"Tell Me About Yourself"

I think I have briefly discussed this point earlier, but as I continually see such lack of preparation and professionalism in regard to this question, I'd like to emphasize it again.

One interview question that can essentially be found in every interview in one form or another is the "Tell me about yourself" question. Because it is the opening of nearly every interview, I am constantly amazed at the lack of preparation and especially the surprise people seem to have when I ask them this standard question. Most people seem to think they can wing it, but in reality, this is one of the most difficult questions as there are so many things someone could say about themself. Most of the time it turns into a directionless ramble.

Some recent examples I've encountered (many on a regular basis):

"Hmm. About myself. . . What would you like to know?"
In the employer's shoes, it is pretty perplexing and annoying to receive this answer. No, an employer does not want to know about your waterskiing successes and that you are a fun-loving individual. This is not a time for a biography. We want to know why you are here; why we are bothering with this interaction in the first place. We want to know your background and credentials.

"Well, I am just a happy, outgoing, bubbly person that just loves to be around people! I just love people!"
This answer is incredibly cliche and almost juvenile. When I received this response the other day, I wanted to roll my eyes--it was just a little too high school cheerleader. Plus, I'd rather figure out that you are a happy, outgoing, bubbly person on my own, through your behavior. You shouldn't have to tell me.

"I am 19 years old. . .married. . .2 kids. . . divorced. . . on welfare. . ."
Remember that this question is still part of the first impression. Plus, age, race, family status, etc. are protected--an employer cannot ask those questions so they cannot use that information against you. When you offer that information voluntarily you may be potentially emphasizing what an employer may see as a liability (i.e. having a baby and leaving; you are too young to be professional; you are so old you will retire soon, etc.).

"I grew up in . . . I like to do this. . . I worked here. . . I worked there. . . I worked somewhere else. . . I worked another place. . . and, uh, yeah. . ."
While this question should focus on background and experience, it should not be a vague list of all the jobs you have ever had or a ramble about your life. Be purposeful and effective.

Instead, one should prepare a 1-2 minute statement, essentially a sales-pitch of themself. It should be to the point, purposeful, and highlight the reasons why the employer should want to continue the interview. It should highlight professional qualifications and experiences, but also show a little bit of personality.

One strategy I have found effective is to 1)talk about your background; 2) discuss where you are now; and 3) how you this new position incorporates into where you want to go.

For example:

"As a sociology student in college, I realized I did not want to spend my time at a computer compiling statistics and surveys, so I began considering my other options. I remembered my high school counselor, the lack of direction and even the discouragement she offered me by telling me that I wasn't smart enough for this class or that college. I wondered, what ever happened to those other kids--the ones that didn't have a supportive family or realize their own potential? I realized I could do so much better with that position--I could help those that didn't have the help elsewhere. So after graduation, I worked as a counselor at a treatment facility with delinquent youth, where I could practice my counseling skills and help young kids see their potential. After nearly two years, I enrolled in graduate school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and studied school counseling.

While there I had an internship in two different high schools. I began to see a deficit in career planning. Many of my graduating students had no idea what they were doing after high school. They had no plans, they lacked direction, they were confused. I worried they would simply find the first job that came along and inevitably be stuck in a low-paying, directionless job. Career development became my passion and I sought to improve their preparation. I developed a 3 session classroom guidance unit and delivered over 55 class sessions--a feat my classmates and professors said was unheard of because teachers "didn't have time" to let counselors take up their valuable class time.

When I saw this position as a career counselor, I knew this was the perfect match for me. I am excited to apply my passion for career development to older clients and have one last chance to make up the deficit many students experience throughout their teenage and young adult lives. I am confident my experience in behavior-based modification and counseling is just what you are looking for. . ."

This script is not perfect, but I think it is memorable, personal, and genuine. Moreover, it highlights background and experience without superficially and vaguely listing past experiences. Plus, it is purposeful and relevant.