Tristan talks about the dreaded interview question, “Tell me about yourself,” on this episode of the TAP In with Tristan. This question, like most of the hiring process, is about building trust with the potential employer. Whether you’re qualified or not, if you cannot adequately communicate your experience and track record, you can’t build that trust with the employer, and they may likely move on to the next person. Listen to learn the formula Tristan suggests you consider if you need a little help figuring out how to answer the question.
Have a topic suggestion? You can find our submission form here.
Check out Tristan’s website to learn more about him or to book a free consultation.
Connect with Tristan on LinkedIn, IG, FB, and Twitter.
TRANSCRIPT
Tristan: What’s going on, Living Corporate? It’s Tristan, and I want to thank you for tapping back in with me as I provide some tips and advice for professionals. Today, let’s talk about the dreaded interview question, “Tell me about yourself.”
Any time I’m doing interview prep with clients, we always start with one of the most common interview questions that most people tend to struggle with, “Tell me about yourself.” If this question gives you anxiety, I completely understand. Most of us have been taught to let our work speak for itself, but unfortunately, that mindset can be detrimental in these situations. We’ve also been taught that talking about ourselves and our accomplishments can come off as boastful or arrogant. Therefore, we aren’t comfortable doing so, even when a job we want is on the line. But, chances are, throughout your job search, no one will view you like that.
This question, like most of the hiring process, is about building trust with the potential employer. Whether you’re qualified or not, if you cannot adequately communicate your experience and track record, you can’t build that trust with the employer, and they may likely move on to the next person.
If you’re someone who needs a little help figuring out how to answer the question, consider this formula: past, present, future. First, give an overview of your past roles and one to two accomplishments you’ve had that are relevant to the role. Next, provide an overview of your current position or situation and one or two relevant achievements. Finally, tie it all together by painting the picture of what your future looks like (quick hint: it should look like the role you’re interviewing for).
While talking about ourselves and our accomplishments may not come naturally to many of us, we have to get more comfortable doing so for the sake of our careers.
This tip is brought to you by Tristan of Layfield Resume Consulting. Check us out on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @layfieldresume, or connect with me, Tristan Layfield, on LinkedIn.
