How to Answer: Tell Me About Yourself

Getting ready for a job interview? Knowing how to effectively answer the question, “Tell me about yourself,” is key to making a great first impression. With proper preparation, you can craft an impressive elevator pitch to help you stand out.

In this blog post, we will discuss the 4-part elevator pitch formula (delivered in In just a few sentences and ideally in 60 seconds or less) that will help you communicate who you are, what you’re looking for, and why you would be the perfect fit for the position and practical tips on how to deliver a powerful response to this common interview question. Let’s get started!

Formally Introduce Yourself to Capture the Attention

Part I: Who are you, what do you do and who do you help?

First, share some details about who you are (professionally), what you do (in the most literal way), and who you help better than anyone (the people you impact). This will provide a basic understanding of your work and how it might be relevant to the listener.

You can even open up by telling a story about yourself that is quirky, funny, or interesting. What is a fun fact about you? You can even share a little about your personal/family life, but try not to go overboard.

Sample Script: A New Jersey native and lifelong resident, I am a business consultant who can help a business streamline its operations and increase its profits. I have worked with companies of all sizes, from SMBs to large enterprises across many industries, including manufacturing, retail, and telecom.

Related Post: 6 Tips to Help You Nail Your Next Job Interview

Pick a Passion You’re Actively Involved in Some Way

Part II: Why are you passionate about your work?

Next, share what makes you passionate about your work – this is an opportunity to really sell yourself and your skills. Passion is a state of mind so offering a glimpse into your life and what makes you different.

Talk about your professional experience and highlight any relevant skills or qualifications and what you enjoyed most about projects or clients you’ve worked with in the past.

Sample Script: I am passionate about my work because it allows me to help others. I love being able to use my skills and knowledge to make a difference in someone’s life, and I feel that this is a very rewarding career. I also enjoy the challenge of constantly learning new things and keeping up with the latest research. This helps me stay motivated and excited about my work, and I believe this passion is evident in my results.

Highlight a Skill or Personality Trait

Part III: What makes you unique and different?

When interviewing for a job, you get one opportunity to highlight what makes you unique and special and this is a great opportunity to showcase your character or personality. Considering the position and the company, think of ways to demonstrate the value of your uniqueness to the company and be a job- and company-specific.

Sample Script: One thing that makes me unique is my ability to see both sides of every issue. I can easily understand and empathize with other people’s points of view, even if I don’t agree with them. Seeing both sides of an issue allows me to find common ground with others and build bridges instead of walls. I’m very proud of it and has helped me personally and professionally.

Tailor it Based on the Organization and it’s Goals and Needs

Part IV: What are the 3 most important things you are looking for in your next position?

One of the most overlooked areas is expressing your interest in the position when answering the tell me about yourself question. Start by articulating 3 things you’re looking for in your next position, and talk about what you’re looking for in a new job and why you believe this position is a good fit for you.

These should reveal your values, such as collaborative, team-focused culture, opportunities to learn and grow skills, a healthy work environment, upward mobility, etc.

Wrap up by recapping why you would be the perfect candidate for the job and summarize who you are as a person and what you can offer to the potential employer.

Sample Script: What I’m looking for in my next position is joining an organization that is committed to making a positive impact in the world. I want my work to be meaningful and one that contributes to something larger than myself. I am looking for a role that will challenge me and help me to grow professionally. I also want to build strong relationships with my colleagues, so a collaborative environment working closely with others is what I’m looking for. I believe this position would be a great fit for me.

Incorporating the four key talking points covered in this blog post will help you craft the perfect answer to the million-dollar question. Remember, the most important aspect of answering the tell me about yourself question is to be authentic. Know yourself and what makes you unique, and be confident in your abilities. With some preparation and practice, you can deliver a great answer to the tell me about yourself question that will make a lasting impression.