It is often asked as a follow-up to one of the most common interview questions, "Tell me about yourself." Do you have unusual cravings for oysters? And it should be one of the easiest questions to answer — because you can anticipate and prepare for it — but, just as commonly, it’s one of the most anxiety-provoking and confusing questions. Have you ever successfully started a fire with sticks and a shoelace? Focus on the part of you which makes you the best candidate for the position. You'll find that after a campus interview, you often get a personalized note from your interviewer thanking you for your interest in the college. So, when asked to tell about yourself, don't spend too much time on the predictable answers. This week we're going to focus on the job interview question, "Tell me about yourself?" Traditionally, this is one of the most common medical school interview questions. Open-ended questions like “Tell me about yourself” are frequently asked at the beginning of in-person or video interviews to get the conversation started. Often the professor offers little guidance on what information to share. Tough Interview Question: Tell me about yourself, "I've worked hard in my education and career to prepare myself to become a world class accountant. This isn’t the time to share your life story. I received my BBA in Accounting from the University of Illinois and then went to work for KPMG after graduation. The interviewer is effectively asking: "Tell me about your background on your resume in more detail." I worked for KPMG last summer in tax accounting and Ernst and Young the summer before in audit. Clearly states how your current responsibilities and qualifications will add measurable value for the company. Further review: know the answers to these Common Interview Questions to be fully prepared for your interview! Also, be prepared for potential interruptions along the way, as many interviewers use this question as a way to bring up areas of interest where they can drill down further. What the Interviewer Really Wants to Know Your resume states the facts, but the interviewer wants to know about the person behind the work history. “I am a self-starter with strong interpersonal skills. From there, the interviewer can drill down into specifics. Questions like "tell me something about yourself" or "describe yourself" are generally meant to be ice-breakers, from what I have felt. 5. Your answers to the “Tell me about yourself” question is a high-level description of who you are in less than 2 minutes.. No more. Figure out what makes you uniquely you. The interviewer does not want to know all the details about you from birth forward. Also, describe a few personality traits (roughly three), which will allow you to segue into your academic areas of interest and extracurricular activities and why they are important to you. How would other people describe you? … It certainly won't be "your high grades" or "your work ethic." Should I start talking about my schooling because I have no actual work experience. Did you teach your dog to play the piano? Your Self Introduction is like a movie trailer-Make it short yet intriguing, so your audience wants more! The interviewer does not want to know all the details about you from birth forward. The first rule of thumb for answering the Tell me about yourself question is to discuss what interests the interviewer. When I worked at Exxon Mobil and conducted job interviews, I usually started off by asking the candidate to “Tell me About Yourself.” I liked to start off that way because I felt it was a good ice breaker and I wanted to ease … Tell me about what personal troubles you have had? Being told to introduce yourself in class can be uncomfortable and awkward for new students. Do you make a killer wild strawberry pie? This may be one of the first questions you get asked in your interview, so you'll definitely want to be prepared so you don't start on an awkward note. I was recently promoted from Staff Auditor to Senior Auditor and was selected to train new hires in our region on recent GAAP accounting changes…", "I've worked hard in my education and my internships to prepare myself to become a world class accountant. What Do You See Yourself Doing 10 Years From Now? I made my first communion in second grade and was confirmed in seventh grade. Tell me about yourself is the most important question in the interview. First of all, this isn't even a question. And often, sadly, it serves as a delay question to give an unprepared interviewer time to quickly scan your resume for the first time. We got along OK, except for my older brother, especially when he got older and joined a gang. Why the interviewer is asking this question: A top-notch answer for “Tell me about yourself”: Conveys your skills, experience, and strengths relevant to the position and company, with a focus on past successes. Think about all the other students who are being interviewed, and ask yourself what is it about you that makes you different. Don't feel that you have to be overly clever or witty when answering this question, especially if cleverness and wit don't come to you naturally. I was the second boy in a family of four boys. They are specifically focused on who you are in relation to the specific job for which you are applying. What should I tell them about myself? Tell the interviewer about your prospective major, if you have one, or what your main area of interest is and what you hope to study. What are your quirks? “The social work at high school has attracted me since I remember my days between the school bullies. Remember, you don't need to steer away from the facts that you are friendly and work hard, but these points shouldn't be at the heart of your response.Â. Most call center applicants answer, “Tell me something about yourself”, like an NBI application. My parents were Catholic, so it was a pretty strict upbringing. What makes you excited to get out of bed in the morning? It’s usually the first thing you’ll be asked when you sit down. I was recently promoted from Staff Auditor to Senior Auditor and was selected to train new hires in our region on recent GAAP accounting changes…", An example of how to best answer this question for entry level candidates: A popular scholarship essay prompt is “Tell us about yourself.” This question is relatively open-ended, which may make it difficult to answer at first glance. 1. You shake hands, they ask you to sit down. The best approach to answering this question: Tell me about your background. Although this answers the question, this isn’t what the interviewers want to hear. It can seem intimidating at first, since it's so open ended. 3. Examples of strength-based questions: Describe something that you’ve learnt recently. I had a pretty rough childhood and I spent some time at reform school…". If you go back to the initial question—"Tell me about yourself"—you should recognize that these rather generic answers would not successfully display the characteristics that make you special. I've read your resume, tell me more about who you are. Take away the stress of the interview with expert answers in my simple to follow online course! To relax? – Layla. I have already taken the prep exams for the CPA and am ready to sit for the CPA exam in the spring. Don't Dwell on the Obvious Character Traits, How to Answer "What Can I Tell You About Our College? How have you demonstrated those in the past? Do you do your best thinking when on a 100-mile bike ride? Certain characteristics are desirable, but they are not unique. Most recruiting professionals recommend a 2-3 minute answer. 🙂 But for some strange reason, nearly every interviewer can agree that giving a good answer to the question “Tell Me About Yourself” during a job interview can be one of the toughest and most stressful things to do. My struggles, my goals, my passions…? Tell me about yourself. It's also a choice being considered by many jobseekers, especially for fresh grads. What do you do in your spare time? It is an open-ended question, so it gives the interviewee the opportunity to go in any of several directions. If you are unable to impress the interviewer in this one given opportunity, then it can be your last opportunity. It seems like such an easy college interview question. Other examples include “Walk me through your resume,” “Tell me something about yourself that’s not on your resume” and “How would you describe yourself?” if you have no job experience. How to answer tell me about yourself. Tips to remember : ? I was the second boy in a family of four boys. I had a pretty rough childhood and I spent some time at reform school…". What was a transformative experience in your life? To convey your unique personality and passions, you want to answer the questions in ways that show that you are you, not a clone of a thousand other applicants. "I've worked hard in my education and my internships to prepare myself to become a world class accountant. A Stunning Abstract about Yourself Example. Relevancy is key to properly answering this interview question. Don’s answer to how to answer the question, “tell me about yourself” when you have no work experience However, you want your interviewer to come away knowing something meaningful about you. What do you like to do that all of your friends think is strange? What makes you angry? With its competitive pay and fast career advancements, it's clear why many try to find a job in this industry. Your interviewer is therefore really interested in getting to know you. First of all think about What I Want To Hear If I Ask You To Tell Me About Yourself? You want the interviewer to remember this answer when he or she thinks back on the day. Finally, remember that while you are likely to be asked to tell your interviewer about yourself, there are several other common interview questions that you will probably encounter, too. So, think of this as your "elevator pitch." Keep your answer down to three or four sentences. Start with the present and tell why you are well qualified for the position.? I was even an altar boy, can you believe that! You need to cover the basics, but it's even more important to make it memorable. After all, if there's one subject you truly know something about, it's yourself. What makes you who you are? What makes you laugh? The interviewer uses the “Tell me about yourself” question to get a brief overview of who you are and what you have to offer to the company or the position. From there, the interviewer can drill down into specifics. I work efficiently both as an individual contributor … When you pause, some interviewers will simply pause and/or nod as an indicator for you to continue. Although it might be tempting to share a list of your most compelling qualifications for the job, a more low-key approach will probably help you to develop a personal rapport with your interviewer. I have already taken the prep exams for the CPA and am ready to sit for the CPA exam in the spring. Be sure to review our blog on how to prepare for your med school interviewfor the best strategies a… This is your chance to convey your passion for your chosen subject, your future ambitions, and the qualities you possess that will ensure your academic success. My parents were Catholic, so it was a pretty strict upbringing. Your interests tell a lot about you too, so this is a great opportunity to showcase your strengths – the more unique the better. Has anyone close to you had serious mental health problems? Use a quick overall summary, then use laser focus on the role itself. Consider this example: I worked for KPMG last summer in tax accounting and Ernst and Young the summer before in audit. And, in some ways, it is. 9. Who is [your name]? Are you a feminist? Responding to “Tell Me About Yourself” for Recent Grads This is probably the one of the most frequently asked questions in an interview and having an answer that rolls off your tongue is critical. Tell Me About Yourself – Good Answer. The interviewer is effectively asking: "Tell me about your background on your resume in more detail.". They give out their addresses, birthdates and birthplaces. You'll have about two minutes to answer the "tell me about yourself" question. I can say that I am a responsible and a hard-working student. Don't dwell on obvious traits shared by the majority of strong college applicants. Think about what that letter is likely to say: "Dear [Your Name], I really enjoyed talking with you and learning about __________________." Remember to explain your answers, and back them up with examples from your experience. What unique qualities will you bring to the campus community? A question that you must know how to answer for college interviews is "tell me about yourself." My name is Ann Smith.I am a senior in high school.Everyone can agree that I am a good student and that I like to study.My favorite subjects are chemistry and biology. Think about what will be in that blank. You begin, "Hi. And the interview is your best opportunity to do just that. Do you read books late at night with a flashlight? 8. If you are preparing for grad school intervews, there is a good chance that you’ll be asked the infamous "tell me about yourself"question and if you are, feel thankful as it is perhaps the one question that you can be prepared one hundred percent for. The challenge, however, is that knowing yourself and articulating your identity in a few sentences are very different things. How to Answer the “Tell Me About Yourself” Interview Question . Why do your friends really like you? Good luck! But before getting in, you need to get past the interview (and a few assessment tests after that). They ask this question. ", 8 First Day of High School Activities to Get to Know Your Students. Tell me about yourself. This is for a good reason: if a college has interviews, the school has holistic admissions. How do I answer the job interview question, “tell me about yourself,” when I have no experience? "Tell me about yourself." Similar interview questions: What do you do best? Quick Interview Tips: "Tell Me About Yourself" You are almost guaranteed to be asked this question, so be prepared. Writing a lively introduction paragraph about yourself ahead of time helps with knowing how to make a … ", College Interview Tips: "Tell Me About a Challenge You Overcame", Tips for the College Interview Question "Who Has Most Influenced You? Don't dwell on obvious traits shared by the majority of strong college applicants. That means focusing on the experience and skills you have that will add value to the position. Job interview questions and answers can be tricky and none more so than the classic, "So tell me about yourself." To crack this question open, put yourself in the interviewer’s shoes. I earned the Intern of the Year Award for the Chicago branch of KPMG this past summer…", "Wow, well let's see…I was born in 1992 in Chicago, Illinois. Recruiters don't want to know everything about you. Bullying is … If you came across as an applicant who is lazy and mean-spirited, you can be certain your application will end up in the rejection pile. Yet it is the most commonly asked interview "question," so you need to be ready for it. Answering it with confidence and in a systematic order that is logical to hear is the best way to tackle this question in the interview. The majority of students applying to selective colleges can make claims such as these: Granted, all of these answers point to important and positive character traits, and, of course, colleges want students who are hard-working, responsible, and friendly. You want your answer to be a substantive illustration of a side of your personality that isn't obvious from the rest of your application. 6. What interests or character traits separate you from your peers. I earned the Intern of the Year Award for the Chicago branch of KPMG this past summer…", An example of how you should not answer this question: After all, who knows you better than…You? An example of how to best answer this question for experienced candidates: 2. Most interviewers who ask this question are not practiced interviewers, so this question serves as a softball way to start out the interview. 4. A job in the customer service industry is one of the most in-demand careers today. Show the interviewer who you are. Best to start with a strong simple statement about yourself (again related to the job By Jeff Gillis. How to Ace Your University of Wisconsin Personal Statements, The 2020-21 Common Application Essay Prompts, Ph.D., English, University of Pennsylvania, M.A., English, University of Pennsylvania, B.S., Materials Science & Engineering and Literature, MIT. I am going to enter the university because my goal is to study these subjects in future and to become a respected professional in one of the fields.. When interviewers ask you to tell them about yourself (a question that is likely to come up, in some form), try to respond with something memorable. My name is ___. I passed the CPA exam on my first try and have progressed well in my career. These answers, however, are all predictable. The interview should be a pleasant experience, and you can use it to show off your personality in … I received my BBA in Accounting from the University of Illinois and then went to work for KPMG after graduation. "I've worked hard in my education and career to prepare myself to become a world class accountant. To be asked to talk about yourself is truly one of the most common interview questions, and you are almost guaranteed to come across it. I was even an altar boy, can you believe that! Talk first about your preparation for the role and then focus in tightly on what makes you the best candidate for the role. I passed the CPA exam on my first try and have progressed well in my career. Nearly all strong applicants can describe themselves in this way. The key to that is sentence is the word brief. I made my first communion in second grade and was confirmed in seventh grade. And ideally, your application and interview answers will convey the fact that you are such a student. If that happens, start drilling into the details and examples. Were you ever sprayed by a skunk taking out the compost in the evening? They are specifically focused on who you are in relation to the specific job for which you are applying. Let your interview convey that information. I will be receiving my BBA in Accounting from the University of Illinois and have already completed two internships with large public accounting firms the past two summers. Before setting foot in the interview room, make sure you put some thought into what it is that makes you unique. Every recruiter has asked this question almost every time they meet a new candidate. Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Re-read your personal statement You should take the question seriously and answer sincerely, but make sure you are actually painting a colorful and detailed portrait of yourself, not a simple line sketch. We got along OK, except for my older brother, especially when he got older and joined a gang. This is not an “icebreaker”. The interviewer is also likely to comment on their conversation with you and point out something memorable from it. What are your passions? It’s My Life. Talking about yourself should be the easiest thing to do. Also, keep in mind to dress appropriately for your interview and avoid common interview mistakes. –Kerr Ramsay Vice President for Undergraduate Admissions, High Point University Try to relax and be yourself , and make an effort to avoid common interview mistakes . Your goal when answering, “tell me about yourself,” is to give a brief, concise walkthrough of your career story that will show off relevant pieces of experience. You sit and hold a smile. Figure out what makes you uniquely you. I fight for justice and equality. What are some of your unique qualities? You want to start at a point in the past (like how you began working in this field), and end up at your current situation. Practise how you would answer an open ended question like “Tell me about yourself.” The main problem with those kinds of questions is that there’s the temptation to rabbit on. 7. Who is your favorite author? They don't care about your life story—who your parents are, what they do, your religion and where you live. I will be receiving my BBA in Accounting from the University of Illinois and have already completed two internships with large public accounting firms the past two summers. Dr. Allen Grove is an Alfred University English professor and a college admissions expert with 20 years of experience helping students transition to college. The last thing to include in the article to make it complete is an essay about yourself example. You are almost guaranteed to be asked this question, so be prepared. "Wow, well let's see…I was born in 1992 in Chicago, Illinois. Keep your initial answer short, about 2-3 minutes at most, then pause to give the interviewer the opportunity to either: a) ask a different question; or b) ask a clarifying or detail question drilling into specifics around your answer. Or four sentences Introduction is like a movie trailer-Make it short yet intriguing, so it a... 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