so when they ask "tell me about yourself" at an interview...?

Question

what should i talk about? "i'm 21, a cancer, and i enjoy walks on the beach?" jk. do they want to hear about me personally or relevant things like past work, education, or what i'm doing currently..

Answer 1

They don't want to really know you as a person, they want to get an initial idea as to what type of person you are in relation as to what you can offer the company.

Give a brief bio, but orient it toward your career. College, training... then a overview of how long you've been in the field, any advancements you've made (management, for example)... end it with why you are seeking a new position and how you feel working at this company would be a great fit for both you and the department.

Answer 2

I always get a little uncomfortable with that question too - and it's not like I'm hiding any sordid past or anything. I just wonder what business it is of theirs what I do in my private time. The whole thing strikes me wrong.

Like when I was interviewed for my current job I ended up answering questions like, I'm the youngest of six, I've been divorced once, I'm re-married and have a step-son of 13.

It feels a little violating because you don't even know these people. I wonder if they actually have the right to ask that or if you could refuse? But then I suppose it could reflect poorly and raise suspicions that you are hiding something.

I guess, you just say where you were raised, what activities you enjoy. Don't get too deep - at the end of the day you could tell them anything, they couldn't really know any different.

All the best!

Answer 3

There is a number of reasons why this question is important.

Only you know yourself the best, and if you are unable to talk about something you know, then you will not be able to talk about anything thing else. This answer can give the prospecive employer a view of what dreams you have and whether you could be trusted to work for the company. It can show your direction in life, needs for the future, what problems exist for you, approximate intelligence, etc. Yes, it is an introduction; and you want to make the questioneer want to know more about you.

Answer 4

People who go for interviews are often under the delusion that those who conduct interviews know exactly what they're doing. I promise you, this isn't the case. Very often, when stuck, the interviewer will throww out the old chestnut, "tell me about yourself." When that happens, please do yourself a favor and have an pre-packaged "canned answer" to give.

The answer should be organized and should start with the basics: Age, Education, and Course of Study. It should also tell a little about your hobbies and other extra-curricular activities; and should end with what you can contribute to the organization.

That's it -- bam, bam, bam -- short, pithy, organized.

Hope this helps. Cheers, mate.

Answer 5

HeY..Since this is often the opening question in an interview, be extracareful that you don't run off at the mouth. Keep your answer to a minute or two at most. Cover four topics: early years, education, work history, and recent career experience. Emphasize this last subject. Remember that this is likely to be a warm-up question. Don't waste your best points on it.
Good Luck

Answer 6

be honest...and make sure if there' any relevant to the job, then talk about it. So if it's an outdoor position...talk about how you like bushwalking and what you enjoy about bushing and how those skills have improved you in same way that's related to the work.

Answer 7

Prepare your answer ahead of time. In your answer, stay close to your training and experience but it is good to add something personal to the list to close things out. Just don't make the entire discussion a list of your hobbies.

Answer 8

Start with ur full name, then ur family background in 2-3 sentences, then ur education details, then hobbies and then past work experience if any. I think this would be enough.

Answer 9

Something like I'm a motivatied, people oriented person as well as a teamplayer. Also your skills like past accomplishments at previous jobs etc...........
Good Luck

Answer 10

basically good traits on u like work habits ..if u work well with others what u plan to do ..what u can offer hope this helped oh n responsiblty is the key dnt 4 get to mention how responisible n trustworthy you r