How To Answer the Tell Me About Yourself

Interview Question
Tell Me Something About Yourself
Almost all interviews start with this question. The tell me about yourself question is really important
since it allows you to guide the interview. Guiding the interview means making the interviewers ask you
questions which you want to be asked thereby increasing the chances of success in the interview. The
main objective of this question is usually to break the ice. You can and should use it to your advantage.
Most people answer this question by rattling o their resume. You can better use this question by
telling the interviewer some speci c personal attributes which are not listed in your resume or things
which you are good at and want the interviewer to probe more about.
First, lets start with the non-ideal answer to the tell me about yourself question.

Non Ideal Answer: My name is Ram Kumar. I was born in Delhi and grew up there. I did my
graduation at Delhi College of Engineering in the Computer Science stream. I passed my course with
Distinction. Then I joined IBM Software Labs in Bangalore where I was working on the Andrew File
System for two years. I then moved back to Delhi to join a startup called Gohigh which is in the travel
domain. I am still working there. In my spare time, I like to listen to music, read history books and
watch movies. I am also a part of an NGO

This answer doesnt give the interviewer any new information he can read this in your resume. This
also leaves a chance for the candidate to guide the interview. Now, heres a better way to answer this
question.

Good Answer to Tell me about yourself

I am Ram Kumar, a Computer Science graduate from Delhi College of Engineering Delhi. I like to use
my analytical abilities to develop world class products in the travel domain. When I am not working, I
like to read ancient Indian history since I am intrigued by the stories of brilliant minds like Chanakya.
I also like to give back to society and am an active member of an NGO through which we teach
underprivileged kids on weekends.
In the rst case, the professor can ask Ram any question, either what is in his resume or about
some topic in the professors mind which Ram may or may not know about. In the second case,
because Ram has made some intriguing statements, the professor is more likely to ask Ram
about his strengths like the world class travel product he has developed, some speci c topics
on ancient Indian history or on his work with his NGO. This are areas which Ram is good at and
can answer well, thereby increasing the chances of his success in the interview.
Ensure you prepare the Tell me about yourself answer well as it could be a major factor in
deciding your success in the interview.
You may want to check out more sample answers to the tell me about yourself interview
question which are speci c to your experience and work-stream.
Another important question asked in all MBA interviews which you absolutely must prepare for is
the Why MBA? Question.
We recommend that you also read up on learning to handle stress interviews.
Continue reading more MBA Tips for Indian B-Schools at http://mbaclub.in

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51

7 thoughts on How To Answer the Tell Me About Yourself Interview Question

rakesh
July 8, 2013 at 4:27 pm

i like this..

Aditi
July 21, 2013 at 12:43 am

Very useful points. I came across another good article on this same topic titled Best Answer to Tell me
something about yourself question.

sreenath choppa
January 4, 2014 at 6:54 pm

sir/madam,i am fresher and preparing for MBA GD/PI,can u please suggest me what are points that we
have include in TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF,i have little confusion apart from academics,what i have to
add,please reply me ASAP

admin

Post
author

December 26, 2014 at 10:32 am

Hi Sreenath,
This article will help you prepare the answer to the tell me about yourself question from the point of
view of a fresher.

payal
December 24, 2014 at 6:43 pm

It makes our con dence level best

sagayarani.A.S
February 21, 2015 at 1:19 pm

sir/madam,i am preparing for MBA GD/PI,can u please suggest me what are points that we have
include in TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF,i have little confusion apart from academics,what i have to
add,please reply me ASAP

admin

Post
author

February 25, 2015 at 10:04 pm

Hi Sagayarani,
Apart from academics, you should include your achievements or any hobby or interest that you are
deeply passionate about and which you can answer detailed questions on.