Tell me about yourself:

It’s the age-old interview question. When an interviewer asks this question, they not only want to get to know a little bit more about you as a person, but they are also looking for you to match your unique skill-set with the pertinent job qualifications. Building a strong answer to this classic interview question is as easy as ABC! 

First you must look at the job description and highlight the parts that match your unique skills. Second, take a look at this list of descriptive words and choose the ones that best describe you. Next time an interviewers asks you to, “Tell me about yourself” remember these ABC’s and you’ll know what to do.

Adaptable- able to adjust to new conditions.

Bold- (of a person, action, or idea) showing an ability to take risks; confident and courageous.

Collaborative- produced or conducted by two or more parties working together.

Diplomatic- having or showing an ability to deal with people in a sensitive and effective way.

Energetic- showing or involving great activity or vitality.

Focused- pay particular attention to. To concentrate.

Gumption- shrewd or spirited initiative and resourcefulness.

Honest- free of deceit and untruthfulness; sincere.

Innovative- (of a person) introducing new ideas; original and creative in thinking.

Judicious- of, by, or appropriate to a court or judge.

Kind- of a good or benevolent nature or disposition, as a person:

Loyal- giving or showing firm and constant support or allegiance to a person or institution.

Memorable- worth remembering or easily remembered, especially because of being special or unusual.

Nifty- particularly good, skillful, or effective.

Organized- having one’s affairs in order so as to deal with them efficiently.

Passionate- showing or caused by strong feelings or a strong belief.

Quick- happening with little or no delay: prompt.

Resilient- (of a person or animal) able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.

Self-Aware- having conscious knowledge of one’s own character and feelings.

Thoughtful- showing consideration for the needs of other people.

Unique- being the only one of its kind; unlike anything else.

Visionary- (especially of a person) thinking about or planning the future with imagination or wisdom.

Warmhearted- (of a person or their actions) sympathetic and kind.

Xenial- of, relating to, or constituting hospitality or relations between host and guest.

Youthful- young or seeming young.

Zesty- having or characterized by zest : appealingly piquant or lively

Answering the, “Tell me about yourself,” interview question is an opportunity to pitch why you are the best candidate for the job. Do not squander your answer by providing your the interviewer your life story. The proper way to answer this question is to provide a brief overview of your skills as they pertain to the job you are interviewing for and playing up your strengths using the “Tell Me About Yourself ABC’s.”