"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

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.

The 5 year question usually bothers me as well, but I usually say a Network Engineer w/ the company that I'm interviewing for.

Xyro

I actually like the 5-year question since I usually have the next 10 years planned out. I have only had 1 interviewer ask it though and he did not even let me finish.

JDMurray

With the "tell me about yourself question" the interviewer is indirectly prompting the interviewee to discolose personal information about him/herself that cannot be directly asked by law. In a formal job interview the interviewer cannot ask direct questions about age, race, religion, sexual preference, etc., but it's legal if the interviewee volunteers that information without being directly asked for it.

scaredoftests

I once was asked these questions: How long I planned to work. How old was I (I couldn't help myself and said 'old enough to know better') and why did I jump around on job (THE ECONOMY).
The reason I hate the 'tell me about yourself' is I feel like I am rambling and then I tend to get nervous about that and try to be funny.

kohr-ah

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.

I have to laugh about this question. When I interviewed at the MSP I started as a HelpDesk/Printer Tech and got asked this.

Interviewer: "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?"
Me: "I see myself in the networking department supporting clients"
Interviewer: "And what if you aren't?"
Me: "I'll quit and find someone who will let me be"

He started laughing and told me he liked that answer and no one ever said that to him before.

scaredoftests

Good one.

GarudaMin

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.

About the tree - can we not answer by saying 'I am sorry, I can not answer that question since there does not exist a way where I can be turned into a tree yet. I am more concerned with the reality.'?

Xyro

JDMurray wrote: »

In a formal job interview the interviewer cannot ask direct questions about age, race, religion, sexual preference, etc., but it's legal if the interviewee volunteers that information without being directly asked for it.

In a recent interview (the "Superman" interview), the interviewer attempted to see if I was of a specific race. "I mean I would assume by your last name that you are _____________ (race)" was one statement. I said absolutely nothing to which he then attempted again "I mean this is definitely a _____________ (race) name, so I'm making the assumption that you are _____________ (race)". I again said nothing. It was the longest 7 (yes, I timed it lol) seconds. He then cleared his throat, sighed, and moved on.

I hated to have to do that but there was really no choice.

GarudaMin wrote: »

About the tree - can we not answer by saying 'I am sorry, I can not answer that question since there does not exist a way where I can be turned into a tree yet. I am more concerned with the reality.'?

I am certain that would go over well. *sarcasm*

Verities

GAngel wrote: »

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.

Agreed! You get to see how people communicate and get a feel for their personality. We once had a guy take up 40 minutes of an interview talking about himself and his career, needless to say we did not hire him.

A quick 5 minute (or less) history lesson on yourself and your work in the industry is enough.

blargoe

mikeybikes wrote: »

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.

YES. This is key if you are looking for a company that will somewhat respect a reasonable work/life balance.

I do not go into great detail about personal life, but at the end of an interview they will know that I am not a corporate drone willing to be enslaved for 60 hours per week at the expense of missing my kids grow up; they will at least have a glimpse of my personal values; they will understand how I expect to be treated and how I intend to treat others. If what I have to say is not compatible with the company operates, then I do not want to be working there.