“So, tell me about yourself…”
It’s a common interview question that can sometimes take the form of “Please tell me something that isn’t on your resume”. Perfectly harmless from the get-go,but it’s a question that can easily unsettle even the most prepared.
What are they looking for really?
To be honest, it can be as innocent as an ice breaker. It gives the interviewer a mental pause, but as much as it is a quick break, your response sets the tone for the whole interview.
Here are a few tips to stand out:
1. Don’t tell them your life story
– This list starts with a “don’t” because Pinoy interviewees tend to get too personal and rattle off their life stories when asked this question.
2. Prepare an elevator pitch
– Be clear about what your strengths are when it comes to the job being applied for. Show your personality by briefly mentioning hobbies and interests that can be connected to your skills. For instance, you can mention that you do volunteer work for street children or that you are in the habit of taking online seminars to upskill.
A great way to share your abilities and strengths is by sharing a scenario/situation, the task you had to do, and the result achieved.
3. Do your research
– Knowing the company and doing research are par for the course when it comes to job interviews. You sell yourself at job interviews, so it’s crucial to know your audience to be able to market yourself better. Potential employers have a predetermined skill set they’re looking for. Hard skills such as technical knowledge and experience are usually set in stone. An efficient way to distinguish yourself from competitors with similar skills is to show that you are aligned with what the employer is hoping for. Mention keywords from the job description, and find out the company’s core values before making a decision about whether or not this will be an enjoyable work environment for you.
4. Convey your goals
– The best responses to “tell me about yourself” always have something to do with meeting the organization’s goals. Leave a lasting impression by expressing how this role can help you achieve your long-term goals. For instance, you may say that you see yourself handling a supervisory role in customer service in the next two years and that you look forward to being part of a company that puts a premium on relationships.
5. Practice Practice Practice
– But DON’T MEMORIZE. The goal is to feel at ease and come across as natural. Practice in front of a mirror. Record yourself on your phone. Better yet, rehearse answering with someone. Missing this step usually leads to long answers while leaving out the most crucial details that the interviewer needs to hear.
Do keep in mind that there are tens if not hundreds of applicants with the same credentials vying for the same job. Setting yourself apart from the rest by acing this question not only increases your chances of getting hired but also leaves a great impression.
Ready to ace that interview?
Join the NEARSOL family!
NEARSOL is a US-based BPO and service company that offers clients custom-design solutions. It began operations in 2006 and has since gained a strong presence in the Latin American regions, the Caribbean, and the Asia Pacific, winning numerous awards for quality and service along the way. Most recent of which is its Great Place to Work-Certified™ Recognition.
The Great Place to Work-Certified™ Recognition.is a global accreditation that tells stakeholders what employees think of the company culture. In brief, it says a lot about the happiness and productivity index in NEARSOL. Certification means people are happy working here and that leadership trust is palpable and real.
Come and discover why our employees think we’re a great place to work!
Visit NEARSOL.US and applythrough NIA, NEARSOL’s recruitment chatbot and personalized platform for the application process.
Visit our LinkedIn to learn more about our company and our global footprint. /PN
