In the hiring process, an interview is an important stage. Almost everywhere, especially in private jobs, the interview is mandatory. In interviews, candidates face various types of questions. Among all the asked questions, one question which is mostly asked by the interviewer is "Tell me about yourself." This is the most expected and common question a candidate usually faces.

The question "Tell me about yourself" sounds easy for some candidates, and the same is difficult for others. Though sounds personal, it is the most important question. When an interviewer asks this question, they actually do not have any interest in the candidate's personal life. But sometimes, many companies do have reasons to ask you questions about your personal life. You must remember that "what is the need for a company to know about your personal life." You can also click on the below-mentioned link to read what type of questions you should not answer during the interview.

In this article, you can find essential points related to the question, such as why they ask this question, in what way they can ask, and how to properly answer that question. Moreover, at the end of the post, you can find sample answers to understand better.

Let’s know!

Why interviewers ask

"Tell me about yourself" is a boundary-free question frequently asked by a candidate at the beginning of the interview. Though it sounds easy but it has a very strong impact. The interviewer asks this question to understand and analyze you. Let's understand in detail the motive behind the question because the better you know, the best you can handle it.

• This question acts as a common conversation starter and also helps the candidate ease into the interview. By asking this, the interviewer thinks they can take some pressure off. Before asking any complex question, this question acts as a warming up.
• It is a clever way to check how the candidate handles the open-ended question. Moreover, they are able to know how you can express yourself, i.e., your presentation skills and also your communication skills.
• To check whether you are a good fit for the required position. They properly analyze your potential and capability to handle difficult situations.
• It helps the interviewer to decide whether they should continue asking the question.
• Through this question, the interviewer gets an idea about the human behind the resume.
• It even helps to judge your confidence level.

Various ways to ask

“Tell me about yourself” isn't the only way interviewers can frame. There are many different ways to formulate this. So as a candidate, you just need to recognize their intent and respond to the question using the same formula.

Here are some most common alternatives to this question:

• Take me through your resume.
• Describe yourself.
• I’d like to hear more about you.
• Could you share your background?
• How would you describe yourself?
• Can you tell me more about you?
• Anything you would like to share that’s not on your resume?
• Talk in brief about yourself.

How to answer

As on asking the question "Tell me about yourself," the interviewer mostly wants to know about your work life or your professional details. So while answering, focus on your professional life. But the dilemma most of the candidates face while answering the question is the right starting point of your story. To answer properly, you need to structure your answer. To structure your answer, you need to apply the present-past-future formula.

Present-

Begin by describing "who are you" at this point of your career and life journey. Mention your current role or position. Never hesitate to mention your recent or big accomplishments.

Include the basic essentials, such as your name, where you belong, and your job title. Also, briefly mention your roles and responsibilities.

Past-

Then without any pause, add your past experiences, previous jobs, work roles and responsibilities, your skills and qualification. But you must remember that whatever you are telling to the interviewer, it must be relevant to the current job position you have applied for.

Present your answer in a connecting way that means the career you have pursued is really linked with your job position. Give a smooth touch that will show your recruiter you are genuine.

Future-

Then segue what your career plan is or what you are looking to do next and why you are interested in this particular job. This is the obvious question a prospective employer wants to know. While telling, you must attach your skills and interests to what the position entails. Prominently mention how you are a great fit for this position.

Additional tips to remember while answering

• Know you audience

You first need to understand that in an interview with whom you are talking. If you are talking to a recruiter who has not so much in-depth idea about the hard skills of the team, then you need to answer focusing on the broader picture. If you are talking to a person in the position of an interviewer, then you need to be smart enough and mention a little more work-related information.

• Keep your talk professional

While answering such questions, only mention your professional details. Never mention your personal details such as your family, their names, their occupation, religion, marriage, details about your children, and many more.

• Speak with passion

Not sharing professional information is going to give you a positive result. You must need to present yourself with how much passionate you are about this work. You should also need to shed light on how you are different from others and the best fit for the position.

• Practice, don’t memorize

If you memorize the answer and go to the interview, then there is a possibility that you may get fear and tell unnecessary points randomly. So practice as much as possible. It will give you confidence and make your answer stronger.

Example answer

Here are some sample answers which may give you the idea to frame your own answer.

• Fresher or recent graduate

If you are a fresher:

"My name is XYZ. I belonged from Bhubaneswar, Odisha. I have recently completed my graduation in commerce from ABC College/University. I'm very much hardworking and passionate about my work. I'm a quick learner and do my work with dedication. This post attracted me a lot because it suits my ability and skills. I'm willing to take this opportunity to grow my career and skills."

• Experienced

If you are an experienced and looking to change your job:

"My name is XYZ. I'm currently a project manager at CBZ, where I handle larger marketing campaigns and supervise team leaders. I have been engaged in the marketing industry for six years. I'm really happy with my current job, but now I'm looking to further broaden my experience across various companies, particularly Toptech, which I'm interested in joining."