Even in a competency based interview the questions “Tell me about yourself” or “Why should you get the job?” are often the first things you’ll hear. They may seem like icebreakers, but are one of the most important questions you’ll have to answer. The open-ended prompt is your chance to make a great first impression, set the tone for the rest of the interview, and show why you’re the perfect fit for the role.
In a recent poll we ran, it’s clear that these questions are a considerable concern for candidates going through a selection process. So, here’s how to craft a response that will impress your interviewer and help you stand out from the competition.
1. Understand the Purpose of the Question
Interviewers ask “Tell me about yourself” to get a quick sense of who you are, your background, and how you might fit into the team. They’re looking for a concise, focused summary that highlights your relevant experience, skills, and accomplishments. Your answer should give them a glimpse of your professional story and set the stage for a deeper discussion about your qualifications and competence.
2. Structure Your Response: The Past-Present-Future Formula
A clear and logical structure will help you deliver a strong answer. One of the most effective ways to organise your response is by using the Past-Present-Future formula:
Past: Start with a brief overview of your professional background. Focus on the experiences that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for. Mention your education, key roles, and any significant achievements that demonstrate your qualifications.
Present: Next, talk about your current role or most recent position. Highlight what you’re responsible for, the skills you’ve developed, and any notable successes. This part of your answer should connect your past experiences to what you’re doing now.
Future: Conclude by explaining why you’re excited about this opportunity and how it aligns with your career goals. This is your chance to show enthusiasm for the role, and to emphasise how your background makes you a great fit for the job.
3. Tailor Your Answer to the Job
One of the biggest mistakes candidates make is giving a generic answer that could apply to any job. To make a strong impression, tailor your response to the specific role and company you’re interviewing for. Think about the key skills and experiences the employer is looking for, and focus on those areas in your answer. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position.
4. Be Concise and Relevant
While it’s important to provide enough detail to showcase your qualifications, you don’t want to overwhelm the interviewer with too much information. Aim to keep your answer between one and two minutes long. Focus on the highlights of your career that are most relevant to the job, and avoid going off on tangents or delving into personal details that aren’t related to your professional life.
5. Practice, But Don’t Memorise
It’s a good idea to practice your answer so that you feel confident delivering it, but avoid memorising it word-for-word. A rehearsed answer can sound robotic and insincere. Instead, practice until you’re comfortable with the main points you want to cover, and then deliver your response in a natural, conversational manner.
6. Show Enthusiasm
Your answer to “Tell me about yourself” is your first chance to show enthusiasm for the role. Employers want to hire candidates who are excited about the job and the company. Make sure your tone and body language convey your interest and passion. When discussing why you’re interested in the role, be specific about what excites you and how you see yourself contributing to the company’s success.
7. End with a Strong Closing Statement
Finish your response with a statement that reinforces your fit for the role. This could be a summary of your key qualifications or a brief mention of how you’re excited to bring your skills to the company. A strong closing statement leaves a lasting impression and sets you up for the rest of the interview.
Example Answer
Here’s an example of how you might structure your answer using the tips above:
Past: “I have a degree in Marketing and over five years of experience working in digital marketing. I started my career at XYZ Agency, where I managed social media campaigns for several high-profile clients. My work there helped increase our clients’ online engagement by 30%.”
Present: “Currently, I’m working as a Digital Marketing Manager at ABC Corporation. In this role, I lead a team of five and am responsible for our overall digital strategy. Recently, I spearheaded a content marketing initiative that increased our organic search traffic by 40% in just six months.”
Future: “I’m really excited about this opportunity at your company because I’m passionate about driving growth through innovative marketing strategies. I’m particularly drawn to this role because it would allow me to leverage my experience in digital marketing while also exploring new challenges in a dynamic industry.”
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