What is the best way to answer 'tell me something about you' in an interview?

We often go blank to the simplest of the life questions. One may wonder - how difficult is it to talk about oneself?

The degree of difficulty could range from challenging to mission impossible. Despite being the most expected, obvious and sure-shot question at the interviews, we often humble. Talking about yourself should ideally be the easiest thing to do. After all, no one knows anyone better than you.

Common Mistakes:

- Candidates tend to talk about content that is already covered in your resume. Don’t.

- Candidates often go on with their personal life story. Keep it restricted to your professional identity unless probed by the interviewer.

- Candidates responding with a counter-question, like - “what do you want to know?” You’ll end up digging your own grave with a response like this.

- Candidates sometimes lose track of time. You have to limit this to 90 - 120 seconds (max).

Here are some tips to breeze through those interviews and give you the shot to create the finest first impression:

Keep it short

Your professional introduction should be precise and timed to not exceed between 90 - 120 seconds unless you’re interrupted or further probed by your interviewer. Practice this well to master the delivery of your crisp introduction.

Start off with who you are

The first sentence should be an introduction to who you’re professionally with an overview of your personality and strengths.

Reference line: “I’m a marketing manager with 6 years of experience managing all aspects of the marketing function - from campaign ideation to implementation to analysing campaign data - for leading Indian hospitality brands.”

Briefly highlight your biggest accomplishments

This is your pitch - highlight the best of your work. Don’t assume the interviewer knows every finer detail in your resume.

Reference line: “I have spent the last four years developing award-winning campaigns as a marketing manager for which I have won several company awards and have been promoted twice within 2 years of joining.

End with why you’re there

End the introduction on a very graceful note - by telling them that you want the position on offer and why you’re a fit.

Reference line: Although I love what I am doing currently, I feel I’m now ready to take on more challenging tasks and this position excites me.”

A good interview is when you realise you had a fun and healthy conversation. Keep it concise, honest and allow your interviewer the chance to dive in.

Why I love this question at an interview?

It gives me the opportunity to take full control of the interview, position myself as the best candidate and let the interviewer probe further questions basis what I feed him in “tell me something about yourself” question.