Job Interview Q - Tell me about yourself?

Question

I have been given a list of questions (by the agency) about what I will be asked at an interview on Wed, one of the questions is tell me about yourself. Should I basically just tell them about my work history, my achievments etc? Not tell them anything about my personal life at all?

Answer 1

Basically, in asking that question, they want to know what your job skills are. Here's an example: something like I'm a hard worker who doesn't leave until the job is finished... yadda yadda yadda. They don't want to know your personal life, nor should you tell them. All the questions are work related, only. Remember that, okay?
Ps. I hate when they ask that question "Tell me about yourself". I always want to laugh because it's a running joke with me and those that know me. I always want to say "Well, my name's Meriam. I like candlelit dinners, long walks on the beach, and romantic movies." LOL! It's hard for me not to think of that, when this question is asked. Uh oh, I hope I didn't just ruin it for you :o)

Answer 2

I have been to loads of interview and I realised that the list of questions are general. if everybody would do what the general guidelines (that are given out by ALL agencies)require, we won't be different, we will follow the same pattern, have the same boring answers, etc. remember each company had different needs and look for different personalities. it is of you to guess(that means you should ask them a few questions to help you find a hint) if the intrviewer wants you to tell more about your work or yourself. also remember that if you are not successfull, might be for the best. Sometimes you can be very unhappy at work as NOT ALWAYS what they say they want IT IS INDEED what they actually want. be yourself, be confident,and if you think the interviewer is not that smart, try not to show how good you are, and lok for someyhing YOU want to do, trying to fit in somewhere unsuitable is the worst thing you can do. AND GOOD LUCK

Answer 3

I think being nervous about job interviews makes you uneasy to present yourself. You should be just yourself and do the interview unless your desperate for this particular job. Typically people that interview you are the people that are trying analyze you to see if you can fit into their environment. So even if you act out and get the job, sometimes job might not be something you want to really work for.

Answer 4

In my opinon , Each question asked in an interview boils down to 1 basic questions that is "Why should we hire you"

So be precise and give a summary of yourself the way which is related to the work for which you are interiewed and keep rest of the stuffs to a bare minimum

Check out the 6 common questions asked and there answers

http://interviewinfo.net/blogs/user_submissions/archive/2006/09/12/73.aspx

Answer 5

I have been for a question like this recently at a job. You can clarify from the interviewer in what respect do you meant tell me about yourself?
the answer can be of two:

1) they wish to know of your previous employment- what you did in each job and why you left etc

or

2) your strenths and weaknesses- looking at your personalty.

The best thing to do is be honest. If they want personal life tell them but remember it is an interview to highlight your skills and what you can offer them. Stick to the point of why you are there which is to get a job

Answer 6

Exploit this as an opportunity to explain how you have relevant qualities, rather than experience. Do you have hobbies that show high achievement, people skills or good planning?

Don't waste your time talking about work experience, which will already be directly covered by other questions. If you can't turn this question to your advantage, keep your comments brief.

Answer 7

You must rehearse this one. Have ready a descriptions of yourself and why you're like it. Don't just spout a lot of standard adjectives, say why you are like you are. Don't ramble on and tail off. make a few clear statements and finish.

Will show whether applicant has self-awareness - a critical skill that not everyone possesses. Will also show if applicant can think and present a complex case clearly and to the point. Also shows confidence and security levels, and 'grown-upness'.

For this and many more interview questions refer to www.businessballs.com/interviews.htm

Answer 8

tell em about your so called quallitys they want to hear like im hard working, get on with people if its a care job i like to care for others if you do any volunterry work or play any sports i wouldnt go too much into your work history as they already have your c.v the reason why they ask you that question is to see how confident you are! good luck and dont stress i ment so callled quailitys as in modifioe them so you can tell em what they want

Answer 9

It would entirely depend on what the other questions are - but a lot of employers now use this question because they actually want to hear something about you as person, not just have you re-churn what it says on your CV, which they already have.

Answer 10

An employer is not interested about your personal life. Only your academic and professional background that you should tell. Drop all that not related to the job.