Sometimes what seems the easiest is the toughest nut to crack at an interview! You might think that it’s really easy to speak about yourself at an interview but stop right there in your tracks. More than half of the people we generally know are shy to talk about themselves because they feel it constitutes bragging. The remaining people are often not focused enough to answer this question as they should.
First of all, remember that at an interview, the employer is looking for a candidate to fulfill a requirement. All answers therefore should be made in that context. Don’t think that the employer would be interested in knowing how many pets you have or that your favorite hobby is mountain climbing! Even if you know that these aren’t obviously the kind of answers you will give, are you clear enough about what you will say when you are asked this question?
Employers probably have the answer in their head when they ask you to speak about yourself. If what you say matches with what they expect, with a fair amount of give and take, then you can be sure that you’ve impressed the interviewer. But how can you pull this off? Read on to learn more about being able to speak about yourself concisely and with a straightforward level of determination.
- Prepare ahead – You know this question is coming, so why not prepare for it before hand? That way you can align your abilities with the expectations of the organization better and when you speak, you will sound calm, confident and focused.
- Why you? – This is actually what the employers are asking under the guise of that innocuous looking question. They really want to know how they will benefit from your presence in the company. So make sure you sell yourself to them honestly and without feeling shy at all.
- Bullet points – Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could speak in bullet points? Then the employers can skim the conversation and look at the most important points. Well, you can actually do this. Pick out your most important qualities and highlight them during the course of your speech. Make sure they understand why you are such an outstanding candidate for the position at hand.
- Them, not you – Remember that the entire interview is about how you will benefit them so they can consider hiring you. So concentrate on that aspect as much as possible.
- Past, present, future – This is all that matters. Tell them about your past achievements and how they have shaped you as a person and employee today. Then, go on to tell them what you plan to do in future. This about sums up what they’d like to hear.
- Short and sweet – Speak firmly and make sure you’re coherent. Of course, remember never to go overboard. Keep your little speech or monologue short and sweet with the most important points covered. Five minutes seems like a short time, but to an interviewer, it could mean getting bored and staying bored. Try not to extend more than three minutes.
Crack that interview now that you know what you can say about yourself. And remember, don’t be shy!
