How to answer “Tell me about yourself”

How to answer the most common interview question, “Tell me about yourself?”

Before coming to the format, here are few tips that you should always follow and remember:

1) Choose the right focus.
– Focus on your experiences, accomplishments, and strengths that relate specifically to that role.
– Do not focus on giving your life story.

2) Stay focused and relevant.
– Give a quick overview of your biggest and impactful achievements. 
– Do not repeat your resume word to word.

3) Be ready to answer.
– You should have a well-prepared, structured, and well-practiced answer available with you.
– Do not speak for too long.

Now, here is a basic format that you can follow:

– Start with what you are doing currently.
– Mention your previous college/degree/organization/job.
– Talk about your most remarkable academic achievements.

– Talk about a few of your strengths, that are relevant to your role.
– Talk about impactful co-curricular and extra-curricular experiences.
– Highlight 1 key experience that adds value during the interview.

– Talk about any big achievement of yours, about your goals in life and a person that you admire (except parents).
– Tell them some points about how you can be a valuable asset to their organization.

While following this format, remember to not talk about each of your previous achievements and activities in detail.

Only cover the major and important ones and try to cover everything in one-liners or words in an impressive manner.

Keep it short and simple and do not exceed 1 minute (maximum).

I hope you go back and note down the answer to the most important interview question and keep it handy.