Please tell me about yourself.

It is one of the most commonly asked questions during a job interview. When recruiters ask this open-ended question, many candidates fail to answer this ice-breaking question with ease. 

Employers may schedule many interviews for a job opportunity throughout the day or week. Your introduction should express your unique skills and credentials so that you stand out from other applicants.

What do recruiters want to know about potential candidates?

Recruiters expect candidates to share information about their aims and ambitions, helping them to gain a deeper understanding of each candidate’s knowledge and skills relevant to the job.

Here is how you answer

The first line of your introduction should include your name and qualifications. Then highlight your key abilities, attributes, and knowledge areas followed by why you are applying for the job, focusing on career-related goals such as gaining experience and taking on more responsibility. Complete with a brief statement about why you wish to work for this company.

Keep your introduction brief and to the point before moving on to what you want to happen next. Your response should not take more than a few minutes. Describe why you are the most qualified candidate for the job.

Mention a few important facts that will generate recruiters’ interest in learning more about you and you will be well on your way to landing a job.

What you should not say

Many job applicants make the mistake of answering this question with personal information. Some job seekers go over their résumé line by line explaining their educational background. Some people even begin telling their entire story from the beginning, starting with their upbringing and finishing with their college graduation, their family, and so on. This is not the proper way to answer in an interview.

Here is an example of a "tell me about yourself" response for a software engineer position with a reputed organisation.

 "My name is Ram, I graduated from ABC College of Engineering. I love listening to music and watching cricket. I am known for being a detail-oriented and well-organized team member. I am good at communication skills and never miss deadlines. I am good at multi-tasking too. I have gained these skills and experience in my projects. I am searching for an opportunity to work as a software engineer and I am interested in working for this company”.

Have an edge over others 

There are various advantages to knowing how to make an introduction in the interview. When you start with a strong introduction, recruiters may perceive you as confident and competent. Second, a good start can make your conversation more enjoyable. Finally, presenting yourself as an approachable, nice, and professional person may open doors for you for your job and career. 

Hearing an introduction that is different from previous ones draws your recruiter's attention to you and makes it more impactful. During an interview introduction, you should describe how you would be a valuable addition to the team.

Justify your worth by talking about

- your relevant experience in projects

- characteristics you have that make you a good fit for the job 

- professional details that your interviewer could find interesting

- give a quick description of why you're interested in the company

Lastly, keep your body language in check

Both your words and your body language have an impact on first impressions. Hence, body language control is required to maintain composure and competence throughout an interview. 

Maintain eye contact throughout the conversation. This indicates to the other person that you are actively participating in the conversation. When you present yourself to the recruiter, you can show confidence with good posture and a smile. During your talk, maintain natural body language with relaxed shoulders and open arms at your sides.

Get trained by us on Interview skills and mock interviews and land in your first job. Connect with one of our admin counsellors at PacketPrep.