“Tell me about yourself.” Do you tense up and get anxious when you hear this in a job interview? Recruiters and hiring managers use this statement, or a variation (i.e., walk me through your résumé), as a common icebreaker to ease into the interview, get to know you better, and gain insight into your background concerning the position they want to fill.
Why is this important?
Your response solidifies your initial impression on the employer while setting the tone for the rest of the conversation. Therefore, you need to directly address the professional value you bring to the position, sharing why you are the best candidate and why this role interests you. While most people expect this question in an interview, it’s often the one they have the most difficulty answering due to its open-endedness.
The wrong way?
Many people make the mistake of giving a long-winded answer that chronicles their life story or repeats their entire résumé. I have coached others who use the opportunity to delve into negative details around a toxic management culture at their current or most recent job. While that experience may be true, venting about it in the interview is not the time or place. Additionally, I have worked with clients who get too personal on highly sensitive topics regarding their family, religion, or politics. Don’t do this. Later in the hiring cycle, you will have the opportunity to discuss any specific accommodations you may need related to your family. Finally, leave religion and politics out of the job search and workplace sphere.
The right way?
Tailor your response to match each job opportunity. While that might sound overwhelming, I recommend a simple three-part framework to introduce yourself professionally and highlight your key selling points while being relevant, concise, and memorable. I will walk you through this framework using an example based on my experience searching for research and development (R&D) roles in the specialty chemicals industry.
Who are you (professionally)?
Start with an overview of your background that highlights your experience, technical knowledge and skills, or personality traits. For example: “For the last four years, I have been an R&D Applications Technician at Emerald Performance Materials. I have managed and supported multiple materials science projects to evaluate our K-Flex plasticizer product line in various industrial applications, including adhesives, paints, and sealants.”
Why are you qualified?
Build on this introduction by highlighting two to three areas that make you stand out. Never assume the interviewer has read your résumé closely. Carefully read the job posting — specifically the qualifications section — and identify where your background and skillset match the role. For example: “I have led and supported efforts to formulate, test, and launch environmentally friendly products that optimized manufacturing processes and improved performance compared to industry standards. Along the way, I have been entrusted with training new team members. I have also served as a key technical resource for our commercial sales and marketing teams.” There are many different directions you can go. Feel free to mention any relevant achievements, such as special projects you have led and supported, problems you have solved, or professional recognition in the form of industry awards, promotions, etc.
Why are you here?
Conclude with why you want the position. For example: “While I enjoy my current role, I want to step outside my comfort zone and leverage my technical, project management, and relationship skills to take on larger projects that offer more customer interface and interdisciplinary collaboration.”
Bringing it all together
This approach is not the only one you can use. For instance, if you have a really interesting story about getting into your profession, you might start there and then work your way into what you are doing in the present and what you want to do going forward. You can adopt this framework for different situations, such as networking events or career fairs. However you decide to structure your response, make sure the interviewer understands why you are there and why you want the position.
Final thoughts
I will leave you with these last three guidelines. First, practice your talking points. Responding on the fly is difficult, so write down your main talking points in bullet format. You can practice solo and in front of trusted friends, family, or colleagues who can share valuable feedback. Don’t memorize your answer word for word! You want to communicate naturally and authentically, showing confidence without appearing over-rehearsed. Second, keep your introduction between one to two minutes. When practicing, use your phone to time yourself and note any areas where you get tripped up. Third, know your audience and tailor your response to the role and the company. If you target similar roles, you will not have to tweak much.
Remember, this is often your first chance to make a strong impression. Nail the opening with a confident, concise, and relevant response, and you will not have to spend the rest of the time making up for a bad start.
This article originally appeared in the Career Connection column in the June 2023 issue of CEP. Members have access online to complete issues, including a vast, searchable archive of back-issues found at www.aiche.org/cep.