Summary

The website content provides a guide on how to effectively respond to the common job interview question, "Tell us about yourself," by presenting a three-part strategy that focuses on the interviewee's personal attributes, professional qualifications, and interest in the company.

Abstract

The article emphasizes the importance of preparing a concise and targeted response to the interview question "Tell us about yourself." It breaks down the answer into three key components: a brief personal introduction with a glimpse into one's activities that reflect desirable personality traits, a succinct presentation of relevant experience and skills tailored to the job, and a clear expression of why the candidate is interested in working specifically for the company in question. The author advises candidates to craft their answer carefully, practice it, and ensure it is concise and impactful to make a strong first impression during job interviews.

Opinions

The author believes that the "Tell us about yourself" question is not an invitation to recount one's personal history but rather a strategic opportunity to showcase fit for the job.
Interviewers are more interested in a candidate's professional attributes and suitability for the role than in personal life details.
The author suggests that candidates should choose personal activities that demonstrate attributes relevant to the job.
The article recommends that candidates research the company and provide specific reasons for their interest in the position, showing initiative and genuine interest.
Practice and rehearsal of the response are recommended to ensure confidence and brevity during the actual interview.
The author shares personal experience of successfully using this formula in a job interview, which underscores the effectiveness of the approach.

JOB SKILLS

Job Interview Skills — Tell Us About Yourself

A 3-part strategy for nailing this unavoidable question.

Photo by LinkedIn Sales Solutions on Unsplash

Let’s talk about that dreaded job interview question you know you will be asked — Tell us about yourself.

No matter whether you’re interviewing for a cashier position, a long-haul trucking position, or a corporate seat at the table — your interviewer(s) all ask this question to find out:

More about who you are — as a skilled worker.
More about who you are — as a team member.
More about who you are — as a communicator.

Above all — they want to know if you are the right candidate for this exact position.

What they aren’t interested in, really, is who you are. So, before you launch into a real-life tell-me-about-yourself spiel — learn what your interviewers really want to know.

Continue reading this article to learn the THREE KEY components of a really great TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF interview question, or check out these related topics:

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➡️ You can learn a lot from NOT getting that job you wanted.

➡️ Make yourself more hirable by brushing up on your job skills, but also your work mental performance.

➡️ Can’t keep a job? Perhaps you need a little help mellowing out your personality, improving your mood, and sleeping better?

Still here? Alright. Now let’s nail that “tell us about yourself” bigger-than-big interview question. Because if you do not know how to answer correctly, it becomes a lose-the-job pitfall!

Job Interview Question Number One: Tell Us About Yourself

The initial introductions are over in seconds. The smiling has been exchanged. The eye contact has been made. You’re wringing the nerves from your hands, which are currently hiding in your lap, under the desk or table.

Then, the interview begins — with the same question/CTA, nearly without fail:

➡️ Tell us about yourself.

➡️ Tell me more about yourself.

➡️ Tell us a little bit more about yourself.

No matter how the interviewing staff word this opening statement (posed as a question)…it can be misleading. Essentially, it is a call to action.

You may think they want to know where you come from, what you like, what makes you tick — and they do, but those things you will slide carefully into your real answer.

If you imagine the question reworded a bit, it can lead you to the real matter of this opening CTA:

➡️ Tell us why we should listen to you.

➡️ Tell us why you think you are the person for this job.

➡️ Tell us why we should hire you.

How to Answer ‘Tell Us About Yourself’ Correctly

Your real answer is a well-written, clever, intentional, and well-rehearsed succinct explanation of three things:

Who you are & where you are from (very short), and one or two carefully selected activities you enjoy. Consider this your opener. Give this 1–3 sentences. Keep it tight, and friendly, and make eye contact! Your favorite activities should demonstrate a key personality trait that you want them to consider about you. (Examples: Skydiving = fearlessness. Training for marathons = dedication, discipline, and determination. Volunteering at a homeless shelter = selflessness, compassion, and contribution to the community.) What attributes do they want to see? Choose an activity that shows it.
Why your experience, skills, and temperament are perfect for this position. Consider this your personal hire-me sales pitch. You need to hit the right buzzwords while highlighting personality traits and strengths essential to the position. Give this 3–5 sentences. Mention directly relevant experience and skills that you have mastered.
Why you want to work for Company A — Your CTA for them to hire YOU. Show them you have done your research on their company and give them at least one specific reason you’d love to work for their company. Consider this your closer. Give this 1–3 sentences.

That’s it. That’s the formula. This is exactly what interviewers want to hear from you when you tell them who you are.

Author’s note: I used this very formula just a few days ago for a highly sought-after writing job. When I finished my “Tell us about yourself” answer, the interviewer said these words: “Wow. That was a perfect answer.”

Write out your answer and then edit it to perfection. Now the part that you know you need to do but avoid — you must practice your answer. Rehearse it in front of a mirror until you get it perfect. And — down to just a couple of minutes.

Follow this easy advice for mastering “Tell us about yourself” and nail your next job interview. Show up calm and confident, knowing you are prepared and can present yourself as the perfect candidate for the job!

Christina M. Ward is a freelance writer in cannabis, wellness, and clean beauty. Christina’s professional work has been featured in Today’s Health Science, LA Weekly, Village Voice, Long Island Press, Men’s Journal, and OK! Magazine, among others.

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