Anyone who has ever taken part in a job interview has typically heard the statement, “Tell me about yourself.” Job candidates must be prepared to handle this for each interview and be ready to tailor their response to each opportunity they are applying for. But you might be asking yourself: how can I properly answer this in a way that provides the perfect snapshot of who I am as a professional? We’re here to help! Check out these simple dos and don’ts, so you feel prepared and confident in your next job interview.
The Dos
- Do talk about your current position and bring up impressive accomplishments you’ve had from your current job. Only mention the important skills and responsibilities that are relevant to the position.
- Do showcase how your previous professional positions have ensured that you will be a fit for the position. Include key items they are looking for that match up with your past experience to help them understand why you are a good fit for the role. You can get that information from the job description, a recruiter you are working with, or current employees at the organization that you may have a relationship with already.
- Do briefly explain what made you interested in this type of work and why this passion exists. Steer away from listing every single working experience you’ve had. This is another great opportunity to up big accomplishments from the previous positions.
- Do share a few personal facts that tell the interviewer who you are: interests, hobbies, volunteer organizations, etc. Then transition into how those qualities match well to the position. Mentioning personal facts helps break the ice and lets them know you are well-rounded person.
- Do end your response by leaving a vision of how you picture your career in the long run. Make sure the role you are interviewing for is in that vision as well as the employer.
The Don’ts
- Don’t be unprepared. If you don’t have an idea of what you will say before getting into the interview, you might jumble your words and miss some key elements they are hoping to hear in your answer. This will set the tone for the rest of the interview, so take the time to get it right before you arrive.
- Don’t complain about your current job. You want to make a good first impression and you will not get that by trying to make your current job look bad. The new employer is not interested in hearing the details and just wants to know what you can offer to them. If they ask why you are leaving your current job, you can mention that you are seeking other career opportunities and you are ready to grow. Simple as that.
- Don’t read your resume like a script. The employer already has your resume from when you applied, so there is no reason to go through it from top to bottom. Review your resume before the interview and only remember to bring up the big details like life accomplishments and amazing projects you were handling.
- Don’t ramble. This is what happens commonly when we are nervous. We feel like we need to share everything in fear of missing … well, anything. Just relax before the interview begins and tell yourself to stay focused. Study your responses and once the moment arrives, you have it all down.
By taking the time to have a solid understanding of how you will answer this when you begin your interview, you will start confidently and that should set you up for success for the remainder of the questions that will come your way.
Our team of seasoned recruiters helps our candidates prepare for these types of questions all the time. Feel free to reach out at recruiting@beacontechinc.com, and we can discuss your career goals with you and help you find the role that will be an ideal match. We’d be happy to help you craft your answer as well.
While you’re here, check out our careers page for the plenty of interesting opportunities that might be the perfect fit for you.