the XX organization as a software engineer. I have successfully completed the projects mentioned in my resume, and these are all my accomplishments. |
Areas of Interests
Areas of interest differ from person to person according to their qualifications and prior work experience. After clearly specifying your personal details and qualifications, mentioning your areas of interest would be an advantage. It will make you more confident about yourself, and it will allow you to present yourself more enthusiastically and passionate about your career. It is significant to include all these details within the time they provide for your introduction. Make it short and precise without elaborating much.
Here is an example:
| Sales associate I have a friendly personality, and I am interested in assisting others. One of the most satisfying things is to help customers choose quality products that fulfill a requirement. Apart from assisting people, I am interested in communications and influencing. I am taking a persuasive writing class currently that has assisted me in seeing how the selection of language can influence others to make choices and form opinions based on my presentation of ideas.I look forward to utilizing my communication skills and ability to convince others to up-sell products for the business and show customers the value of high-end products. |
Hobbies
Followed by your academic and professional details, conclude by saying a bit more about yourself by mentioning your hobbies, strengths, and weaknesses. Though it is a secondary thing to notice, hobbies say a lot about a person. Their hobbies and interests can determine a person’s nature and potential. Be clear about your hobbies and be true while mentioning them. For instance, if you are saying that reading books is one of your hobbies, the recruiter might have a chance to make you discuss the books you have read casually. If you are not truly interested in reading books and just mention them for the sake of saying, you might lose the reputation.
Here is an example:
| My hobbies are reading books, playing chess and photography. |
Strengths and Weaknesses
Mentioning your strengths and weaknesses would be an additional value as it would give an impression that you are better at analyzing yourself. Be honest about mentioning your strengths and weaknesses, and provide an instance from your life if possible. Tell how confident you are about your strengths and make them appear more direct. Weaknesses should be mentioned so that you are working to improve yourself and how you are determined to turn your weaknesses into strengths.
Here is an example:
| Coming to my strengths and weaknesses, I am self-confident and self-motivating, which helps me stay motivated whenever I face difficult times. I am an honest and trustworthy person regardless of the situation, and I have also maintained the same in my previous organizations. My weakness is I am an emotional person, and this makes me maintain honest relationships with people. I am trying my best to make myself emotionally strong and confident. |
4 Crucial Tips To Answer “Tell Me About Yourself.”
Apart from all tell me about yourself examples, here are a few crucial tips that will help you in answering this question.
Keep It Professional and To the point.
Whenever you are answering, just try to keep it short (1-2 minutes). Your interviewer is not interested in listening to your whole life story. They don’t care about how many friends you had in school or how your first internship went.
Practice It
This is a common question in every interview “tell me about yourself”.
So, every job seeker needs to practice this answer a bit!
Practice a mock interview with your friends or family members. If you try to memorize it, then chances are high you will forget it later. But if you practice it, you will remember it for a long time.
Know Your Interviewer
You never know who is going to take your interview. That is why it is important to keep in mind who you’re talking to. It can be H.R., Business Manager, Hiring Manager, or C.E.O.
You might be thinking, why does this matter?
Well, this is because each of these people expects a different answer.
Let’s say you’re a computer science engineer, and the H.R. is interviewing you. If you start talking about how much you love coding in Assembly, you’ve practically lost them.
See, the H.R. doesn’t have knowledge about coding or Assembly.
They’re expecting a more general answer about you, your career, and the reasons for applying to the company.
Remember Personal, Academic, and Work
Every good answer should start with:
- Personal – Your personal details should be 5-10% but keep them relevant.
- Academic – 10-15% of your answer should be regarding your educational/academy background (college, achievements, etc.).
- Work – This is where you should cover 80% of your answer. Focus on your prior experience and achievements here.
Keep in mind that the Personal, Academic, and Work rule isn’t set in stone.
For example, if you’re a student, your entire answer could be about your academic career and personal interests.
Conclusion
I hope you have some idea of how you can answer if your interviewer asks you, “tell me about yourself.” Moreover, I have also given some tell me about yourself examples for your better understanding.
Now, to recap, make sure you structure your answer so that it makes sense. Stick to the past-present-future format. Keep it relevant and brief. Your personal details should be 5-10%, and 10-15% should be regarding your educational background. Your main focus should be your prior experience and achievements. Remember that no one wants to hear your whole life story.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you introduce yourself in an interview?
While entering your job interview building, you may require to check in with reception. Step in and introduce yourself with your full name then your interview time after that job role you’re interviewing for. This can be quick and simple, such as, “Hi, my name is Devid Xavier.
How can I brief about myself?
Here are few steps you need to follow:
- Introduce yourself.
- Add the most important professional experience.
- State significant personal accomplishments or awards.
- Add personal details.
- Use a relaxed and friendly tone.