Tell Me About Yourself Answers

A prepared job candidate has "Tell me about yourself" answers ready before the interview begins. The trick to "Tell me about yourself" answers is understanding what the interviewer wants to hear versus what you want to say. If you can come up with useful responses, then you have a better chance of getting the job.

1. Educational background. Part of your "Tell me about yourself" answers need to pertain to that part of your educational background that is relevant to the job you are interviewing for. Any internships, college organizations or extra work you had done during school all counts in this answer.
2. Professional background. Your "Tell me about yourself" answers need to stick almost exclusively to your professional qualifications. When you answer the question, give a quick summary of your professional background as it pertains to the job you are interviewing for.
3. Current situation. Use your "Tell me about yourself" answers to let the interviewer know what your current employment situation is. This portion of the answer can be very brief and can be as simple as indicating whether or not you are currently employed. But even that brief answer helps to give the interviewer a clearer picture as to your situation and helps to push the interview in a more productive direction.
4. Activities. If you have been unemployed for more than a couple of weeks, then use the "Tell me about yourself" answer to indicate any volunteer work, part-time work or classes you have taken that pertain to your industry. Only include those things that pertain directly to your field.
5. Something personal. A quick statement at the end that includes something personal about yourself is acceptable. The interviewer may be looking for something personal to discuss as a way of making the both of you comfortable. Offering some insight into your favorite sports team or pastime will help in this regard.