A Simple Formula for Answering

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A Simple Formula for Answering "Tell Me
About Yourself"
By The Daily Muse Editor
“So, tell me about yourself.”
What seems like such a simple question can really make you sweat, especially in an interview.
What, exactly, should you share—not just to build rapport, but to show that you’re the perfect fit
for the job?
Fear not, job seekers: There’s a super-simple formula that will help you answer this question
with ease. Watch this quick video as our CEO Kathryn Minshew gives a simple tip from our
career expert Lily Zhang, then try it out for yourself!
(Can’t watch the video at work? Don’t worry—we’ve also copied the transcript below.)

How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself”
So, the first question you’re probably going to get in an interview is, “Tell me about yourself.”
Now, this is not an invitation to recite your entire life story or even to go bullet by bullet through
your resume. Instead, it’s probably your first and best chance to pitch the hiring manager on why
you’re the right one for the job.
A formula I really like to use is called the Present-Past-Future formula. So, first you start with
the present—where you are right now. Then, segue into the past—a little bit about the
experiences you’ve had and the skills you gained at the previous position. Finally, finish with the
future—why you are really excited for this particular opportunity.
Let me give you an example:
If someone asked, “tell me about yourself,” you could say:
“Well, I’m currently an account executive at Smith, where I handle our top performing client.
Before that, I worked at an agency where I was on three different major national healthcare
brands. And while I really enjoyed the work that I did, I’d love the chance to dig in much deeper
with one specific healthcare company, which is why I’m so excited about this opportunity with
Metro Health Center.”
Remember throughout your answer to focus on the experiences and skills that are going to be
most relevant for the hiring manager when they’re thinking about this particular position and this

company. And ultimately, don’t be afraid to relax a little bit, tell stories and anecdotes—the
hiring manager already has your resume, so they also want to know a little more about you.

Answer This Job Interview Question: Tell Me About Yourself

By Laura DeCarlo
This question may come disguised as, "What should I know about you?" or they might say,
"What would you like me to know about you."
Like the "Why should we hire you?" question, this is an opportunity to market yourself,
presenting yourself as the solution (right candidate) for their problem (a job to fill).
Then, in the intervew, you tell them the things that emphasize how your accomplishments and
experience make you an ideal candidate for the job you are seeking.
Answering the Real Question

You probably find yourself wondering, "What is it they really want to know?" Excellent thought!
That thought is, luckily, your ticket to understanding the question -- putting yourself in the shoes
of the interviewer to imagine what they would want to (need to) know about you.
[MORE: Smart Answers to Job Interview Questions.]
What you don't tell them.

I call this question a "spider web" because if you simply tell someone about yourself without
planning or context to the target job you are there to interview for, you could blow the
opportunity.
Prepare in advance with your answer to this question. Without answering carefully, you could
share all kinds of information that leaves them with the impression that you are:
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Over-qualified or under-qualified



Ditzy or disorganized



Inarticulate and a bad communicator



Someone who doesn't understand the opportunity or the employer



Or simply a risk for the company

Most people talk about what they know, ramble even, about where they live, kids, likes/dislikes,
but, remember, THIS IS A JOB INTERVIEW, not a chat.
For the employer, the sole purpose of this interview is to see if you are a fit for them and a fit
for this job!
Therefore, your goal is to avoid answers that give away personal information about yourself. An
employer isn’t going to select you to hire because you have such cute children, a wonderful
husband or wife, or interesting hobbies.
Perhaps, ask for clarification.

To ensure that you provide the information they want, you might wish to start your response with
a question of your own, like this -"I would be glad to. Could you give me an idea of the type of information you would like to
know?"
By starting this way, you can direct your answer better and be more conversational.

Or, you could share the information you have prepared and then ask -"Is there anything else you would like to know?"
What else should you do to prepare?

Before you ever go to an interview, you need to KNOW YOURSELF in terms of qualifications
for the job and match for the company.
To know this you should:
1. Research the company;
2. Identify, catalog, list, and review your expertise, strengths, and unique value;
and
3. Practice, practice, practice so you sound natural and confident.

Then, you will be ready to put yourself in the employer’s shoes and emphasize what will make
you stand out for the company and for the job.
[For more tips on preparing for a job interveiw, read Pre-Interview Preparation so you will have
a solid understanding of the position and the employer. ]
For example, someone seeking a management position with a local branch of a transportation
company might say:
"I was born and raised in this county and have an excellent knowledge of the area as well as
Central and XYZ counties. During the last 9 years with the ABC Freight Company, I have
progressed through positions of Package Loader, Courier, Dispatcher, and Team Lead.
"In my most recent position, I have had the opportunity to complete numerous management
training programs, provide supervision and leadership to all positions within the station, and
participate in special projects in conjunction with Senior and District Managers. I enjoy being a
Lead and the opportunity to empower and motivate my team. Last year I was awarded 'Lead I'
for greatest team gains in productivity.
"I believe this experience and training has prepared me to take the next step and pursue a
management position with you."
As you can see from this sample answer, this individual emphasizes the tangibles that qualify
him for the job. He describes his knowledge of the local area, long-term tenure with the
employer, and recognition for management results within the industry.

He does not focus on fluffy stuff or personal information, but paints a picture of why he is a
perfect candidate for this employer and this job.
Yes, this person prepared and practiced his response in advance. Smart move!
Bottom Line

With advanced planning and practice, you can know your target employer and how to sell
yourself for the job. "Tell me about yourself" then becomes a positive and fun exercise in
demonstrating your value and getting one step closer to winning that great new job!
Answering the Common Job Interview Questions:


What Is Your Greatest Weakness?



What Is Your Greatest Strength?



Tell Me About Yourself



Why Should We Hire You?



Why Do You Want to Work Here?



Why Do You Want to Leave Your Current Job?



Do You Have Any Questions?



Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?



What Do You Know About Us?



After a Layoff: Why Did You Leave Your Job?



After Being Fired: Why Did You Leave Your Job?



Explain Your Gap in Employment

For laughs -- and some insight -- read 30 Bad Answers to Job Interview Questions.
Answer This Job Interview Question: What's Your Greatest Weakness?

By Laura DeCarlo
"What's your greatest weakness?" is the question that no one ever quite knows how to prepare to
answer.

This single question has the power to determine in one swift blow whether you are a potential
asset or a liability to a prospective employer. Luckily, there is a solution – prepare in advance for
this dreaded question, and you will tame the monster!
[Related: What Is Your Greatest Strength?]
Yes, You Do Have a Weakness

Maybe only one weakness -- if you are very lucky or delusional or not paying attention -- but
you do have a weakness. At least one!
So, the worst answer to this question is:
"I don't have any weaknesses."
The employer is trying to figure out if your weakness will make it hard for you to do a good job
or fit into the organization. They are also interested in how you handle a tough question like this
one.
So time to be honest, at least to a certain degree, hopefully without ruining your chances at the
opportunity.
[Related: Tell Me About Yourself and Why Should We Hire You.]
The Smart Two-Part Answer

Notice in the example answers below, each answer has two parts:
1. The confession of the weakness, and...
2. The recovery - how you manage yourself to minimize the impact of the
weakness, or the plan you have for recovery.

Be sure to present these weaknesses in terms of how they impact the employer. See the examples
below.
[MORE: Smart Answers to Job Interview Questions.]
Picking Your Best Weakness

You want to position yourself effectively within the interview and need to match positive
answers with positive tone of voice and body language.

When you prepare for this question, you will want to pick a weakness that does one of three
things:
1. Is a strength in disguise, or...
2. Represents an irrelevant weakness.

Be sure that this weakness does not hinder your ability to do the job or to fit in with the
employer.
1. The "Strength in Disguise" Weakness

What do I mean by a "weakness that is really a strength in disguise"? The weakness is really a
good characteristic that has been taken a bit too far.
Notice the two part answers: (1) the Confession, and (2) the Recovery:
Weakness: Self Critic -- Strength: Meticulous/Careful

(Confession)"I feel that my greatest weakness is that I am very critical of my own work. I have
always prided myself on producing excellent and error-free work. While this is beneficial to my
job performance, it is possible to go to extremes.
(Recovery)"I have also found that I can easily waste time checking and rechecking. Now I am
aware of what to look for in being such a stickler, so I am always making a conscious effort to
trust myself and my quality focus more and not be so incredibly critical of my work. I know that
there is a limit to proofreading."
Weakness: People Pleaser -- Strength: Easy to Work With

(Confession)"It's important to me that everyone gets along in the workplace. In the past I have
always gone the extra mile to help out whenever it is necessary in trying not to disappoint or let
anyone down.
(Recovery)"I'm not saying I no longer help others out. However, I've learned to be more
assertive, to better recognize and prioritize projects, to know whether I can bail others out
without jeopardizing my existing work."
Weakness: New Graduate, Entry-Level, or Career Changer without
Relevant Experience -- Strength: Fast Learner

(Confession)"Some people would consider the fact that I have never worked in this field before
as a weakness. However, being highly trainable and open minded, I have no pre-conceived
notions on how to perform my job.

(Recovery)"Working with your organization will give me the opportunity to learn the job the way
you want it done, not the way I believe it is done. In addition, although I have no former on-thejob experience, I do bring with me extensive hands-on training and experience which can only
enhance my ability to learn extremely quickly."
Weakness: Out-of-Date Technical Skills -- Strength: Insight and initiative

BE VERY CAREFUL of this one! It might backfire if not presented carefully.
(Confession)"In my last job, we used the same medical transcription software for many years
that ran on the old technology we used, so my software skills became out of date. Other than
personal use of the new versions of Microsoft Outlook and Word on my own computer at home, I
had no experience using the current version of Microsoft Office products.
(Recovery)"I learned about new medical transcription software -- from XYZ Company -- which
is based on a newer version of Microsoft Office. So, a few months ago, I started a training
program focused on the current versions of Microsoft Office products, focused on Excel, Word,
and Outlook. As a result, I became proficient enough to help when we finally made the transition
to the new software.
"In helping my colleagues learn the new software, I realized that I must continue to pay attention
to what is happening with technology in this field and keep my skills up-to-date, even if my
employer isn't staying current."
2. The "Irrelevant" Weakness

Perhaps you would prefer to use the harmless weakness strategy. Some employers might view
this "weakness" as a "strength" assuming you could stop your "recovery."
Again, we have a (1) confession and a (2) recovery:
(Confession)"I have had a hard time disconnecting from technology. I always have my smart
phone with me and, of course, I have a computer at home. So, I was constantly checking in with
my work email while I checked my personal email. I didn't check it while driving, but I did check
it too often outside of working hours and even on weekends.
(Recovery)"I promised myself that I would stop being so obsessed with technology, and pay more
attention to real life -- to my family, my friends, and what's happening around me. Detaching
from technology is restful, good for my eyes (I'm told), and keeps me better-connected with the
real world. I'm even reading a book, printed on paper, currently. So, I think I'm a more balanced
person, now."

Obviously, this would not be the weakness to choose if the position being sought required being
"on duty" by your phone twenty-four by seven. And some organizations want and expect this
kind of "obsession" by employees. So, if you want to work for one of those employers, you
might want to find a different, more irrelevant weakness.
Choosing Your Best Weakness

Regardless of what strategy you use, your ultimate goal is to present a real weakness that does
not damage your potential for the position, but also does not come across as dishonest,
unrealistic, or staged.
If you are not sure if you are picking a negative weakness, review the criteria for the position,
and put yourself in the shoes of the employer to consider what you would like to hear and what
you would think was negative.
Take time to practice difficult answers like this with a partner until you feel comfortable so that
you will sound natural and confident in the interview.
Answer This Job Interview Question: What's Your Greatest Strength?

By By Susan P. Joyce
"What's your greatest strength?" is an often-used job interview question. It is often paired with
the greatest-weakness question.
This question is also an invitation to explain why you are the best-qualified candidate for this
job.
Don't simply pick any random strength you've been told you have (a great cook, good with kids,
able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, etc.).
If those strengths aren't relevant to the job, they really don't matter to the employer.
Being a good cook isn't relevant to most office jobs, unless the job is writing or editing a cook
book or cooking instruction video.
[MORE: Smart Answers to Job Interview Questions.]
Answer the Real Question

Look to address the real concern behind the greatest-strength question, which is "Are you a good
candidate for this job?"

They are thinking: What is the person really like? Will this person be a good fit into our
organization? Can this person do this job well? Does this person communicate well? Is this
person confident enough to work well in this organization?
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Prepare for Job Interview Success: What IS Your Greatest Strength?

Hopefully, you are reading this article because you understand the importance of preparing for a
job interview. Walking into an interview expecting to succeed without preparing is a waste of
time.
1. Develop a List of Your Strengths

Since the same strength won't necessarily work for every job opportunity, even in the same
company, develop a list of three to five (hopefully, more) strengths that you can use as
appropriate for an opportunity.
[See the bottom of this article for lists of possible strengths.]
Be sure to have a couple of examples of accomplishments that prove those you have those
strengths.

What Do You Think Are Your Strengths?

Think about the aspects of your work that make you feel the most successful, and write them
down:


What accomplishments are you proudest of (even if no one else seemed to
notice)?



What have you been recognized for by an employer -- either in a performance
review, a salary increase, or a bonus?



What other internal reward or recognition have you received -- like employee
of the month?



What external reward or recognition have you received?

Which of the characteristics employers value (above) are reflected in your accomplishments?
Connect your accomplishments to those highly valued characteristics.
These strengths can be a simple as never missing a day of work or never being late for work
(reliable).
What Do Others Think Are Your Strengths?

Often, we are not the best judges of our strengths. We think we are, but a view from the "outside"
is often more reflective of reality.
So, after you have developed your list of strengths, ask a friend or former co-worker (more than
one, if possible) if those are the strengths they would choose to describe you. Their answers
could surprise you, and, probably, will be very helpful.
Ask for examples of when you demonstrated that strength. Then, put together a very short
narrative of why something is a strength for you. Have additional proof available.
Choosing Your Best, Most Appropriate Strengths for Each Opportunity

Before each interview, pick the strengths that are directly relevant to the positions you are
seeking. Help the interviewer understand how your qualifications match their requirements.
Which of your strengths fits this job and this organization the best?
If the description is so short or vague that the requirements are hard to figure out, scan the lists of
"Characteristics Employers Value" and "Skills Employers Need" (above) to find the ones that
seem most appropriate for you and the specific opportunity.
2. Demonstrate Your Strengths with Your Relevant Accomplishments

Make a list of the times when you demonstrated a strength on your list:



Issues you recognized and addressed?



Problems you solved?



Processes you improved?



Expenses reduced as a result of your actions or ideas?



Profits were generated as a result of your ideas?



Other improvements that resulted from your ideas or actions?

When you have a list of 3 or more examples of a strength, think about exactly what happened -what was the reason you did the action, how did you do it, and what was the benefit of your
work. Apply the principles of the structured C.A.R. (Challenge - Action - Result) or S.T.A.R.
(Situation - Task - Action - Result) method to describe your accomplishments.
Be prepared to describe your strength and the accomplishments that prove you have that
strength. Also, be sure that both the strength you choose and the accomplishments that illustrate
it are relevant to the job you are interviewing for.
Your CAR/STAR descriptions will help you with your resume and LinkedIn profile as well as
with your job interviews.
Possible Strengths: Characteristics Employers Value

Look at this list, below, of characteristics that employers prefer for their employees. Relate the
characterists you choose to the requirements of the job, with examples of how you have
demonstrated the characteristic in the past:
1. Honest/trustworthy
2. Intelligent
3. Reliable
4. Likeable
5. Positive
6. Independent (vs. needing close management)
7. Problem-solver
8. Detail-oriented

9. Hard-working
10.Team player
11.Quick learner
12.Good communicator
13.Flexible
14.Creative
15.Passionate about doing a good job
16.Organized

If the job also involves managing people, like a department or project team, add "leader" to that
list of strengths you consider.
Possible Strengths: Skills Employers Need

Don't forget your skills that apply specifically to this opportunity, like your experience with or
education in:
1. A type of customer
2. A type of business
3. An aspect of business (marketing, finance, law, and so on)
4. A skill (writing great blog posts, selling a specific product, writing great
proposals, designing excellent products, etc.)
5. A technology (OS10, Bluetooth, AWS, CISSP, and so on)

Don't limit yourself to the skills you have developed only in school or in a job. You may have
also developed skills in any volunteering you may have done, too.
Answer This Job Interview Question: Why Should We Hire YOU?

By Laura DeCarlo
The question of, "Why should we hire you?" can take a variety of forms such as, "Why do you
think you will be successful in this position?"
This is a critical question because it will show your success, self-confidence, and preparation.

Like "Why do you want to work here?" and "Tell me about yourself," this question is the
employer's inviation to sell yourself as the answer to their needs.
In this answer, do double-time by selling yourself and by demonstrating your knowledge of the
company.
Thus, start by doing your homework on the company before the interview, even if it is "only" a
telephone interview.
That will likely include visiting their website, Googling their name, and performing an advanced
search on LinkedIn long before you ever find yourself in the interview!
[Related: Pre-Interview Preparation.]
Bad Answers to This Question

An answer that focuses on the benefits to you is a bad answer. So, answers like:


I need the money.



I need a job.



This location is very close to where I live (or go to school or want to move or
whatever).



I've always been interested in (whatever they do).
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As important as those reasons are to you, they are not the reasons the employer will hire you.
Frankly, nice as they might be, they really don't care about the benefits to you if they hire you.
Your answer to this question should focus on them, not on you! You are the seller in this
situation, not the buyer. So, you need to focus on the benefits (more than one!) to the buyer.
Remember that the goal here is to entice this employer to offer you this job.
[Related: 30 Bad Answers to Job Interview Questions.]
Emphasize Your Knowledge and Experience to Demonstrate Your Value

Embrace that this question as an opportunity to emphasize your value and to demonstrate your
knowledge as they work together to show how well you could do the job.
For example, someone applying for a position as an administrative assistant might say:
"I have been using Word, Excel, and Outlook since 2001 to maintain both financial and
administrative records, create and distribute internal reports for management to monitor
employee activity and asset usage which was received by 4 senior managers including the CEO
and COO, and create and distribute the internal organizational newsletter which was sent to
over 200 staff members twice a month.
"The financial reports were created and maintained using Excel, and both newsletters were
written using Microsoft Word, using templates that I developed, and distributed using Outlook.
"I have taken several workshops on Microsoft Office products, and have worked with the newest
version and previous versions, going back to the 1997 version. So, I am very comfortable with
the Microsoft Office suite of products."
Or, in a more traditional situation, here’s what you might prepare to say as a new graduate of a
medical transcription training program applying for a job with a cardiology practice:
"I believe that I will be successful in this position because I have 900 hours of hands-on training
in medical transcription in a classroom environment at the XYZ Institute.

(Get out your portfolio, and open it to a print out of a sample of your work). "Here you can see
several examples of medical records, dictation, and reports I have produced in MS Word.
"I have also excelled in my terminology courses, gaining a strong base in numerous disciplines.
"However, I have always been interested in Cardiology and made it a personal goal to focus on
that area. Because of that, I read the Journal of Cardiology to stay up-to-date with changes in
the field, names of new pharmaceuticals, and other innovations.
"I have an excellent basis in the discipline to transcribe the records of your Cardiologists with
ease. Also, I recently joined the American Association of Medical Transcriptionists and am
already taking steps to pursue certification."
When I share answers like this, most people react by saying, "That’s so good; I couldn’t do that."
But, that’s not true - crafting answers like this is just getting to know yourself in advance.
[MORE: Smart Answers to Job Interview Questions.]
Advanced Preparation

You need to plan to answer questions about why you are qualified and know how to sell yourself
above the other applicants. Realize that you may have the same skillset, but much of job
interview success revolves around who does the best job at communicating it in the interview!
So, spend some time doing the following:
1. Listing your skills and strengths.
2. Writing CAR stories (Challenges, Actions, and Results) about
accomplishments for each of your jobs.
3. Documenting your accomplishments.
4. Uncovering what makes you special by reviewing letters of recommendation
and/or other testimonials you may have from work, school, and volunteering.
5. Writing down concrete answers to questions like this that give a concrete
example to prove you fit the bill!
Answer This Job Interview Question: Why Do You Want to Work Here?

By Laura DeCarlo
The question of, "Why do you want to work here?" is not limited to job interviews. You’ll find it
knocking on your door in networking, informational interviewing, and even at job fairs.

When you are asked this innocent-sounding question, you need to have a strong answer. Your
answer should demonstrate your knowledge of the company and the skills, talents, experience,
and strengths you have that are a match for their culture and the targeted position/department.
It's Not About You

Until you get to the point of receiving an offer, employers are just looking for reasons to
eliminate you.
Here are some answers you never want to find coming out of your mouth:
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"For the money."
"It seems like a nice place to work."
"My cousin Fred works for you, and he has great benefits."
All three of these answers are similar, and may be absolutely true. However, they share the same
problem – they are all about what you want. However, they do not make the employer interested
in hiring you.

Generic answers don't make you stand out either:
"Because I know I can make a really good contribution."
"Because I know you have an opening for ______________ and I am qualified."
While these may seem better, they err in the similar manner of being vague, "vanilla" answers
that anyone could give to any employer for any job.
For more bad answers to avoid giving, read 30 Bad Answers to Job Interview Questions.
What's Wrong with These Answers?

The answers above don't stand out to the employer because they aren't about the employer. They
make one of two mistakes:
1. These answers, above, focus on the benefit to you of the job. While the
employer probably wants you to be happy in the job, they don't care about
the benefit to you at this point. They want to know the benefit to them if they
hire you.
2. Those answers don't demonstrate an understanding of the employer's needs.
The employer wants to know that you are really interested in this job, and a
vague or self-focused answer doesn't show that interest.

With these answers, you fade into the woodwork and get lost among the other job seekers who
have not done their homework either. These answers will never get you far with an employer.
Do Your Homework

When I say, "homework" I am referring to research and preparation in three key areas:
1. Know yourself
2. Know the company
3. Know the position and the department (if possible).
Let me walk you through these:
1. Know Yourself

Before you talk to employers, or even network for positions, you need to have a strong grasp of
what you can offer them. (What’s the return on investment you provide to the employer?)
You should be able to talk about your strengths and your accomplishments, and to readily give
concrete answers to questions such as "What are your greatest strengths?" "Why should we hire

you?" and "Tell me about yourself." as well as "What do you know about us?" and "Why do you
want to work here?"
2. Know the Company

Get to know the companies you will be talking to (or talking about, if networking). When you
know details about them, their culture, their goals, their products, and their challenges, you are
then able to talk about yourself and your fit into the company.
Visit LinkedIn, and read the company profile information. Search for current/past employee
profiles. Read Using LinkedIn for Company Research and Company Research Using LinkedIn
Company Pages for more tips.
Google the company, and read all you can. Visit their company website to learn more about
them.
[More ideas: Company Research and Google for Your Job Search.]
3. Know the Position and the Department (if possible)

In this economy, there is no room for shopping for "any job you find me qualified for." Instead,
you need to know where you would fit into the company, whether there is a current advertised
opening or not.
Again, resources like LinkedIn will let you search profiles for staff in target departments. Use the
information to learn more about their job responsibilities and to identify LinkedIn Groups they
belong to (and join them). Also, using Google and viewing the company website will allow you
to learn more as well.
[Read The Winning Difference: Pre-Interview Preparation to be well-prepared for a job
interview.]
Putting it All Together

Once you have done all your pre-interview homework, you will never again find yourself
blundering on critical questions like, "Why do you want to work here?" Instead, you will be
prepared to talk knowledgeably about the company and position, why they interest you, and how
you will fit in with your skill set, personality, and experience.
[MORE: Smart Answers to Job Interview Questions.]

Bottom Line

Play the game, and realize that even if this job is not a match, if they like you and want to hire
you, they may find the right place for you (at the right salary) in the long run. As long as you've
done your homework in advance and demonstrated your interest in them.

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