Do You Want to Tell Us Anything Else About Yourself?

Interviews can be pretty scary, especially when you really want to make a good impression. Sometimes, the interviewer might ask, “Do you want to tell us anything else about yourself?” This might sound like a simple question, but it’s actually a big chance for you. It’s your moment to share something special that didn’t come up before—like a cool project you worked on, a skill you’re proud of, or an experience that shows who you are.

Interviewers ask this question to give you a chance to share important things they might have missed. They know that standard questions don’t always cover everything about you. So, they open the door for you to add more details or talk about something unique. It’s like they’re saying, “Is there anything else we should know that makes you the perfect fit?” So, how should you use this opportunity? Let’s find out together.

What are interviewers looking for when they ask you to tell more about yourself?

Interviewers want to know more about you than just what’s written on your resume. When they ask you to share more about yourself, they’re giving you a chance to show who you really are. Your answer can give them a peek into your character, how you work, and how you make decisions.

Here’s what they’re usually looking for:

• Relevance: Can you share something important that relates to the job? It’s great to tell a personal story, but make sure it connects to the position you’re applying for. This shows you understand what’s important for the role.
• Communication skills: This is your moment to show how well you can talk about your ideas. They want to see if you can explain things clearly, simply, and with confidence.
• Enthusiasm and passion: Your answer can show how excited you are about the job, the company, or the field you want to work in. They love to see candidates who are really interested and eager to contribute.

So, when you get this question, think about sharing something that highlights these areas. It’s a great chance to stand out and show them why you’re the perfect fit!

How to answer “Do you want to tell us anything else about yourself?”

When an interviewer asks you this question, there’s no one perfect answer. But here are some helpful tips to make sure your response leaves a great impression:

Make it about the job

Always try to connect your answer back to the job you’re applying for. If you share a story or a skill, make sure it relates to what the company is looking for. For example:

• If you’re applying for a customer service job: You might talk about a time when you helped organize a school event, and you had to solve problems when things didn’t go as planned. This shows you can handle surprises and keep people happy.
• If the job needs teamwork: You could mention how you played on a sports team or worked on a group project, showing that you know how to work well with others.
• If creativity is important: Share how you love drawing or writing stories, and how you can bring new ideas to the team.

By sharing stories like these, you show the interviewer that you understand what the job needs and that you have real experiences to match.

Stay professional

It’s easy to want to share fun facts or personal stories, but make sure they’re right for a job interview. Even if the interview feels relaxed, it’s best to keep things professional. Remember:

• Focus on skills and experiences: Talk about things that show your work ethic, like how you managed your time well during school projects or how you took the lead in a group activity.
• Avoid overly personal details: While it’s okay to share hobbies that relate to the job, avoid topics that are too personal or not appropriate for work.

For instance, instead of talking about your favorite TV show, you might mention how volunteering at an animal shelter taught you responsibility and care.

You don’t have to, but it can help

You don’t have to add more if you feel you’ve said everything important. But using this chance to share a little extra can be really helpful. Consider:

• Highlighting a special skill: Maybe you speak another language, play a musical instrument, or have tech skills that could be useful.
• Clarifying something: If there was a question earlier that you want to add more to, now is a good time.
• Showing your enthusiasm: You can express how excited you are about the opportunity and how much you admire the company.

Sometimes, sharing a bit more can make you stand out from other candidates. It shows that you’re thoughtful, eager, and have more to offer than what’s on your resume.

How not to answer

Navigating job interviews can be a bit like walking through a maze—you need to know which paths to take and which ones to avoid. When an interviewer asks, “Do you want to tell us anything else about yourself?” there are some answers that might not leave the best impression. Let’s explore common mistakes and learn how to steer clear of them.

Don’t speak negatively

It’s important not to use this time to talk badly about past jobs or bosses. For example:

• What not to say: “My last job was awful, and my boss never appreciated me.”
• Why it’s a mistake: Speaking negatively can make you seem unprofessional and might worry the interviewer about your attitude.

Tip
Instead, focus on positive experiences or what you’ve learned. You might say, “In my last role, I learned a lot about teamwork and meeting deadlines.”

Avoid generic responses

Simply saying, “I think we’ve covered everything,” without adding anything else can make you seem uninterested. Even if you feel like there’s nothing more to add, try to end on a positive note.

• What not to say: “Nope, that’s about it.”
• Why it’s a mistake: It might make the interviewer think you’re not excited about the job.

Tip
You could say, “I’m really excited about this opportunity and believe my skills in problem-solving would be a great fit here.”

Don’t only talk about future dreams that don’t align

While it’s great to have big goals, focusing only on future plans—especially if they’re not related to the job—can be a problem.

• What not to say: “I plan to travel the world soon,” or “I want to start my own business next year.”
• Why it’s a mistake: The interviewer might think you’re not planning to stay with the company for long.

Tip
Keep your answer related to the job. For example, “I’m eager to grow my skills in marketing, and I’m excited about the chance to do that here.”

Sample answers to “Do you want to tell us anything else about yourself?”

Why this works
This answer is effective because it shows you’re involved in your community and care about helping others. It highlights your experience in digital marketing and teamwork—skills that are valuable to many employers. By connecting your volunteer work to the company’s needs, you demonstrate that you understand the role and are eager to contribute.

Why this works
This answer shows you’re proactive and love learning new things. Even as someone new to the workforce, you’re taking extra steps to build valuable skills. By mentioning data analytics, you offer something extra that can benefit the company. It also shows you’re thinking about how you can help the team succeed.

Why this works
This answer highlights your leadership and teamwork skills with a real example. It shows you can take initiative and guide a project to success—qualities that are important in many jobs. By relating your experience to the company, you help the interviewer see how you can be a valuable part of their team.

When the interviewer asks, “Do you want to tell us anything else about yourself?” it might seem a bit tricky. But with some thought and preparation, you can use this question as a great chance to stand out and show why you’re the perfect fit for the job. Remember, it’s an opportunity to share more about your skills and experiences that match what the company is looking for. Good luck!