Tell Me about Yourself

An interviewer may use this prompt to:

• get the interview started
• see how well you deal with an open-ended question
• assess your communication skills.

You’ll probably face this prompt, or one like it, in every interview. Responding to this question is your opportunity to present your strongest qualifications in a way that captures the employer’s interest.

Preparing your answer

• Identify your strongest skills and accomplishments relevant to the job…more
• Write a succinct 250 to 320 word summary of your skills and accomplishments, focusing on how they fit the position you’re applying for.
• Begin with a brief introduction to your education and experience.
• Use the STARS technique to provide concrete examples of how you’ve used your skills and experience to succeed in previous situations
• Describe how you would apply your skills to meet the employer’s needs.
• Describe how you see yourself developing within the organization.
• Read over your summary. Practise it until you’re comfortable delivering it naturally, without looking at the script.
• Don’t use your written script in the interview.
• Time your delivery. Keep your answer to 2 minutes or less.