New: Tell Me about Yourself Sample Answer for Fresh Graduates

By Joan Igamba

As a fresh graduate, your exposure to commonly asked interview questions is usually limited. This one question, I’m here to tell you, is always asked.

It could be in different formats too such as, take us through your CV.

Without any experience, you may be wondering how you will answer this question and come out as the best candidate for the position. The quality of your response will determine the interview outcome.

As a fresh graduate, consider the following three techniques, to help you answer this question.

1. Keep it formal but conversational

Introduce yourself. Remember this is a formal setup. Do not assume that the interviewer knows who you are. Make sure you catch the interviewer’s name in order to use it a few times as you speak, as this is a conversation. If the company you interned at is not well known, you could ask the interviewer whether they’ve heard of it. This helps make the interaction two way.

Avoid:

• Reciting the information written on your CV or cover letter

2. Keep it brief

It could be difficult to summarize who you are as graduated fresh graduate but keep in mind the longer you go on, the harder it is for the interviewer to stay interested. Keep in mind that this question usually tests how good of a communicator you are. Follow the seven Cs of good communication. Your answer should be complete, clear, coherent, courteous, correct and concise.

Avoid;

• Rambling on showing that you did not prepare for the interview.
• Talking about every single achievement you have had in the past. Choose the most relevant and keep the rest for later.

3. Talk about career-related topics only

This is the part of the interview where you summarize your professional journey – not personal. As a fresh graduate, you could talk about the degree, diploma or certificate you have studied, the courses or units that had the most impact on you and what grade you achieved at the end of the program. Also, any relevant work experience you have and the skills you picked up from the work you have done. If your work experience is not strong, talk about any school activities that you have participated and the transferrable skills you could have learned, such as leadership.

Avoid;

• Answering in just one line like, “I am Bryan, an excellent website designer.”
• Telling your entire life story from birth

Tell Me About Yourself Sample Answer

My name is Jean Ngatia. I have a diploma in digital marketing from ADMI, which was a two-year program. I have work experience in the form of two internships. One at the Advertising Agency SCANAD and the other at Pulse, the digital desk. The skills that I was able to pick up include communication skills, organizational skills and technical skills such as the use of Google Tools, copywriting and social media management. One of the biggest challenges I faced while working in this industry was how fast-paced it was. I was able to remain on top of trends by using forecasting tools available to me. This allowed me to do work that was valuable and relevant at both places that I interned at. I really am excited at the prospect of joining your team.

Finally,

The “tell me about yourself” question always comes at the beginning and it will determine what first impression the interviewer will have of you. Starting strong can allow you to get away with fumbling a few questions in the middle. However, to avoid fumbling Ms. Lucy Karwigi, an interview coach at Corporate Staffing Services, can help you through a mock interview process to help you sell yourself better.