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How do you respond to "tell me a bit about yourself" professionally?

I've been asked this a lot recently in scholarship applications, and I never know how to respond in a way that sounds professional. Starting with "my name is..." feels redundant when your application already has it listed. I just have no idea how to start.

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Doc’s Answer

TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF
This question is designed to establish how prepared you are for this role, giving you a chance to give a brief, open-ended explanation of your experience, hard and soft skills, and what attracted you to the scholarship your’re applying for. This question is also a great starting point that can help determine the direction of the interview, depending on what you say it’s going to help them figure out the next question.

HIGHLIGHT YOUR PERSONALITY
OK, so you’ve got an interview coming up and you know it’s probably going to start with some form of “Tell me about yourself.” Since this is likely to be the very first question, you should aim to make a great first impression. Tailor your answer on your chosen school major, I think they’re giving you an opportunity to articulate succinctly why you have the right qualifications for this scholarship.

HIGHLIGHT YOUR STRENGTHS
In my experience, the key to answering "Tell me about yourself" effectively lies in your storytelling. My best advice is to share a narrative that aligns with your personal journey and the core values and. It's about adapting your experiences by connecting the dots between your unique story and the specific major so that ‌it’s clear your unique path has naturally led you to this scholarship. This approach will make you more memorable to the interviewer and help you be more connected.

CONCLUSION
Most of the time, your interviewer is meeting with multiple people with very similar qualifications. Adding a touch of personality to your response makes you relatable and memorable while keeping the tone professional. Share a passion or value that ties into the role or the scholarship. Keep it relevant and avoid overly personal details. Oversharing can detract from the professional image you want to project. Instead, focus on elements of your personality or experiences, ensuring your response remains thoughtful and impactful.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for the advice! I've got a lot of creative writing experience under my belt, so this is great news for my applications! This helps a lot, I'm feeling more prepared already. Grayson
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Doc for the advice. Sonia
Thank you comment icon Thank You Destiny. How wonderful that no one need wait a single moment to improve the world. Doc Frick
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Wei Yee’s Answer

Hello Grayson,

1. Be yourself; speak about what you know and don't try to impress with things you're unfamiliar with.
2. Learn about the interviewer ahead of time.
3. Show that you're eager to learn more.
4. Highlight your soft skills, like confidence and active listening.
5. Reach out personally after the interview to follow up.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the reply! I never was sure if I was supposed to be the one to reach out or not, so it's good to hear my intuition was right! Thank you again. Grayson
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Han Boon’s Answer

Whenever I'm faced with this type of questions, be it during interviews or meetings in general, I find it best to always tailor the response to the situation/context. Understanding the context of the meeting can determine the impression you have on the other party, an example could be related to job interviews where your response should ideally be focused on your strengths/experiences that fits with the role you're interviewing for.

If it's a less formal environment i.e. networking, I think it's always great to introduce/re-introduce yourself as sometimes that might be missed out. Being friendly and sharing unique life experiences is always a great conversation starter, so it would be good to recount core memories that you may have. People's experiences are always different, and even if the other party may have a similar encounter, it will still be interesting either way!
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the response! I'm getting better at networking, I think, or at least the less formal portions of interviews. I still stumble over my words a bit when asked about myself, so I'll keep practicing to improve. It can be so intimidating when you first walk in! I'll keep your advice in mind going forward, thank you again. Grayson
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Laura’s Answer

Here's an idea I picked up while volunteering with a local non-profit that conducts mock interviews. This group runs a career readiness program to help people get ready for their next career steps. The program ends with a mock interview to boost confidence and give practical experience. Here's the approach they suggest:

Interviewer: Tell me about yourself
Candidate: Thank you, Mr./Ms. Interviewer (use their name often). I'm proud to say that I often get told I am (mention a trait or skill that fits the job well).
[Other ways to say it]:
- People often tell me I am (include both soft skills and specific job skills or experiences).
- One of my passions is (mention something related to the job or why you're a strong candidate).
- I have always been told that I am (share strengths and real examples).
- Friends/colleagues usually come to me for advice on...

This method is both professional and friendly, giving insight into you as a person and a candidate. Besides sharing who you are and your skills, mention what you enjoy doing in your free time, especially if it relates to the job. For instance, if the job involves working with kids, you might talk about volunteering at a youth club. If the job is physically demanding, mentioning a regular workout routine could be beneficial.

Preparing in advance for interviews or writing thoughtful answers for applications is crucial and boosts confidence. Align your answers with your goal (like getting a job or scholarship). Think about whether your hobbies or interests present you well. For example, if applying for a marketing internship because you plan to major in marketing, you might say: People often ask me to review their papers because I'm good at spotting details and editing. This skill is vital in marketing to ensure accurate content, and it's something I would proudly offer if hired.

Hopefully, this gives you a fresh perspective on answering "Tell me about yourself," a common question in interviews and applications. Good luck!
Thank you comment icon This is so so helpful, thank you so much! It's really that balance between professional and casual that I struggle with, and it's super helpful to have some real examples to build off of. I wish I had mock interviews in school, I had no idea there were organization that hosted that kind of thing - I'll definitely look into that in my area. Thank you again! Grayson
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Destiny’s Answer

This is a good question, Grayson! When I receive this question, I start with what feels most natural to me, and I try to consider the context of the situation. For example, if I'm at a meeting about art, I'll mention the artistic skills I have and how I love to create artwork. If the meeting is more about writing, I'll focus on that side of my skills instead. So how you answer this question really depends on the situation. Try to find ways to highlight the things you are good at, but be as authentic and natural as possible, because that's what really resonates with people the most!

I agree with Doc that when someone asks you, "Tell me about yourself," that's an opportunity to tell your story! It's really about storytelling and finding a way to present all the unique things you can offer. If you practice with a good friend or someone you know, it will become easy to do it after a while! Then you'll feel more comfortable in an interview or meeting.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for the advice! I'm an artist and writer as well, and I find it's hard to apply some of the more typical job advice to those kind of opportunities. As a writer I find it really difficult to talk about myself out loud even if I have it prepared on paper, so I'll definitely need to practice that as much as I can. Thank you again for the response – it's so nice to get advice from someone in the fields I'm aspiring to! Grayson
Thank you comment icon You're welcome, Grayson! I'm glad I could help you as an artist and writer, and it's great that you do the same things! Sometimes it is definitely challenging to apply traditional job advice to creative careers, but if you practice sharing your story, it gets easier to answer that question about yourself. I'm glad my answer helped you, and I wish you all the best in the creative fields! Destiny Hankerson
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Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer

You can respond by describing your current role, including your academic or professional focus. Provide details about the degree you're pursuing, relevant studies, and key courses that have contributed to your knowledge. Highlight the skills you've developed, any certifications you've earned, and relevant experiences such as internships, volunteer work, or personal projects. Mention what distinguishes you from others, along with your academic and professional goals. Finally, explain how you intend to contribute to the university community through leadership, collaboration, or innovation. Be confident and maintain eye contact with your interviewer to show your engagement and enthusiasm. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask me.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the quick answer! I'll admit I'm still a bit intimidated with the question, but I'm glad to have a proper direction to head in. If I think of anything else, I'll reach out! Grayson
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Gari’s Answer

1. Develop a tagline that highlights your primary skills or experience as a professional. For example, "I am a creative thinker who enjoys solving complex problems," or "I am a professional with over 15 years of experience in project management."

2. Consider mentioning personal aspects along with professional ones. This could include hobbies, interests, or personal values that align with your professional life.

3. Reflect on what you value or where you draw motivation from in a business context. This is a good place to mention key achievements or milestones in your career.

4. Conduct research on the company, including its mission, vision, and values, as well as the role you are applying for. Understand the skills required and tailor your application to demonstrate how you meet these criteria.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the response! This helps a lot, it really is that opening line that I find so daunting. I'll work on a tagline like you said. Thank you again! Grayson
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Amy’s Answer

Share with the interviewer how you first got interested in this field. Talk a bit about what excites you about it; stay confident. Interviews can be stressful, so practice with a friend or in front of a mirror. Most importantly, be yourself and show them you're the perfect fit for the job!
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice! I'll definitely work on practicing interviewing. It's such a hard skill to develop! Grayson
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Phill’s Answer

Hey Grayson,

It is great that you are starting to think about this question, as I can bring a lot of pressure to anyone. Firstly, start off by realizing you already do have all the answers, it's just a matter of tailoring what you share first in line with the job, application, or scholarship you are applying for. If you have experience with the theme of the scholarship, mention that first. Follow up with parts of your life outside of the main topic that can still benefit you.

For example, let's say you are applying for an athletic scholarship. You can start with how long, what teams, what positions, and what you gained from your experience the most. Then perhaps you have helped with a children's summer camp before, possibly raised money for said team. Mentioning these things while sharing your contribution tells about yourself while also getting into your experience. Don't be afraid to show some passion.

Make a list of possible answers, and number what you think would matter to them most. Mention the most important one's first and save any others that might not be relevant, perhaps it will come up in conversation if there is an interview.

Lastly, be confident, make a lot of drafts, and just start. Whatever you type is not set in stone, and you can always revise. The hardest thing about writing can be starting, especially when it is about yourself. But again, you already have these answers, so make sure to be confident in yourself!

Best of luck!
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice! It really is starting that's the hardest part, but I'll do my best. I think it's frustrating sometimes when you blank on personal questions, because it feels like "I should know this!" I'll see what I can do in my drafts, though - I have a lot of great suggestions on here now to work with! Thank you again for your help. Grayson
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Charlotte’s Answer

Hi Grayson,
Great question! The key to answering "Tell me a bit about yourself" professionally is to start with something more engaging than your name since they already know it. Think of this prompt as a way to highlight your background, achievements, and goals without sounding like you’re reading off your resume. Here’s a structured way to approach it:

1. Start with Your Academic or Personal Identity:
Instead of your name, lead with your current role:

“I’m currently a high school senior passionate about healthcare and public service.”

“I’m a dedicated college student majoring in public health, with a strong interest in community wellness.”

2. Highlight Your Key Experiences or Strengths:
Briefly mention something relevant to the scholarship or program:

“Throughout my high school career, I’ve been involved in student leadership and healthcare volunteering, which sparked my interest in pursuing a career in public health.”

“My passion for helping others led me to volunteer at local clinics and participate in health education workshops.”

3. Connect to Your Goals or Future Plans:
End with how this scholarship fits into your journey:

“I’m applying for this scholarship because I believe it will help me continue my education in healthcare, allowing me to make a meaningful impact in underserved communities.”

“My long-term goal is to work in healthcare administration, and I see this opportunity as a crucial step in building my skills and knowledge.”

Example Answer:
“I’m currently a high school senior with a strong interest in healthcare and community outreach. Over the past few years, I’ve dedicated time to volunteering at local health clinics and organizing wellness events through my school’s health club. These experiences have shaped my passion for public health and my desire to make a difference in underserved communities. I’m applying for this scholarship because it will help me further my education and equip me with the skills needed to achieve my long-term goal of working in healthcare administration.”
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Cung’s Answer

Fantastic question! Many of us have faced this, whether in a job interview or chatting with managers. It's a great chance to shine! Start by sharing your professional experience, education, and highlight some successful projects. Focus on the present and recent achievements rather than going too far back. Mention your current education and expected graduation date. Talk about major projects you're involved in and your role in their success. Use strong words to show your strengths, like saying you're energetic or a quick learner. Finally, confidently explain why you'd be a perfect fit for their organization. You've got this!
Thank you comment icon This helps a lot, I think I was really in my head about what to say - it's such a broad question! Thank you for the advice! Grayson
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Amey’s Answer

Your answer should be crafted like a story with a logical progression connecting your experiences to the school you're applying to. A story will be better organized and easier for the interviewer to follow / remember.
Start with some basic info (name, where you're from, etc.)
Talk through your academic experiences (classes you're interested in, clubs, achievements), extracurricular activities, and just general interests/hobbies. Most importantly, find a way to connect those experiences and interests to explain WHY you are applying to that school / area of study. From the interviewer's perspective, it should be easy for them to follow that you were interested in ____, so you got involved in ____, achieved _____. Therefore, you want to attend ____ school to study _____ and eventually go into ___ field (if you've thought that far ahead).
When talking about the school, be specific about what makes it stand out compared to other schools, in terms of the culture or academic offerings.
Also, don't speak too formally or come off robotic. You want to be well-spoken and conversational, and your response shouldn't come off as memorized. Be confident and enthusiastic! Thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you and tell them you're excited to speak with them / looking forward to the conversation.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! This helps a lot. Grayson
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Michael’s Answer

Think of your resume as a list of facts, and the "tell me about yourself" question as a chance to turn those facts into a story. What do you want to achieve in your career? How have your internships, jobs, and courses shaped your path? How did these experiences change your focus? Aim for your interviewer to leave with a clear picture of who you are and who you want to become.

A simple way to structure your answer could be:
- Start by sharing your name, current job or year in school, and career goals.
- Highlight recent experiences or achievements.
- Talk about your unique skills and strengths.
- Explain how these fit the role and emphasize your interest in it.
Thank you comment icon Having an outline to work with helps a lot, thank you! Grayson
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Renee’s Answer

Hi Grayson!

I like to kick things off by talking about what I'm passionate about and how it can help in the job I'm applying for. For example, if the role involves building a team or framework, I'd share how much I love taking on challenges, uniting people, and solving puzzles.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice! I'll keep that in mind in the future! Grayson
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Alyssa’s Answer

You should include information about yourself where the reviewer will get to know you better. You should include what inspires you, your interests/hobbies, your accomplishments, volunteering activities, what sets you apart from others, along with anything else that you believe the reviewer would want to know about you. Also, consider including your aspirations as well as this will help the reviewer to better understand the career path you are interested in pursuing.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice! Grayson
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