The job interview you’ve been waiting for is finally here, and you’re all smiles until the hiring manager says, “So, tell me about yourself.” You’re stumped, unsure about what they want to hear and where to start. How do you choose the right answer to show them you’re the right person for the job?
“Interviews are a sales pitch. You are selling your skills and knowledge to an employer,” says Lorena Pabon, an HR generalist for National Airlines. “[This question] lets me know how much you really know about the position you applied for. What we want to hear is what skills and experiences you have that relate to the current role you are being hired for.”
Keep reading to find out how to put together a great answer that will wow hiring managers and recruiters.
Why do interviewers ask this question?
There are a number of reasons why this question is asked and why you should come prepared to answer it. First and foremost, it serves as an icebreaker. Until that point, the interviewer only knows you based on what’s in your resume, and they want to get to know you better as a professional.
“Interviewees are usually nervous, so it can be easier to answer that question than start with technical or situational-based questions. We know that nerves can get in the way and you might overthink the answer,” assures Pabon.
Your answer will help move the conversation forward. What you say will likely inspire the interviewer to ask more questions to find out why you’re the person they should hire, get insight on what’s important from your background and see how well you communicate with others.
It’s also a great way to show them how you organize your thoughts and summarize your career.
5 tips for answering the question
Putting together an appropriate answer to this question is a lot easier than you might think. Follow the tips provided below to fashion your response:
- Think in terms of past, present and future. This is a simple formula that will help you structure your answer:
- Present: Talk about your current job and present a recent accomplishment.
- Past: Explain how you got there or mention a past achievement that’s relevant to the job to which you’re applying.
- Future: Transition your answer to dive into what you hope to accomplish in the future, particularly at the new job.
For example:
I’ve been a creative copywriter at my current employer for four years. I’m in charge of developing original concepts and writing all the texts for major retail brands, like Pink & Co. and MIRA. Before that, I worked at an agency for two years where I created social media content for two cosmetics brands. Working with clothing and makeup brands the last few years is something that I’ve enjoyed, as it has allowed me to develop so many creative skills, from photography to art direction, that I now hope to put to good use with one single brand. That’s why I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to interview with LUNA.
“Personally, I recommend on focusing on how the past learned experiences will add to the present job they are applying to, but to also keep in mind what their future goals are,” says Pabon. “Even though future goals can change, showing that you are thinking ahead lets the interviewer know that you are committed to do what it takes in the present to reach that goal.”
- Tailor your answer to fit the job and company. Do research on the job, and pick out skills and experiences from your background that fit the position and can be included in your answer.
“If you don’t study the company values and the job description the interviewer will notice and will not be impressed,” adds Pabon. “Job titles only tell you part of the story.”
Also, pinpoint unique attributes you have that match what the job needs. - Be concise. Work on summarizing your answer before your interview, and aim for keeping your answer within a specific time (e.g., 2 minutes). Remember: You don’t have to give them every single detail. Let the conversation flow. As Pabon states, “If the interviewer wants to know more about a specific skill or job, they will follow up with another question later in the interview.”
- Practice makes perfect. While we can’t know for sure the questions that will be asked during an interview, there’s a high probability that the interviewer will want to know more about you. Have mock interviews and go over your response.
- Stay positive yet professional. This is your chance to make a good first impression. Smile when you introduce yourself and thank the interviewer for their time. Be confident and friendly, but present yourself as reliable and professional to everyone you meet.
“Interviews can be nerve-wracking and that is completely normal, but it’s good to try to control those nerves. It is easier to be more personable when you have a sense of control,” says Pabon. “A few key things to keep in mind when interviewing in person is to be polite to everyone you interact with in the office. One of the things I do the most is ask our receptionist how the candidate interaction was. Were they rude? Did they acknowledge other people around them?”
MyPerfectResume Resume Builder
Our unrivaled resume builder is the secret to a resume that commands attention! Refined templates, expert-written phrases, and easy export options.
“Tell me about yourself”: sample answers
Use these examples as a foundation to put together your answer:
Example answer for first-time job seeker
In this scenario, the candidate has recently graduated from college and wants to start working as a graphic designer.
I recently graduated from university with a degree in graphic design. Artists like Stefan Sagmeister and Paula Scher really inspired me to pursue this career. During my years in college, I interned at two agencies where I was able to better my knowledge of programs like Photoshop and Illustrator, as well as learn the ropes of the marketing industry. I got the chance to create art for brands like Runners and Blink Beverages and brainstorm social media content ideas. I’m really excited for the opportunity to possibly grow as a professional with your creative team at One Goal Agency.
Example answer for experienced professional
In this example, the job seeker is an experienced accountant who wants to pursue a higher position in the profession.
I’m currently a CPA at Brown & Sons, where I’m in charge of auditing accounts and balancing financial records for some of the firm’s top clients. Budgets can range from $500,000 to $2 million. Before that, I worked at a smaller firm where I was assigned a wide range of accounts, from restaurants to individual clients who needed financial advice. I’ve been in this industry for over six years, and giving my clients peace of mind, as well as the proper guidance, continuously fuels me. That’s why now I’m looking to grow and hopefully help even more people and businesses as a Senior CPA.
Example answer if unemployed
This unemployed videographer and editor is looking for a new opportunity to return to the workforce after being laid off.
I’ve been a videographer and editor for a little over three years now. In my most recent position at Lens Productions, I aided the head videographer by filming complimentary shots, B-rolls and editing. Your company caught my attention because your work and style are very similar to that of Akira Kurosawa, who was a huge inspiration to me as a filmmaker. In fact, one of my favorite projects in my previous role was directly influenced by his work. My hope is to continue bettering my craft and creating more compelling films. That’s why I decided to apply for this job.
Example answer template
To make things a little easier for you, we’ve put together this template that you can use as a base for creating your answer. Remember the tips we’ve provided in this article, and customize them for your particular situation and needs.
I’ve been working as a _____ for _____ years. At my current job, I specialize in _____ and _____. I started working in this industry because ______ and I’ve gotten the chance to ______. I’m excited to take on a new role and I look forward to talking more about this job opening at _____.
More interview tips and resources
As we said above, preparation is key. Get ready for your interview by checking out other interview questions — such as “Why do you want this job?” or “How do you deal with conflict?” — and learning how to properly respond to them.
Haven’t submitted your resume yet, or need to update it? Use our Resume Builder to create a professional resume in minutes. It’s a great and easy tool that can help you get ahead on your job application.
Rate this article