Do You Want to Tell Us Anything Else About Yourself?

An interview can be nerve-wracking, especially if you want to leave a lasting impression. One scenario that often catches candidates off guard is the open-ended question: “Do you want to tell us anything else about yourself?” While it might seem like a casual wrap-up, this question holds more significance than one might realize. It’s a chance to leave a final impression, highlight a unique trait or experience, or clarify previous answers. But what do interviewers truly hope to uncover with this question, and how should you approach it? Let’s find out.

Why do interviewers ask if you have anything else to share about yourself?

Interviewers often pose this question not only as a formality but to provide an avenue to share pertinent information that might not have emerged during your conversation. The nature of standardized interview questions may sometimes overlook specific nuances or unique experiences a candidate brings. By presenting this open-ended question, interviewers offer a platform to clarify or add depth to previous answers and allow you to share any additional selling points, such as a significant project, skill, or experience that has yet to be touched upon.

What are interviewers looking for when asking more about yourself?

Interviewers want to understand a candidate beyond the bullet points on their resume. When allowed to speak more about oneself, the response often provides a window into your character, professional drive, and situational judgment. If presented with the chance to elaborate more about yourself, interviewers are generally on the lookout for:

• Relevance: How well can you discern what is pertinent to the job? Sharing a personal story or fact is fine, but make sure there’s a connection to the position you’re interviewing for.
• Communication skills: This is an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to convey information clearly, succinctly, and confidently.
• Enthusiasm and passion: Your response can show your passion for the role, the company, or the profession.

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

When faced with this question, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but considering the following strategies can help you craft a response that leaves a lasting impression:

Relate it to the job

Always circle back to the position you’re applying for. If you share a personal anecdote or skill, ensure it has relevance. Drawing parallels between personal experiences and job requirements can make your stories more impactful. For example, if you’re interviewing for a position in customer service where conflict resolution is important, you could mention your involvement in a community mediation group where you helped resolve neighborhood disputes, demonstrating your ability to navigate and solve complex interpersonal issues. Doing so shows that you understand the job’s demands and possess practical, real-world experience aligning with the position’s requirements. This strategy can solidify your fit for the role in the interviewer’s mind and set you apart from other candidates.

Keep it professional

While sharing a fun fact or personal story is tempting, make sure it’s appropriate for the setting. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and maintain a professional demeanor, even if the interview setting is casual. Remember, your primary goal is to convey your suitability for the job, so every piece of information you share should be framed accordingly. Diverging into overly personal stories or unrelated experiences can distract from your core message and may leave interviewers questioning your judgment. Instead, aim to strike a balance by presenting personal anecdotes that offer insights into your work ethic, skills, or values relevant to the role.

Remember, it’s optional but beneficial

You’re not obligated to provide additional information, especially if you feel everything pertinent has already been discussed. However, utilizing this chance to showcase your qualifications further or clarify an earlier point can be advantageous. It demonstrates initiative, thoroughness, and a genuine interest in the position. Additionally, it could provide a unique opportunity to leave a memorable impression, setting you apart from other candidates. Remember, in a sea of similar qualifications, sometimes it’s these additional insights or clarifications that tip the scales in a candidate’s favor.

How not to answer questions about sharing additional information about yourself

Navigating the interview process requires understanding the best approaches and recognizing potential pitfalls. When asked, “Do you want to tell us anything else about yourself?” there are wrong ways to answer. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Speaking negatively: Avoid using this opportunity to mention any grievances from previous jobs or to critique past employers. Negativity can reflect poorly on you and raise concerns about your professionalism and attitude.
• Giving a generic response: Replying with something like, “I think we’ve covered everything,” without any further elaboration, can come across as disinterested. While it’s okay to feel that all bases have been covered, try to frame it to convey your enthusiasm for the role.
• Focusing only on future aspirations: While it’s good to be ambitious, remember that your answer is about more than just where you see yourself in the future, especially if those aspirations are not aligned with the company or role you’re interviewing for.

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

The question “Do you want to tell us anything else about yourself?” might seem daunting. Still, with preparation and understanding of its underlying intent, you can use it as a golden opportunity to stand out further and make your mark in the interview.