"Tell me about yourself." - Interview Question

Every interview begins with, "Tell me about yourself." How does one answer this question? What does one include? What are the expectations?

I am at a loss here, thanks.

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coreyb80

I usually explain what I do now, what I've done in the past, and where I'm headed which usually opens the door to conversation.

GAngel

It's not a trick question and there is no right way to answer the question.

It helps in figuring out if you're intra or extraverted as well as how you'd fit in with the team.

networker050184

coreyb80 wrote: »

I usually explain what I do now, what I've done in the past, and where I'm headed which usually opens the door to conversation.

Pretty much how I go about it. I'd avoid personal stuff.

citrus_sugar

You should also be aware that this can be a trap question right off the bat. You want to stick to only talking about professional topics and not wax eloquent about your dog, your family, etc. Another reason they ask is there are certain questions that employers legally cannot ask, but if you reveal yourself they can take into account for hiring such as age, race, religion, medical issue or whatever is protected under law where you live.

danny069

This is a lazy question, but yes you must answer by stating where you currently work, what your job title is what you do on a daily basis, what projects you are currently working on, what school you are attending, classes you're taking, etc. If they ask what do you do in your spare time, be honest and tell them your hobbies, interests, etc.

Xyro

Ah ha! I love this forum lol.

You are all responding the way I normally respond; however, that seems to be my problem. The interviewers are not liking these types of responses and they seem to be wanting items that are more personal.

I did not really like the idea of getting personal, but I assumed that I was just being unreasonable; therefore, I should attempt to adjust and find a way to work on this.

I had one interviewer interrupt me in the middle of my response and say to me, "I don't want to hear about Superman. I want to hear about ____________ (my name)". Tell me something about ___________ that tells me know who he is." I said to him that I was indeed not attempting to be Superman but instead just trying to relay exactly who I was. (Just for the record, this was all stated in a chuckling, respectful tone.)

His reply was more or less that I should be telling him about my hobbies, but when I told him that my hobbies were: computers, electronics, reading technical books, and increasing my IT knowledge" he said that I was trying to impress him. I could not help but to laugh, and I stressed once again that this was who I was and that I cannot be anyone else.

He seemed to understand that I was being honest; however, I felt that he was dissatisfied by my responses and that he also moved on from the question feeling that I was being covert/mysterious/avoiding.

This is not the only strange experience I have had in terms of this question. I know they want something more personal but quite frankly, I do not have a life outside of technology lol.

I guess I will just stick to answering this question like an alien.

aftereffector

I am cursed with too many expensive hobbies, so I will always have things to talk about if an interviewer wants to hear about what I do in my off time, but if I was really into IT like you are, I'd probably phrase my reply something like this:

"I've been passionate about computers and technology for as long as I remember. I read Ars Technica and [insert mainstream tech blog of your choice] and laugh at physics jokes on XKCD. I spend hours 'building' desktop supercomputers on Newegg. I spent weeks last summer building a kit radio with surface-mount devices and wind-your-own toroids. I'm basically the world's geekiest nerd. I love this stuff!"

Disclaimer: I did not spend weeks last summer soldering SMDs and winding toroids. That was many summers ago and I failed horridly at both. Now I leave circuit fabrication to professionals (and robots).

Xyro

That type of response was exactly why he cut me off the first time. All apparently "Superman" characteristics.

aftereffector

Ah. Maybe he's jealous, then

QHalo

I would answer with a question. What would you like to know about me? That would basically set the tone for the type of answer I'm going to give.

citrus_sugar

That particular interviewer could be probing for soft skills. What subjects would you talk about to people who aren't technical? Sports, cars, juggling, a pet iguana? Maybe think about an elevator pitch that you can expand on. Think about something other than technology that you can talk about that isn't overly personal.

--chris--

networker050184 wrote: »

Pretty much how I go about it. I'd avoid personal stuff.

This ^^

I have been asked this twice so far (out of 4 interviews), both times I remember the interview going much better after the question as it seems to lead to conversation regarding where I want to go and what I have done to get to this place in time.

100% business, no personal stuff. The only time I cross that line is when I explain "as a kid I was always tearing into computers, playing in DOS and trying to fix PC issues".

I do good with normal interview questions, but I found that I really relax when this question pops up. If you think of the interviewer as someone who is trying to find a reason to like you (which they probably are) you can relax and just start talking, telling your story and in general not be a bore.

mikeybikes

I tend to focus on the technical stuff when answering this question, but usually give a few sentences about my personal life. Such as a little bit about the non-profit I volunteer wrenching on bicycles and that I'm a family man. Usually satisifies the interviewer.

jvrlopez

I try to interject a few character traits whilst I talk about my previous work and what I'd like to do and bring forth to the new position in question.

Xyro

citrus_sugar wrote: »

What subjects would you talk about to people who aren't technical?

I honestly do not see why this is even pertinent for a position. Yes, I will have to interact with people who are not technically-inclined in a support position, but we should not even be discussing anything aside of the problem at hand anyway.

Chitownjedi

Don't forget a lot of places hire on personality and if they think the person would be a good fit based on their personality. Some places think they can train up any technical deficiencies.. so in addition to the other statements, I wouldn't put it past them trying to gauge if you seem interesting/likable enough to become a new team member culture wise. I am sure all things being equal, they'd pick the people who they like personality wise every time over those they thought were flat or uninteresting.

If both candidates are equal skill/experience/ there has to be a tie breaker in some regards. Some folks choose skills/experience.. some people choose the people who cracked a joke or two and made it an enjoyable interview... Humans.

RHEL

My approach has always been...

From a young age, I... *my initial ambitions and interests related to the field*... this grew into... *starts talking about college*... led to *starts talking about professional career*. This ends with where I'm currently at, but then I typically throw in a little humor while commenting on the personal side. "On a personal note, I enjoy the outdoors -- camping, hiking, bike riding. I love to travel and try new things."

Short and simple, covers the bulk of what they're looking for (professional you) with a touch of humanity.

jthunderbird

I think I am on the other side of this debate. I think you should reveal some personal stuff... like one other poster said, interviewers often want someone who is personable and often times the direct supervisor or coworker is involved with the interview... that person has to want to work with you and will likely want to know a little more about you rather than believing you only read technical books for fun.

Also, and I cannot stress this enough, have an answer for why you are leaving (or left) your current position. Have a legitimate reason such as career advancement/change. Avoid answers like you did not like your coworkers, bosses were idiots or more money... even if they are all true.

goldenlight

I look over the job requirements and I focus on an answer around what there looking for in a canidate.

jibbajabba

I'll keep it professsional .. especially if I get an approximate time how long they intend to interview me. Last thing you want is talking about you personally and then run out of time before you even had a chance telling them how bloody brilliant you are professionally

Xyro

All of these responses have been an affirmation that I am doing the right things. The only item I assume that I need to work on is slipping some slight human qualities in there somehow. I do not know how I will accomplish this, but I will get it done.

Also, I am particularly glad to hear it is ok to make interviewers laugh as this always seems to occur during interviews.

Anonymouse

If it's the manager is technical I try to show them parallels between some of my hobbies and my tech skills. I tell them how I got into IT. Things like that.

Once I made a mistake and said that I like anime and videogames. The IT manager was cool with it. However the HR manager in the interview became visibly upset and told me how her 30 year old nephew was wasting his life on anime and videogames. I didn't get the job despite the IT manager being really enthusiastic about hiring me.

PurpleIT

I think some generic personal issues are good; even then I would be careful because you never know what someone will object to.

I would never say that I spend time volunteering for anything that could be controversial (religion, politics, etc), but I might mention something safe like helping out at a soup kitchen.

I would talk about how I like to cook (and bring in a big plate of cookies every year around Christmas); photography, or since I hope to move back to my hometown soon the fact that I was born there and am happy to be back.

I'd leave out the family (uh oh, kids - he may need time off), but I would mention some home IT projects such as my NAS to stream music and movies in my house.

And as Xyro noted, laughter during an interview is great! It shows you are friendly and fun and someone that they won't mind being around 40+ hours a week; just don't overdo it and make it look like you aren't taking the interview seriously.

mikeybikes

PurpleIT wrote: »

I'd leave out the family (uh oh, kids - he may need time off), but I would mention some home IT projects such as my NAS to stream music and movies in my house.

I wouldn't want to work for a company that would be biased against people with families. Part of the reason I make sure to mention it. I don't want to have to fight with my boss every time I need to take a few hours off for a kid's appointment or something.

It really all depends on who is the interviewer. In my experience, alot of hiring managers like to see balanced, well-rounded people, especially the HR folk.

kohr-ah

I got this question today. Followed with what would your coworkers describe you as.

Like many others I made a combination of the professional side but also a quick mention of my hobbies. Ex: well I would have to say I am a hard working dedicated guy who strives to do nothing but my best and learn all that I can. In my downtime I enjoy spending time with my daughter and drawing. But not any further than that about personal unless asked.

And coworkers I threw in personally (happy friendly fun loving guy who is quick learning and never gives up until I have an answer) sort of thing.

Xyro

PurpleIT wrote: »

I would never say that I spend time volunteering for anything that could be controversial (religion, politics, etc), but I might mention something safe like helping out at a soup kitchen.

That would not be "safe" in my area. It could cause both racial and political tension.

As for bringing up kids in an interview, I do not have any children, and I am really tired of hearing about interviewers' kids.

I guess this comes with the territory though. Apparently they feel the need to talk about their family and personal interests.

Sigh

kohr-ah

Xyro wrote: »

As for bringing up kids in an interview, I do not have any children, and I am really tired of hearing about interviewers' kids. I guess this comes with the territory though. Apparently they feel the need to talk about their family and personal interests.

To me if you mention your family that is okay (but I have a daughter).

If you start to tell me how proud you are of Susie because she is an expert speller and knows how to make toast or something eh.. Glad you have a family and enjoy spending time with them but I don't need to know all about them.

Personal interests I think is cool because it tells me a little more about you but same thing, I don't need extreme detail.

Keep in mind I've only interviewed maybe 6 people though. I have to help interview my replacement at my current job too

(Contractor but don't want to stay perm here so they are asking I help and in return won't let me go until I find perm work. I feel a fair trade off)

scaredoftests

I really hate that question. I just say where I work now. I also hate 'where will you be in 5 years' and 'if you were a tree, what would you be?' Yes, seriously, I have been asked that.

Xyro

I hate the question also quite honestly. I have not gotten the tree question yet rofl. That is insanity in a bucket. I would be at a loss also because Botany is the one area I am really unlearned about. I think I know 3 types of trees lol. How do you select a tree?? I would end up choosing an oak then not get hired because oaks are too mighty and I would be the usual threat to management lol.

That is a truly ridiculous question.

networker050184

scaredoftests wrote: »

I really hate that question. I just say where I work now. I also hate 'where will you be in 5 years' and 'if you were a tree, what would you be?' Yes, seriously, I have been asked that.

Why would you hate the question to tell them about yourself? Isn't the whole point of an interview for them to find out about you?