This one is for 9-5vers! Yes, you may not have made it past the last interview process and several other ones because you didn’t introduce yourself the right way. This might sound very trivial but your interviewer has a first impression of you right from when you start to talk about yourself. So, it is very important to make a very good first impression that can even carry you on till the end of the interview.
Why do interviewers ask you to talk about yourself?
It is easy to think that the interviewer knows all they need to know already since they have your CV/Resume. Your CV/Resume is only a document and may not capture the communication skills that your interviewer may be looking to check.
Also, this question allows the interviewer to gauge your ability to articulate information, share relevant details, and present yourself confidently. It also provides an opportunity for you to highlight aspects of your personality, experiences, and skills that might not be explicitly outlined in your resume. It is a new year, 2024 to be precise and this is what we think you can do better.
How do you answer the main question correctly?
When an interviewer asks you to introduce yourself in 2024, what do you think they want to know? They want to know about your professional background, skills, and experiences, but more importantly, they are interested in understanding how these aspects make you a suitable fit for the specific role. Think of a brief and compelling response that touches on your relevant experiences, highlights your key skills, and demonstrates your enthusiasm for the position.
Here is a simple method for you – Use the FEES code. FEES stands for:
- F – First Name and Last name
- E – Educational Background
- E – Experience (Work or Volunteer)
- S – Skills and Achievement
When you are asked to say something about yourself, you can take the FEES route to tell them your full name, where you schooled and what you studied, where you’ve worked or currently work, and what you did remarkably during the period you were working those jobs.
Read Also: You want to run with these interview tips in 2024
Another alternative to answering the question is this:
While it is very important to say your name so that the interviewer can get familiar with it when they proceed into the interview, you can also add your title. For example, (say – I am a copywriter writer or an HR practitioner), anyone that suits you. But, mention your title, then go ahead to talk a bit about your educational background and the impact you made (if there was any). Share your key experiences and be sure to highlight your strengths and weaknesses.
Your CV might have been with them but they want to hear you talk. So, for example, a proper introduction of oneself during an interview can go like this:
“I’m (Your Full Name), and I am a [Your Title, e.g., Copywriter or HR Practitioner]. I pursued my education at [School], where I (Briefly mention your academic achievements). In my professional journey, I’ve had the privilege of working at (Previous or Current Workplace). One notable accomplishment during my time there was (Share a significant achievement or contribution).
Moving forward, I’m excited about the prospect of [Mention something specific about the job you’re applying for, showing your enthusiasm and understanding]. My experiences have equipped me with strong skills in (Your Key Skills), and I’m confident that I can bring valuable contributions to [Company Name] by leveraging my (Strengths).”
This is only a template that should guide you, we are certain that you can be creative enough to navigate the question. However, important parts must be covered when answering the question. You did it a different way in the previous year. In 2024, we think you should do even better.
