Answering "Tell Me Something About You" In Job Interviews
Don't get tongue-tied! Here's your chance to cement yourself as a memorable and unique candidate in any job interviews in Malaysia.
By Kimberly Chang on 2023-11-27 at 7:12 AM
Updated on 2024-08-15 at 8:16 AM
How To Answer “Tell Me Something About You That Is Not On Your Resume”
You might be wondering why an employer would even care to find this out when all the relevant information should be in your resume.
Don’t sweat it! The employer is giving you the perfect chance to set yourself apart from other candidates. Just remember to steer it back to why they should hire YOU instead of anyone else.
Understanding Why Interviewers Ask Personal Job Interview Questions
Personal job interview questions in Malaysia often go beyond just the qualifications and experiences listed on your resume. Interviewers are increasingly asking unexpected personal interview questions that probe deeper into your personality and capabilities. One such question is, “Tell me something about you that is not on your resume.” Here are some tips for answering personal questions in job interviews while showcasing your uniqueness and readiness for the role:
1. Preparing Your Answer to “Tell Me Something About Yourself”
Begin by reflecting on your hobbies, volunteer experiences, or even life challenges that have shaped your perspective and skills. These insights should align with the company's ethos and the role you are applying for, demonstrating your beyond-the-resume value. Select stories that demonstrate resilience, innovation, or leadership - qualities highly valued in any role.
2. Structuring Your Answer During the Interview
Craft your response to the personal interview question with a clear structure - start with a brief setup of the context, followed by the actions you took, and conclude with the outcome or lessons learned. This structure helps maintain clarity and impact.
3. Showcasing Soft Skills in a Job Interview
Integrate soft skills like time management, teamwork, or creative problem-solving into your narrative. These are critical to many roles and can often be the deciding factor in your selection. Directly connect your personal experiences to the skills listed in the job description, demonstrating how your unique qualities make you an ideal candidate for the position.
4. Making Your Answer Memorable
While professionalism is key, adding a personal touch when answering these personal questions in job interviews can make your response more relatable and memorable. Conclude your answer by linking back to why these attributes are essential not just to the role but to your broader career aspirations, reinforcing your fit for the position.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Answering Personal Interview Questions
When answering personal job interview questions in Malaysia, it's important to navigate the conversation carefully to present yourself in the best light while remaining authentic. Here are some common mistakes to avoid, which can help improve your performance during an interview:
1. Being Overly Personal
While personal job interview questions are designed to get to know you beyond your professional experience, there's a fine line between being personable and oversharing. Avoid information that is too personal or irrelevant to the job. Details about family issues, political opinions, or controversial topics generally do not belong in a job interview. Keep your answers professional and relevant to the job and company culture.
2. Not Being Prepared
Failing to prepare for personal interview questions can lead you to ramble or give incomplete answers. Spend time before the interview reflecting on various personal experiences and stories that highlight your strengths, values, and professional skills. Practise how you would articulate these experiences in a way that is concise and directly relevant to the position you are applying for.
3. Lacking Specificity
Vague answers can make it seem like you're avoiding the interview question or that you haven't developed self-awareness about your strengths and weaknesses. Be specific about your experiences and what you've learned from them. Use concrete examples that demonstrate your skills and growth.
4. Not Tailoring Your Answers
It's essential to tailor your responses to the specific company and position. An answer that works well for one organisational culture or job description might not be suitable for another. Research the company's values and the role's requirements and think about how your personal experiences align with them.
5. Forgetting to Showcase Soft Skills
Personal questions during job interviews are a great opportunity to highlight soft skills that might not be evident from your resume alone. Skills like communication, adaptability, and decision-making are highly valued and can often be best demonstrated through personal stories. Make sure to clearly connect your experiences to the soft skills they helped you develop.
Avoiding these common mistakes can help you handle personal interview questions more effectively, making a strong impression on your interviewers.
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By Kimberly Chang on 2023-11-27 at 7:12 AM