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How to answer the questions “tell me about yourself” in an interview ?

I have a two interviews tomorrow for a retail store and I’ve been preparing with practice questions to make sure I’m ready to answer any question asked. Though I’ve gotten a bit stomped at the questions “tell me about yourself”. I don’t want to sound super generic and talk about schoolwork, I want to say something that will make me stand out against all other applicants.

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Subject: Career question for you

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Julie’s Answer

Stay true to yourself. Often, when you're asked this question during an interview, it's not only about your professional life or job experience. The interviewer is actually seeking a peek into your character, your dedication to work, your mindset, and how well you might mesh with their team, among other things.

If you're feeling a bit unsure about how to respond to this question in a way that aligns with what the interviewer is looking for, don't worry! It's perfectly fine to ask a follow-up question to clarify whether they're interested in learning more about your professional life or if they'd like to know more about you as an individual.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for taking the time to help. Alicja
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Milijana’s Answer

Hi Alicja, I hope that you are doing well.

When asked to talk about yourself in an interview, it's important to focus on your skills, experience, and accomplishments that directly relate to the position you are applying for. Start by highlighting your educational and professional background, and then discuss your relevant experience, achievements, and skills.

Keep your answer short and sweet and practice your response beforehand to feel confident and prepared. Remember to speak confidently and show enthusiasm for the position and the company.

Good luck with you next career move!

All the best,
M
Thank you comment icon Thank you for sharing your perspective. Alicja
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Violaine’s Answer

Hello there! I trust you're doing well. Here's a friendly guide that you might find handy:

Kick off with a warm introduction, letting them know who you are. Include your name, the school you're attending, and your chosen field of study.

Next up, your Educational Background: Give a quick rundown of your scholastic accomplishments, like relevant classes you've taken, projects you've worked on, and any extracurricular activities you've participated in. Don't forget to mention any honors, awards, or leadership roles you've bagged.

Moving on to Relevant Experiences: Talk about any internships, part-time gigs, volunteer work, or research projects you've been a part of that relate to the job or industry you're eyeing. Keep the spotlight on the skills and achievements you've picked up from these experiences.

Skills and Strengths: This is your chance to shine! Highlight the key skills or strengths you bring to the table that match the job's requirements. These might be technical skills, people skills, or particular areas of knowledge you've mastered.

Career Aspirations: Let them in on your career dreams and how they line up with the opportunity you're chasing. Share your love for the industry or field and what drives you to excel.

And finally, your Conclusion: Wrap it all up by recapping your main points and showing your excitement for the chance to learn and contribute to the organization.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice. Alicja
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Martha’s Answer

Hello Alicja, I hope that your interviews go well. By asking the question, you are showing that you care about the interviews and seek to do a good job. For a retail interview, first and foremost, you want to show that you are friendly. In what ways do you connect with others in your everyday life? How do you enjoy helping others? Second, but no less important, retail work is best done by someone who is a team player. What are some ways that you can tell about yourself that illustrates these characteristics? If you don't have work experience, how do you interact with your family or classmates? Can you leverage team skills for a softball team you've been on?
A few other great attributes of a retail worker would be punctuality, dependability, and proactivity. Can you think of times that you recognize a need and just take care of it instead of being asked ?
I think if you spend some time thinking of ways that you embody these qualities, then the answer to "Tell me about yourself" will be much easier. I hope the interviews go very well!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much, I’ll definitely talk more about my experience on a dance team and how teamwork is a big part of something I do on the daily. I appreciate it so much! Alicja
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S’s Answer

Tell about your qualities needed for the job you are seeking and not the content already in resume.
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James Constantine’s Answer

Dear Alicja,

In a job interview, when you're asked to "tell me about yourself," it's crucial to find the right balance between offering enough personal information and keeping the conversation engaging for the interviewer. Here's a guide to help you craft a unique and compelling response:

Start with a personal introduction: Begin by introducing yourself, sharing your background, and highlighting any unique experiences that set you apart from other candidates. For example, if you're applying for a retail job and you have previous customer service or sales experience, be sure to mention it.

Emphasize your strengths: Talk about the skills and experiences that make you the perfect fit for the job. Be specific about how your abilities meet the job's requirements. If you're applying for a retail job and you have strong communication skills, share stories that illustrate your effective customer engagement.

Talk about your career aspirations: Sharing your career goals shows that you're ambitious and dedicated to personal development. Tie your goals to the company or industry you're applying to, showing your enthusiasm and drive.

Keep it brief: While it's important to provide enough detail, avoid dominating the conversation or veering off-topic. Strive for a response that lasts no more than 1-2 minutes.

Engage in active listening: After you've talked about yourself, give the interviewer a chance to ask questions or give feedback based on what you've shared. This interaction will help establish a connection and make the interview more engaging for both of you.

Sources Consulted:

Glassdoor - Interview Questions & Tips - Tell Me About Yourself (https://www.glassdoor.com/Interview/tell-me-about-yourself-interview-question-iic109687_IC109687_M235354_IC127689_IC130846_IC130847_KO32.htm)

Monster - How to Answer ‘Tell Me About Yourself’ in an Interview (https://www.monstergigster.com/career-advice/article/how-to-answer-tell-me-about-yourself)

CareerBuilder - How to Answer ‘Tell Me About Yourself’ in an Interview (https://www.careerbuilder.com/advice/interviewing/interviewingtips/howtoanswerinterviewquestionstellyouaboutyourself)

May God bless you!
JC.
Thank you comment icon James Constantine, thank you! Alicja
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Florencia’s Answer

Hi Alicja!

What an interesting question! I believe that our credentials do not define us. The things I studied or the jobs I had are not who I am, so when I have to introduce myself I talk about myself and then if needed I add my credentials. I also like to talk about what's important to me. Let me give you an example...

I am Florencia, a kind, generous, optimistic and loving woman. I have a degree in Business Administration and post-graduate studies in Marketing and Criminal Sciences. Creating a safe and inclusive work environment while practicing empathy are my guiding principles. I firmly believe that continuous learning and effective teamwork are essential for personal and professional growth, as well as achieving success.

I hope this helps :-)
Thank you comment icon I appreciate your support, Florencia Alicja
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Suzan’s Answer

When you're asked to introduce yourself in an interview, it's important to be prepared. Start off by sharing your name with a friendly smile. Then, feel free to share a bit about your background, like where you hail from and perhaps a few fun facts about your family.

Moving on, don't hesitate to share your passions and pastimes. If you're a sports enthusiast, express your love for soccer or basketball. If art is your thing, talk about your enjoyment of sketching or painting.

Following this, it's a great idea to highlight any impressive accomplishments or experiences you've had. Whether you've bagged an award or volunteered at a charity event, it's a wonderful way to showcase your amazing qualities!

Lastly, express your interest in the job or the company. For instance, if you're applying for a position at a pet store, share your love for animals and your desire to contribute to their care.

Remember, the key is to be genuine and confident. Just be the wonderful you that you are!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! Your advice was so helpful and I got the job! I appreciate it :) Alicja
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Christy’s Answer

Absolutely! When you're asked "Tell me about yourself" in an interview, think of it as a friendly invitation to give a brief yet engaging summary of your background and passions. Start by sharing recent experiences and accomplishments, focusing on those most relevant to the job you're applying for. Don't forget to also talk about your personal hobbies or interests to show you're a well-rounded individual.

Keep your tone professional throughout, making sure your answer fits both the job and the company's environment. In the end, the aim is to give a peek into your unique mix of skills and personality, showing why you're the perfect fit for the role. Remember to rehearse beforehand to find the perfect mix of professionalism and personal touch.
Thank you comment icon Loved reading this, thanks! Alicja
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Maria’s Answer

When answering the question "tell me about yourself" in a retail store interview, it's important to strike a balance between showcasing your unique qualities and highlighting relevant experiences. Here's a suggested approach:

Start with a brief personal introduction: Begin by sharing your name and a concise summary of your background, such as your education or any relevant certifications.
Highlight your passion for customer service: Emphasize your enthusiasm for working with people and providing excellent customer service. Mention any previous experiences where you successfully resolved customer issues or went above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction.

Discuss your relevant skills and strengths: Identify key skills that are essential for retail positions, such as strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork abilities. Provide specific examples of how you have demonstrated these skills in previous roles or situations.
Share any retail-related experiences: If you have prior experience in the retail industry, briefly mention your roles and responsibilities, highlighting any achievements or notable contributions. This could include exceeding sales targets, implementing effective merchandising strategies, or receiving positive customer feedback.

Express your enthusiasm for the specific retail store: Demonstrate your knowledge and interest in the company by mentioning specific aspects that appeal to you, such as their product range, customer base, or company values. This shows that you have done your research and are genuinely interested in working for them.

Remember to keep your response concise and focused, highlighting your unique qualities and experiences that make you a strong fit for the retail position. Good luck with your interviews!
Thank you comment icon I'm excited to put your great advice to good use! Alicja
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Carla’s Answer

Begin with a brief self-introduction, stating your name and student status. Discuss your contributions to your school or any groups you've been part of. Highlight any volunteer work or extracurricular activities you've engaged in. If you've created something innovative, be sure to mention it. Conclude by sharing a personal passion and a goal, if possible. Remember, confidence, friendliness, and a smile can make a great impression.
Thank you comment icon Thank you, this is really helpful. Alicja
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