It’s as certain as death and taxes, and as inevitable as the rising sun. It’s also as unavoidable as news headlines about Taylor Swift’s personal life. If you’re at a networking event, in a job interview, or in any meeting where you’re not the key figure, you’re bound to encounter the classic non-question question: “Tell me about yourself.”
Sure, you can argue endlessly about the usefulness of this commonly used conversation starter. Is “tell me about yourself” a lazy way to initiate a conversation? Perhaps. Is it a creative icebreaker? Definitely not. However, at the end of the day, it presents an opportunity for you to shine as an individual and demonstrate to your interviewer how you are unique, impressive, and memorable. We firmly believe in this.
That’s why, at The Optimism Company, we decided to seek the wisdom of Simon Sinek, our founder and Chief Optimist, for his go-to advice on confidently navigating the “tell me about yourself” question.
Whether you’re prepping for an interview or you’d simply like to have your answer to this question holstered and ready to go at any time, we’d like to help you. So, read on, and if you’re interested in more valuable guidance on communicating clearly and effectively, be sure to explore Simon’s #1 bestselling course, The Art of Presenting, today.
Yes, You Should Prepare for the “Tell Me About Yourself” Question
“Let’s be clear, your response to the ‘tell me about yourself’ question should never be spontaneous,” advises Simon. It’s a fact that you know it’s coming, and while some may dismiss it as mere small talk, the truth is that it holds much more significance. It’s your initial opportunity to make an impression and artfully highlight your strengths.
However, let’s first address why the “tell me about yourself” question often leaves people stumbling: it requires talking about oneself. For those who feel uncomfortable discussing themselves, it can be stressful. And for those who are at ease with self-expression, it can be challenging to strike a balance between confidence and sounding boastful.
That being said, Simon encourages you to have a prepared answer. While there are countless approaches you can take, he offers at least two foolproof options.
Option One: Shift the Focus from Yourself to Your Friends
Not a fan of discussing yourself? Here’s a quick solution: Don’t. Instead, redirect the answer towards your friends.
“Here’s what you can say: ‘I find it challenging to talk about myself, so perhaps it’s easier to share the most common compliment I get, which could reveal something unique about who I am.’ In my case, the most common compliment I receive is that I am inspiring. So I would explain how I take pride in my ability to inspire others.”
Simon also emphasizes the importance of a unique answer. “It’s all about how you respond,” he explains. “If your words spark curiosity in the listener’s mind, that’s a plus. Merely saying that you’re a hard worker or a good son won’t capture their attention. What they truly want to hear are words that resonate with them.”
Option Two: Highlight a Personal Quality You Appreciate
If discussing yourself comes more naturally to you, Simon suggests taking a different approach.
“Choose one specific aspect about yourself that you genuinely like,” he advises. “But avoid clichés like ‘I’m a curious person.’ You need to delve deeper.”
For instance, you can mention that you are the go-to person for your friends when they face challenges, and that you possess the strength to help them gain perspective during difficult times.
If nothing immediately comes to mind, Simon recommends asking your friends for their input.
“Ask your friends why they truly value your friendship,” he suggests. “They will provide you with the unique qualities that make you who you are. Incorporate a version of that when someone asks you to ‘tell me about yourself.'”
Now, if curiosity is a defining trait, go beyond the surface. “You can say, ‘I have an insatiable curiosity,’” says Simon. “‘I approach life with the curiosity of a child, always asking questions. I’m curious about people’s experiences, how the world works the way it does, and how I can make a meaningful impact. So, if you want to know about me, know that I’m driven every single day by an insatiable curiosity.'”
If you have a networking event or job interview on the horizon, we hope you find this advice helpful. And for more great advice to elevate your communication skills, be sure to check out our Optimism Library, filled with 50+ classes teaching essential human skills such as giving and receiving feedback and having difficult workplace conversations.
