Do You Want to Tell Us Anything Else About You?: Why It Is Asked & How To Answer [With Sample Answers]

Interviews can be a stressful experience.

At the end of any interview, you might typically be asked an open-ended question such as “Do you want to tell us anything else about you?”

These inquiries are an excellent opportunity to showcase your personality, but can often leave people feeling overwhelmed or wrong-footed.

With a little bit of preparation and planning, you can take advantage of your chance to shine.

Why Do Interviewers Ask, “Do You Want to Tell Us Anything Else About You?”?

Although this may seem a relatively easy question, many people are surprised by how much they feel put on the spot.

It can feel uncomfortable to brag about your achievements, but this is the ideal time.

Of course, getting to know you isn’t the only reason interviewers might ask you this question.

It’s also a great way to get a feel for the candidates’ enthusiasm level.

Having an answer to this question shows that you are prepared and interested in the position.

It also demonstrates that you are confident that you are the right person for the role because you have thought hard about whether it is a good fit for you.

Here are a few other reasons why an interviewer might ask this question:

• To give you a chance to clarify any information.
• To observe your response and get a feel for your reaction under pressure.
• To get to know you and your ambitions.
• To obtain knowledge about anything that might affect your roles with the company, such as scheduling conflicts or reasonable accommodations.

Try to relax and keep in mind that questions like these are important.

It lets you know that the company you are interested in wants to ensure that the team has a positive dynamic.

How To Answer “Do You Want to Tell Us Anything Else About You?”

If you’re nervous about telling your potential employers about yourself, a little planning can help relieve your nerves.

You don’t want to sound too rehearsed, but you can still get a good idea of what they are looking for and how to answer the question best.

What to Focus On When Answering This Question

Many interviewees clam up regarding this question, but it’s important to give a sufficient answer here.

Stay focused on relevant information that will make you look like a qualified candidate, a great team player, and an enthusiastic worker.

If you’re feeling stumped for ideas, here are a few details you can focus on:

• Go over relevant skills that you may not have mentioned during the rest of the interview.
• If you have an experience that may not have immediately stood out as relevant, you can take this chance to explain how you think it will make you a better candidate for the role.
• Tell the employer about how you found the position and what inspired you to apply.
• Talk about your professional background and your goals for your career.

What to Avoid When Answering This Question

This question might seem like an invitation to tell the interviewer every detail about your character and potential, but carrying on can be just as big a mistake as not answering.

It can be tough to narrow down what topics to focus on and which ones to avoid, but knowing ahead of time what the employer is looking for can be useful.

Here are a few things to avoid:

• Irrelevant information that doesn’t apply to the job or your professional ambitions. You want to give them a sense of your personality, but you don’t need to provide them with your entire life story.
• Complaining about your last company. Feel free to mention why you left, but keep it concise and professional unless they ask for more details.
• Not answering. If the interview was very thorough and you genuinely can’t come up with anything else you’d like to tell them, you can reiterate your enthusiasm for the position.

Example Answers to Consider

It’s important that you don’t sound too rehearsed during your interview or risk coming across as insincere.

However, you can give your answers some thought ahead of time.

Here are a few examples of good answers you could give to this question.

Example Answer 1

“The experience I have gained over the last five years in my previous position will be of great value to this company.

I have looked closely at the job description on your company’s website and was excited to see several familiar tasks.

I’ve used seven of the ten applications mentioned in the description, and my ability to learn quickly will make it easy to master the others as well.

This work is my passion, and I always look forward to learning something new.”

Why This Answer Works:

By giving an answer highlighting your relevant experience, the employer will know that by choosing you, they will choose someone who will pick up the position quickly.

Of course, you don’t have to present yourself as a know-it-all.

By mentioning your flexibility and openness to learn, you demonstrate your ability to adapt to the company’s specific needs.

Example Answer 2

“I am really looking forward to jumping back into work.

After taking a short break to start our family, getting back to work is something that I have been excited about.

My previous experience will be more than adequate to help me get started, and my new skills as a parent have made me more patient, compassionate, and dedicated.

I was so pleased to find a family-owned company recognizes that a strong foundation is critical to long-term success.

I would love to contribute to such a positive work culture.”

Why This Answer Works

This answer makes it clear that you take advantage of every opportunity to learn and grow across all areas of your life.

It also demonstrates your impressive knowledge of the company and its values.

Example Answer 3

After graduating last June, I am prepared to take on the challenges this position presents.

My education is fresh, and I am up-to-date on all of the best practices regarding this department and your company.

It’s clear to me that you strive for excellence in this business, and I would love to help this team grow to its full potential.

This work is my passion, and I am dedicated to doing a job that I am proud of, so I’m glad you are too.”

Why This Answer Works

Being fresh out of school is a great time to highlight your recent experiences in the field.

Furthering your education is a big deal, so you should recognize that this achievement is extremely valuable.

This answer makes it clear that you intend to build a career on what you’ve learned and become an expert in your occupation.

Additional Tips for Impressing an Interviewer Asking “Do You Want to Tell Us Anything Else About You?”

Preparing a few comments or notes about your answer is smart, but there are other things you can do to impress potential employers.

Here are a few extra tips.

1. Come Prepared

You don’t want to write down too much before the interview, but bringing a notebook with some notes is a great way to prepare.

The interviewer will be glad to see that you spent some time preparing for the interview rather than just walking in and winging it.

2. Take a Breath Before Answering

No matter what it is that you are applying for, you want to come across as confident.

Answering a question like this is easy to trip up on, especially if boasting about your achievements feels uncomfortable to you.

Before you answer, take a breath and consider what you are about to say.

You’ll sound calmer and more collected when you do.

3. Be Sincere

People can tell when you aren’t as interested or passionate in a subject as you might lead them to believe if you’re not sincere.

Instead, be genuine; if all else fails, just let the interviewer know how excited you are.

It tends to rub off on others when you are excited and interested.

Additional Questions To Be Aware Of

“Do you want to tell us anything else about you?” isn’t the only question you’re likely to be asked.

Here are a few additional questions to be aware of.

1. Describe Yourself

Being asked to describe yourself is  less of a question than it is for the interviewer to round you out as a person.

They want to uncover whether or not your values will reflect the company’s goals.

Try to keep it professional, friendly, and enthusiastic.

2. What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?

When an employer asks you, “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” don’t take it as an opportunity to get clever.

Be honest and open about what you genuinely think you’re good at and what you could improve.

It demonstrates your willingness to grow, as well as your keen self-awareness.

3. What Sets You Apart From Other Candidates?

Give this question some thought before your interview.

In fact, you should know this answer for every interview.

There are plenty of qualified candidates, but you should what sets you apart from other candidates and makes you unique.

4. Walk Me Through Your Resume

Don’t overthink this instruction if it comes up in your interview.

Simply take them through each section and provide a little extra detail where there’s room.

The best way to prepare for this question is to create your resume with care and intention.

Don’t add irrelevant information.

5. Do You Have Any Questions For Me?

By the end of an interview, there’s often so much new information that you may not feel ready to ask any questions.

If you have none, try directing a question toward the interviewer.

Ask them what they love most about the environment or what a typical day might look like.

Frequently Asked Questions

This question can be overwhelming, and you’re not alone if you still feel unsure.

Here are some frequently asked questions:

Wrapping Up

If you’re faced with the question, “Do you want to tell us anything else about you?” stop and think.

Armed with the right knowledge and trust in your skills, you’re sure to impress.