What is the best way to answer this interview question, "Tell me about yourself?" (degree, employer)

[FBJ]

Originally Posted by e_cuyler

"Tell me about yourself" is not intended to be an open-ended question. If an applicant gives an open-ended answer, starts telling their life story, etc., that tells the interviewer that the applicant is probably not going to be a good fit since they haven't done their homework on how to present themselves.

So what is the question asking then?

[nebulous1]

"Tell me about yourself" sounds like code speak for "Tell us what you know about us."

[Bette]

Originally Posted by TVandSportsGuy

I been getting mixed answers to this question. Some say you are only supposed to sell your "personality and character" and then some say you are supposed to talk about your strengths and linked them to the job you are applying for. I struggled with this question last month because no one never asked me this question on a job interview and it showed because the interview went downhill from the beginning.


So what type of response is best for "Tell me about yourself?

I view myself as a positive person that can react in a quick way to any question asked. Other than what is on my resume, what would you like to know about me?

Throws the ball BACK - if this is for a job on the phone, you need to think quick and respond in a positive way.

[e_cuyler]

It's basically an "executive summary" of your skills and experience, and of your objective/goal.

Wish I had known the right way to handle this question early on, I used to go on and on about various stuff that wasn't relevant.

[nebulous1]

Originally Posted by e_cuyler

It's basically an "executive summary" of your skills and experience, and of your objective/goal.

Wish I had known the right way to handle this question early on, I used to go on and on about various stuff that wasn't relevant.

So they basically gave you a rope and let you hang yourself, because they didn't tell you what to talk about. You couldn't win, because they didn't tell you anything.

[Luv2byte]

Originally Posted by TVandSportsGuy

I been getting mixed answers to this question. Some say you are only supposed to sell your "personality and character" and then some say you are supposed to talk about your strengths and linked them to the job you are applying for. I struggled with this question last month because no one never asked me this question on a job interview and it showed because the interview went downhill from the beginning.


So what type of response is best for "Tell me about yourself?

The answer should be a brief summary of your experience & history.

[FBJ]

Originally Posted by Luv2byte

The answer should be a brief summary of your experience & history.

But one article I read says you are supposed to sell your personality and character not discuss your work experience and skills.

So confusing.

[fireandice1000]

Originally Posted by TVandSportsGuy

I been getting mixed answers to this question. Some say you are only supposed to sell your "personality and character" and then some say you are supposed to talk about your strengths and linked them to the job you are applying for. I struggled with this question last month because no one never asked me this question on a job interview and it showed because the interview went downhill from the beginning.


So what type of response is best for "Tell me about yourself?

I tell the interviewer that during the day I'm just some nobody but at night I'm a superhero/heroine fighting supervillians trying to take over the world...bwa hahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Coco6163]

Originally Posted by Bette

I view myself as a positive person that can react in a quick way to any question asked. Other than what is on my resume, what would you like to know about me?

Throws the ball BACK - if this is for a job on the phone, you need to think quick and respond in a positive way.

This

[Sgt. Buzzcut]

Originally Posted by TVandSportsGuy

But one article I read says you are supposed to sell your personality and character not discuss your work experience and skills.

So confusing.

That's what I think as well, because "about yourself" to me would have to address my time away from work also....I'm not on the the job 24 hours a day. I usually stress that I'm punctual, adapt well to change, am a problem solver, etc., and I'm going to use the same dilligence and strive for quality whether I'm waxing the car at home or working on your company's assignments, work orders, etc.