The "tell me about yourself" interview question can be hard to answer if you're not prepared. Searching for a job, especially in a faltering economy, is stressful enough without adding in the awkwardness of answering such a personal, open-ended question.

Also: How to nail the 'Do you have any questions for me?' part of the interview

You might feel stumped on how to answer this question because it can be difficult to talk about yourself with no guidelines. 

But speaking confidently about your successes can be much easier when you prepare your answers in advance.

 Here are our best tips for formatting and nailing your response. 

Why do interviewers ask, 'Tell me about yourself?'

A job interview is all about getting to know you. Interviewers ask the "tell me about yourself" interview question as a way to transition from small talk into their technical and behavioral interview questions.

The interviewer wants to gauge if you are able to communicate clearly and professionally. Freezing up the first time you're put on the spot gives a bad impression. 

The interviewer hopes the candidate can answer the question in a natural way that shows they are prepared and care about the interview. A great answer can help you stand out in a job interview.

If you're asked this question during a video or phone interview, you can have your answers in front of you. If the interview is in person, you should be prepared to answer without checking your notes.

Other ways that interviewers might ask this question

The "tell me about yourself" interview question sometimes sounds different. Interviewers might ask:

• Tell me more about your background.
• I'm interested in learning more about you.
• Tell me about your time working at "x" company. 
• Can you tell me more about your experience? 
• Tell me something I don't already know from your resume.

Be ready for any version of this question with your structured and practiced answer. 

Breakdown: How to answer the 'tell me about yourself' interview question

There are many strategies for answering the "tell me about yourself" interview question. The way you choose to structure your answer may depend on your previous experience. A recent graduate will have a much different answer than a director who has been employed for decades. 

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