“TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF”

How to Answer the Most Frightening

Interview Question
Personal Branding Boot Camp Series

Vivian R. Scott
Director of Career Counseling &
Placement
 TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF
 One of the most common interview
questions
 Often the scariest interview question
 Tends to cause people to let their guard
down
 Has the most potential for setting the tone
of the interview
 Consider…
“I was born in Philadelphia, PA and I have
two brothers and one sister. I am
married, and have three children. My
daughter is a gymnast; my sons both play
football. I like to read and I work out
regularly. We moved to Marietta last year,
and I have decided that I want to start
working again now that the children are a
little bit older.”
 Versus…
“I am completing a Doctor of Chiropractic
degree at Life University in Marietta, GA, where
my focus was on the Sacral-Occipital Technique.
I interned with Dr. Jones and was able to learn
a lot about how Chiropractic supports overall
health and wellness, as well as how to market a
practice to attract new clients. I am very excited
about the opportunity to become an Associate
here at the Parker Clinic and hope to be able to
contribute to the growth of your practice.”
 Or…
“I recently graduated from Life University with a
Bachelor of Science in Computer Information
Management. I have studied extensively in the
areas of web design, programming, database
design and software project management.
During my internship at the Smith Company, I
had the opportunity to assist with systems
design and implementation to improve both
enterprise-wide integration and profitability. I
would like to have the opportunity to utilize my
skills to benefit your company and help your
department to reach its strategic goals.”
 Strategies
 Resist temptation to ramble
 Start with the characteristic that is most
appealing to the potential employer
 Expound on ways that you have
contributed in the past and how they relate
 Don’t forget to express interest in the
available position
 Be Specific
 Start with your strongest asset
– Education
– Experience
– Special Projects
 Don’t wander
– Don’t give a laundry list of skills
– State how specific skills have benefitted
others
 Be Prepared
 Don’t “wing it”
 Understand the employer’s request
– Information regarding your education
– Information regarding your background
– Information regarding your skills
 And how all of these relate to the position you are
seeking
 Set the stage for future discussion
 Set yourself apart from other candidates
Prepare your 30-Second
Commercial