Yes, it’s the dreaded first interview question, the question that has you frantically searching in your memory banks and experiencing your professional life flash in front of your eyes: “Tell me about yourself”.
Surely it should be the easiest question you get asked in your interview, but sometimes, explaining yourself in a professional and interesting way can be as tricky as the rest. Even Therese Walsh, one of our Senior Recruiters in Allen Recruitment finds her heart racing at the sound of the question!
Not too worry – Therese is here to help us all lower our heart rate and optimize our answer to the ‘Tell Me About Yourself’ with examples.
Like we mentioned before, when the question is first uttered your mind goes back in time, but perhaps telling your potential employer about your first day of school is a little too far back. Therese suggests a more recent chapter to begin with, “start with my most recent education, third level if you have it and work from there giving a brief overview of your roles, what your responsibilities were and how you moved from there.”
Vague answers are also a big no, don’t list 5 of the bullet points you looked over last night instead, “concise clear and structured responses are key.”
Therese said she can’t stress enough “Practice your answer!” An interview situation can be a stressful situation, that may make you forget the simplest of things. “Have your answers prepared – have your CV in front of you signposting your experience or if it’s a phone interview have cue cards with one or two sentences per role that you can quickly glance through to keep you on track.”
One things for sure, everyone loves talking about themselves, and perhaps when nerves are in the mix, rambling can happen. “I had some cornflakes for breakfast…….”
Seriously though, “if you find yourself on a tangent or if you find yourself getting too much into one company, focusing on your relationships with individuals you used to or still work with then that might be a bit too much and you must swiftly move on.”
After all that, it’s important to know why the question is asked and why it begins most interviews. Therese believes it is a vital question employers must ask. “The employer is qualifying your profile ensuring that there are synergies for the role you’re applying for as well as if you’re going to a be a fit for the team so no way around it I’m afraid.”
Perhaps a key difference to keep in mind the next time your asked “Tell me about yourself?”
Scenario 1, a social setting meeting new friends, it genuinely means tell me about you, your hobbies, interest and family.
Scenario 2, a job interview, the next time an employer asks you the question, remember, they are really asking “Tell how you can add value to my company?”
If you’re not quite at the interview stage yet in your job search, then you might want to consider a trusted recruitment agency to help you in your job seeking. Allen Recruitment is an experienced international recruitment agency that can help you with whatever questions you may have.
3 Example Answers To The ‘Tell Me About Yourself’ Questions
Example 1
“I’m Lisa, and my professional journey has been focused on finance and accounting. I hold a degree in Accounting and Finance, and over the past seven years, I’ve been dedicated to honing my expertise in the financial industry. I started my career at XYZ Financial Services as a Junior Accountant and progressively advanced to the position of Senior Financial Analyst.
In my current role, I play a crucial part in the organization by analyzing financial data and preparing comprehensive reports. These reports provide valuable insights that aid in making strategic business decisions. What truly excites me about finance is its dynamic nature, constantly presenting new challenges and learning opportunities.
I consider myself a detail-oriented individual with a strong work ethic, always striving for accuracy and efficiency in financial processes. I take great pride in my ability to deliver precise and reliable outcomes. Collaborating with teams and contributing to the success of projects are aspects of my work that I deeply appreciate.
Outside of my professional life, I find joy in attending finance seminars, which allow me to stay updated on industry trends and best practices. In my leisure time, I also practice yoga to maintain a healthy balance between mind and body. Additionally, I’m an avid foodie, exploring diverse cuisines, and savoring new culinary experiences.
I’m eager to leverage my skills and experiences to contribute to the success of your organization, and I’m excited about the potential opportunities that lie ahead.”
Example 2
“Of Course, my name is John and I come from an engineering background.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and have always been intrigued by technology and innovation. I am a problem-solver at heart and thrive in environments where I can apply my technical knowledge to develop practical solutions.
Over the past five years, I have worked as a Mechanical Engineer at ABC Corporation, where I was involved in designing and testing cutting-edge products in the automotive industry. Additionally, I took the initiative to lead a cross-functional team in optimizing our manufacturing processes, resulting in a significant reduction in production costs.
I am a strong believer in continuous learning, and I actively engage in professional development courses and workshops to stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends. Outside of work, I enjoy playing soccer, and I am an avid hiker.”
Example 3
“Sure, I’d be happy to. My name is Sarah, and I have a background in marketing and communications.
I graduated with a degree in Business Administration, majoring in Marketing. Throughout my academic journey, I actively participated in various marketing projects and internships, which provided me with hands-on experience and sharpened my skills in digital marketing, content creation, and social media management.
After graduating, I joined XYZ Company as a Marketing Assistant, where I contributed to several successful product launches and managed various advertising campaigns.
I am a highly motivated individual who is passionate about creating impactful marketing strategies that drive growth and brand visibility. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, reading, and volunteering at a local animal shelter”
About Allen Recruitment
Allen Recruitment Consulting is an international recruitment consultancy business with offices in Ireland, the UK, the Netherlands, Spain, France, Sweden, Belgium and Poland. A full-service recruitment consultancy offering temporary, permanent, contract and contingency roles in a variety of industries such as IT, Tech, Finance, Telecom, E-commerce, Engineering and more.
Posted in: Job Seeking Resources
