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Nov 16, 2023 · Learn the best way to answer this common interview question and impress employers with your career story. See examples for different levels of experience and industries, and avoid common mistakes.
- Overview
- Why employers ask the interview question "Tell me about yourself"
- Variations of "Tell me about yourself"
- How to answer "Tell me about yourself"
- Example answers to "Tell me about yourself"
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When you're attending an interview, whether it be an in-person, phone or video interview, a hiring manager may start the conversation by asking you "Tell me about yourself." They ask this question to learn more about you as a candidate and assess how you're different from other candidates. Understanding how to answer this question can help you impr...
“Tell me about yourself” questions are common starting points to easy both you and interview into the interview. It allows the interviewer to get a summary of your background and skills, giving them insight into what experience and qualifications you think are most relevant to the position you’re applying for. Some interviewers might approach this ...
Interviewers may ask "Tell me about yourself" in various versions, including:
•I have your resume in front of me but tell me more about yourself.
•Take me through your resume.
•I'd love to learn more about your journey.
•Tell me a little bit more about your background.
•Describe yourself.
1. Mention experiences and successes as they relate to the job
Begin by reviewing the job description. Notice what skills the job requires and identify recent actions of yours that show them. You can review the STAR method to practice telling great stories in your interviews. You can refer to recent professional experience primarily, but you may also reflect on past volunteer work and other relevant experiences to support your narrative.Related: 10 Rules for Great Storytelling (With Tips To Improve)
2. Consider how your current job relates to the job for which you're applying
You may discuss your current job and relate your experiences to the open role. If you're applying for a more senior role, explain how you're taking on more responsibilities in your current position. If you're making a lateral transition to a role with different skills, describe how your existing skills translate into the new position.Related: What Are the Differences Between Job Functions and Job Titles?
3. Focus on strengths and abilities supported with examples
When you start building the script of each example, focus on details and outcomes that you can quantify if possible. For example, imagine that you want to talk about how you improved the customer service that your place of employment offered in a past role. Instead of only stating that you improved customer service, you may strengthen your example by stating that you increased customer service response rates each quarter by 10% to 15%. If you don't have the exact information, estimate a realistic value.Related: Interview Question: "What Are You Most Proud of Accomplishing?"
Example 1
Here's an example response from a candidate who's applying to work in the health care industry:"I began my career in retail management, but a few years ago, my professional interests shifted to the health care industry. I've always been skilled at bringing people together and working toward common goals. My experience successfully leading teams and managing stores led me to consider administration, and I've been building a career as a driven health administrator for the last four years. In my current role at XYZ Medical Center, the efficiency of the office has been a personal focus, especially concerning patient outcomes.Last year, I worked with our IT department to implement a communication system for scheduling procedures to ensure that all departments had enough staff members. Our new online scheduling portal increased communication efficiency by 20%. To stay informed about their ongoing concerns, I hold regular meetings with various health care personnel. I've been enjoying that part of my work and I'm especially interested in bringing the experience I've gained to the team at ABC Health. Outside the office, I'm an avid reader and love to hike."Related: 8 Top Health Care Interview Questions (With Example Answers)
Example 2
Here's an example answer from a candidate who's applying to work in the interior design industry:"I've been passionate about design since I was a kid. My parents remodeled their house when I was in high school and allowed me to play an active role in the interior design plans. I knew then that I wanted to pursue interior design as my career. I studied interior design in college and graduated four years ago with my bachelor's degree. Since college, I've worked at an interior design firm in Savannah, Georgia. During my time there, I've been able to build my portfolio by designing both residential and commercial spaces.My experience at the firm has built up my proficiencies in building and cutting-edge technologies and allowed me to build strong relationships with local suppliers. The most rewarding part of my job has been working in Savannah's historic buildings. This experience has familiarized me with the best-in-class building preservation methods. Moving forward, I would love to work at a design firm like this one that specializes in the design and preservation of historical buildings. I believe my experience and passion for preservation will allow me to be a great asset to your design team."Related: How To Answer, ”Why Do You Want To Be an Interior Designer?”
Example 3
Here's an example answer from a candidate who's applying to work in the restaurant industry:"Currently, I work at XYZ Restaurant as a hostess. I've been there for just over two years. My responsibilities include greeting and seating customers, assessing wait times, fulfilling to-go orders and answering the phones. I love the lively and busy environment of XYZ Restaurant, and it's helped me learn how to multitask and manage my time efficiently. Before working at XYZ Restaurant, I worked in retail as a floor associate for a year. This role helped me develop my customer service skills and become more comfortable in a team-oriented environment.I'm looking to further develop my customer service and problem-solving skills as a hostess in a restaurant environment. I'm interested in your restaurant specifically as the employees have a great reputation for delivering first-in-class customer service while maintaining a lively and dynamic environment. Outside of work, I love baking and taking mixology classes with my friends. While I genuinely enjoy these activities, they also help me refine my professional skills." Video: Tell Me About Yourself: Top 6 Example Answers for a Job InterviewThis video showcases six examples of how to respond when someone says, “Tell me about yourself," during an interview. Share: Twitter LinkedIn Facebook Email
Learn why hiring managers ask this question and how to prepare a concise and compelling response. Find examples of different ways to highlight your skills, experiences and personality for various roles and industries.
Learn why interviewers ask this question and how to structure your answer using the present-past-future formula. See 20+ sample answers for different situations and jobs.
- Tailor Your Answer to the Role and Company. “When an interviewer asks that, they really mean tell me about yourself as it’s relevant to the position you’re applying for and this company.
- Keep It Professional. In keeping with the notion that this question carries an invisible addendum—“as it’s relevant to this role and company”—you’re best off keeping your answer professional.
- But Inject Some Passion Into Your Answer (if You Feel Comfortable) Keeping your answer professional, however, shouldn’t stop you from shedding light on why you’re passionate about your work or about this company, even if that broaches slightly more personal territory.
- Be Succinct (and Definitely Don’t Recite Your Resume) Whatever you do, don’t waste this time regurgitating every single detail of your career. “Most people answer it like they’re giving a dissertation on their resume,” says Davis, but that’s only going to bore the interviewer to tears.
May 22, 2024 · Learn why interviewers ask this question and how to prepare a tailored, structured, and compelling answer. See 79+ sample answers for different professions and levels of experience.
- 10 min
Learn a simple formula, tips, and sample answers to ace this common interview question. Find out how to tailor your response to the company, the role, and the interviewer.
Sep 21, 2023 · Learn how to craft a compelling answer to the common interview question “Tell me about yourself” with tips and examples. Follow the three steps to structure your answer: start with a relevant experience, illustrate how it led you to the present, and describe your professional goals.
