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Why do interviews begin with the question – Tell me about yourself?
Whenever you go for an interview, the first question put forth to you by the interviewer is – “Tell me about yourself”. An infinitely simple question. Yet it puts a barrage of thoughts into our minds, to find that perfect answer! So, why do all interviews begin with this same question?
First the foremost, it acts as an ice-breaker. The interviewer wants to make you feel at ease because he knows that you are nervous. So he asks this simple question to make you feel comfortable so that you don’t mess up the next few questions.
Secondly, in many cases, interviewers do not check your resume in advance. So while you are answering this question, it helps them to know your resume and career details. It also lets them know the things of importance to you, which is what they can focus on in the next part of the interview.
Thirdly, it lets the interviewer know whether you fit the bill for the job offering or not. If you don’t then he can wrap up the interview quickly.
Hence, answering this pertinent question correctly is extremely important!
The Correct Formula
There are three things which you should cover while answering the question – tell me about yourself.
1. Introduction
The premise of this question’s answer begins with an introduction of who you are. This introduction of yourself should hit the most important parts of you which will help you land this job. So always prioritize your introduction. Instead of beginning with where you did your lower education or who is in your family, rather begin with your current and past job profiles. What you learnt from them and how they make you the perfect candidate for this new job profile. Then go on to tell your higher education background. Your last line can just mention your early schooling.
Before going for the interview, research on what profile the company is looking for. Then tune your introduction to that. This will also help the interviewer to know if you have sufficient knowledge for the profile or not. Additionally, prioritizing your introduction and keeping it short and to the point is helpful. Since the interviewer also has many more candidates to interview in a given day.
2. Accomplishments
Next, you need to mention all your important accomplishments in life. These accomplishments can be from your school and college days too. The priority here is to quantify your accomplishments with numbers. Instead of just saying that you led a group of people for an event, mention the number of people in your group and the scale of the event. How much the event cost, how much sponsorship you were able to raise, etc. Make note of these things on your resume as well.
Seeing actual numbers and facts helps the interviewer in gaining trust in what you say. Since he is able to see them for real and they are not just some arbitrary accomplishment.
3. Why is this job relevant for you?
The last part of your answer constitutes why you are the perfect fit for this job profile. This flows with your introduction and accomplishments and ties in the entire answer. So give examples of your current and previous job profiles to help the interviewer understand how you have the required knowledge and are ready to take on this new profile. You need to stand out as already possessing all the qualities that the interviewer is looking for.
Bonus Tip
To always appear confident in an interview there are two things you must do. First is to prepare your answer for “Tell me about yourself”. Think about what you are going to say and practice it infront of the mirror or with friends and family. If possible, ask a superior to exam your answer as well. This will highlight where your answer is lacking too, which you can later improve upon. Secondly, while answering the interviewer, always keep eye contact. This communicates to the interviewer that you are aware of what you are saying. These things will up your confidence levels and help you land that dream job!
Watch our video on this topic below.
Also read, Podcast | Use Your Phone To Gain Knowledge.
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