Don't let the inevitable, open-ended question at your college or internship interview fill you with dread. These creative and unique "tell me about yourself" examples will help you demonstrate your motivations and background in a way that'll wow when it really matters. Show
Know Your Goal Before You AnswerThe most powerful and successful answers to the "tell me about yourself" question are closely related to your end goal and the goal of the person interviewing you. The first step is to consider what you want. Are you trying to get into a graduate or undergraduate program? Are you trying to land a great internship? What does the person interviewing you want to see? Then, think about your personal history and your strengths. How do those fit with the goals you just considered? Closely connecting your answer to those goals gives you a strong advantage, as you can see in these examples. Graduate School Applicant Example
Internship Interview Example
Make It MemorableYou'll have about two minutes to answer the "tell me about yourself" question. So, think of this as your "elevator pitch." You need to cover the basics, but it's even more important to make it memorable. You want the interviewer to remember this answer when he or she thinks back on the day. What are some of your unique qualities? How have you demonstrated those in the past? Consider this example:
Show, Don't TellIf you've studied writing in high school or college, you probably remember the adage "show, don't tell." This refers to using an example and good visual imagery to make your point instead of just summarizing or stating it. The best answer for "tell me about yourself" does this too. Show how you are the right candidate for the internship or program using real examples from your life, as in this example response:
What Not to SayWhen you think about your answer to the "tell me about yourself" question, it's also important to know what not to say. Take some time to learn what topics and habits you should avoid. Common MistakesDon't make these common mistakes:
Bad Example Answer for "Tell Me About Yourself"
Prepare and PracticeAnswering an interview question like "tell me about yourself" is all about making a favorable first impression. Just like your cover letter and resume, how you answer this question can make a huge difference in whether or not you get the opportunity you want. Take the time to prepare and practice, and you'll be well on your way to success. How do you answer tell me about yourself for a high school student?If you're a high school student without much experience, you could speak about associations, volunteering experiences, or student groups that you have been involved in and highlight the skills that you learned from each.
How do you answer tell me about yourself as a student?Key Takeaways. Structure your answer in a way that makes sense. Stick to the past-present-future format, and you're all good!. Keep it relevant and brief (1-2 minutes max). No one wants to hear your whole life story.. Mention any of your top achievements and relevant work experiences.. What is a good answer for Tell me about yourself?Your answer to the "tell me about yourself" question should describe your current situation, your past job experience, the reason you're a good fit for the role, and how you align with the company values. Tell the interviewer about your current position and a recent big accomplishment or positive feedback you received.
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