They will ask you this question because they want to quickly assess your communication capabilities, and also ascertain whether your skills, qualities and knowledge will add value to their team.
I strongly recommend you use my SEAT structure to answer this question. (SEAT)
SEAT stands for:
- The SKILLS you have that match the job description.
- Your EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND and also any EXPERIENCE you can bring to the team.
- The ACHIEVEMENTS you have gained in your life so far, and…
- The TYPE OF PERSON you are and what you will do to add value in the role.
And, don’t forget, you can easily remember my SEAT structure for TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF because you will be sitting down on a SEAT at your interview.
Here are two brilliant SEAT structure answers to the interview question, tell me about yourself. The first answer is for EXPERIENCED CANDIDATES:
SKILLS: Thank you for this opportunity. My name is (INSERT YOUR NAME) and I have the SKILLS to meet the role’s demands. I am a diligent task completer, problem solver, supportive collaborator and never shy away from a difficult challenge.
EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE: I have excellent grades in (INSERT YOUR SUBJECTS) and my EXPERIENCE of working on challenging projects, creating new company products and delivering outstanding service to clients and customers will ensure you receive a brilliant return on my salary.
ACHIEVEMENTS: I am a high ACHIEVER. In my last position, I helped to increase company sales by asking customers and clients for feedback after every interaction and I helped introduce a standardized training program for new company hires.
TYPE OF PERSON: I am the TYPE OF PERSON who takes ownership of their professional development and will always be a positive role model for your company in everything I do. Thank you for listening and I look forward to sharing additional details regarding my suitability for this role in the interview.
And here is my brilliant example SEAT structure answer for freshers and those of you with no previous work experience, here we go…
SKILLS: Thank you for this opportunity. My name is (INSERT YOUR NAME) and I have the SKILLS to meet the role’s demands. I am a responsive, hard-working and supportive team player with the passion and desire to have a successful career in this industry.
EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE: I graduated from college with excellent grades in (INSERT YOUR SUBJECTS). During my academic studies, I undertook some part-time work at a local café where I developed important workplace skills such as communicating professionally, providing excellent service to customers and listening to my supervisor’s instructions.
ACHIEVEMENTS: I am a high ACHIEVER. At college, I helped set up a Student Study Support Group and I also won an event with the sports team I was a part of. These achievements demonstrate my ability to collaborate with others and achieve goals that I set for myself.
TYPE OF PERSON: Although I am new to the workplace, I am self-motivated, enthusiastic, value feedback and eager to learn. I will complete my duties with passion and diligence to help your company maintain its position as a market leader. Thank you for listening.