#1 in the series ‘interview questions’

With 20 years of experience, we have gained a considerable expertise in introductory and job interviews. And we would like to share this expertise with you. To help you present the best version of yourself during an interview, our colleague Michael Bandel provides you with useful tips.

#1 in the series of interview questions; Question: “Tell me about yourself.”

A delightful open-ended question that makes many professionals a bit nervous. How will you answer this question?

What is the interviewer trying to achieve with this question? What can you say and what should you avoid?

Answer: What they would like to see is how you communicate and how you strike a balance between your professional and personal life.

They want to get to know you.

They want to see if you can naturally talk about yourself, include a professional aspect, and at the same time, establish a connection with the interviewer.

In my case, an answer could be:

“I enjoy playing golf and find the process of improvement very interesting; I often play with friends. I love the atmosphere and the competitive element.

I have been working in sales for over 20 years, and I believe it’s crucial to truly understand my customers. I achieve this by asking questions and actively listening. This allows me to offer the right solution or create opportunities for my clients.”

When you are invited for an introductory interview, there’s a good chance this question will be asked. So be prepared for it and think about what you can share. By doing so, you won’t be caught off guard during the conversation, and you can provide a concise and clear answer.

We wish you good luck in advance.

In the blog series ‘Interview questions,’ Business Manager Michael Bandel answers frequently asked questions during an introductory interview. Want to stay informed? Follow our blog or check out our LinkedIn page.