Job Interview: How to Talk About Yourself

When You're Asked to Tell the Interviewer About Yourself...

You've arrived at a job interview. Instead of reciting your resume aloud, show original thinking and offer an answer that sets you apart from other candidates.

You're sitting in an interview, and you know it's coming: the question everyone dreads, “Tell me about yourself.” The problem is that this straightforward question can feel boring, and finding a good answer is surprisingly difficult. Although many people object to it, hiring managers keep asking it. The best approach is to prepare your response in advance.

The Ladders published a short guide with ten examples of good answers.

First, keep two important considerations in mind:

• How you answer tells the employer something important about you. The interviewer may be less interested in the exact words than in the confidence and enthusiasm you convey.
• The speed of your response also communicates something. A long hesitation can create the impression that you lack self-awareness or confidence.

Here Are Some Creative Ways to Begin Your Answer:

1. “I can describe myself in three words...” This draws the interviewer's attention and shows creativity and an ability to identify what matters.
2. “I try to live by this quotation...” This suggests that personal development is part of your plans and that you know how to motivate yourself.
3. “My personal philosophy is...” Employers value people who think in the long term; this answer presents you as a thoughtful person, not just someone who performs tasks.
4. “People who know me well say that I am...” This can demonstrate a strong sense of self-awareness.
5. “I searched for myself on Google today, and here's what I found...” This combines a little technology with humor. An unexpected answer may be memorable.
6. “My greatest passion is...” People want to know not just what you do, but who you are and what matters to you. Passion conveys enthusiasm.
7. “Ever since I was seven, I've wanted to...” This can show that your interest in the profession goes back much further than the night before the interview.
8. “If Hollywood made a film about my life, it would be called...” An intriguing and entertaining opening.
9. “Could I show you instead of telling you...” Then take out an object that represents something about you. Such an answer can be hard to forget.
10. “I often receive compliments about...” This demonstrates self-awareness and openness to feedback.

Remember that these are only opening lines. The secret is to think through how you will continue each answer with relevant, interesting and concise explanations, leaving the interviewer thinking, “That's the best answer I've heard all day.”

The goal is to respond promptly, show creative thinking and break out of predictable patterns.

It's understandable to be nervous about unusual or risky answers, but being memorable is exactly why they may work. If you stick to the most conventional formula, you may become just another candidate in a long line of similar interviews. Your answers can help you win the job. When you're asked to tell the interviewer about yourself, make the opportunity count.