4 answers
Douglas
Student
Schaumburg, Illinois
6
Questions
Asked
444 views
Tell me about yourself?
I’m 19, I work at a District 211 Training Site, my previous work experiences I’ve been to is Friendship Village, Rosewood Care Center, and Harper College from Hoffman Estates High School and Higgins Education Center. #work #high-school
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4 answers
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1662
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hi Douglas!
You are on the right path with this answer! Now it's time to take it to the next level. What do I mean?
Instead of simply telling the interviewer where you've worked, tell them what you can do for their company! Here's an example.
Good afternoon, my name is Douglas H**** and I'm originally from Boston. I currently work at the District 211 Training Site, helping new students in transitioning to the working world. I've always considered myself a people-person. In fact, all of my previous jobs have centered around helping others. At Friendship Village and the Rosewood Care Center, I was entrusted with the care of patients in nursing homes. At Harper College. . . . and today I'm here because I want to become the next _____________ (whatever position you are interviewing for!)
It might be that every job wasn't a people job, in which case, you could say that most of them were. You would need to re-work this, of course, to fit your circumstances. Your job title/duties is generally much more important than the name of your employer. You want to get their attention right away!
You are on the right path with this answer! Now it's time to take it to the next level. What do I mean?
Instead of simply telling the interviewer where you've worked, tell them what you can do for their company! Here's an example.
Good afternoon, my name is Douglas H**** and I'm originally from Boston. I currently work at the District 211 Training Site, helping new students in transitioning to the working world. I've always considered myself a people-person. In fact, all of my previous jobs have centered around helping others. At Friendship Village and the Rosewood Care Center, I was entrusted with the care of patients in nursing homes. At Harper College. . . . and today I'm here because I want to become the next _____________ (whatever position you are interviewing for!)
It might be that every job wasn't a people job, in which case, you could say that most of them were. You would need to re-work this, of course, to fit your circumstances. Your job title/duties is generally much more important than the name of your employer. You want to get their attention right away!
Thank you for your response. I appreciate it.
Douglas
Adam Pridgen
Process Engineering
26
Answers
Columbus, Ohio
Updated
Adam’s Answer
The "Tell me about yourself" question in interviews basically sets the stage for how an interview will go from the interviewer's perspective. There are different ways some companies go about posing this question so it doesn't seem so bland as the first question to ask someone. Hiring staff aren't necessarily looking for a summary snap of what's outlined in your resume. The applicable qualifications mentioned in your resume is what gets you in the door. They are assessing more on how you align with the success of the organization/company, how you're going to add value to the department, and why you're interested essentially.
Here are some tips for outlining a good framework to answer this question effectively during an interview for any role.
1) A general rule of thumb when answering the "tell me about yourself" question is to keep the length between 2-3 mins. If they want to know more they will probe and ask to elaborate or interject a certain point, but generally a good interviewer will wait till the end to ask any specifics about a candidate.
2) Don't get too personal, meaning don't touch or speak on what's happening in your personal life or hobbies at this segment of the interview. Normally personal questions will pop up at the end depending on the context or again if asked specifically.
3) Use gratitude based language when recounting previous job functions or experiences. Allows you to insert accomplishments and achievements without bragging or sounding arrogant. This primes the interviewer so they see you're grateful for opportunities given while make the most of them.
Ex;
"At my last company at (xyz), where I had the opportunity too...."
"In my current role, I was able to....."
"During my tenure at (Company xyz), where I got to....."
Structure set up for outlining a good flow to answering "Tell me about yourself?".
1) Develop a tagline or your why statement regarding what keeps you motivated and passionate in your field. Begin answering like this:
"I've dedicated my career to date to....."
"I'm on a mission to..."
"I've curated/built the past few years of my career around my strengths in (x, y, & z) to help companies perform/do/integrate/apply/etc...."
2) Follow the tagline by mentioning what you're present responsibilities are, or just recently finished doing if in between jobs. (~30 secs - 1 min)
3) What you've done in your past roles. (about 1 min in length).
4) What you want to do in your future, which should align to the role you're interviewing for. (1-2 min)
Structuring your answer for this common and expected question around gained skills and accomplishments provides confidence on the duration of the interview to tackle remaining questions.
Here are some tips for outlining a good framework to answer this question effectively during an interview for any role.
1) A general rule of thumb when answering the "tell me about yourself" question is to keep the length between 2-3 mins. If they want to know more they will probe and ask to elaborate or interject a certain point, but generally a good interviewer will wait till the end to ask any specifics about a candidate.
2) Don't get too personal, meaning don't touch or speak on what's happening in your personal life or hobbies at this segment of the interview. Normally personal questions will pop up at the end depending on the context or again if asked specifically.
3) Use gratitude based language when recounting previous job functions or experiences. Allows you to insert accomplishments and achievements without bragging or sounding arrogant. This primes the interviewer so they see you're grateful for opportunities given while make the most of them.
Ex;
"At my last company at (xyz), where I had the opportunity too...."
"In my current role, I was able to....."
"During my tenure at (Company xyz), where I got to....."
Structure set up for outlining a good flow to answering "Tell me about yourself?".
1) Develop a tagline or your why statement regarding what keeps you motivated and passionate in your field. Begin answering like this:
"I've dedicated my career to date to....."
"I'm on a mission to..."
"I've curated/built the past few years of my career around my strengths in (x, y, & z) to help companies perform/do/integrate/apply/etc...."
2) Follow the tagline by mentioning what you're present responsibilities are, or just recently finished doing if in between jobs. (~30 secs - 1 min)
3) What you've done in your past roles. (about 1 min in length).
4) What you want to do in your future, which should align to the role you're interviewing for. (1-2 min)
Structuring your answer for this common and expected question around gained skills and accomplishments provides confidence on the duration of the interview to tackle remaining questions.
Simeon Snow
Risk Assurance
1792
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Simeon’s Answer
I am an IT auditor that went to Houston Baptist University and then George W. Truett Theological Seminary.
Cecilia Gomez
Designer
6
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Cecilia’s Answer
Hi Douglas, to add to Kim's answer I would say also mention what skills you excel at and what areas you are interested in, or passionate about - even if you're not an expert on them (yet).
Write an elevator pitch about yourself and practice it in front of a mirror.
Cecilia recommends the following next steps: