What is the number one question asked in an Interview?

How to Excel at the Key Interview Question: “Tell Me About Yourself“

Whether you’re a software engineer, data scientist, web developer, or program manager, you’re likely to encounter the ubiquitous “tell me about yourself” question in almost every interview. It serves as a conversation starter, and a well-crafted response can set the tone for a successful interview. In this article, we’ll cover:

• Strategies to initiate the interview
• 7 pitfalls to avoid when responding to “Tell me about yourself“
• 5 methods to prepare and confidently deliver your answer
• Crafting a compelling response using the job description
• A summary of the 5 crucial steps to mastering this question

The Power of Starting an Interview and Its Parallels with the Conclusion

Let’s kick off by discussing your interaction with the interviewer from the very beginning. Everyone emphasizes the importance of the initial handshake, right? If you’re engaging in an in-person interview, make sure to establish eye contact and offer a firm handshake to exude confidence.

For virtual interviews on platforms like Zoom, it’s crucial to maintain your composure, even though you might feel out of practice. If you’re visiting for an on-site interview or networking purposes, maintain a confident yet concise handshake. Steer clear of the dreaded “dead-fish handshake,” as it could create a negative impression before the interview even commences.

Initiating Small Talk to Build Rapport

Before diving into the formal interview, consider initiating some light conversation to establish rapport. This informal exchange allows both you and the interviewer to get to know each other and can help alleviate any nerves you might have.

Whether you’re meeting a recruiter or a panel of interviewers, it’s a good practice to request their names beforehand if they’re not provided. Research their profiles on LinkedIn and other social media platforms. You might uncover mutual connections or shared interests, providing an opportunity to discuss topics beyond the weather.

Dispelling Stress Surrounding the “Tell Me About Yourself” Question

Let’s address a concern upfront: don’t let the prospect of answering this question stress you out. Interviewers frequently express their desire for you to succeed, and they’re genuinely rooting for you. Keep in mind that they’ve invited you for an interview because your resume demonstrates your qualifications for the job.

They wouldn’t invest their time in interviewing you if they didn’t consider you a strong candidate. This principle applies across all job roles. The reassuring aspect is that you can excel at the “tell me about yourself” question every time because:

• You know it’s on the horizon,
• You have the job description to guide your preparation,
• You have ample time to practice.

Now, let’s delve into the specifics.

Avoiding Common Traps: Navigating the “Tell Me About Yourself” Question

We’ve all fallen into one or more of these traps at some point. Let’s acknowledge them, take note, and move forward.

• Refrain from starting with “Hi, my name is…” – This is redundant as the interviewers already have your name from your resume.
• Avoid regurgitating what’s already on your resume – Unless specifically requested, focus on aspects not covered in your resume.
• Don’t seek clarification on the question’s scope – You should be adept at determining what the question entails.
• Steer clear of modest or vague introductions – Embrace the opportunity to confidently present your strongest qualifications.
• Keep personal matters at bay – This isn’t a platform for sharing your life story; stick to professional aspects.
• Don’t limit your response to 30 seconds – Unlike an elevator pitch, interviews offer more time for detailed responses. Aim for conciseness without exceeding 2 minutes.
• Guard against rambling – Combat nervousness by pausing, then provide a succinct overview of your relevant skills, experience, and value proposition.

Mastering the Art of Response: Effective Approaches to “Tell Me About Yourself”

Now, let’s focus on crafting a compelling response that leaves a lasting impression.

1. Practice breeds confidence: Gracefully handling this question on the spot isn’t easy. Invest time in preparation. Rehearse your response while driving or during your shower. Record and review your delivery – if it makes you cringe, revise and try again. Enlist a friend or family member for practice. While spontaneity can be admirable, it’s wise to avoid relying solely on it.
2. Align with the job description: Tailor your response by emphasizing technical and soft skills that align with the role. Present these skills through relevant projects, work experiences, and education.
3. Embrace the ‘stacked blocks’ progression: Organize your answer by treating past roles as building blocks leading to your current position. In each “block,” highlight your expertise in languages, frameworks, or skills crucial to the role. Ensure alignment with skills mentioned in the job description.
4. Highlight your key selling points: Identify standout elements such as extensive experience, specialized training, or unique skills. Address these qualifications through examples and projects, and demonstrate how they exceed the role’s requirements.
5. Capitalize on your closing statement: Convey your enthusiasm for the position and explain why it resonates with you. Express your aspirations for personal growth and how you envision contributing to the team’s success. Incorporate relevant hobbies or volunteer experiences that align with traits sought in the job description.

Applying the Strategies: Crafting an Exemplary Response

Let’s illustrate these strategies using a sample job description and crafting a response that aligns with its requirements:

Sample Job Description:

• Utilize technical and soft skills to develop applications and systems.
• Proficiency in C, C++, Java, Python, JavaScript, C#, PHP.
• Apply critical thinking to assess user needs and create software.
• Effective communication and collaboration within project teams.
• Attention to detail and organizational skills for multitasking.
• Strong problem-solving abilities in design, testing, and maintenance.

Example Response: “So, tell me about yourself…”

“Thank you for asking. I’m a collaborative and solution-driven software engineer with over two years of experience collaborating with designers, developers, and programmers. I hold a degree in Computer Science from Purdue University.

I’ve contributed to several projects and managed one for a longstanding client. Drawing from my tech support background, I excel at identifying and resolving complex issues.

In the past year, I’ve engaged in diverse projects using languages like C++, Python, JavaScript, C#, and PHP. In response to the specific need for Java expertise in this role, I’ve enrolled in an online Java course to swiftly enhance my knowledge.

My experience has sharpened my attention to detail, critical thinking, and communication skills through team projects and client interactions. In a tech support role, I earned commendations for clarity and efficiency in resolving customer issues.

I’m excited to apply my technical prowess to develop applications and systems, contributing to both your team and the organization as a whole.”

Summing It Up: Tackling the “Tell Me About Yourself” Challenge

Observe how the example response seamlessly aligns with the job description. It’s important to note that the response avoids extraneous personal details, focusing instead on key professional aspects. To simplify, remember these five steps:

1. Tailor your response to the specific role.
2. Highlight what sets you apart.
3. Showcase technical and soft skills that match the role.
4. Discuss past achievements and contributions.
5. Emphasize the value you bring to the company.

While it’s beneficial to write down your response and rehearse it, aim for authenticity in your delivery. If your interview is conducted over Zoom, consider having notes or bullet points nearby, but avoid reading verbatim. This is your narrative – own it!

Career Coaches, recommend to always prepare and practice. Over time, we have witnessed countless individuals transition from uncertainty regarding the “tell me about yourself” question to confidently mastering it. Believe in yourself – you’ve got this!