Your Guide to Nailing the 'Tell me about Yourself' Interview question!

Have you ever found yourself sitting in an interview, feeling confident and prepared, only to be thrown off guard by the dreaded question: 'Tell me about yourself'? I know I have. If you've ever felt the same way, you're not alone. Let's explore how to master the art of answering the 'tell me about yourself' question with confidence and clarity. 

Why do interviewers ask this question? They want to know you beyond your CV and university grades. Knowing what you do in your free time and outside of university gives them a glimpse of your personality and helps them assess whether you will fit into the company’s culture. This is also a great way to break the ice and help you get more comfortable.

Like writing your cover letter, you also need the job description to answer this question. The description will often contain key skills needed in the role. I personally like to answer this question in three sections.

Section One: Your Skills.

In this part of the answer, you should use the skills in the job description and my experience to demonstrate why you are an excellent candidate for the role. For example, if the role requires excellent communication skills, eagerness to learn and ability to work in a team, here is how you could showcase those skills.

Template: I have completed several extra-curricular activities and have held several positions of responsibility at university, such as Co-Founder of the xyz Society and Vice-Chair of the International Student Network. These roles have honed my communication skills and my ability to thrive in a diverse environment like <company name>. My curiosity and desire for continuous learning make the <program name> an ideal opportunity for me to delve deeper into the <name of the industry>.

Section Two: Your Hobbies:

In this section, you want to tell the interviewer about your hobbies and interests. Do you play any sport at a competitive level? Ensure that the hobbies and interests you mention are relevant to the job or industry whenever possible. This helps to demonstrate your well-roundedness and how your extracurricular activities complement your professional skills while letting your personality shine.

Template: Completing university assignments and staying up to date with the content can sometimes be challenging. I have recently found out that I perform best when I exercise regularly. In fact, I recently started running and have challenged myself to complete a half-marathon using the Nike Running App. Although this might be challenging, considering that I am new to running, I cannot wait to have that feeling of fulfilment once I complete the marathon.

Section Three: Your Passion for the Industry:

Use concrete examples of how you've demonstrated your passion could strengthen this section. Whether it's through projects, coursework, or self-directed learning, showcasing your proactive approach to industry knowledge is key. Have you completed any online courses to learn a new coding language? Did you complete a course on Forage to gain insight into the industry? You also want to use this section to demonstrate your commercial awareness and how you keep abreast of current affairs.

Template: My passion for a successful career in finance is reflected in my work experiences with various financial services companies. These experiences have laid a solid foundation of finance for me. I am always looking for opportunities to improve my knowledge. For instance, I completed the Société Générale x EDHEC ‘Global Financing Solutions' online course on Coursera, scoring an impressive 82.55%. This course allowed me to delve into M&A, Hedings and Impact-Based Finance concepts. I also like to keep abreast of the finance industry by listening to the FT News Briefings podcast.

Got to know:

In conclusion, mastering the 'tell me about yourself' question can be a game-changer in your job search journey. Take some time to reflect on your own experiences, strengths, and career aspirations. Practice articulating your story in a concise and compelling manner, tailored to the specific job opportunities you're pursuing. Remember, preparation is key, so don't hesitate to rehearse your response until it feels natural and authentic.

And if you ever need support or guidance along the way, The Job Seeker Hub is here to help! We can assist you with interview preparation, cover letter writing, CV optimization, and more. With our resources and expertise, you'll be well-prepared to tackle any job opportunity that comes your way.

So go ahead, seize the opportunity to showcase the best version of yourself in your next interview. You've got this! Best of luck on your job search journey!

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Opportunities of the Week:

1) Boston Consulting Group 2024 Mentorship Programme. 

Are you a university student based in the UK or Ireland who will graduate before 2024 and 2025? BCG has opened its 2024 Mentorship Programme for students looking to gain insight into the consulting industry. The deadline to apply is Sunday, June 16th, and applicants are required to submit a CV and a cover letter. You can find out more and apply here.

2) Nomura Technology Insight Day.

Are you looking for a Technology Industrial Placement from 2025 to 2026? Nomura is hosting a Technology Insight Day to give students insight into its Industrial Placement opportunities. This in-person event is aimed at students finishing their first year of university who are looking for an Industrial Placement from June 2025 to June 2026. Don't miss this chance to get a glimpse of your potential future workplace and submit your application by Friday 3rd of May at 5 pm. You can find more details here.

3) NatWest Group Insight Experience Events

Are you a woman in the first year of a three-year degree or the second year of a four-year degree programme and identify as such? If so, you can apply for the NatWest Insight Experience events. The two-day Insight Experience event is your chance to get a taste of what it’s like to work in NatWest Group. Running on the 22nd and 23rd of August 2024, you’ll learn about the different internships we’re running in 2025 – and we’ll even help you secure a place on one before term is underway.

a) Insight Experience for Women - Digital Transformation

b) Insight Experience for Women, Data & Analytics, Edinburgh

c) Insight Experience for Women - Software Engineering

In The News:

1. Fed Decision Week: Market attention is on the Federal Reserve's upcoming decision, with expectations leaning towards no rate cut this time. The Bloomberg Economics team has developed a tool tracking Fed speeches, suggesting a hawkish tilt. Swaps traders foresee only one rate reduction for 2024.

2. Market Outlook: Futures for the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 point to a positive Wall Street opening. Optimism surrounds the US earnings season, offsetting Fed-related concerns. Notable updates are expected from Domino's Pizza and Paramount Global, which sees shares rise amid potential sale discussions.

3. Tesla's China Wins: Tesla's shares surge following CEO Elon Musk's visit to China, where the company secures partnerships and meets data-security requirements for its Full-Self Driving technology.

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Got questions, ideas, or want to say hello? Connect with me on LinkedIn —I'd love to hear from you!

PS: The Job Seeker Hub LinkedIn page is up and running, and we have a lot planned for the rest of the year! Make sure to follow us to stay updated with our content and events.