"Tell me about yourself"...👌
A classic interview softball question, but one most candidates fail to take advantage of. Here's how to approach it:
First...
"You" are not a work experience or degree. These things can impact and influence (yes, they're important), but don't let the resume be “you” 📝
Yes, candidates often restate their resume with this question and miss an open-ended invitation to dive into passions, strengths, and personality.
ie, things that help them stand out, and demonstrate why they're what the hiring team is looking for.
Stay relevant obviously, but anything that demonstrates something "valuable" to the HM can be relevant 🎯
This question is an opportunity to make a big impression, connect with the person(s) interviewing you, and begin the process of standing out ⭐
I often recommend to my clients that they use the following template as a starting point:
1. Describe 1-2 of your passions/motivations, and how they connect to the job.
2. Highlight 2-3 strengths and superpowers you have, that the audience cares about.
3. Give 1 example of how you created value, using points 1 and 2 above, in a past role or experience, and use numbers if possible to quantify.
4. End with some personal info, show your human!
"Tell me about yourself"...👌
A classic interview softball question, but one most candidates fail to take advantage of. Here's how to approach it ...