How Well Do You Sell Yourself in an Interview?

What do you say when your interviewer asks that all-important question: “Tell me about yourself?” Do you hit a wall when it comes to selling your accomplishments and expertise without sounding pretentious? You need to develop a powerful self- pitch. Try this time-tested sales advice for crafting a pitch that closes the deal—by making a great impression on your interviewer.

Successful sales professionals know to focus on the client. At an interview, your client is the hiring manager. Consider what your interviewer wants to know about: like your work with similar companies and your experience in the industry. Think about the client’s needs. What challenges could you help them meet—and how would you do so? Explain how you helped previous employers overcome obstacles and reach specific goals. Focusing on the hiring manager’s perspective will give you a way to talk about your background without sounding arrogant.

Tone is crucial here. You don’t want to brag—but you also don’t want to understate your importance. Prepare yourself and settle your nerves as much as possible to avoid accidentally sounding pretentious. Let your enthusiasm and energy shine as you talk about your experience. When you’re enthusiastic, you show that you truly care about the people and projects you work with.

Your vocabulary is also important. Avoid empty words like "innovative," "world-class, and "motivated," which tell your interviewer nothing. Instead, describe situations that prove you are all of these things. Rather than simply saying that you are creative, tell about a time when you found a creative solution to a challenge. Other words to avoid include "guru," "curator" and "passionate." Reserve words like "breakthrough" or "groundbreaking" sparingly—and only then to describe situations when you added value that transformed the company or boosted profits dramatically. According to Forbes magazine, phrases like "no biggie" and "no worries," and curse word replacements like "screwed" or "freaking" could irritate your listener, so be careful about speaking too casually.

As you learn how to talk about yourself, one of the most important tips to follow is to avoid divulging personal information. Personal details tend to derail the conversation, pulling focus from the task at hand. Instead, stay focused on work, prior experience, and even education, if it adds to your value. The only exception is if you have a personal connection with your interviewer; in that case, you can use it to create a stronger relationship right off the bat.

Learning to describe yourself is a crucial skill for any job seeker. Craft a great sales pitch about yourself, and you’ll be more likely to make a great impression on your interviewer and maybe even close the sale by walking away with the job.

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