One question a candidate can always expect in an interview is: “Tell us about yourself.” You know it’s coming, yet in most instances, my clients have an aversion to planning their response. Your goal is to be fresh, likeable, and to connect your professional experience with the position you are applying for. So, how do you proceed?
A good approach is to connect your experience with your goals. Short, personal stories can be an excellent way to share your background. Think about the past, the present and even the future. When formatting your thoughts, here is a template to consider:
• Past – share education and experiences that have shaped who you are;
• Present – your current status and the milestones that you have achieved;
• Future – end your response with your ideal career and tie the position to this goal;
Look at the job description and consider what experiences in your personal and professional lives address qualities the employer is seeking. Use short, personal stories with an obvious point to highlight these qualities. You can address professional challenges and how you resolved them. You can include important personal activities not mentioned on your resume which highlight how you would fit into the company culture or team.
Several key things to remember are: Don’t just rehash your resume as a response to “tell me about yourself.” Avoid revealing too much personal information, especially that which is legally protected, such as family or health status. If you have a potentially negative detail, such as a work gap, prepare a positive explanation. Being concise is important. Attention spans are becoming very short. Practice answering the question in less than two minutes. If your interviewers want to know more, they will ask.
When talking about yourself, preparing an outline with bulleted points, NOT memorized, will help keep you on track. Making a connection with your interviewers is the goal. Helping them to see you as a whole person will leave a favorable impression and help them visualize you in the position!
By Phil Kimmi | Posted in General, Interview Education
