Answer Interview Questions With the “present-Past-Future” Formula
Simple interview questions such as “Tell me about yourself” are not always easy to answer. By telling a story that mentions the present, past, and future, hiring managers gain the information they need to evaluate you.
Your first impulse would be to talk about the past first and then about the present. Muse suggests mixing:
So, first you will start from the present – from where you are now. Then go back in time – a little about the experiences you had and the skills you acquired in your previous position. Finally, finish with the future – why are you really excited about this particular opportunity.
Explaining your current skills first gives the interviewer a context for understanding the past. Completing the interview with the future gives you a sure ending. While Muse focuses on one question, this formula works for other questions as well.