How to Answer the Worst Question
By Soozy G. Miller, CPRW, CDCC, CDP
“So, tell me about yourself.”
This is the most popular, least helpful, and most dreaded question in the history of interviews.
You’ve gotten yourself all prepped for a video interview that you have anticipated for a week, and then someone who looks half your age pops up on the screen, shows a forced smile, and says Hi! so, tell me about yourself.
Your interviewer will ask this because he/she is trying to determine as quickly as possible if you are the person for the job. But this question is a horribly ineffective way to figure this out. The question is too broad, too boring, and your answer will probably make it easy for you blend in with everyone else.
When job seekers are asked this question – high school graduate to CEO – they immediately go into job longevity, education, passion, excellent communication, knowledge of the marketplace, loyalty, and … responsibilities, responsibilities, and responsibilities. Basically, a summation of their resume, which is usually right in front of the interviewers. They can read.
If you’re in an interview and this is the first question that you’re asked, I 200% guarantee that everyone before you and everyone after you will answer the same way as you: job longevity, education, passion, excellent communication, knowledge of the marketplace, loyalty, and … responsibilities, responsibilities, and responsibilities.
What else is there? you ask. Since the question is Tell me about yourself, you will feel obligated to do just that; talk about yourself.
However, what they really want to know as quickly as possible is if you are right for the job. How do you demonstrate that so quickly?
Try this template:
“I saw in your job posting that you need (issue here) . My name is (name) . I have extensive experience in (industry or field) . My most recent job was with (company name) where I (state accomplishment) . Prior to that I worked at (previous company name) where I (state accomplishment) . My areas of expertise include (skills) .”
This template was designed by my colleague, Joe Stimac, who created interviewready.com. Joe works with Fortune 50 companies, the White House, and the United States Special Forces to improve interviewing.
Notice the first line of the template:
“I saw in your job posting that you need (issue here) …”
It’s not about you at all, is it? The point here is to differentiate yourself from your competition by acknowledging the company’s needs before anything else. And then address those needs with your impact and results.
You can turn a dreaded question into a reason for hire.
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Better job. More pay. More control.
For a free resume review, please contact us at Control Your Career!