“So, tell me about yourself”

First impressions last 

You have your CV, check. You have copies of your certificates, check. You know where to go to, what time your interview is, and who is going to be on the panel, check, check, and check. You are prepared and ready to ace this job interview … or are you? The first question that will probably be asked has nothing to do with the job you have applied for, your qualifications, experience, or technical skill set. The first question, the one that will set the tone for the rest of the interview, is all about you.  

Understanding the purpose 

This question is sometimes referred to as an icebreaker, but it is so much more than that. It is a way to gauge a candidate’s communication skills, confidence, and ability to summarise a massive amount of information into a few well-formulated sentences. For you, the candidate, it is an opportunity to introduce yourself and help the interviewers understand why you are the best candidate for the position.  

Structuring your response 

A well-structured response should be brief, applicable, and enticing. Here is a simple framework: 

1. Present: Start with your current or most recent position. What are your role and responsibilities? 

2. Past: Briefly reflect on your career. What were your previous experiences and achievements? Remember that you already shared these in your CV, so keep it short and interesting. Highlight the best parts. 

3. Future: Conclude with your career goals. It is important to show how these plans align with the position you are being interviewed for. 

Practical tips 

1. Be relevant: Although the question is an open invitation to share information about your family, or your opinions and views, rather focus your answer on the reason you are all in the meeting: the job you have applied for.    

2. Be concise: Aim to summarise the information you want to convey in about 90 seconds. A little shorter or longer is also fine. Avoid a lengthy monologue. When you are prepared and follow a structure, you will be surprised at how much information you can share in that amount of time.  

3. Be enthusiastic: Show the passion you have for the work you are doing and convey genuine interest in the company. Let your enthusiasm be contagious.  

4. Be prepared: Practise your answer beforehand to ensure a polished response. Incorporate the help of a friend or use your cell phone to record yourself. Knowing what you are going to say and how you are going to say it, will also boost your confidence.  

5. Be honest: Do not inflate your work experience or the position you are currently in. Apart from the ethical considerations, interviewers may use your answers when asking follow-up questions, and lies and exaggerations may quickly turn on you. When you speak truthfully, you are more likely to be confident and relaxed. 

To be even more practical:

Have a word doc on your computer where you update the answer to this question whenever any of those things (past/present/future) changes. This document also becomes a great base for writing your LinkedIn "about section".

In conclusion 

Mastering the “tell me about yourself” question is your best chance to make a memorable first impression and set a positive tone for the rest of the interview. Good luck! 

References 

1. 10 Common Job Interview Questions and How to Answer Them (hbr.org) 

2. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/how-to-prepare-for-an-interview 

3. "Tell Me About Yourself" 20+ Sample Answers + How-to (biginterview.com)