Answering Tell me about yourself in Bank Interviews
This question may also be asked as,
"What should I know about you?" or may be asked as ,
"What would you like me to know about you."
Like "Why should we hire you?" question, this is also an opportunity to market yourself, presenting yourself as a right candidate for the present vacancy to be filled in. Like to simply say you are the solution to their problem at present.
Then, in the interview, you tell them the things that emphasize how your accomplishments, education and experience make you an ideal candidate for the job you are seeking.
Answering the Question.
You probably find yourself wondering that what they really wanted to know about from you.
Imagine yourself as the interviewer and what would you like to know if a candidate comes to you, that’s the same they also wanted to know.
What you don't tell them.
Don’t ever simply tell things that’s come to your mind because they expect something, that you already know. The thing is they wanted whether you are going to fit the position or not.
Prepare in advance with your answer to this question. Without answering carefully, you could share all kinds of information that leaves them with the impression that you are:
1. Over-qualified or under-qualified
2. Ditzy or disorganized
3. Inarticulate and a bad communicator
4. Someone who doesn't understand the opportunity or the employer
5. Or simply a risk for the company or bank
Most people talk about what they know, about where they live, kids, likes/dislikes, but, remember, THIS IS A JOB INTERVIEW, not a chat.
For the employer, the sole purpose of this interview is to see if you are a fit for them and a fit for the job!
Therefore, your goal is to avoid answers that give away personal information about yourself. An employer isn’t going to select you to hire because you have such cute children, a wonderful husband or wife, or interesting hobbies.
Perhaps, ask for clarification.
To ensure that you provide the information they want, you might wish to start your response with a question of your own, like this --
"I would be glad to. Could you give me an idea of the type of information you would like to know?"
By starting this way, you can direct your answer better and be more conversational.
Or, you could share the information you have prepared and then ask --
"Is there anything else you would like to know?"
What else should you do to prepare?
Before you ever go to an interview, you need to KNOW YOURSELF in terms of qualifications for the job and match for the company or bank.
To know this you should:
1. Research about the company or bank
2. Identify, catalog, list, and review your expertise, strengths, and unique value; and
3. Practice, practice, practice so you sound natural and confident.
Then, you will be ready to put yourself in the employer’s shoes and emphasize what will make you stand out for the company or bank and for the job.
For example, someone seeking a credit management position with a bank branch might say:
"I was born and raised in this state and have an excellent knowledge of the industrial sectors functioning here. During the last 9 years with the ABC Bank, I have progressed through positions of credit analyst, credit relationship manager. I have also undergone various training for credit and forex, have also completed JAIIB, CAIIB, Diploma courses with IIBF for enrich my knowledge.
In my most recent position, I have had the opportunity to take up numerous credit proposals. The industry overall picked up and hence the proposals started coming in. I enjoy being a relationship Manager and the opportunity to empower and motivate my team. Last year I was awarded for greatest efforts in taking the XYZ proposal and grounding it.
I believe this experience and knowledge has prepared me to take the next step and pursue a management position with you."
As you can see from this sample answer, this individual emphasizes the tangibles that qualify him for the job. He describes his knowledge of the local area, long-term tenure with the employer, and recognition for management results within the industry.
He does not focus on personal information, but paints a picture of why he is a perfect candidate for this employer and this job.
DIGEST
With preparations in advance who is your employer and what he does you can frame a godo answer for the question “TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF”. Then this could turn a positive frame and fun filling experience. Remember the question may be same and depends on Employer and Post the answer should vary.
All the best for your upcoming interview.
- Manohar Veera
"What should I know about you?" or may be asked as ,
"What would you like me to know about you."
Like "Why should we hire you?" question, this is also an opportunity to market yourself, presenting yourself as a right candidate for the present vacancy to be filled in. Like to simply say you are the solution to their problem at present.
Then, in the interview, you tell them the things that emphasize how your accomplishments, education and experience make you an ideal candidate for the job you are seeking.
Answering the Question.
You probably find yourself wondering that what they really wanted to know about from you.
Imagine yourself as the interviewer and what would you like to know if a candidate comes to you, that’s the same they also wanted to know.
What you don't tell them.
Don’t ever simply tell things that’s come to your mind because they expect something, that you already know. The thing is they wanted whether you are going to fit the position or not.
Prepare in advance with your answer to this question. Without answering carefully, you could share all kinds of information that leaves them with the impression that you are:
1. Over-qualified or under-qualified
2. Ditzy or disorganized
3. Inarticulate and a bad communicator
4. Someone who doesn't understand the opportunity or the employer
5. Or simply a risk for the company or bank
Most people talk about what they know, about where they live, kids, likes/dislikes, but, remember, THIS IS A JOB INTERVIEW, not a chat.
For the employer, the sole purpose of this interview is to see if you are a fit for them and a fit for the job!
Therefore, your goal is to avoid answers that give away personal information about yourself. An employer isn’t going to select you to hire because you have such cute children, a wonderful husband or wife, or interesting hobbies.
Perhaps, ask for clarification.
To ensure that you provide the information they want, you might wish to start your response with a question of your own, like this --
"I would be glad to. Could you give me an idea of the type of information you would like to know?"
By starting this way, you can direct your answer better and be more conversational.
Or, you could share the information you have prepared and then ask --
"Is there anything else you would like to know?"
What else should you do to prepare?
Before you ever go to an interview, you need to KNOW YOURSELF in terms of qualifications for the job and match for the company or bank.
To know this you should:
1. Research about the company or bank
2. Identify, catalog, list, and review your expertise, strengths, and unique value; and
3. Practice, practice, practice so you sound natural and confident.
Then, you will be ready to put yourself in the employer’s shoes and emphasize what will make you stand out for the company or bank and for the job.
For example, someone seeking a credit management position with a bank branch might say:
"I was born and raised in this state and have an excellent knowledge of the industrial sectors functioning here. During the last 9 years with the ABC Bank, I have progressed through positions of credit analyst, credit relationship manager. I have also undergone various training for credit and forex, have also completed JAIIB, CAIIB, Diploma courses with IIBF for enrich my knowledge.
In my most recent position, I have had the opportunity to take up numerous credit proposals. The industry overall picked up and hence the proposals started coming in. I enjoy being a relationship Manager and the opportunity to empower and motivate my team. Last year I was awarded for greatest efforts in taking the XYZ proposal and grounding it.
I believe this experience and knowledge has prepared me to take the next step and pursue a management position with you."
As you can see from this sample answer, this individual emphasizes the tangibles that qualify him for the job. He describes his knowledge of the local area, long-term tenure with the employer, and recognition for management results within the industry.
He does not focus on personal information, but paints a picture of why he is a perfect candidate for this employer and this job.
DIGEST
With preparations in advance who is your employer and what he does you can frame a godo answer for the question “TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF”. Then this could turn a positive frame and fun filling experience. Remember the question may be same and depends on Employer and Post the answer should vary.
All the best for your upcoming interview.
- Manohar Veera
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