How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself” in a Job Interview

A postgraduate job interview typically takes place after completing a master’s degree, doctoral degree, or any other advanced level of education. During this interview, the focus is usually on your academic achievements, research experience, and how well you can apply your knowledge to the specific role or industry. 

When answering the “Tell me about yourself” question in a postgraduate job interview, it’s crucial to provide a concise and impactful response highlighting your relevant qualifications and experiences. Here’s a suggested structure for your answer: 

1. Start with a brief introduction: Begin by stating your name and expressing your enthusiasm for the opportunity to interview for the postgraduate position.

For Example:
“I am [Your Name], and I am delighted to share that I have recently accomplished my postgraduate studies in Marketing at XYZ University. I developed a strong passion for digital marketing and consumer behavior throughout my academic journey. My thesis focused on the impact of social media advertising on consumer purchasing decisions.

2. Highlight your educational background: Share critical details about your academic achievements, such as the degree you obtained, the university you attended, and any notable honors or awards you received during your studies. Emphasize how your educational background has equipped you with the necessary knowledge and skills for the role.

3. Discuss relevant work experience: Highlight any internships, part-time jobs, or research projects directly relevant to the position you are applying for. Explain your responsibilities and accomplishments in those roles, focusing on the skills you developed and the results you achieved.

For Example: “As part of my postgraduate studies, I had the opportunity to engage in a marketing internship at ABC Company, where I closely collaborated with the digital marketing team. I managed social media campaigns, analyzed campaign performance metrics, and created engaging content to increase brand awareness. One of my key achievements was implementing a targeted social media advertising strategy that resulted in a 20% increase in website traffic and a 15% growth in social media followers within three months.”

4. Showcase relevant skills and strengths: Identify the critical skills and strengths that make you a suitable candidate for the position. For example, mention your analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, leadership qualities, or proficiency in specific tools or software. Provide examples or brief anecdotes to illustrate how you have demonstrated these skills in past experiences.

5. Connect your experience and skills to the job: Make a clear connection between your background and the job requirements. Explain how your academic and professional experiences have prepared you to contribute effectively to the organization and excel in the role you are applying for.

For Example:
“My strong academic background and practical experience make me well-suited for this role. I am confident in leveraging my digital marketing expertise and analytical skills to contribute to your organization’s marketing campaigns and initiatives. I am eager to apply my knowledge in developing innovative strategies to reach target audiences, drive engagement, and achieve measurable results.”

6. Conclude with your career goals: Briefly mention your long-term career aspirations and how the post-graduate position aligns with your goals. This shows that you have a clear sense of direction and are motivated to grow within the field.

For Example:
“In the future, my goal is to progress and assume a leadership position in the marketing industry. I am keenly interested in staying up-to-date with industry trends and emerging technologies to adapt and drive successful marketing strategies continuously. This position aligns perfectly with my career goals and allows me to learn and contribute in a dynamic and innovative environment.”

Remember to keep your response concise and focused, typically within two to three minutes. Practice your answer beforehand to ensure you are confident and can deliver it smoothly during the interview. Additionally, tailor your response to align with the specific job description and company culture to make it more relevant and impactful.

Sampoerna University 

Sampoerna University is a fully accredited university in Indonesia that offers the best choice for those seeking excellent international education. Sampoerna University is a private, non-denominational, non-profit university licensed and certified by the Republic of Indonesia’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology. Formed according to national and international standards, Sampoerna University is qualified to contribute to society through education substantially.

Sampoerna University provides a range of student affairs services and resources to support students throughout their academic journey and enhance their overall college experience. Student Affairs provides a few benefits to help students to be work-ready through a series of programs such as career seminars, CV Reviews, Interview Practice, and job information sharing of internships and full-time employment. 

Students are invited to join personality and job-fit assessments to help students understand whether their career goals match their interests and personalities. All programs are offered to students without charge,  and all program invitations are sent to students by university email and WA groups. Therefore, students should be active in checking their email and WA messages.