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What are the key points to consider in answering the Interview Question "Tell Me About Yourself"?

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Question added by Kalyan P , Lead HR , IT Product Services
Date Posted: 2017/02/23
Manasa Kaslekar
by Manasa Kaslekar , Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist , Smyth and Bradshaw

 It’s probably your first and best chance to pitch the hiring manager on why you’re the right one for the job.

 

Use the Present-Past-Future formula. So, first you start with the present—where you are right now. Then, segue into the past—a little bit about the experiences you’ve had and the skills you gained at the previous position. Finally, finish with the future—why you are really excited for this particular opportunity.

Said Kamha PhD
by Said Kamha PhD , Training Manager, Local Safety Officer -Middle East , MEDA

When you are asked about "yourself" please answer about your self not your education or past experience as these are not "yourself".

 

Yourself is your values, your opinions, your ambitions, your view to life, work, future...etc).

 

Who are you does not mean what is your history but means what are you capable of doing, what value can you add, what are your strengths, how do see yourself and where currently and in the future.

 

Please differentiate between "yourself" and your "other criteria"    

Ali Ahmad SHRM-SCP
by Ali Ahmad SHRM-SCP , Group HR Performance Manager , FAMA Holdings Group

“We sometimes try to impress people we just met by not trying to impress them.” 

Ashraf E. Mahmoud (PhD)
by Ashraf E. Mahmoud (PhD) , University Lecturer, Freelancer Consultant and Trainer for Int'l Business & Banking TF. , FreeLancer

Thanks for invitation,

As a matter of fact, the answer will be depending on "The Post", and its "Level" that you are willing to joint on the organization, but in general I do believe that you have to mentioned:

1- Your education background and your technical qualifications certificates.

2- Your historical experience, focusing on related of your achievements during the career path.

3- Your personal talent and skills.  

4- Your expectations to, How you are can "add value" to the organization. 

Nasir Mahmood Dar
by Nasir Mahmood Dar , Radar Operator - Tracker , Royal Bahraini Air Force

Thanks to invite.

Mr. Anand has answered well. But if you review the overall situation that must be comprises with Name, Education, Short Family Intro and Experience highlighting the key points. Whatever the requirement of interviewer let him ask in details than reply accordingly. 

Maher Ahmad
by Maher Ahmad , Head of Planning and Training Division , MOH

Thank you for the invitation

I agree with Mr. ANAND

Sheheryar Ahmad
by Sheheryar Ahmad , Recruiter III , Amazon Web Services

It's quite simple. This question means Interviewer wants to know those qualities, strength, skills, achievements that you have and are not listed on your resume. So, talk about your qualities, strength, hidden talent or expertise, achievement related to your job. Don't discuss your family problems and issue. 

ANAND KUMAR
by ANAND KUMAR , Sr.Acquisition Specialist/Advisor , KGOC-CHEVRON WJO

There is no specific answer or universal line which can be stated as it depends upon the nature and place of interviews and interviewers. The best approach is to understand the mind of the interviewer and answer according to their levels, e.g. If you are going for top manager post you needs to answer with yours experience and strategies as core competencies, for floor manager you CA focus on team building and resources manager attitude and for junior level mentions of learning capacity and open for ideas with team synergy concept can be appropriate answers

Obaid ur Rehman
by Obaid ur Rehman , HR Executive , Al Bahr Al Arabi Marine Engineering Services

Name and backgroundCareer till now and strenghths you haveHow you are looking future for you

Mohammed Akbar
by Mohammed Akbar , Operations Manager , BANS Techno Solutions Pvt Ltd

This is very common Interview question in All over the world, Why ?

Ans. Interviewer needs to know more about you first .

 

Points to Consider while Introducing yourself in brief 

  1. Where are you from,
  2. Where you did your Schooling, Higher Studies and your achievements 
  3. How you started your Career  and what are your Experience & Skills Now.. Brief it stage wise 
  4. why are you looking for change  
  5. Where as freshers can tell about Personal life too at end.. 

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