How to Answer, ‘Tell Me About Yourself,’ in a Job Interview

How to Answer, ‘Tell Me About Yourself,’ in a Job Interview

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What you should not say

Many job candidates make the mistake of answering this question with talk of something personal. Some even launch into their life story, starting with their hometown and continuing on through their college graduation. Alternately, others share descriptions of the problems in their current job, explaining that they applied for this position 

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What you should not say

because their boss is a micromanager or their employer won’t allow them to work a flexible schedule. And some job seekers simply summarize their resume, going point-by-point through their work experience and education history. All three of these responses can quickly send your new-job dreams down the tubes. 

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What you should not say

If you answer with either of the first two, hiring managers see a red flag — an indication that you’re not that serious about the position or simply trying to escape a bad situation at your current job. And if you go with the third approach, you’re throwing away an opportunity. You can assume the interviewers read your resume before inviting

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What you should not say

you for the interview, and they don’t need you to walk them through it.

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Craft an elevator pitch

The best way of knowing how to answer, “tell me about yourself,” is to make sure you succinctly and clearly explain how you’re suited for this particular job and — just as important — why you want it.  So before you start crafting your selling points, spend some time reviewing the job description in the recruitment ad for the position and 

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Craft an elevator pitch

researching the company. That way you’ll have a good understanding of what the hiring manager is looking for as far as skills and experience. Next, prepare a short script that highlights your post relevant abilities, strengths and areas of expertise. Follow that with the reasons you’re applying for the job, focusing on career-related motivations such as the

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Craft an elevator pitch

desire to build your experience and take on added responsibilities. Conclude with a brief statement explaining why working for this specific company appeals to you.

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A strong sample answer to “tell me about yourself”

Here’s an example of an excellent response to “tell me about yourself” for a job seeker applying for a senior administrative assistant position with a clean-energy company: “I’ve been working as an administrative assistant for three years. At my current job in the finance department of a midsize company, I handle 

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A strong sample answer to “tell me about yourself”

scheduling, meeting and travel planning for four executives and 20 staff members. I also help prepare correspondence, presentations and reports. “I’m known for being a detail-oriented, well-organized team player. I never miss deadlines, I’m a good communicator and I can juggle multiple tasks at once. In my performance reviews, my supervisor always 

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A strong sample answer to “tell me about yourself”

notes that he appreciates my professionalism and enthusiasm for the job. “With this experience under my belt, I’m looking for an opportunity to take the next step in my career. I’m hoping to do so in an organization like yours that works to improve the environment, which is something I’m passionate about.”

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A final word on how to answer, 'tell me about yourself'

Be concise. Don’t take up too much time with your response. You don’t have to tell the hiring manager every single thing that you think makes you a great candidate.  Just give a few important details that will spark their interest in learning more about you, and you’ll get the interview off to a strong start.

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