What is one of the most hated interview questions? I figured that I knew the answer, but I googled it anyway, and it turns out “Tell me about yourself” is probably the most dreaded question.
It’s crazy, isn’t it? Common sense would say that if we know about anything, it should be ourselves. After all, who knows me better than me?
So why is it so hard and so hated? Perhaps it’s overwhelming. We’ve had a whole life with ourselves; there were ups, downs, and changes in our course. There’s a lot that could go wrong in our answer. We don’t want to say the wrong thing, talk too long, seem too boring, or get too personal.
Remember, there’s also a lot that can go right in our answer! This is an opportunity to showcase who you are. It’s essentially an elevator pitch with a little bit of background.
Tell me about yourself” can come at you in other ways, such as “Tell me how you got to where you are today,” “Tell me about your background,” or “Why should I hire you?” This last one obviously requires a little adapting – lighter on the history, heavier on the related experience, strengths, desire to work there, and what you can deliver.
“Take me through your resume,” especially from the hiring manager, is a version of the question with a little more focus on your work experience and reason why you left your previous company. Still keep it high-level, work in who you are, and be positive.
I’ve always loved stories and aesthetics, so marketing seemed like a natural fit for me, and I love that marketing lets me exercise both my creative and my analytical side. I started at Purple Ink 6 years ago as a part-time admin and grew to my current role as Director of Marketing. There was no marketing department when I started, and I’m really proud that I built it from scratch. I’ve loved seeing the way our marketing efforts have helped the business grow. I believe in what the company does, and my goal is to make sure everyone else knows about it, too.
If you need help crafting or practicing responses, reach out to a trusted friend or advisor, or reach out to Purple Ink to enlist the help of a career coach. We love helping you prepare and feel confident in your responses.