Job Interview Question: Tell Me About Yourself?

"You know, some people would be intimidated by such an open ended question, but I'm really glad you asked that because it tells me that you as a potential employer understand that I can be more than just what goes on a resume. I like to _____________ and ____________, which I got into because _____________ and even though it challenges me, I keep coming back because _____________."

no. keep it job/career related.

Yup. This is a standard question and you're right to have an answer ready. I always answer with something related to the job and running. For example, "Well, I think of myself as a teacher and a runner."

The important thing with running is to bring it back to the job. So rather than listing your times or your workouts last Tuesday, talk about what it demonstrates about your personality--self-disciplined, motivated, persistent and whatever else might be relevant to the job. If you're good at telling stories, you can throw in a quick anecdote about a tough race or workout and how it has changed your outlook or whatever.

Keep it short and always bring it back to the job.

Good luck!

When you're being interviewed, usually the interviewer is just trying to figure out if you're the type of person that will fit in with his team. Are you likeable and driven? The only way he can learn this is to get you talking, and this is one of those canned questions that you will hear quite often.

The trick to interviewing is understanding that any monkey can be trained to do 90% of the jobs out there. The most important thing you need to do is to convince the person on the other side that the two of you can get along. Ass kissing probably won't work -- I never trust these types. Just behave like a man and create a good first impression.

I've interviewed hundreds of people and hired dozens in my career. I can't speak for everyone, but here is how it goes for me.

First, you would not have gotten in front of me if I didn't think your resume showed you have a good background and are smart enough for the job. That isn't what I am trying to figure out.

Instead, I am just trying to figure out if you are someone who will fit in with our team, will work hard, and is someone people want to be around 40 hours a week. "Likeable and driven" as a previous poster said is exactly what I want.

The best way to convince me of this is to be yourself. Be professional, but not afraid to show your personality.

"I don't always drink beer, but when I do, I drink Dos Equis."

Go with that theme, it's a winner.

"I'm a freshman in my fourth year at UCLA studying veterinary medicine cuz I love children!"

Or, answer with a question:

"How 'bout YOU tell ME a little bit about YOURself FIRST."

Or that old standby: "I dunno."

Stay thirsty my friends

what job are you applying for?

Not sure it is the same everywhere, but in my industry, that question is equivalent to "walk me through your resume"

assuming you are relatively fresh to the job market, you should discuss

- anything unusual about your life through high school (i.e. have 14 siblings, grew up in Libya, etc). skip over this if it was average

- why you chose your college/your major/

- sentence or two about your experiences-good place to talk about running

- how your experiences/character led you to want to work in this industry - again, good place to bring in running

- tie in any internships or jobs that you have had-what you liked about them, why you aren't still there

Basically you should concoct a narrative whereby all that you have done in your life to this day have been leading you to this job

the last line should be "which is what brings me here today" (don't actually need to say that, but that should be implicit)

As someone who used to interview people all the time, I loved this particular The Oatmeal:

http://theoatmeal.com/comics/interviewees

Especially "The Apologizer"

Every interview I've ever done has started with this question. Basically, I think it's just an icebreaker. I honestly doubt they pay attention to your answer. Just make sure you answer it confidently, speak clearly, and answer the following, more specific questions well.

Before I can tell you what to say, you are going to have to tell us about yourself, so that we know what to work with.

I always respond with "I've got a cock like a donkey, hard as a rock and a trigger finger itchier than chicken pox." It got me my last job in the porn industry.

I used to hire in a prior job. My philosophy is that I could teach the job skills to most applicants, but I wanted to find out their availability and if they had a personality that would fit this workplace.

Use such a question to show that you are the type of person who can charm people, but also to highlight your achievements and philosophies. It is like when you prepare a resume and they ask for you to make some personal statement about yourself or ask for a cover letter to accompany.

themanontherun wrote:

"You know, some people would be intimidated by such an open ended question, but I'm really glad you asked that because it tells me that you as a potential employer understand that I can be more than just what goes on a resume. I like to _____________ and ____________, which I got into because _____________ and even though it challenges me, I keep coming back because _____________."

horrible answer. cheesey, canned. I gotta think you have a pretty lame job.

OP, do the opposite of what this guy says and you will be a big success in life.