I got a last-minute call from a business reporter to discuss the best way to answer the “Tell me about yourself” question that is a common opener for job interviews and networking meetings.
Knowing that I had covered this exact topic in previous blogs, I did a search to prepare for the call. I found a few articles, including this evergreen post from Forbes in 2015, where I detailed 4 different reasons that interviewers ask the “Tell” question and what the ideal response would include:
Scenario 1/ Interviewer: I’m using this question to check items off my list. You: Tick off the boxes
Scenario 2/ Interviewer: I know exactly the 3-4 criteria required for this job, but do you? You: Highlight the must-haves
Scenario 3/ Interviewer: I’ve been pulled into this interview last-minute. While you tell me about yourself, I will get oriented for the rest of the interview. You: Establish rapport
Scenario 4/ Interviewer: I already know your story from your resume. What I really want to know is why you’re here. You: Establish desire
See more in: ‘Tell Me About Yourself’ — Why Job Interviews Really Ask That Question And Four Ways To Answer
If you have lots of experience but want to keep your pitch concise, here are 5 more tips:
1 – Get comfortable with leaving things out
2 – Create multiple pitches to highlight different parts of your background
3 – Refine your pitch by practicing out loud
4 – Select your pitch based on the situation
5 – Regularly follow up so that any one pitch doesn’t define you
See more in: How To Introduce Yourself When You Have Lots Of Experience: Five Steps To A Concise Elevator Pitch
If you want to make your pitch fun, here are 4 ideas for extras to include:
1- Professional motivation: what’s your origin story?
2 – Personal mission: what drives you besides work?
3 – Passionate hobby: what lights you up?
4 – Energy source: do you have the stamina to succeed?
See more in: 4 Fun Facts About Me (Ideas For Work, Interviews, Or Intros)
I am successful because I was willing to give up being anonymous. – Sophia Loren
