Tell me a little bit about yourself…

I have been asked this question more than I would like to admit, but the reason most interviewers ask it is for 1 of 2 reasons.

1. They want to pick up on things they say during the interview to help create connection.
2. They want to make sure that this person knows how to communicate efficiently and with personality.

This question can start off an interview really well, or make it feel like it is a longer interview than it actually is. Here is the best example that I had in the last year. Interviewee #1’s Answer, ‘I am a softmore in high school and I run track’. With this answer if I can ask about track and how long they have been there to see if they can give me some personality and more in depth answers…because we are looking for a coworker we can get along with. Interviewee #2’s Answer, ‘My brother and I are always relaxing after school playing videogames while eating doritos with cottage cheese’. With this answer, it made me laugh and I had him explain this food pairing. This started the conversation lighter, and it let me know who he was, what he liked to do, who he spends time with, and now I can’t get that fact out of my head. When 30+ people are interviewing for 3 positions, out of #1 and #2, who am I going to remember the most?

Below I have a paper that I have students in my interview classes fill out. So here I will have you fill it out, and post any questions you may have.

1. Write 10 facts about you from hobbies, to memories, favorite vacations, to food dislikes. Please try and make these as unique as you can.
2. Take your facts and think about 3 memories that go along with the different facts you picked.
3. I want you to try and write an introduction of yourself including the 3 memories/facts. Let me give you my example.
   • My name is Kimberly and I am the HR manager for Roaring Springs Waterpark and Wahooz, when I am not working with my 1500 employees I am creating costumes with my 4 daughters where we prepare for the next comicon group costume. I am really thankful that they share in this joy and that we are able to share my costuming and project of Taking Off the Mask of Perfection with my 36k followers on TikTok.
4. Now it says in this box, 3 ways of saying it. This means you need to say these 3 things in 3 different orders. This is difficult but also will make it flow easier in conversations because you can start in any point of your facts. This also means that if I am talking with someone in HR, I can end with my career because that is probable the thing they will want to go more in depth on.
5. Lastly, you will want to do this multiple times and in front of people that know you to help you with words you say a lot like “Perfect” “like” “ummm” and all other fillers. Mine right now is “and so”. This will also include actions that you do with your hands or head while saying this. Some wont realize that they start fiddling with their thumbs or finger combing their hair when they talk. These little things will be great to help with your whole interview, but start with your introduction.

Let me know if there are any other items that stump you in interview and if there is any block that you need extra guidance on! Good luck at your next interview!