“Tell me about yourself.”
Simple questions can sometimes create awkward moments if not prepared for properly during an interview. One common interview question that often stumps candidates is, “Tell me about yourself.” This seemingly straightforward question can be tricky due to its open-ended nature, making it unclear whether the interviewer wants a brief autobiography, a detailed run-through of your CV, or a combination of the two. However, with proper preparation and an understanding of the interviewer’s motivation, you can craft a compelling answer.
Understanding the Interviewer’s Motivation
The question “Tell me about yourself” usually comes at the start of an interview because the interviewer wants to get you talking. This question is your opportunity to set the tone for the rest of the interview, so it’s important to lead with your best points first. Your response should provide a snapshot of who you are, professionally and personally, and why you are a strong candidate for the role.
Key Elements to Include
1. Let Your Personality Shine
Your interviewer wants to understand whether you’re a good cultural fit for their organisation. Use this opportunity to emphasise your interests and softer skills. Highlighting hobbies and activities outside of work, such as volunteering or training for a marathon, can showcase your personality and values.
Example for Social Work
“I’m passionate about community development and spend a lot of my free time volunteering at local shelters. This experience has honed my ability to connect with people from all walks of life, which is crucial in social work.”
2. Emphasise Past Activities and Proven Successes
Avoid wasting words and keep your response focused. Everything you say should persuade the interviewer that you’re perfect for the role. Re-read the job specification and pick out two or three recent examples that demonstrate your ability to meet or exceed the criteria.
Example for Allied Healthcare
“In my previous role as a physiotherapist, I successfully implemented a new patient exercise program that improved recovery times by 20%. This experience taught me the importance of evidence-based practice and patient-centered care.”
3. Discuss Strengths and Abilities
Highlight strengths and abilities that help you fulfill the job specification. If the role requires leadership skills, provide an example that showcases your experience in leading and developing teams.
Example for Nursing
“As a nurse, I have led numerous initiatives to improve patient care, including a hand hygiene campaign that reduced hospital-acquired infections by 15%. My ability to lead and motivate teams is one of my key strengths.”
Pitfalls to Avoid
1. Mentioning Personal Information
While you want to show off your personality, avoid discussing personal details such as your family life, marital status, religion, or politics. These factors are irrelevant to your professional qualifications and can detract from your main message.
2. Making Vague, Unsubstantiated Claims
Avoid describing strengths without backing them up with examples. Statements like “I’m organised and a great team player” are meaningless unless supported by real-life scenarios.
3. Reeling Off Your CV Word for Word
Your interviewer has already read your CV, so don’t waste time by reiterating it. Focus instead on highlighting specific points that allow you to provide convincing, engaging examples.
Structuring Your Answer
To ensure your answer is comprehensive and well-structured, follow this format:
- Start with a brief introduction: Give a quick overview of your professional background.
- Highlight relevant experiences: Discuss specific examples that demonstrate your skills and achievements.
- Mention your career goals: Explain how the role aligns with your professional aspirations.
Example Answer
“I have over five years of experience as a registered nurse, primarily working in critical care. My role at XYZ Hospital allowed me to develop strong clinical skills and a keen ability to manage high-pressure situations. One of my proudest achievements was leading a quality improvement project that reduced patient wait times by 30%. Outside of work, I’m an avid runner and recently completed my first marathon, which taught me the value of perseverance and discipline. I’m excited about the opportunity to bring my skills and passion for patient care to your team.”
Answering “Tell me about yourself” effectively sets a positive tone for the rest of your interview. By highlighting your personality, past successes, and relevant strengths, you can make a strong first impression. Remember to tailor your answer to the specific role and organisation to show that you are not only qualified but also a great fit.
Additional Resources
For more advice on interviews, check out our other interview advice resources.