Your interviewers will likely start with a question about yourself to get to know you.
In this article, we are going to answer one of the most common question that you are likely to be asked in any job interview –“Tell me a little bit about yourself”
Quick Navigation
- Preparing questions for your answer
- The best way To Answer The “Tell Me A Little Bit About Yourself” Interview Question
- Examples answers
- Things not to mention in your answer
- In A Nutshell Tips
It seems like a simple question, but it can really make you sweat. And It can set the tone for the rest of the interview.
You should tell a great story about yourself in no more than two minutes.
We have a super-simple way to help you answer this question.
Preparing Questions For Your Answer
You probably had no idea how to start answering this question, to make it easier for you, here are some questions you can ask yourself before building your answer:
- What qualities make you the best person for this Role?
Why makes you so different as a job applicant for this specific role?
It could be your experience or maybe something you specialize in, training you had or some technical skills you have.
Read the role description carefully and pay attention to the way you answer their requirements. - What are the reasons you are interested in this specific role?
Reflect what is so passionate about this role, how it fits into your career goals and why you think it’s the best next step for you. - What are the reasons you are interested in this company or that industry?
Spend some time to learn the company you are applying for and also the industry itself so you will have an idea of their mission, their goals, and the trends which impact the whole industry.
When telling your story, point out the similarities between the vision of their company, the industry trends, and your own professional goals. - What are the professional strengths that will help you to perform well in this role?
It could be a co-worker described you as incredibly organized, Generous, Curious, or considerate. Think about the way other people may see you. Add to it current examples from your work life when you demonstrate those strengths.
The Best Way To Answer The “Tell Me A Little Bit About Yourself” Question
You want to build rapport and also to show that you’re the perfect fit for the job. This is your first and best chance to do this.
Start with where you are right now.
- Point out how your recent (or current) role relates to the role you’re being interviewed for.
If you are shifting to a role with other skills, explain how your skills transfer over into this new role.
Then, talk about your past — the experiences you’ve had and the skills you gained at your previous position.
- Mention past experiences and proven successes as they relate to the role you’re applying for.
Stick to the job description and identify recent stories that demonstrate relevant skills.
Finish with why you are very passionate about this specific role.
Examples for Answers
“Currently, I am the secretary to the CEO. From my 10 years of experience as a secretary, I’ve gained the ability to build effective different plans. My best contribution to the CEO is my ability to do most of the work by myself, which leaves him/her a lot of free time to focus on the growth of the business.
It appears that you are looking for a person who is familiar with handling a CEO’s busy schedule and can solve issues by themselves. I pay a lot of attention to detail I ensure each day has a plan and each plan is communicated well.”
“I’m currently a sales manager at Remax, where I deal with our top performing client. Before that, I worked for Siam Real Estate, where I was responsible for two different major areas. Even though I really enjoyed the work there, I would love the chance to be involved more deeply in one specific area, which is why I am so excited about this opportunity with FazWaz.
Basically, “Tell me a little bit about yourself” is what the interviewer is going to remember about you. By replying to this question effectively, you can make a great first impression.
Things To Better Not Mention In Your Answer
There are some crucial things you should remember when you start to structure your answers:
- Avoid talking about personal details — marital status, political options, children, religious affiliations, etc. These might be very sensitive areas that could work against you.
- Don’t list many strengths without providing examples —focus on (2-3) qualities and support each one of them with a short story that combines your work experience.
- Don’t repeat your resume — Bring up main points which can be relevant to the role.
- Avoid starting with the things you’re looking for in this role or how their company is going to benefit you — mention those at the end of the interview when your interviewer “considers“ you as a great candidate and you have a bit of leverage.
In A Nutshell Tips
- Start by associating your personal strengths to supporting examples.
- Focus on details and outcomes you can quantify.
- Avoid repeating your resume.
- Talk about your past experiences and your proven successes.
- Associate your recent (or current) job responsibilities to those of the role you are being interviewed for.
- Do not talk about any personal details such as your marital status, political stand, children or religious views.
- Bring out your personality.
- Try not to lead to deep conversations about their company or the role.
- Align your skills to the role description.
