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Tell me something about yourself

Tell me something about yourself ? #job-application

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Will’s Answer

Relevance is key which I cannot agree more with what Brandon pointed out. You certainly know yourself the best but also need to adapt your intro for different audiences.

Normally I prepare for "tell me something about yourself" in two steps:
Step 1: Gather answers to questions below on paper 📝
- What do you study (your base)
- What are the most relevant skills/knowledge you're bringing to this potential employer (Relevance)
- What kind of work energizes you (show passion)

Step 2: Express the impressive you
- Revise the written intro and keep it around 30 - 60 seconds 🕑
- Rehearse your introduction until it sounds natural
- Practice in front of a mirror or a friend. Revise as needed.

Good luck!🤞
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! Costar
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Brandon’s Answer

For job applications asking, "tell me something about yourself" you would want to reply saying something about how a recent accomplishment or activity you have done can help you if you get hired for a job. For example, if you are applying for a job at a mechanic shop, you can reply by saying that you helped out at a friends body shop or you were part of an mechanic related class in high school. You would want to show how you have done something that you have done that can help with the job. Do not just say something random like something you like doing for a hobby or a place you like to go. Try to keep it related to the job as much as possible.
Thank you comment icon Thank you, this is really helpful. Costar
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Ross’s Answer

More info at https://www.themuse.com/advice/tell-me-about-yourself-interview-question-answer-examples#formula

Lily Zhang, Manager of Graduate Student Professional Development at the MIT Media Lab and a writer for The Muse, recommends a simple and effective formula for structuring your response: present, past, future.

Present: Talk a little bit about what your current role is, the scope of it, and perhaps a big recent accomplishment.
Past: Tell the interviewer how you got there and/or mention previous experience that’s relevant to the job and company you’re applying for.
Future: Segue into what you’re looking to do next and why you’re interested in this gig (and a great fit for it, too).
This isn’t the only way to build your response, of course, and you can tweak it as you see fit. If there’s a particularly potent story about what brought you into this field, for example, you might decide to start with that “past” story and then get into what you’re doing in the present.

Whatever order you pick, make sure you ultimately tie it to the job and company. “A good place to end it is to give a transition of this is why I’m here,” Dea says. You want to be absolutely certain your interviewer is left with the impression that it “makes sense that [you’re] sitting here talking to me about this role.”
Thank you comment icon I appreciate your support, Ross Costar
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Mark’s Answer

An applicant is unique in that even with the exact same education and work experiences, the way the individual utilizes the skills gained and lessons learned will always vary between each. Understanding how to tie your skills and experiences into a cohesive narrative is important. If you are taking the time to complete an application/submit a resume, you've obviously done some research on the position and the company. Think about the skills you've picked up that can be an asset to being successful at the position and then how they will translate into future success for the department and the company, as a whole. Your singular focus is to sell yourself to the person you are speaking with and allow yourself to shine AND function as part of the whole at the same time.

Especially if your background is non-traditional (or non-linear, as I like to think of it). As others have mentioned, keep it concise (about 2-3 sentences, depending on space in the application, or about 60 seconds in an interview. If the interviewer is really interested , they will ask you to detail something. Still keeping it focused, sell your unique qualifications that tie right into the position you are applying for. Note any related improvements in processes (quaity) or time savings (quantity) to cap it off.

Always be factual in what you can do, but don't be afraid to imply where you could take the role.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice, Mark. Costar
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Reema’s Answer

There are so many ways to answer this question, but do you really want to tell the interview or some thing that highlights why you would be a good fit for that job that they will not find somewhere on your résumé or through interview questions. Sometimes when we first start interviewing I think people think of this as a open question, like I have three brothers and I grew up in the city, etc. But that’s a really big missed opportunity. When they say tell me about yourself you really want to give a short description of some thing that is about yourself and also relates to that job.

For example, if I were interviewing for a teaching position and I was asked this question, I would say, when I was in college I spent a lot of time volunteering in different organizations because I really enjoy children. I also wanted to find what I enjoyed, and that’s how I came across (insert your experience), and draw the line to where you are now!

Don’t embellish and be cheesy, but be authentic and show you spent time thinking about this.
Thank you comment icon I will use this advice as I prepare for my career. Costar
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