Tell me about yourself

The "Tell me about yourself?" question is one of the so called "Tough Interview Questions" because to many people it is not clear what exactly should be covered in the answer. Obviously it is NOT about your private life such as family, hobbies, girl friend/boy friend, or health problems. Running into that domain is one of the common mistakes in answering that question. The question should be answered 100% relative to the position you are applying for. Which gives you an opportunity to prove that you are someone to be seriously considered for the job.

Many of us would rather answer the "What makes you a good fit for the position?" question, which is not exactly the one really asked. That is the second common mistake.

Remember: most likely that question comes at the very beginning of the interview. Good answer sets the stage for success in getting the job. Not answering the question turns the interview into the wrong direction from the very beginning.

This question is OPEN ENDED. The interviewer is testing your ability to select what is important in your professional life and relevant to the position you are applying for. The relevancy would not come without research and the homework done prior to the interview. Not doing your homework prior to the interview shows the interviewer that you have no special interest in the position. Critically important part of the research should be done at the time of the interview where you might easily talk to 3-4-5 and more people. Ask each of them "what is your definition of an ideal candidate for the position?". That information will help you answer that and many other questions better than your competition.

The winning answer is not about repeating the summary of your resume. It is about dynamics of your professional life. What you did before. How it changed you. How it positioned you for the new job. How that company and that position in the future will give you the perfect opportunity to achieve your long term career goals.

The human interviewer is normally not able to really focus on your answer for more than a minute or two. Make it short, and be prepared to talk more about it in case the interviewer is interested. After the short answer, ask if there is an interest in more details? And what kind of details?

Keep in mind that as with any other interview question the delivery is equally important. So,
- relax
- smile
- keep the eye contact
- demonstrate confidence, enthusiasm, real interest in the position

Here is an example of what the brief answer could be. Lets say I am applying for Software Tester job with an IT company, that designs software and hardware for GPS navigation devices. Prior to joining Software Testing profession I was a deep sea captain for 4 years. Than I graduated from Portnov Computer School in California and became a Software Tester. Ironically, we actually had a few students with that same background.

As a teenager I was dreaming about becoming a sailor, which brought me to the Marine Academy and after graduation I worked for 4 years as a Deep Sea Captain. I learned lots of things which later on helped me to prosper in Software testing profession: discipline, compliance, documentation skills, dealing with people including real difficult ones, I've got lots of user experience with various software applications and electronic devices, etc.

After a while I realized that changing my profession would improve my family life. I became involved in software testing training at Portnov School by accident. My neighbor gave me the idea to become a software tester. I finished my training, I completed the internship, and the more I became involved the more I enjoyed the profession. As of today, I know for sure that Software testing is my long-term career commitment and it is my goal to become someone who makes a difference in Software Testing. Therefore, I am looking forward to becomeing a member of a professionally strong team working on technically challenging projects. This position and your company represent a very special interest to me because I used navigation devices professionally before. Bringing together my passion for software quality and my previous experience as a deep see captain is beyond any dreams. To me, it is a unique lifetime opportunity.

 

Denham Resources Video

Susan Britton Whitcomb, “Interview Magic. Job interview secrets from America’s career and life coach”

Strategy

Focus on what the interviewers need to know to determine that you’re the best investment they could make. Give the interviewer a quick “READ” on this question, which stands for

Relevant: First, sift everything you say through the relevance filter. Ask yourself, “is the information I’m sharing important to the interviewers? Will the information make them think more or less favorably of me?”

Experience: Provide a quick overview of years of experience or most important companies worked for, along with position titles and responsibility highlights.

Academics: Mention impressive institutions, degrees, certifications, or alumni networks associated with your education.

Deliverables: Translate your experience into value by offering one or two results.

“Before” Answer

I graduated from college, went to work in the late 70s for an advertising firm; then went to another firm; then started my own business, which was really great because it met my needs to be flexible and raise my kids, plus be my own boss.

 “After”—the “Magic Words” Answer

I’d be happy to. Before I do that, I’m wondering if you’d tell me a little more about two or three key strengths you’re looking for in the ideal candidate. After the interviewer responds, say Great, it sounds like we’re definitely on the same page. You asked about my background.

With virtually 20 years of experience, the last seven as a creative director at Smith & Jones

Agency, I offer three key strengths that I believe are closely aligned to your needs for the position.

First, I’m an excellent advertising strategist—my skills in this area have delivered an

ROI of 10:1 on marketing funds, which as you know is well above average.

Second, I’m an excellent project manager; have numerous contacts with artists, copywriters, and printers; and am able to bring projects in on time and on a shoestring budget. It wasn’t unusual for me to save $5,000 on printing costs when our total budget was $25,000.

Third, I have a strong creative background. Many of the campaigns I directed earned national advertising awards. Based on our chats thus far, I’m confident that my skill set would be a close match for what you need.

And, I’d love to hear more about what you need for this position. For instance, what do you consider the most pressing projects or issues I’d be tackling in the first 90 days on the job?

Employment Crossings Video

Lincoln Chin, “Job Interview Success”

I’m efficient; when I have a project to do, I do it thoroughly and on time. For example, I always double – check my reports. I like to be organized; in my last managerial position I had many duties so I organized a schedule and prioritized my job. I’m a fast learner: I didn’t know anything about computers before university, it was difficult at first but I studied hard, got high marks and can use it effectively now… I believe that problems are really challenges and that I can solve them.

• This is an excellent answer. It gives a lot of additional information which is not on the CV
• It gives specific details, examples and evidence of key skills and qualities
• It reveals the personality and values of the candidate (for example, “problems are really challenges”)
• It shows a problem-solving approach and self – management skills.

Caryl and Ron Krannich, “Nail the job interview! 101 dynamite answers to interview questions”.

This is not the time to outline your biography from childhood to the present. Concentrate on your skulls and experience, with special reference to accomplishments that relate to the needs of the employer. Talk about your strengths. Anticipate this type of question as you prepare for the interview by listing

• five of your outstanding personal qualities as they relate to the work setting
• five of your strongest skulls that relate to the job
• five positive work-related accomplishments

Try to remember the points you have identified so you can respond to this or a similar question, but don’t try to memorize what you say about each one - just talk about it naturally.

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Dr. Shel Leanne, “How to Interview Like a Top MBA”

In an interview, you have a wonderful opportunity to shape the direction of the interview when you are asked non-specific question, such as “Tell me about yourself”.

A general reaction is, “What am I supposed to say? I have no idea where to start.” If you are well prepared, this is one of the best questions you can receive in an interview.

Consider an instance when a job candidate, Peter, is interviewing for a position as a manager of a small computer consulting company. When asked the question, “Tell me about yourself?” Peter answered:

I am a very goal-oriented person with a passion for new ideas and a desire to achieve excellent outcomes in all that I do. I have demonstrated my commitment to excellence in many ways. For instance, when I attended the University of Chicago, I earned a B+ average in a very difficult major, and I graduated with honors. I was recruited by a leading computer company in our city, and my experience there reinforced

my passion for new ideas. My innovation and contributions resulted in three promotions in four years and an award of “Employee of the Year” last year. I now have a very valuable skills set and am ready to move to the next level of my career, working as a manager. That is why I have approached your computer consulting company. I believe this is my ideal company and job position.

First, Peter uses his very first sentence to characterize himself with words that convey a sense of initiative, drive, goal orientation, and excellence. These are all attributes the employer will value. By painting himself in this light, Peter has probably caused the interviewer to sit up in his or her seat with deep interest.

Second, Peter moved directly to a discussion of some of the achievements that will mark him as stronger than some of the other job applicants. These achievements may also form the basis for why the employer may choose him over other applicants. Emphasizing his academic achievement assures the interviewer that Peter has the skills to make a good contribution in the new organization if he is hired. Emphasizing his promotions and award for excellence not only underscores that his company recognized him as a high-performing employee, but also hints that through his promotions, Peter has gained greater responsibilities and greater skills, so he is ready to “move to the next level” of his career.

Finally, this answer is wonderful because Peter ends with a sentence that might prompt the interviewer to ask a follow-up question. By stating, “I believe this is my ideal company and job position,” the interviewer might choose to expand on that end remark by asking a question such as “Why do you believe this company and position are ideal for you?” Thus, Peter has set himself up for a follow-up question that will allow him to elaborate even further about his skills and the many ways he is a good match for the company and the position.

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The Ultimate Guide to Job Interview Answers 2008

Discussion: This seemingly simple question can actually be the most daunting and the most difficult to answer! It is, however, an open-ended opportunity to communicate a lot of positive attributes. Keep it short, give a bit of background on yourself, and highlight several accomplishments. Integrate keywords based on desirable Behavioral Competencies. You should show how your career has taken a logical progression – noting how your education helped, if relevant – to where you are now. You should practice this type of "opening statement" until you have it down cold. Practice it until it's perfect!

Cover your:

1)      Early years

2)      Education

3)      Work history

4)      Recent career experience.

Remember that this is just a warm-up question.

Don't waste your best points on it.

"Well, I grew up just outside of Chicago and then went to school at the University of Maryland where I studied Political Science and Art History. While I did love Political Science, I always knew that I would need to do something practical, so right out of college I got a job doing "X". Job "X" really tested my stamina and work ethic because I had to work my butt off, but I managed to achieve a lot there and learn a lot about my chosen field. From there I got hired into a more senior position at Company "Y". That's where I really developed my teamwork skills and learned to create and manage budgets as high as $1.5 million dollars. Right now I think that my skills and experience make me a great candidate for a position on your team, and I hope to demonstrate that today. What kind of qualities are you looking for in the ideal candidate for this position?"