If there’s one question you should always expect in a job interview, it has to be this one. HR’s almost always ask this question to a candidate without fail.
As you prepare for your final interview process, sit back and take a brief look at your resume. Read the content you have mentioned, and summarise it in small pointers to present it in your answer to the mentioned question. You should understand that even though this question seems a very regular and often asked question, it holds utmost importance.
Before we present to you sample answers for this question, let us first dive deeper to understand why interviewers ask this question in the first place.
Why do Recruiters ask “Tell me about yourself”
Recruiters often begin the interview by asking the candidates to tell them about themselves. They leverage this question as an icebreaker allowing both the parties a rapport and creating a comfortable atmosphere for the rest of the interview.
One more important reason behind this question is that it allows recruiters to assess the candidate’s communication skills and confidence. Ideally, take a look for candidates who can present themselves in a concise yet engaging manner. Through this question, the recruiter gains insights into the candidate’s background, experiences, and achievements. At the same time, it allows the candidate to highlight his qualifications skills, and accomplishments for further discussion during the interview.
This is not where it ends. The answer to this question also allows recruiters to pick up on how well the candidate’s experiences align with the job responsibility, assisting them in determining whether a candidate is a good fit for the role or not.
Overall, this question serves more than one purpose for both the recruiter as well as the candidate and allows them to move ahead with a more comprehensive and meaningful interview.
What to include in your answer?
When you answer this question, it is important to provide a concise yet relevant overview of your personal and professional background. Given below is a list of elements you should include.
- Personal Introduction: Start by giving a brief introduction of yourself, mentioning your full name and any relevant personal information such as where you are from or where you currently reside.
- Educational Background: Move ahead by mentioning your educational qualifications such as degrees or certifications you have. Stress more on the ones that are relevant to the position or industry you are involved in.
- Key Skills and Expertise: Discuss your core skills and areas of expertise, especially the ones relevant to the position you have applied for. Emphasize the skills that highlight your strengths.
- Professional Background: Provide a summary of your professional experience highlighting your most relevant positions. Mention your job title, the company you have worked for, and most importantly, the tasks you performed there.
- Accomplishments: Highlight some notable achievements from your career graph that demonstrate your abilities. Mention the impact you made in your previous roles.
- Career Goals: Briefly discuss your career aspirations and what motivates you professionally. This can help provide context and demonstrate your alignment with the opportunity you are pursuing.
Do not forget to keep your answer concise. Dragging your answer for long durations or involving unnecessary data just for the sake of speaking is not a fruitful exercise. Customize your answer for the role you are applying for and the responsibilities it asks of you.
Tell me about Yourself – Sample Answers
SAMPLE ANSWER 1
Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity.
I am Zoya, from New Delhi. I recently graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. During my studies, I developed a strong liking for programming languages like Java and Python. I have done a couple of certification courses to learn about them in more depth.
I applied my theoretical knowledge to practical life when I interned at an organization. My profile was of a software developer and I worked on developing software for clients. I collaborated with other team members and remained in touch with the client constantly to understand his requirements and deliver quality solutions.
I like problem-solving and enjoy staying updated with the latest industry trends and technologies. I am excited to apply my knowledge and skills to contribute to a dynamic organization and continue to learn and grow in a professional environment.
SAMPLE ANSWER 2 :
Thank you so much for allowing me this opportunity.
My name is Devesh Bhatia and I am a recent graduate with a degree in Business Administration. Throughout my academic journey, I have learned about key business concepts such as marketing, finance, and management.
Over time, I developed an interest in management and am looking forward to accomplishing my career in this industry.
Throughout college, I actively participated in various extracurricular activities, be it organizing events and leading societies, to participating in inter-college competitions. All these societies and events have improved my communication and leadership skills drastically. I am a more confident version of myself.
I am eager to start my journey in the management industry and apply my theoretical knowledge in a practical setting. With my ability to learn quickly and my detail-oriented approach, I believe I will be a great addition to the team. I will ensure to bring in fresh perspectives and a willingness to work harder.
SAMPLE ANSWER 3 :
Hello, my name is Arushi and I am based in Delhi. I recently completed a degree in Electrical engineering. During my college, I focused on subjects like Circuit Design, Power Systems, and Electronics.
To gain some hands-on experience, I worked on real-time projects including designing and implementing small-scale power distribution for a client. I am fascinated by the possibilities of renewable energy and its impact on sustainability.
I am eager to apply my technical skills and contribute to the development of innovative solutions in the field. I am a team player, detail-oriented, and reliable individual looking to further enhance my knowledge and expertise.
SAMPLE ANSWER 4
Hey, I am Anant Jha, a resident of Ranchi. I recently completed my bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design from Rachna Art College in 2023. During my course, I interned at a couple of places. I did a three-month, full-time internship with Gravitas Advertising House and another three-month, work-from-home internship at Paramount Publishing House.
The internship experience helped me hone and expand my skills and become more proficient in working with the leading graphic design software. These internships made me realize that I enjoy working in this industry and am motivated to grow and be better than yesterday.
I believe my application is a good fit for the role as I have both theoretical as well as practical knowledge on the topic. I also enjoy working in this industry and would love to contribute to your company’s growth.
SAMPLE ANSWER 5
Thank you for your question,
Hello, My name is Diksha Gupta and I have recently completed my bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. I am an adaptable individual with a sharp eye for detail. I strive to always present my f]best foot forward in all my endeavours.
During my three years of college, I have interned at a few organizations across various domains to understand the one I enjoy working in the most. After having interned at a Finance Firm, I realized finance is the sector I would like to continue my career in. With my two-month experience at the internship, I am already aware of a lot of work that goes into the finance industry.
I have applied for this position in your organization because I believe I will be a good fit for it. My desire to establish a successful career for myself in this industry coupled with my knowledge and the curiosity to learn more, can prove to be an asset for the origination.
Remember these are just samples and you can always improvise your answer as per your requirement. Give proper priority to this question and prepare well.
