Have you ever thought what is the common question that an interviewer asks an interviewee? Well, every interview starts with “Tell me about yourself.” Isn’t it?
After observing the CV or resume, the interviewer wants to learn about the things that aren’t mentioned. So, the interviewee has to answer it carefully.
Although it’s a simple question, it’s not a simple thing to answer. Sometimes, the interviewee makes it too complicated. Correspondingly, a few candidates make it too long.
As a result, it creates a negative impact on their interview. In this blog, you’ll learn how to answer the above question.
After that, you will be able to introduce yourself in a creative way. Make sure the answer looks professional and accurate.
Importance of This Question
This is the first and the most common question an interviewer asks his/her interviewee. It might help the interviewee recognize the candidate’s suitability for the job role.
Apart from that, it assists the recruiter in evaluating an interviewee’s communication or interpersonal skills. In other words, it’s a process of creating a first impression.
Besides formality, the question creates a comfortable atmosphere in the interview room. It can help an interviewee to establish a connection with the interviewer.
In addition, it helps the recruiter to learn more about a candidate’s background and work experiences.
How to Answer?
1. Make It Professional
Though a personal introduction commences in every interview, you should maintain professionalism and try to answer it professionally. Please don’t answer it casually; try to add relevant answers related to your career.
2. Make It Positive
Don’t mention why you left your last job or why you want to change your job in this particular answer. The interviewer can ask it later. Try to add positive things. For instance, if you lost your last job due to the recession, don’t mention it here.
3. Don’t Waste Time
Don’t add too many irrelevant points to make it too long. Answer it precisely and to the point. The recruiter wants to know about your professional experiences. So, never add your life history to the answer.
4. Mention Past Experiences
While answering this question, mention your past work and educational experiences. It might help the recruiter to evaluate your CV. In addition, the recruiter can learn more about your professional background. Apart from that, it might establish good communication.
5. Include Your Strengths and Weaknesses
To make the answer more professional, add your strengths and weaknesses. This may assist you in establishing a positive impression on the recruiter. Additionally, add your key skills and area of expertise in the answer. Just don’t add personal interest.
Things You Must Avoid
1. Don’t Include Your Personal Details and Interest
As this is a professional field, never mention your details. It includes your achievements, goals, political interests, religious views, and other pieces of information. It might not create a suitable impression.
2. Try Not to Make It Too Long
As mentioned, answer it with relevance. Don’t add too many irrelevant things, and make it long. You are introducing yourself in an interview, not telling your story in TED Talks. Thus, be cautious about it.
3. Don’t Add Multiple Strengths
You can add your strengths and weaknesses to your answer to create a positive impression on the recruiter. However, you must consider one thing. Try to avoid multiple strengths that are irrelevant to the job role.
Basic Examples of “Tell Me About Yourself”
Here are the examples you can follow:
1. ”Hello, my name is (your name). I graduated from (college/university name) in the year (20__). I have (number of years) experience in (your area of expertise) role. My strength is (your strength), and my weakness is (your weakness). Currently, (tell your short-term goal), and my long-term goal is (mention it). That’s all from my side.”
2. “Hello, myself (your name). I have completed my graduation in (subject) from (college/university) in the year (20__). I have (year of experience) experience as a (your designation). Currently, I’m looking for a new job to grow my career, and my long-term goal is to achieve a good position where I can build my career and help the organization as well.”
You can also create your own.
Summing It Up
The self-introduction is the first thing that the recruiter asks the candidates. It helps them recognize the worth of the candidate. However, a few interviewees made mistakes.
They add irrelevant points and make it too long. It creates a negative impression. So, don’t waste time in storytelling if you want to create a positive impression.
Mention your past experiences, educational background, strengths, and weaknesses in a quick amount of time. Add professional details and skills, not personal.
In this blog, you’ve learned how to introduce yourself creatively and properly during an interview. If you still have any concerns, let us know in the comments.
