3 minute read
In every single interview I have ever been part of, whether as the interviewer or the interviewee, this open-ended question, 'Tell me about yourself,' looms like a mythical beast waiting to be conquered. Both sides dread it.
Carefully stage your reply to this question as it's not a throwaway line. The panel doesn't need to know your star sign or that you are an active lobbyist [unless it's your day job]. They're looking for an insight into who you are [professionally] and why they are talking to you!
It allows them to gauge your confidence and how you'll present yourself to their clients, customers, and colleagues. It's an easy question.
The reality? Most interviewees wear that rabbit-in-the-headlights expression. The questions flit across their faces: "How do I answer this? What should I say? What do they want to know about me? Should I talk about personal or business me?" The panel craves a glimpse into your professional soul, a preview of why you are the missing piece in their puzzle.
How you answer determines the direction of the interview, fuelling the questioning and causing a chain reaction of follow-up questions. Get it right, and they can assess your communication skills and if you'll "fit the team".
I've heard candidates divulge Too Much Information hundreds of times. Keep it short, focused on work, and open-ended so the next questions can flow seamlessly. What and how much you say can adversely affect the panel's decisions.
Still scared of that question? All is not lost. Here is an easy 3-step framework to help you make an excellent first impression. 'Past-Present-Future' allows you to structure your response along these lines:
- The past: your background, relevant work experience, and how you got to where you are now.
- The present: your current role, what you do, and what you have accomplished.
- The future: what you want to do next and why you're interested in the role.
Let's have a go at framing your response. Here is one I prepared earlier:
I wanted to work in XX, so I targeted XX and went to XX, leaving with a degree in XX. I just loved learning more about XX.
I was also lucky to intern with XXXX, which got my career off to a good start. I learnt so much during those four months of summer. When my internship ended, the company offered me a full-time position. I have been with them for three years and in my current role as an XX in the XX group for the last 15 months.
I now need to expand my horizons and work for an organisation that can help me grow professionally, challenge my thinking and introduce me to different ways of working.
Don't stray off-topic. [e.g., I'm an avid marathon runner]. Just summarise your experience, mention high points, and explain why you are interested in the role.
You'll need to respond differently if you've been working much longer. For example:
Over the past eight years, I have used agile methodology as a project manager in XX.
I graduated from XX University, majoring in Business Administration with a minor in Computer Science. I entered the tech industry in an administrative role, which allowed me to see that I enjoyed scheduling, planning and moving at pace.
My boss mentored me to take on more responsibilities and help me develop my project planning skills, sending me on courses and having me work with different project managers as their project administrator and then coordinator.
With her support, I qualified as a project manager and now manage a project team for a four-year work programme.
I love working in the technology industry, and I'm fascinated by how AI could be used in my role.
Hence, I am applying for this role. XX is an innovative company, and if I get the role, I can extend my learning in this area.
This answer tells the interviewer you're qualified for the role and why you are applying.
Here's the secret sauce: practice, practice and practice some more!
Become the star of your interview movie; rehearse those lines until they flow effortlessly. It's not just what you say; it's how you say it that leaves an indelible mark. Now, you've set the scene for the rest of the interview.
In summary:
- PRACTICE! PRACTICE! PRACTICE! You can never practice too much
- Structure your answer with the Past-Present-Future framework
- Relevance and brevity: keep it brief and on point. 2-minutes max
- Highlight achievements
- Remember: they want your professional saga, not your life story or hobby showcase.
