CEO with 30,000+ Interview Experience Shares the Perfect Approach to Answer "Tell Me About Yourself"

Tell Me About Yourself: How to Nail the Most Common Job Interview Question

Introduction

The question, "Tell me about yourself," is often asked in job interviews, and it can be challenging to answer. However, this question is more than just an icebreaker. Hiring managers use it to assess your confidence, goals, and priorities. William Vanderbloemen, the CEO of Vanderbloemen Search Group and an expert in successful careers, believes that this question offers an opportunity to make a strong first impression. Tailoring your response to highlight your strengths, relevant experience, and excitement about the job is key to standing out.

Show Self-Awareness and Highlight Strengths

When answering the "tell me about yourself" question, it's essential to demonstrate self-awareness. Vanderbloemen emphasizes the importance of showcasing your strengths and the work that energizes you. By doing so, you can show the interviewer why you are uniquely wired for the role. Emphasizing the skills and experience that are most relevant to the job you are interviewing for can help make your response even stronger.

Example 1: Software Developer

For instance, if you're interviewing for a software developer position at a growing tech startup, you might say:

"At this point in my career, I've realized that I thrive in fast, agile environments. I can't stand doing the same thing every day, which is why I'm always eager to pick up new hobbies outside of work. What excites me about your company is the hockey-stick-level growth you're experiencing. I'm eager to contribute to this growth, adapt on the fly, and support other teams in any way I can."

Example 2: Human Resources Manager

Alternatively, if you're interviewing for a human resources manager role, you could explain your love for connecting with people and provide an example of a time you've done so in a work or extracurricular setting. Vanderbloemen suggests that aligning your natural qualities with the expectations of the role will impress the interviewer and increase your chances of success.

In every sense, the "tell me about yourself" question offers an opportunity to showcase your strengths, relevant experience, and enthusiasm for the job. Tailoring your response to the specific role you are interviewing for and demonstrating self-awareness can help you make a lasting impression on the hiring manager. By effectively marketing yourself through a concise and engaging elevator pitch, you can increase your chances of success in the job interview.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering the art of answering the "tell me about yourself" question can not only lead to success in job interviews but also have a significant impact on new businesses. When an entrepreneur is starting a new venture, they often need to pitch their idea to investors, potential partners, and customers. The ability to effectively communicate their strengths, relevant experiences, and excitement about their business can make a lasting impression and increase their chances of securing the necessary support.

Just like in job interviews, self-awareness plays a crucial role in these business pitches. Entrepreneurs should identify their unique strengths and align them with the needs and expectations of the target audience. By showcasing their skills and experiences that are most relevant to the business they are starting, they can demonstrate their potential for success and gain the trust and support of stakeholders.

Additionally, tailoring the pitch to address the specific interests and motivations of potential investors or customers can make a significant impact. Much like a software developer emphasizing their ability to adapt to a fast-paced environment or a human resources manager highlighting their passion for connecting with people, entrepreneurs should tailor their pitch to address the specific pain points and desires of their target audience.

In summary, the ability to effectively answer the "tell me about yourself" question is not only valuable in job interviews but also plays an important role in the success of new businesses. By showcasing their strengths, relevant experiences, and enthusiasm for their venture, entrepreneurs can make a strong first impression and increase their chances of securing the support needed to thrive in the competitive business landscape.



Article First Published at: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/07/11/how-to-answer-tell-me-about-yourself-says-ceo-whos-done-over-30000-interviews.html