Job Interviews: Best Response To “Tell Me About Yourself” Sample Answer

By Dorcas Karuana,
This is one of the most dreaded interview questions even by some experienced professionals. The “tell me about yourself” job interview question is a warm up question to establish a connection between you and the potential employer. Your response to this request will set the tone for the rest of the interview, so you should not disclose too much information.

For some, this is the most challenging question to answer, as they wonder what the interviewer really wants to know and what information they should include. Always remember that the interviewer wants to know you as a professional in abc and not you as a person. It is a great mistake to say something along the lines of, “I’ve got 3 kids, I love to swim, hardworking e.tc.

All the interviewer is really asking you is, “Why do you feel you are a good fit for this job?” Set yourself in their minds as a great candidate. Your answer should be short, concise, frank, but compelling outline of your relevant work experience, your education or credentials and a positive statement of expectancy.

You should craft your answer to include:
1.A brief summary of your personal details: You have to give your name, and where you are from.

2. Education: Give your educational or professional qualifications or and any relevant miscellaneous educational qualifications that you might have amassed.

3. Summary of your career history – This includes relevant professional experience from previous job experiences, an example of one career accomplishment

4. Summary of what you want next in your career that’s relevant to the position at hand

Sample Answer:
“My name is Mary Mutisya Otieno, I hold a degree in Business Administration and have attended several trainings on Customer Service Management.

I have been in the customer service industry for the past five years. My most recent experience has been handling incoming calls, receiving visitors, ensure the reception area is tidy, ensuring visitors feel welcomed and  smooth flow of communication.

One reason I particularly enjoy this industry, and the challenges that go along with it, is the opportunity to connect with people. In my last job, I formed some significant customer relationships resulting in a 30 percent increase in sales in a matter of months.”

My real strength is my attention to detail. I pride myself on my reputation for following through and meeting deadlines. When I commit to doing something, I make sure it gets done, and on time. I am now looking for a company that values customer relations, where I can join a strong team and have a positive impact on customer retention and sales.”

Dorcas is Human Resource Consultant at Corporate Staffing Services. Email: dorcas@corporatestaffing.co.ke. Website: www.corporatestaffing.co.ke