What kind of answer is expected in an interview question such as "tell me more about yourself"?

Question

I am not sure what all things need to be told to the interviewer when he asks me to tell something about myself.

Answer 1

Tell them one or two stories about how well you've done working on projects with other people -- they lap that stuff up. Don't talk about things you've done on your own; companies hate that. Most of all, keep it short.

Answer 2

NEVER, NEVER, NEVER answer that question directly. This is trick question designed to have you blurt out everything and to see what are some of the things they may not want. Trust me on this one.

This is what you need to do. Answer the question with a question, "I will be delighted to. What would you like to know about me"? Stay calm but be quiet. When the interviewer answers, follow up with the next question " Interesting, could you tell me why you are interesting in that"? Now shut up and listen carefully. You are controlling the conversation and are about to take a peek at the guy's mind set and what his needs are for that position. The interviewer does not give two craps about your choice of music, or hobbys, you educations etc. He has a problem and he has needs he to fill. He wants to know whether you have what he wants. While you are blabbering away, his mind is wondering and his shoes are tapping on the floor wondering when you are going to stop. You need to find out his critical needs are before you answer that question.

You should by now have all your success stories and career high points memorized. When the person gives you the reason why, you answer that with one of your success stories and then follow up with another question "does that answer your question about myself"? Then follow up with another question like "What else do you like to know about me"? This way you prevent yourself from barking up the wrong tree and you give the guy what he is hoping to hear.

Answer 3

Typically, they aren't asking about your personal life. A big mistake people make is to think they are.

If I'm not sure what they want, I ask..."What would you like to know?" or "Personally? or Professionally?"

Either way, keep it short, simple, to the point and related to the job. My stock answer is, "I truly like what I do, and I enjoy the challenges of the job. My biggest issue has always been that I learn quickly, and start to get bored, so I'm always coming up with ways to help the group, and keep myself interested at the same time."

Of course, you'll have to change it for you..and make sure you can answer things like..."What would you do to help the group?" or "How would you keep from getting bored?" or "What happens when you get bored?"

Some interviewers will try to twist to the negative, but you have to be prepared to show how your boredom or frustration can add value back to them.

My favorite is "Where do you want to be in 5 years?" (*laughter*) One time, I answered that in 5 years I'd want to be the only winner of a large lottery....luckily, I picked my moment well, and the interviewer's response was "Yeah..me too."

Answer 4

Employers ask this question for various reason, depending on the interviewer, position and company but most commonly, they use the answer to determine if you have the kind of background that will enable you to commit or fit into their corporate culture

1) They want to see what interests you have so that they can determine if there are any red flags in your personal life (these are subjective so, be cautious when sharing your personal information)

2) They want to see how you've progressed in your life

3) They want to see how articulate you can be about a subject that you should be comfortable with.

The best way to answer is:

I'm local to the area (or I moved here in _____) and went to school for ________ ... I have a lot of _______ (sports, music, art, family, etc...) interest which help me keep balance in my life. Does the company have extra curricular activities employees can participate in?

Answer 5

As someone who has interviewed a lot of people, this is a pretty weak question. But if I had to ask it, I like to hear what kind of work the interviewee enjoys, what challenges they find most interesting, strengths they have for the position they are interviewing for.

Answer 6

they're finding to work out in case you will admit to 3 reason that they shouldn't hire you. for sure you would be a fool to assert something unfavourable approximately your self. the way i might physique of thoughts that question is to pretend they asked "What factors do you maximum prefer to develop upon professionally and how do you propose on doing that?" then you extremely can furnish an answer that makes it sound such as you the style of individual who strives for excellence. as an occasion, "that's been complicated to outlive music whilst there are new issues continuously coming in that prefer interest, with the intention to handle that i've got chanced on it useful to take it sluggish on the commencing up of daily to make certain what are the right 3 issues i prefer to get executed that day and shop them in sight in the process the day so as that i don't get sidetracked."

Answer 7

Anything that makes you look qualified for that specific job such as experience any clubs you were invovled in in school or just that maybe the specifics of the job is a hobby to you. Things that help push your foot in the door.

Answer 8

This question is to introduce bias and prejudice into the equation w/out arousing the suspicions of the politically correct lobby. The trick is to read the interviewer and say things your intuition tells you he/she wants to hear, you only get (the shinning) through experience so in a way it discriminates against the young.

Answer 9

This is your opportunity to shine. You give a thumbnail sketch about yourself. Include the things you do very well, volunteering for extra things, leadership roles or positions you've had in the past, awards for outstanding merits. Try to bring out the point how the information you are relating about yourself will benefit the company for which you are applying.

Answer 10

have something made-up ahead of time.
there isn't really an "expected" answer. if you can make them interested, it's the right answer.

a good interview tip is also to get the interviewer talking about themselves. most people prefer talking about themselves rather than hearing about someone else. so they will leave the interview feeling good, and that is good for you.

Answer 11

First, review the Job Description for the job you're applying for. Tailor your answer to describe your accomplishments in your current/previous job that will prove to the interviewer that you meet the qualifications of the job you're interviewing for.