How do you answer the question "So, tell me about yourself" in an interview? How do you begin the answer?

Answer 1

Your answer needs to have two key elements in it: 1) Honesty 2) Business Relevance.

Your interviewer is looking for a peek inside who you are and also to see if there are some relevant traits that you enjoy outside of work that may benefit how well you may do your job.

Maybe you like to volunteer for your local YMCA/YWCA this shows motivation, empathy, caring, etc. Maybe you like to travel this shows your adventerous, curious, anxious to learn. Maybe you paint water colors this shows patience, skill, and artistic tendency.

I think you get the picture.

The point is not to turn it into a non-sensical gab fest about your favorite TV show, pet, color, or childhood memories. This is your chance to show a little about you, show that you can speak "off the cuff" in a well thought out and planned manner.

A lot of people rehearse their resume and can rattle off dates, assignments, school history etc (almost like a robot). A good open ended question like "tell me about yourself" gives your interviewer the chance to see that you're a well-rounded, well thought out person.

And remember: sit up straight, make good eye contact, don't fidget (bite your nails, pick at your hair, etc.) and speak up!

Answer 2

Dang good question, so good I gave it my first ever star!

I recently had an interview 2 months ago and I nailed the job, I was asked the same question.

I started with ..

Well, I'm a web developer and computer programmer and have been doing it from my home office for about 7 years now. Computers and electronics are the largest passions of mine, which is why I applied here and believe I'm the right person for this position....

[roughly]

Hey, don't be too serious during your interview. Crack a few jokes. Interviews are far more than just your credentials, they have to get to know you AND like you. Everyone likes a joke.

I remember the one I did, the interviewer asked "If two customers walked towards you at the same time, who would you help first?"

I replied "I'd flip a coin!" and laughed with her. Then I gave her my serious answer of "I'd help the one who first made eye or vocal contact while asking the other to hold on a few minutes while I help customer A out."

:)

Answer 3

Talk about your last vacation they love that!! Bring some pictures too... J/K that question is just an ice breaker they ask. There are certain things an interviewe cannot ask you during an interview process Ex. Do you have any kids, are you married, how old are you bla bla bla. So I beleive the intend of that quesiton is to indirectly get that information out of you. So try to make it quick and stick to talking about your work backround, education and some strong points about yourself.

Answer 4

In an interview situation I would begin by talking about any experience you have that would be relevant to the interviewer. Such as "I began my career in (whatever field) back in (whatever year) with (whatever company)........"'

The first time I was asked that, by a future aunt-in-law and I thought it was a very broad question. I always wanted to borrow a line from that old Steve Martin movie and say (complete with fake accent) "I was born a poor black child....." But I never did.

Answer 5

Put yourself in the shoes of the interviewer. What would YOU want to know about a prospective employee? You'd probably want to know about their sense of responsibility, whether they seem to know their own limitations and abilities, whether they are hysterical or trouble makers, or whether they seem easy going and team players. You can try to spoof an interviewer, but if you do, you run the risk that he or she will see right through it and classify you as a deceptive person. They dont' want to know anything too personal, just how you feel about work, and your responsibilities at work, and whether you are reliable and will likely get along with other people.

Answer 6

Well I'm a 25year old grad student fresh out of Harvard. I moved here three weeks ago and I'm really excited about joining the work force and getting my career off the ground. ;)

Answer 7

tell you interviewer positive things about yourself. its okay to exagerate a little bit but dont blatently lie about yourself. write down a list of things you like about yourself and things you are good at.

Answer 8

Well im 18 years old. Ive recently graduated from high school and am currently enrolled in colleged for business administration....etc

Answer 9

My answer:

I'm a responsible, hard working individual who enjoys working in teams as well as working in solo projects. I find that my greatest strength is xyz and that taking pride in the work I do is something that is very important to me.

Answer 10

Give a very brief explanation of what led you to the place you are today, I was born in, have a family, have always been interested in, went to school for...etc....save all your credentials for when they ask you specifically...good luck