2008 Woodie Awards
Career Coach: Tell Me Something About You
Marian Cacciatore
Issue date: 3/21/08 Section: News
Question:
I just went on an interview and unfortunately found that I was not prepared. I stumbled over the first question, "Tell me about yourself". Do you have any advice for
me?
~ Graduating Holt Senior
Answer:
As you discovered, nothing takes the place of preparation prior to beginning your job search and the interview process.
"Tell me about yourself" may look like an easy question to answer, right? Wrong!
Because this is often the first interview question, it sets the tone for the entire interview.
Since the question is open ended, it is easy for candidates to begin rambling and offer unrelated information that does not add value. All the hiring manager really wants is a quick, two-to-three minute snapshot of who you are and why you're the best candidate for this position.
To prepare your answer, I recommend the following process:
• Prior to the interview, identify the three most important qualities for the position. You will want to incorporate these qualities into your answer.
• Prepare an outline that includes the information that you want to communicate.
Here is a sample of an outline for a student who is transitioning from a client service role to an outside account executive.
She identified that the new role would require the ability to build customer relationships, prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines.
Here is what she practiced during her mock interview:
"I will be graduating this May from Rollins College. While attending evening classes, I gained over five years experience within client service. My most recent experience has been in an outbound "Business to Business" call center.
One reason I particularly enjoy my role is the opportunity to connect with people. My ability to build customer relationships resulted in a 40 percent increase in sales over the last six months.
My real strength is my ability to listen to what the customer needs, prioritize and give attention to detail. I pride myself on my reputation for following through on client requests and meeting deadlines.
Now that I have my degree, I am seeking a company that values customer relations. I want to be able to have a positive impact on customer retention and sales and continue to grow and develop professionally."
Remember, this is only a sample.
To prepare for your next interview, I recommend that you consider taking two final steps:
• Check out a few interview preparation books from the library. This research will give you some sample questions and answers that will get your creative juices going!
While it is important to prepare, I recommend that you do not ""rehearse" answers verbatim. You need to be able to reflect your own style and experiences.
• Schedule time to come into Career Services for a mock interview. A mock interview allows you to receive some "real time" feedback on your interviewing strengths and development opportunities.
Have a question? Email Marian your question at mcacciatore@rollins.edu.
I just went on an interview and unfortunately found that I was not prepared. I stumbled over the first question, "Tell me about yourself". Do you have any advice for
me?
~ Graduating Holt Senior
Answer:
As you discovered, nothing takes the place of preparation prior to beginning your job search and the interview process.
"Tell me about yourself" may look like an easy question to answer, right? Wrong!
Because this is often the first interview question, it sets the tone for the entire interview.
Since the question is open ended, it is easy for candidates to begin rambling and offer unrelated information that does not add value. All the hiring manager really wants is a quick, two-to-three minute snapshot of who you are and why you're the best candidate for this position.
To prepare your answer, I recommend the following process:
• Prior to the interview, identify the three most important qualities for the position. You will want to incorporate these qualities into your answer.
• Prepare an outline that includes the information that you want to communicate.
Here is a sample of an outline for a student who is transitioning from a client service role to an outside account executive.
She identified that the new role would require the ability to build customer relationships, prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines.
Here is what she practiced during her mock interview:
"I will be graduating this May from Rollins College. While attending evening classes, I gained over five years experience within client service. My most recent experience has been in an outbound "Business to Business" call center.
One reason I particularly enjoy my role is the opportunity to connect with people. My ability to build customer relationships resulted in a 40 percent increase in sales over the last six months.
My real strength is my ability to listen to what the customer needs, prioritize and give attention to detail. I pride myself on my reputation for following through on client requests and meeting deadlines.
Now that I have my degree, I am seeking a company that values customer relations. I want to be able to have a positive impact on customer retention and sales and continue to grow and develop professionally."
Remember, this is only a sample.
To prepare for your next interview, I recommend that you consider taking two final steps:
• Check out a few interview preparation books from the library. This research will give you some sample questions and answers that will get your creative juices going!
While it is important to prepare, I recommend that you do not ""rehearse" answers verbatim. You need to be able to reflect your own style and experiences.
• Schedule time to come into Career Services for a mock interview. A mock interview allows you to receive some "real time" feedback on your interviewing strengths and development opportunities.
Have a question? Email Marian your question at mcacciatore@rollins.edu.
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