Feeling the rush of blood throughout my legs, the pain in my stomach, the tingling of my hairs on my skin, all as I gulp down an extra amount of saliva. I am up. It is my turn.
“What about you, what do you do?”
The number one interview question is not just for interviews. It is a part of our everyday lives. It can sneak up on you when you least expect it, or you can think about it for days knowing you will have to answer it at an upcoming meeting or event.
“Tell me about yourself.”
Your answer to this question may either make the person in front of you lose interest in you in the first few seconds, or pivot your future into a series of positive outcomes.
Humans are social beings, and we are constantly looking for ways to connect with each other. Whether you are meeting new people at a conference, running into a long-time contact and catching up with them, being asked to introduce yourself at a work meeting, or chatting with the new c-level executive at your place of work, your answer to this question can either place barriers between you and others, or create a magnetism for yourself that will keep others wanting more of you.
Whether for an impromptu and serendipitous moment, or if you are preparing for your next interview, keep these tips in mind to share the best version of your answer to “Tell me about yourself.”
Know your audience: Identifying and understanding the person or people in front of you is key to having them relate to you. If time allows, do your research. If at an impromptu event, think on your feet. Who is your audience? What is relevant to them? What are ways you can make a positive impact on them?
Know yourself: Identify and define your past, present, and future in such a way which will allow you to tell your story. Identify relevant moments from your past which have helped you to where you are today, define what you are doing today to propel you forward, and identify the goals and milestones you are seeking in your future.
Overcome challenges: “I am not _____ enough.” This blank can be filled in with as many adjectives as our insecurities and imaginations allow, but it does not help you communicate with others. We all have insecurities, we all have a little voice in our head constantly reminding us of areas we can improve. Acknowledge the voice and simply sit it down on the corner ottoman of the living room in your mind. Instead, place all your attention on your strengths, on the things you do right, and on how you create positive value. Place the voice telling you all the things you do right front and center, sit it down on the center couch.
Consider the environment: Identify the setting and mood to choose the best way to deliver your answer. Are you at a loud networking event or in a quiet room? Do you only have 1 minute to spark interest in the person in front of you before they rush off or do you have an entire dinner to make sure the person leaves with a positive impression.
Will it be today, next week, or next month? You may not know exactly when the next time you get to tell others about yourself may be, but you can prepare yourself ahead of time to make sure you are memorable and leave the other person wanting more of you.