They say first impressions last forever, so ensure yours is the RIGHT one and you could be closer to landing your dream job! Business analyst and recruitment specialist Sheetal Rai from Worknrby.com gives you some essential advice for making that first meeting count…
When the interviewer asks you, ‘Tell me about yourself’, what is he / she trying to achieve? Well, for the interviewer, it’s an easy and open-ended way to start the conversation.
The interviewer’s ultimate goal is to find out enough about you to decide if you’re a good fit for the job. In most cases, they want to like you; their life will be easier if they can find a great candidate quickly. However, they may also be on guard because a bad hire will reflect poorly on their judgement and possibly be a mark against them when the time comes to ask for a raise, promotion or bonus.
The question is almost always asked first, perhaps right after some chat about the traffic and weather. Your answer to this question will dictate the interviewer’s first impression of you, and will set the tone for the entire interview, letting you lead with your strongest selling points:
- Start with a smile on your face and give details about name and place after greeting
- If necessary only add your family details
- Talk about your education
- Share why you want to do the job, mentioning any skills
- Name drop the person who inspired you the most
- Then talk your interests / hobbies
- Conclude by saying thanks to the interviewer