You Only Pass A Job Interview When You Answer This Question Correctly

As you prepare for your next interview, it is important for you to know exactly how to respond to those common interview questions.
I know how scary the thought of an interview can be and that’s why I want to help you give the best answer.
I know you’re wondering what this one interview question is and how it will help you land a job.
And the question is, “tell us about yourself.”
I can guarantee you that no matter what interview you attend, you will always be asked this question.
You probably struggle with it. You’re not sure whether to speak about yourself as a professional of mention your personal details.
Sometimes you also struggle with not being sure whether you’ll speak too much or too little.
Regardless, today I am going to share with you the best response to this question and show you how answering it will enable you pass that interview.
And btw, I will also go further and give you a practical example which you can use to your advantage.
So why is this question so important?
You walk into the room, meet one interviewer or a panel and the first thing they ask you is, “tell us about yourself”
I think you should know this; there is only ONE right way to answer this question.
Yes, that’s right, just one!
I call it the “Perfect Get Hired Now Interview Answer”
Like many other people, you probably think this is the hardest question to answer.
It probably doesn’t even come close to other tough questions like your strengths and weaknesses.
I’d like you to look at these two responses from Patricia and Anthony both of whom who work in the same field but in different companies. They have been invited for an interview for a Sales and Marketing Manager Position at Safaricom Limited.
Patriciah – Sales and Marketing Officer at a Real Estate Development Firm in Kenya
Anthony – Sales and Marketing Officer at a water manufacturing company in Kenya
When Patricia is asked tell us about yourself this is her response:
“My name is Patricia. I am 27 years old. I am currently single. I work as a Sales and Marketing Officer at company XXX. I like working in Sales because it challenging. I’m an outgoing person who is very social and I am also a hard worker. I enjoy spending time with my family and making new friends.”
When Anthony is asked tell us about yourself this is his response:
“My name is Anthony. I am 27 years old. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Sales and Marketing from the University of Nairobi and I’m currently undertaking a Masters in the same in order to broaden my knowledge in Sales and Marketing. I have 4 years of experience working in different companies where I have risen ranks from being an intern to a Sales and Marketing Officer.
Part of my roles and responsibilities include; pitching to potential corporate clients, using my networks to generate business ideas, formulating and implementing marketing strategies in revenue generation, meeting the needs of company clients through tailor made solutions, making sure I achieve the set sale targets among any other duties assigned to me. In my job and years of experience I have gained valuable soft skills that have enabled me excel at my job.
Such have included my problem solving and negotiating skills especially when closing a deal, my detail oriented skills in ensuring that marketing strategies and reports are free of error as well as excellent team work skills in relating well with the other members of the Sales team and other departments. I am excited to have been shortlisted for this interview and I am opportunistic there is an opportunity for personal career growth as well as growth of the organization.
Now between you and me, who would you give the job?
I know I would give it to Anthony! Why? He was specific and right to the point! He tailored his answers regarding his roles to match the job description. He also mentioned his strengths and enthusiasm for the interview.
A good first impression wouldn’t you agree?
Patricia on the other hand spoke about irrelevant things around her personal life and that’s where she lost marks with the interviewers.
What’s the point?
You will always be asked this question as a professional. That’s the point.
Do you wish to learn more about how to answer this question? Then watch this 4-minute video.
I’d love to hear how this information has helped you. You can share your thoughts with me on esther@corporatestaffing.co.ke and I will get back to you ASAP!
Esther works as a Communications Officer and Job Interview Coach for Corporate Staffing Services Limited – a HR firm that offers FREE CV registration and recruitment services. Visit their website today on www.corporatestaffing.co.ke to learn more.