3 Tips to Answer "Tell Me About Yourself" When You're Just Starting Out

Let's be real - interviews can be nerve-wracking, especially when you're fresh out of school. And that classic opener, "Tell me about yourself," can really throw you for a loop if you're not prepared.

But here's the thing: this question isn't meant to trip you up. It's actually a chance for you to set the tone for the rest of the interview. So let's break down how to tackle it without sounding like you're reading from a script.

What Are They Really Asking?

When an interviewer says "Tell me about yourself," what they're actually getting at is "How are you relevant to this job?" They want to know if you've got what it takes, even if you don't have years of experience under your belt.

It's an opportunity to sell yourself. So it's time to craft an elevator pitch to clearly explain why you're a suitable candidate.

Here are 3 points that you should include in your pitch.

WHO are you?

Share your background. Highlight relevant key skills, experiences and achievements.

What’s your WHY?

Share your goals, what are your interests or the motivation behind the things you do.

WHY you?

Relate your skills and experience to the job objectives. Share how you can contribute to the job and the company. Tell them what sets you apart from other candidates and why you deserve the job.

Sample Answers for "Tell Me About Yourself"

Here are some great examples that might help you.

For a tech internship: "I'm in my third year studying Computer Science at Tech U. Lately, I've been really into web development - I actually redesigned our student club website last semester. It was a challenge, but seeing more people engage with the site was pretty rewarding. I noticed your company is big on user experience, which is exactly the kind of thing I'd love to dive deeper into."

For a marketing position: "I just graduated with a marketing degree from Business College. During my time there, I ended up running social media for a couple of student organisations. It was cool seeing how the right content could get people excited about events. I know your company does a lot with social media marketing, and I'd love to bring some fresh ideas to the table."

For an engineering internship: "I'm finishing up my mechanical engineering degree this year. This past 1 year, I led a team project designing a solar-powered water purifier. It was tough, but it really opened my eyes to how engineering can make a real difference. I saw that your company is working on sustainable tech solutions, which is exactly the kind of meaningful work I want to be part of."

Some Quick Tips

• Don't downplay your experiences: That group project or part-time job taught you something valuable.

• Show enthusiasm: Companies like people who are eager to learn and grow.

• Keep it brief: Aim for about a minute. You want to spark their interest, not give them your life story.

• Be yourself: It's okay to show a bit of personality. They're hiring a person, not a resume.

• Make sure you craft a compelling elevator pitch to catch the attention of potential hirers.

Putting It Into Practice

The key is to practice this enough that you feel comfortable, but not so much that you sound rehearsed. Try it out on a friend or record yourself - you might be surprised at how you come across.

Remember, everyone starts somewhere. The company knows they're interviewing someone at the beginning of their career. They're more interested in your potential and enthusiasm than a lengthy track record.

So take a deep breath, be yourself, and show them why you're excited about this opportunity. You've got this.

Try out your elevator pitch on Kabel when you chat with employers; they'll be impressed by your enthusiasm and readiness to learn!