"Tell me something interesting about yourself." This question pops up so frequently in interviews that it definitely is on every interviewer’s checklist. Common? Absolutely. Easy to answer? Not so much. It’s straightforward and often sends candidates into a silent panic. Why? Because it's open-ended, personal, and a chance to really shine—or stumble.
Interviewers use this question to peel back the layers of your professional persona and glimpse your individuality. Your answer can light up the path to your personality, passions, and potential fit within their team. It’s your cue to differentiate yourself from the pack with something memorable yet relevant.
Answering this question well is a fantastic opportunity to set yourself apart from other candidates. That given, here’s how you can craft an answer that’s as compelling as it is revealing.
1. Think beyond your resume.
Start by picking something that's not on your resume. This question is about revealing who you are beyond your skills or professional experience. Reflect on what defines you outside of work. What's a hobby, a passion, or an adventure you've had? Something that defines you beyond the usual ‘I love to travel’ or ‘I read a lot.’ Think about what’s uniquely you… of the stuff that makes your friends and family say, "Oh, tell them about the time you..."
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You could talk about your hidden talent, biggest achievement in school or previous job, a passion or volunteer project or experience, an instrument you’re good at, or where you grew up. You may not think they’re interesting but anything is better than straightforward answering “nothing.” You’ll never know. That thing you thought of boring might be something you have in common with an interviewer and that would be a plus point.
2. Tell a mini-story.
People connect with stories more than facts because they draw listeners to your world. They make yoru personality and attributes more vivid. Hencem, frame your interesting fact as a short narrative that highlights your desirable qualities. For instance, talk about how joining a local hiking group taught you about risk assessment and perseverance, qualities that are invaluable for, for example, project management roles. Or maybe during one project, you experienced unexpected challenges but managed to lead your team to success. This demonstrates your adaptability and problem solving skills.
3. Link it to the job description.
Whenever possible, connect your story back to the job you're applying for. This shows interviewers why you’re no just interesting but also a great fit for the role. If you're a graphic designer, you might mention how you volunteer to design posters for community events. Explain how this experience has honed your ability to work with various people and manage feedback—skills that are crucial for the position you’re applying. Always angle your answer so it wraps back to why you’d be great at the job.
4. Be authentic.
Authenticity builds trust. Share something true and personal to create a genuien connection with your reporter. Avoid exaggerating or bending the truth just to impress, as getting caught in a half-truth can be damaging during an interview. Interviewers can often tell when a candidate is being insincere, and this can raise doubts about your credibility. Stick to what’s true, and let your natural enthusiasm do the heavy lifting.
5. Let your personality shine.
This is your chance to show a bit of personality in a professional setting; to bring your resume to life. Whether you're naturally humorous, incredibly organized, or particularly creative, let these qualities come through in your story. For instance, if you’re applying for a writing job, you might talk about how you have come up with unconventional but effective ways or how you use your creativity to improve processes. This makes your answer more engaging and gives the interviewer a taste of what you will bring to their team.
What to Avoid
While you want to make a memorable impact, there are certain pitfalls to avoid:
- Oversharing: Keep the details appropriate and professional. Avoid overly personal stories that do not enhance your professional image. Now is not the time for tales of heartbreak or drunken moments or family drama.
- Controversial Topics: Stay away from subjects that could be seen as divisive such as politics or religion. Stick to stories that reflect positively on you.
- Negativity: Focus on the positive aspects of your experiences, even if discussing challenges. Always spin challenges as opportunities for growth. Don't talk about how much you disliked your last job or boss or serious mistakes you’ve done. Again, things positive.
Sample Answers
- “While I was studying for my degree in marketing, I started a blog about traveling and student budget living which has now reached 30,000 followers. At first, the experience was purely for fun and leisure but has since helped me fuel my passion for digital marketing. It taught me valuable lessons in content creations and curation—skills I believe are directly applicable to the Social Media Manager role I’m applying for.”
- In my spare time, I enjoy fixing things around the house, like blenders, fans, and old radios. This hobby has improved my problem-solving skills and helped me understand how different parts work together, mirroring the systems thinking required in engineering roles. I believe these skills would be useful in this job, especially when it comes to analyzing and fixing larger systems.
Seize the Opportunity
When faced with the question, "Tell me something interesting about yourself," see it as more than just a routine inquiry—it's an opportunity to shine. It's a strategic opportunity to connect with the interviewer on a deeper level and show how your unique qualities make you a perfect fit for the role and the company culture.
Prepare a response that not only highlights your unique qualities and experiences but also aligns with the job you’re applying for. And remember to deliver your answer with confidence and enthusiasm. With thoughtful preparation, this seemingly simple question can become a turning point in your interview, setting you apart from other candidates and moving you one step closer to landing the job.
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