How to answer “Tell Us about Yourself” plus example [Video include]

One of the most common questions that you will face in any interview is “Tell me about yourself”. This question may seem simple, but it can actually make or break your chances of getting hired. In this article, I will give you a very simple formula on how you can answer this question and impress the interviewers.

The Purpose of the Question

When the interviewers ask you this question, they are trying to test three things:

• Your ability to express yourself when you are put in a tight corner. You will be surprised how many people get anxious and lose their confidence the moment they are invited for an interview.
• Your understanding of how your skills, experience, and qualifications relate to the job that you are applying for.
• Your uniqueness and what makes you the best candidate for this position.

The Ground Rules

Before I get to the point where I show you how to answer this question, I have two ground rules that I would like to share with you:

• Never talk about your personal life, family, religion, or politics. This is a very common mistake that many people make when they go for an interview. Unless you are asked specifically about these things, please avoid them.
• Always answer this question in the form of a story. People are more interested in listening to stories rather than facts and figures.

The Formula

Now that you know the purpose and the ground rules of the question, let me show you how to answer it using a simple formula. The formula consists of four steps:

1. Introduce yourself. If you had introduced yourself at the beginning of the session, there is no need to repeat. But if you had not, just go ahead and tell them your name. For example: “My name is Daniel.”
2. Tell them about your qualifications. In this step, you talk about relevant qualifications to this position. For example: “I am an MBA holder from the University of Nairobi. Currently, I am studying Arabic in the same institution.” Notice how I mention my Arabic studies especially when I am trying to apply for a job in an Islamic bank. This is going to be a big plus.
3. Tell them about your experience. In this step, you talk about your experience and relate it to the position that you are applying for. You start from the one where you began your career and gradually move to the recent position that you hold. You don’t need to mention every position that you have held, but pick very specific ones that put you as the right candidate. And the most important thing in every position that you mention is to highlight an accomplishment that you have achieved. For example: “I began my career at Winthrop Bank where I was a credit officer. I later joined NIAC Bank as a credit administration officer and subsequently got promoted to be the credit manager. Currently, I am the credit manager in charge of hire-purchase with a portfolio of about 250 million Kenyan shillings. I have implemented a series of security procedures by introducing dual control functions which were deemed 100 percent effective in administering credit control.” Notice how I use figures to quantify my achievements and show my impact.
4. Relate your qualifications and experience to the position that you are applying for. This is the last step and the most crucial one. In this step, you show the interviewers why you are the best fit for this job and how you can add value to their organization. You can use words like “I see that”, “I understand that”, or “I believe that” to show your interest and enthusiasm for the job. For example: “I see that you are looking for someone who can manage credit risk, ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, and supervise a team of credit officers. From my previous positions, I have done exactly that and succeeded in reducing bad debts, enhancing customer satisfaction, and improving staff performance. I believe that I have the skills, experience, and qualifications that match your expectations and I am confident that I can deliver excellent results if given this opportunity.”

Conclusion

So there you have it: a simple formula on how to answer “Tell me about yourself” in an interview. Remember to follow these four steps:

1. Introduce yourself.
2. Tell them about your qualifications.
3. Tell them about your experience.
4. Relate your qualifications and experience to the position that you are applying for.

By following this formula, you will be able to answer this question in a clear, concise, and compelling way that will make the interviewers want to hire you straight off the bat.

I hope this article was helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me anytime.

Thank you for reading and good luck with your interview! 😊