Every first interview, every first date, every first friendship, or every first meeting with your drug dealer is going to start the same way. You are going to be asked the dreaded question that everyone knows is coming, no one prepares for and even fewer people know how to correctly answer. Yes, you are going to be asked “tell me about yourself.”
We all love talking about ourselves. This should be so easy to answer. Even more so because we know that the question is being framed within the context of the asker. Maybe it is to find out if you are worthy enough to inspect nuclear reactors, volunteer to be the head of the church youth group, or test your potential creditworthiness and non-snitchy-ness to buy crack. Snitches get stitches, baby.
It amazes how many people take themselves out of the running with this single question, and it usually the first question. This is a layup and if you are prepared to answer it properly you can dazzle the hiring manager and set yourself apart from the other applicants who have no clue how to answer this question! So, gather ‘round the campfire and let’s talk about how you talk about you.
-
Tip #1: Know yourself
The question is “tell me about yourself.” It is not “tell me your job history.” It is not “tell me your skillset.” It is not “rattle off your criminal convictions and time served.” (Even if you got out early on good behavior, it is still probably not a good idea to bring this up right off the bat. Wait for the strengths and weaknesses question for that.) What about you is interesting? What sets you apart and makes you someone I would do tequila shots with at the annual Christmas Party? What are your values? What is your best quality? Are you extravertive / introvertive? Do you have a special talent? Are you flexible, easy-going, aggressive or assertive? Are you a go-getter? Are you an intellectual? Do you speak 5 languages? All these things are cool and interesting!
When the question is asked, the interviewer is looking for 3 things. First, they are looking for something to relate you to the job. Human brains like to make relationships to things. The interviewer is doing you a favor by asking you to make that connection for them. Secondly, they are looking for something memorable. The interviewer may interview 10 people that day but I guarantee you they will remember the person who catches catfish with their bare hands or has been on Wheel of Fortune. Finally, the interviewer is trying to look for reasons to eliminate you and save themselves from making the dreaded hiring mistake. Again, this is why you live or die with this question. If I have worked in several industries, then I begin with “I consider myself a highly skilled person.” Then I go into the different areas of life that I have experience in that I would expect my friends and family to know that I do. If I have sales experience but also ran a political campaign and adopt orphan puppies on the weekend, those are all things to be proud of and should be brought up.
Now the trick to this is also making it appear to be extemporaneous. If it is a rehearsed speech that sounds fake and rehearsed then this will not go over well. Pause. Look up, look down. Look like you are thinking! This should be genuine because this is who you are.
From there, it is good to identify other pertinent traits to the job for which you are applying. Bringing up certifications, major life accomplishments, and educational experience are key here.
Finally, finish up with what brough you here. Not on a granular level, but maybe say where your hometown is and why you are looking for a job. Finish strong with where you are headed with a goal. The whole answer should take between 30-60 seconds.
Now let me give you an example as how I would answer this one for myself:
“Tell me about yourself.”
“(introspective pause). Hmm, well, I consider myself to be pretty well-rounded. I am an accountant, programmer, musician, blog-writer, business owner and family man. I have traveled around a bit and taught myself Spanish. I have worked in the Construction, Health Care, Automotive and Technology industries. Professionally I would say my biggest professional accomplishments have been obtaining my CPA, learning to develop SQL solutions / Crystal Reports, starting my own side business and improving procedures and reporting for my prior employers and clients. In my spare time I like to hike and I play fiddle in a Country band. I’ve moved around a lot as my career has taken me on many adventures and have lived in 6 states. I’d say I have enjoyed living in Springfield the most. At this point in my life I am looking for a job that (describe why I applied for this job).”
And that’s pretty much it. I described what I have done professionally highlighting my accomplishments while also making myself out to be a human being with a life outside of work as well. I didn’t go an recite my entire resumé which is not helpful because the potential employer already has my resumé and presumably has already read it since they asked to interview me!
-
Tip #2: Always follow tip #1
There was a story I heard back in the 90’s where there was a huge line of passengers waiting to board an airplane. Unfortunately, bad weather developed at the destination and the flight was cancelled. The passengers were upset (understandably), with one particular gentleman (male Karen) who was a bit more agitated and expressive than the others. He began to shout at the attendant in the airport about how shitty this situation was and the inconvenience. Finally, he blew his top and finished with “And do you KNOW WHO I AM?”
The attendant, who did not bat an eye picked up the intercom and dead-panned with all of the other passengers looking on in anticipation: “Excuse me, I have a gentleman here who does not know who he is. If anyone knows this gentleman’s identity, please relate it to him. Thank you.”
Needless to say, would you hire an asshole who didn’t know themselves? Know thyself and thy job shall come calling!