This week we will be discussing the dreaded interview question, "Tell me about yourself."
Now, I'll be willing to bet that if you've been on an interview before, you've heard this question. If you haven't, then you probably will on your next interview. This is most likely the most common interview question and it can be a little scary.
We know you're awesome, you know you're awesome but it's now your job to convince the interviewer you would make the best employee.
You may be tempted to answer like:
I was born in Virginia Beach until I moved to Poquoson when I was five. I grew up there and I was really into sports in high school, I then moved to Richmond where I got my first apartment in Carytown, which was awesome because I could walk to a ton of different places….(on and on)
There's really nothing to tell.
Look at my resume if you want to learn about me..it's all there.
I just want a job.
These answers really don’t give the employer an idea about the type of employee you will be. This will be your first impression and you want to make it count.
The best way to answer this question is to follow the SET model:
S - Skills - What work skills you have gained?
E - Experience - What work experience you have?
T - Time - How long you have been using your job skills
I've been a server for about 5 years now where I have been recognized for my my customer service and time management skills. I really enjoy working in the restaurant industry as a whole and serving customers, which is why I'm so excited about this opportunity.
A couple of things to remember:
1) Be concise - Keep your answer short and sweet.
2) Be excited - Employers will make note on if you actually look like you want to be there. Also, you're talking about youself here, make sure you seem like you actually like you.
3) Be relevant - Don't go on and on about things that don't relate at all to the job. While you may think your rock collection is worthwhile, it really doesn't have anything to do with what type of employee you will make.
Interviewing can cause a lot of anxiety, but by practicing your answers, you will be prepared when you get this question. It is a very common interview question so chances are it will be coming your way at some point!
About Kim Costa
Thank you for offering job tips, do and do not tips, and other job related articles. As a fist time job seeker these will be of help to me.
Great advice! It’s very easy to get caught in the trap of sharing your autobiography with this question. It’s important to prepare for as many interview questions as possible, and “tell me about yourself” is #1! As Kim said, keep your focus on the job, share your skills and strengths, and be excited!
Good article here that was helpful to me as regards this interview question…..enjoy:
https://interviewiq.com.au/tell-me-about-yourself
hey do you know where a job is hiring?
Hi Melissa! Try using our keyword search tool to look for jobs in your area: https://www.snagajob.com/job-search and let me know if you have any questions!
On “Tell me about yourself” what do I say in a interview when applying in being a host to a restaurant if I don’t have any experience working in a restaurant ?
Hi Mario! Great question. Talk about how you’re a people person and that you’re not at all shy. These are qualities a restaurant host must have. Also mention any customer service experience you have, this will be important too. Good luck and let me know if you have any questions!
So i was wondering what if I am currently trying to find my first real job,what could be some things to answer this question because I don’t have much experience in working ?
Hi Raymond! Great question. Think about things you have done in school or while volunteering that you can draw from. Any projects or interests you have that will appeal to the employer.
Hi Kim, so what I understood from this video is that I should talk about my experiences in other jobs, well what if this is the very first job? What. about myself, should I talk about?
Hi Ernesto! Great question. Think about things you’ve done that reflect on how you will be a hard worker. Thing of school projects or activities you are involved in and weave those aspects into your answer. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Kim, I’ve been unemployed for 6 years. My previous career was paralegal. I want to change careers but have been unsuccessful. Since I haven’t worked in the legal field for 6 years, I no longer have the experience for that job. Since I don’t have the experience for a new career, I don’t qualify for those jobs. I can’t go back to school because I still have an outstanding student loan I haven’t been able to pay on. Having a paralegal background over qualifies me and lack of experience under qualifies me for jobs. What are my options?
Hi Peg! What types of positions are you interested in? Think about volunteering somewhere to gain some experience and brush up on your skills :).
I am a 50 year old woman searching for employment again, I’ve struggled all my life to keep a job but have been unsuccessful in maintain employment. I have been struggling my whole life keeping employment, I really need to figure out what it is I’m doing wrong keeplng employment. I’m no spring chicken. But I just can’t seem to keep a job! Why,what is it about me? I’ve acquired a lot of trades and I’m not a lazy employee,so any kind of advice I can get is needed. Thank you for the videos,I’m going to keep reviewing them til Rican gain the confidence I need!
Hi kim, When ever i went to interview, I try my best to answer all the questions manager ask , but I couldn’t able to get a job ? Can you tell me what i have been doing wrong?
Hi Aqsa – I am sorry to hear you haven’t had much luck. If you aren’t hearing back from employers, take a look at this video: https://www.snagajob.com/resources/video-why-am-i-not-hearing-back/, it gives you a few reasons you may not be hearing back.
Hello Kim,
I realize you work for snagaob.com, but do you still do professional resume writing? I tried to find a website for that service, but did not find one. I’m sure your work at snagajob.com keeps you very busy, and you may not have time for the resume writing now.
Thank you — I enjoy your column. (And yes, I actually found my current job through your site a few years ago!)
Hi Kelley! I am a certified resume writer, but keep all my expertise on Snagajob :). I can sometimes look over resumes in my free time. If you have questions about yours, email jobcoach@snagajob.com and I’ll try to take a look at it when I get a chance.
MESSAGE IS FOR KIM ….. REALLY LIKE THE WAY YOU SHOW …..YOU’RE HUMAN IN YOUR BLOOPERS .YOU SHOULD USE THEM IN YOU’RE “HOW NOT TO ACT OR RESPOND IN AN INTERVIEW “
Thanks, Al!