If you’ve been invited to the interview you’re already 90% there!
Do not try to convince the interviewer that you’re the right person. Convince them they have made the right choice.
We are going to talk about one of the most common and dreaded question “Tell Me About Yourself” and I will give you my inside about how to answer it effectively.
This question can be tricky for most people, however this is your only opportunity to take advantage and talk about yourself in a more personal tone. The rest of the interview will focus on your skills, experience, the way you handle work-related situations etc.
So, don’t waste this chance, make an impression and talk about your background, personal interests and activities, followed by your aspirations (don’t make it all about work).
I know that most of the coaches and interview literature state that you need to keep this answer strictly professional, but I strongly believe this question gives you the perfect opportunity to create some rapport, show a little bit of your personality and interests, so from a level they can connect easier with you and determine from there if you are a good match for the company.
According to Harvard Business Review, the best way of creating that connection with your interviewer is to demonstrate that you have two personality traits: modesty and gratitude; instead of raving and self-promoting how amazing you are. Sending this positive but powerful signals can help you go ahead of the game.
Instead of saying “I’m the strongest salesperson in my team. My bosses love me, my clients say that I’m the only one that understands them and my colleagues envy me”
The modest version would be: “I have understood who our clients are and what they need, my success is based upon listening and showing them that I care. The training has been a vital part of my journey because I believe in the product or service that I offer and I can only sell a product or service that I believe can benefit our society”
You can make it more personal by saying “I love selling and visiting clients because I get to do two of the things that I love the most. “Meeting new people with amazing stories from who I can learn and also traveling and seeing amazing landscapes” or visiting new restaurants-coffee shops all over the country-city “I’m a foodie” “I’m a coffee lover”
It will show that you are positive, outgoing and mindful.
Use a storytelling technique to make yourself more confident with your pitch. Remember that practice makes perfect, rehearse your answers so many times that it will become so natural and you will feel comfortable letting the interviewer know why you are a great asset for the company. Do not memorize, put your heart and soul to this story, make it yours.
Do you have any questions? Would you like to practice with a well-seasoned interview coach?
Let’s chat, book a free 15 mins consultation call and we can take it from there.
Charles Webb
