July 22, 2024

Answering the question "Tell me about yourself" is often the first and most important part of an interview. It sets the tone and gives the interviewer a glimpse into who you are beyond your resume. Here are three tips to help you craft a compelling response that showcases your personality, demonstrates your preparedness, and keeps things concise.

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1. Show Your Personality

Start your pitch with a brief introduction about yourself, including your hometown, current school, and how you found your areas of interest. This helps create a personal connection and gives context to your background. For example:

^{“Hi, my name is Zach! I’m originally from Sacramento, California, and I’m currently a junior at the University of Michigan.”}

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As you continue, be sure to mention any work-appropriate passions or hobbies you have. This adds depth to your personality and shows you as a well-rounded individual. For instance:

^{“In my free time, I enjoy hiking with my dog, volunteering at my local rec center, and painting!”}

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2. Practice, Practice, Practice

Your Elevator Pitch should be concise, articulate, and well-organized. Practice delivering it until you can do so smoothly. Once you have the content down, focus on making it sound less rehearsed and more energetic. Your enthusiasm will help you come across as positive and intelligent, which can leave a lasting impression on your interviewer.

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3. Find the Right Length

Finding the right length for your Elevator Pitch is crucial. Your interviewer doesn't need to know every detail about your life, but they do want more than just a few sentences. A pitch that is 1-3 minutes long is ideal.

If your pitch is too short, add more detail about how you developed your current interests or career path. If it's too long, cut out unnecessary details about your past internships or jobs.

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Conclusion

By following these tips, you can create a compelling "Tell me about yourself" response that highlights your personality, shows your preparedness, and keeps the interviewer engaged.