Answer the Interview Question “Tell Me About Yourself” Using This Formula
Interviews can be awkward , especially with open-ended questions like, “So tell me about yourself.” Where to begin? What do they want to know? “Don’t panic, just follow the present-past-future formula,” suggests Muse.
If you’re unsure where to start with this question, a formula can help organize your thoughts. This is roughly what it looks like. Start your answer with where you are now, and then move on to your past experiences and skills that you acquired in previous positions. Finally, explain why you are looking forward to the future and interviews. Muse offers an example:
If someone asked, “Tell me about yourself,” you could say:
“Well, I am currently the Account Manager at Smith, where I work with our top performing client. Prior to that, I worked for an agency where I worked with three major national health brands. And while I really liked the work I did, I would like to have the opportunity to explore one particular healthcare company much deeper, which is why I am so excited about this opportunity with Metro Health Center. “
Of course, you want your answer to be sincere and natural, and sometimes sticking to the formula too strictly can get in the way. However, if you are looking at it as a general guideline rather than a specific template, it is a really useful way to think about how you approach the question. To find out more, go to The Muse’s full publication at the link below.
A Simple Tell Me About Yourself Answer Formula | Muse
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