Q: How do you answer the question, “Tell me something about yourself?”

This is a question from one of readers, Carlos. Here is an extended version of his question:

Q: I am asking you if you could point out some good and straight tips in answering interview questions like, “Tell me something about yourself?” Don’t you think it’s a very vague question and most HRs ask the same set from time to time? I know it sounds ridiculous to dole out your whole life story. I just want an honest and straight to the point response.

A: First of all I would like to state that as a former HR officer myself, I also asked this question a lot. The possible reasons why interviewers ask this question are:

  1. To break the ice and get the interview rolling
  2. To learn more about the applicant so they can pick up points to ask about

I would like to stress that there is no straight and specific answer to this kind of question simply because people are different with different lives and experiences. The key is to:

  1. Offer an answer that reveals a little about yourself BUT
  2. Do not reveal too much about your personal or family life (mention as little as possible)
  3. Do not make your answer too long
  4. Include details about your professional experience and professional qualities
  5. Be honest

The best that I can offer is an example of how you might answer this question. You can start by saying something like:

My name is Jill Tan. I am from Cebu City. For the past three years I worked as a human resource officer specializing in training and development where I was put in charge of running a minimum of seven training programs a year. I find that this is the area in which I work best because my major strengths include organizing learning modules, creating instructional activities and presenting concepts. I am interested in moving on in this same career direction and I am looking forward to possibly pursuing it with your company.

The above response would be a good one to give if the position you are applying for is related to your experience. If it is not, you might consider saying something like:

My name is Mark Mendez. I am from Davao City. For two years I worked as a production engineer for a food processing plant. Although I found the work experience enjoyable, I am currently eager to pursue a career in sales since this is a major point of interest for me and one in which I am certain I will be able to perform well. I have had some experience selling insurance when I was a part time working student and have had considerable success at it, having sold several plans in one year.

Keeping your answers as professional and as brief as possible is the best way to handle the question BUT in some cases, interviewers ask follow up questions. They may want to know more about your family, how many siblings you have and how many children you have. In fact, I have been interviewed by someone before who specifically told me to start about my family.

Strictly speaking, interviewers themselves should avoid personal questions and this is the norm in western organizations. In the Philippines however, it is a fact that these questions are asked to determine whether or not you might potentially have attendance, punctuality and performance issues due to your personal situation.

You may share personal bits about yourself and your family but avoid going into very specific details. You should rightfully feel ill at ease if an interviewer starts prodding you for your life story. You may say something like:

My name is Marian Santos. I am from Iloilo City and the youngest of three siblings. All of my older siblings are professionals in the fields of Accounting, Law and Medicine. I have decided to pursue a career in Information Technology, having graduated with a degree in IT. This is also the ideal career path for me since I have always been interested and good at database management and systems development.

In my experience in local companies here and in Cebu, the third sample is perhaps the most ideal. If you are however applying for a position in a foreign company, the first two samples would be the better options.

REMEMBER that there is no clear cut answer to this question because you and I are very different people. Do not use the samples above as your answers. You have to tweak them to fit your experience.

20 Responses to Q: How do you answer the question, “Tell me something about yourself?”
  1. sam
    July 20, 2011 | 3:43 am

    tnx..

  2. francis mar
    February 2, 2012 | 2:45 am

    ”THANKS FOR THIS I LEARNED A NEW KNOWLEDGE WITH THIS IDEA….

  3. JennY
    April 3, 2012 | 6:47 am

    NICE ONE–got idea in dealing with interiew portion soon,heheh,,
    Thanks!

    • JennY
      April 3, 2012 | 6:48 am

      interview

  4. jam
    May 17, 2012 | 3:54 am

    i see. tnx 4 the info.

  5. mhycil
    July 9, 2012 | 12:07 pm

    <
    thank you for this.

  6. james
    August 11, 2012 | 5:29 am

    thanks for the idea…i got it

  7. Akash
    September 8, 2012 | 9:19 am

    nice ….

  8. stevo 217
    September 18, 2012 | 3:33 am

    thankz for this idea.. I might gonna apply this for my future endevours..

  9. alona
    December 13, 2012 | 3:31 am

    Thank you so much

  10. varg veltis
    January 30, 2013 | 12:29 am

    this is cool! tnx! •?•

  11. Anne
    March 14, 2013 | 9:16 am

    Tnx,such a great info.,i know it’l be useful for my future plans of applying a job,for now i’ll just enjoy my moment being a mom again to my 2nd son!

    • herry
      June 21, 2013 | 8:32 am

      congrats

  12. Gopal
    April 25, 2013 | 11:59 am

    Good

  13. Eric
    June 22, 2013 | 11:44 pm

    stupid question ..telling about yourself does not guaranty that a applicant knows about the job.experience and skills will do the talking about himself in the field.

  14. Ruth
    July 13, 2013 | 5:29 am

    Learn new idea, thanks.

  15. nonax
    October 11, 2013 | 11:58 am

    amazing. i was asked this question in our mock job interview and i was like, ahhhhmmm? what about myself wud you like to know sir? hahaha.
    tnx.

  16. andrilon apduhan
    April 26, 2014 | 8:50 am

    i really love the infos you give. i got some clues. tnx !!

  17. abril
    May 16, 2014 | 1:29 pm

    thanks to this ! 🙂

  18. jeric
    May 25, 2015 | 6:24 am

    that’s it,,thx 4 the info..ur the man,…

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