Like the song says, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” And it’s here…
John Borrowman, CPC
Borrowman Baker LLC
Gallatin, TN
You can almost predict the interviewer will say: “Tell me about yourself.” How do you answer? Where do you start?
Let’s be honest. It’s not the best interview question to begin with. But, many employers use it because they may not be sure where else to go with their questioning.
The biggest problem is that you have no context, no starting point, for your answer. Worse yet, you’re being expected to assume one. Should you talk about your family? Hobbies? Career?
Rarely will you face a bigger opportunity to put your foot in your mouth. One way to avoid the taste of shoe leather is to ask for help.
Interviewer: Tell me about yourself.
You: Is there any place you’d like me to start?
If your interviewer gives you some direction, take it. If not, you’re on firmer ground in crafting your own response. And when it’s up to you, your default choice should be career.
Prepare a 30 second ‘highlight film’ of your BV career. Include bullet points that speak to –
- What attracted you to BV to begin with
- What about BV continues to be especially interesting
- How have you advanced in the profession
- What do you want to do next in BV
The ‘theme’ of your highlight film should be: “Everything I have done so far has prepared me to go to work for you, Mr. Employer.” Because the interviewer is hearing your story for the first time, you must drive your point home at the end. In fact, you can even close with “… and that’s why I’ve been looking forward to talking with you.”
Prepare for the inevitable “Tell me about yourself” by creating a ‘highlight film’ of your BV career. Practice it until you can almost deliver it in your sleep. Contact us if you’d like help in editing your highlight film.
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John Borrowman
