During a job interview, when the interviewer asks, “Tell me something interesting about yourself,” it is essential to prepare an interesting answer. This interview question aims to assess a candidate’s personality and provide insights beyond their resume or cover letter. It is also an opportunity to showcase unique qualities that may make a candidate stand out from the rest. In this article, we will provide sample answers to ace this dreaded interview question.
Key Takeaways
- Prepare an interesting answer to the question “tell me something interesting about yourself” in advance of a job interview.
- Use this interview question as an opportunity to showcase your unique qualities or experiences.
- Tailor your answer to make it relevant to the job or company you are interviewing for.
- A fun fact or a story is an effective way to answer this question.
- By sharing an engaging and memorable answer, you can increase your chances of making a positive impression during the job interview.
Why Is This Question Asked in Job Interviews?
Interviews are an opportunity for employers to get to know candidates on a more personal level. In addition to reviewing qualifications and work experience, employers may ask the interviewee to divulge something interesting about themselves, which can serve as an icebreaker and help them learn more about the candidate’s personal qualities.
Asking this question provides interviewers with a chance to assess a candidate’s communication skills, confidence, and ability to think on their feet. It also allows employers to assess a candidate’s unique qualities and determine whether they would be a good fit for the company culture.
By answering the question thoughtfully and providing information that adds value to the interview, candidates can make a lasting impression on the interviewer.
How to Answer the Question Effectively
Providing a compelling answer to the interview question “tell me something interesting about yourself” can set you apart from other candidates. To answer the question effectively, you could consider using one of the following strategies:
Tell a Story
Sharing a story can make your answer more engaging and memorable. Is there a particular experience or moment in your life that relates to the job you’re applying for? Use this opportunity to connect with the interviewer by sharing a relevant anecdote. For instance, if you’re interviewing for a role in event management and have experience organizing charity runs, you could share how your passion for running inspired you to use that experience to help others.
Share a Fun Fact
Providing a quirky or interesting personal fact can help to showcase your personality and interests. For example, if your hobby is birdwatching and you recently spotted a rare species, you could mention it as an unusual fact about yourself. However, make sure that the fact you share is relevant and appropriate to the context of the interview, and that it wouldn’t offend anyone.
Provide Personal Information Related to the Job
Sharing personal information that relates to the job you’re applying for can demonstrate your suitability for the role. For example, if you’re interviewing for a position in a marketing agency, you might mention that you recently completed a digital marketing course to increase your skillset. This shows that you’re proactive and always working to improve your abilities.
One thing to keep in mind is that there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to answer this question. It’s an opportunity to showcase your personality and interests, so tailor your answer to what feels most comfortable and natural for you.
Examples of Interesting Facts to Share
During a job interview, sharing fun and interesting facts about yourself can make a lasting impression on the interviewer. Here are three examples of fun facts that you can consider sharing during your next job interview:
- Fact 1: I once climbed Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Fact 2: I am a certified scuba diver and have explored coral reefs in the Caribbean.
- Fact 3: I am part of a local improv group and perform regularly in my community.
These examples vary to cover a range of interests but can be adapted to fit different job interview scenarios. Remember to keep your answer relevant to the job or company you are interviewing for, and don’t be afraid to use humor or storytelling to engage the interviewer.
Conclusion
Answering the “tell me something interesting about yourself” interview question can be challenging, but with the right approach, candidates can stand out and make a positive impression on potential employers. It is important to understand the significance of this question in job interviews and use it as an opportunity to showcase unique experiences or skills. By following the tips provided in this article and using the examples of fun facts to share, job seekers can craft a response that is engaging and memorable.
Remember to tailor your answer to the job or company you are interviewing for and practice delivering it with confidence. With these tips, you can increase your chances of standing out and making a lasting impression on the interviewer. So, prepare well, stay confident, and ace that job interview!
FAQ
Why is the question “tell me something interesting about yourself” asked in job interviews?
This question is often asked in job interviews to get to know the candidate beyond their resume or cover letter. It serves as an icebreaker and allows the interviewer to gauge the candidate’s communication skills, confidence, and unique qualities.
How should I answer the question “tell me something interesting about yourself” effectively?
To answer this question effectively, you can share a fun fact, tell a story, or provide relevant personal information that showcases your unique experiences or skills. Tailoring your answer to make it relevant to the job or company you are interviewing for is also encouraged.
Can you provide some examples of interesting facts to share?
Sure! Here are three fun facts you can share: 1) I have been building a collection of rare coins since I was 10 years old, 2) I once volunteered at an animal shelter and helped find homes for over 50 dogs, and 3) I can speak four languages fluently: English, French, Spanish, and Mandarin.
Why is it important to answer the question “tell me something interesting about yourself” effectively?
Answering this question effectively is important because it allows you to stand out and make a lasting impression on potential employers. By sharing something unique and memorable, you demonstrate your personality, skills, and suitability for the job.
What should I do if I can’t think of something interesting to share?
If you’re having trouble thinking of something interesting to share, think about your hobbies, achievements, or experiences outside of work. You can also consider any unique qualities or skills you possess that align with the job requirements. Remember, even if it’s not something completely different, you can still make it interesting with how you present it.
