How to Answer the "Tell Me About Yourself" Interview Question

Key Objectives

1. Structure a strong answer using the present, past, and future format.
2. Use the highlight method to influence the interviewer's next questions.
3. Provide a sample answer applicable to an interview scenario.

Importance

• Sets the tone for the rest of the interview.
• Influences the interviewer's subsequent questions.
• Provides a framework that is universally applicable.

Present, Past, Future Answer Structure

Present

• Snapshot of your current professional capacity.
  • Should include:
    • Current role
    • Success metrics
    • Recent achievement
  • Example for a working professional:
    • "I’m currently a management consultant with Ernst & Young focusing on Finance Shared Service Center projects…"
  • Example for a student:
    • Start with field of study, then detail class projects, internships, leadership experiences.

Past

• Highlight key strengths and relevant experiences.
  • Max one minute.
  • Identify 2-3 attributes the role requires.
  • Provide concise, relevant experiences showcasing these attributes.
  • Example for a marketing position:
    • "As the events coordinator for our business fraternity, I’m responsible for planning, executing, and tracking our weekly workshops…"
  • Adjust story for different roles (e.g., focus on budgeting for accounting positions).

Future

• Reinforce fit for the role.
  • Quick 30-second wrap up.
  • Make the interviewer visualize you on their team.
  • Example for accounting position:
    • "As someone who has been managing our fraternity’s finances for the past year…"

The Highlight Method

• Mention a small part of larger prepared stories as highlights.
• Highlights should prompt interviewer to ask follow-up questions.
• Example highlights:
  • "The $500,000 deal" in present example.

Sample Answer

• Current Role:
  • "I’m currently a product marketer at Google covering the Greater China region…"
• Previous Experience: Key Account Manager, Management Consultant:
  • "Before marketing, I was a key account manager in the sales team covering around 30 B2C Chinese exporters…"
• Wrap-Up:
  • "Having spent the past six years in predominantly client-facing roles, I believe the communication skills I’ve developed, combined with my international background, would make me a strong asset to your global business development team…"

Closing Tips

• This question boosts confidence right at the beginning of the interview.
• Comment if you have any questions; join related social media groups for more tips.

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