How to Approach the Big ‘Tell Me About Yourself’ Interview Question

Do you know the purpose of an interview when you apply for a job? The purpose of an interview is not to tell the employer who you are in and out but to convince them that you’re the perfect fit for the position. A good place to start your interview preparations is by working on the tell me about yourself interview question. This blog will walk you through the essential techniques that will guide you while answering this multifaceted question in an interview.

Why Does an Interviewer Ask the ‘Tell Me About Yourself’ Question?

You might think that this question is just an ice-breaker and aims to put you at ease; however, it’s a lot more. Through this question, the interviewer hopes to understand who you really are and get an insight into your capability to do the job. You must start by introducing yourself in an interview. The response also gives the interviewer an idea about how articulate and confident you are. Since it is an open-ended question, students tend to get confused as to what an employer could be possibly looking for and end up giving a messed-up answer. As a candidate, you need to ensure that your answer gives the employer a glimpse of your skill set and experience which makes you a perfect cut-out for the internship/job. 

Common Variations of ‘Tell Me About Yourself’

You will have to introduce yourself in an interview regardless of your profile. It is the first question that you will encounter. But it is not necessary that the interviewer will ask you this question in the same words. They might have their own variations of asking the same question to you. The following are some common variations:

• Walk me through your resume.
• I would like to know more about your journey.
• I have walked through your resume but elaborate on it for me.
• Tell me something about your professional background.

How NOT to answer ‘Tell me about yourself’?

Before moving on to what you should say, pay attention to what should be avoided while you are answering this question in an interview: 

• Don’t read out your resume – The question gives you an opportunity to create a lasting impression on the interviewers, so instead of reading aloud your resume, try to narrate a summary of your academic background and achievements.
• Do not be informal – Try to answer the question in a professional tone. The interviewer doesn’t need to know that you love dogs and your dream to visit Greece someday. Don’t give away too many personal details about your family, or relationship status. 
• Don’t ramble – Don’t ask counter questions like ‘What exactly do you want to know?’ or ‘Should I tell you about my educational qualifications?’. It’s an open-ended question and you can respond however you want. 
• Do not brag – Present yourself in a humble manner without being too modest and not sharing the details that make you stand out. It is important to understand the difference between professional answers and the things that you tell someone casually.  

How to Answer ‘Tell Me About Yourself’? 

The simplest rule for answering this question is to follow the present, past, and future chronology.

• Present – This section will include a brief of who you are and what you’re currently pursuing. It would include details about your college education, any projects that you are working on, and the clubs and societies that you’re a part of. For instance, 

Hi, I am Smriti. I am studying computer science at Hindu College. I am the president of the debate society at my college, and I’m actively involved in the dramatics society as well.

• Past – This is where you display your knowledge and capabilities to the interviewer. Talking about your previous experiences and accomplishments helps the recruiter get a glimpse of the skills you have and your attitude towards the job. A good answer would be,

Last summer, I worked as a content writing intern at Hindustan Times where I wrote articles for HTCampus. With that stint, I enhanced my writing and research skills. 

The biggest challenge that students may face while talking about their experience is their inexperience. You can tackle this problem by talking about any relevant experience that you have gained outside the classroom. You can talk about the events or competitions that you’ve participated in or any clubs or societies you’ve been a part of. 

• Future – End your answer by telling them what you plan to do. The recruiter is always interested in knowing why you’re interested in that particular role and what your plans for the future are. For example,

I have been quite passionate about writing and when I came across this opportunity, it really excited me. I’m sure I’ll be able to enhance my writing skills here.

‘Tell Me About Yourself’ Sample Answer for Freshers

Here is a sample answer for freshers: 

Thank you for giving me this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is [Your Name], and I am a recent graduate with a [Degree] in [Your Field of Study]. I am eager to embark on a professional career and contribute my skills and knowledge to a dynamic organization.

During my academic journey, I developed a strong foundation in [Key Areas of Expertise]. I also actively participated in extracurricular activities and took up leadership roles. Apart from my academic pursuits, I am an enthusiastic learner and keep myself updated with the latest trends and advancements in my field. In addition to my technical skills, I believe that my positive attitude, adaptability, and strong work ethic are my key strengths. 

While I may not have professional experience yet, I am confident in my abilities and am eager to apply my theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting. Thank you once again for considering my application. I am excited about the possibility of joining your organization and making a positive impact. 

‘Tell Me About Yourself’ Sample Answer for Experienced People

Here is a ‘tell me about yourself’ sample answer for experienced people:

Thank you for asking this question. I have over [X] years of experience in [industry/field]. I have developed a strong expertise in [specific skills or areas of focus] throughout my career and it has helped me shape my personality. I started my journey after I obtained my [relevant degree or certification]. 

After graduation, I started working at [Company/Organization], where I gained extensive experience in [specific responsibilities or projects]. During my time there, I was able to [mention notable achievements or accomplishments]. I believe myself to be a results-oriented professional who enjoys tackling challenges and finding innovative solutions. 

Overall, my diverse experience, and my passion for [industry/field] have prepared me to take on new challenges and make a significant impact in any organization. I am excited about the opportunity to bring my skills and contribute to [Company/Organization] in [desired role].

‘Tell Me About Yourself’ Sample Answer for Career Change

Here is an example of a ‘tell me about yourself’ example for people looking for a career change:

Thank you for the question. Currently, I’m in the midst of transitioning my career into a new field. For the past [number of years] years, I’ve been working in [current industry or position], where I gained valuable skills in [mention relevant skills and experiences]. However, I have realized that my true passion lies in [new field or industry].

I have always been drawn by [new field or industry], and I am confident that it aligns more closely with my interests. In addition to my existing skills, I have a strong interest in [mention transferable skills]. I am very excited about this change as it will allow me to pursue my passion in a new and challenging environment. I would like to conclude by thanking you for considering my application. I genuinely look forward to the possibilities that this new avenue would bring me.

‘Tell Me About Yourself’ Sample Answer for University Admission

Here is an example of a ‘tell me about yourself’ answer for an admissions interview:

Hello, my name is [Your Name]. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to share a bit about myself with you. I come from a small town where I developed a strong passion for learning and exploring new ideas. Academically, I have always been driven and curious. 

Throughout my high school years, I consistently challenged myself by taking advanced courses in various subjects. I maintained a high GPA and graduated in the top percentile of my class. Outside of the classroom, I have been actively involved in several extracurricular activities. I was a member of the debate team, which not only honed my public speaking skills but also helped me develop the ability to think critically and express my ideas effectively. 

In terms of my personal interests, I am an avid reader, and I find great joy in exploring different literary genres. Ultimately, I am eager to attend [University Name] because of its renowned [mention specific programs, faculty, or resources] that align perfectly with my academic and career goals. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the possibility of joining [University Name] and making meaningful contributions to the campus community.

Quick Interview Tips

Now that you know how to structure your answer, let’s quickly take a look at some tips and tricks to nail this question.

• Make it precise – Your answer should only talk about your skills and abilities along with your passion and interest in the profile and/or the company.
• Keep it short – A short and concise answer will ensure that the interviewer doesn’t lose interest in what you have to say and understands how you’re a good fit for the role.
• Use body language – Effective body language will ensure that you’re able to communicate your answer in a persuasive manner. 
• Practice your answer – Once you have the answer ready, read it aloud to a friend or in front of the mirror so that you know how to articulate it and don’t get nervous in the interview.

Conclusion

If you have an interview lined up, you now know how to craft a unique answer to ‘tell me about yourself.’ If you still haven’t got an interview, just register on Internshala and apply to some super awesome internships that come with a good stipend.