The One Interview Question That Sinks So Many

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Some people have a natural feeling of ease when it comes to stressful situations like job interviews, but that is by far the exception and not the rule. Even those who go in with confidence can be easily caught off guard or flub up an interview. This is especially true if it has been a while since you have been through the interview circuit. So let's go back to basics with this look at the age-old question, “Tell me about yourself.”

 

One thing you must remember about the interview: you are the salesman, and you are also the product for sale. It is all about presenting yourself as the best candidate for the position. Good reminder points were made in a recent blog post on Resume to Referral, and I would like to share the key factors. Many people blow this part of the interview because they are not sure what to say. Share a life story? Job history? Education history? Skills? Family?

 

The article speaks of two main approaches to answering. One approach is the “Specific Approach” which is offering specific, relevant aspects of your background. The other approach is the “Overview Approach” where you offer less specific information, especially if you are not exactly certain what specific information would suffice. The latter approach is probably the most typical one used, and tends to be a safe bet. However, if you have seriously done your homework before entering into the interview, you may already know specifics about the position, and can therefore respond more directly. In a group of candidates with an overview approach, a specific approach can cause you to stand out from the crowd.

 

Whichever approach taken, you should always follow your points up with a question that will cause the interviewer to respond with a more specific question for you. This helps to narrow down the general question to find out more of what specifically is being looked for in an answer. The types of key points you want to make are short, relevant phrases that are action-oriented and highlight tasks and your strengths. The article offers the following as excellent examples of starter words for your points: “I started up…” I developed and successfully executed…,” or “I spearheaded something and brought it to something other.”

 

For each point, develop a 30-50 second story using the S.O.A.R. technique, which is listed as:

 

  • S – The Situation or circumstance in which you were involved
     
  • O – The Opportunity that existed for, first, your organization and then you
     
  • A – The Actions you took in face of the opportunity
     
  • R – The Results of your action

 

Here is a very fine example that is offered using this technique:



(S) The ownership of a physical therapy and sports medicine company recruited me to (O) lead, grow and concurrently stabilize a $4.7 million health systems company staffed by 85 professionals. (A) I developed and executed all business plans and opened new markets in industrial and corporate health promotion, (R) positioning the company for its very profitable $6.6 million sale, $2.5 million more than the ownership had anticipated.

 

When the question is asked – “Tell me about yourself” – start by referencing and offering a brief recap of the bullet points on your resume, followed immediately by the above-mentioned action phrased bullet-points. After offering those, end with the question tip, something along the lines of, “shall I elaborate on any of these points further?” Depending on the response, you can then proceed with the S.O.A.R. story scheme in regards tor the point being discussed. Obviously it is important to have the 30-50 second story ready for each and every point that could be asked about.

 

In preparation for the job search and interviewing process, it can really be a benefit to write down your example stories, and re-read them. Knowing the content of your resume without looking, as well as having prepared responses to any questions on the key points you have offered, will give you confidence and precise responses so you won’t fall flat on your face. When you are done, you will have properly handled their questions and put forth your best foot as a salesman selling the best candidate – yourself!

 

Image courtesy of Ambro  - Freedigitalphotos.net

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  • Jeff McCormack
    Jeff McCormack
    Thank you all for the great remarks - I am glad these tips were helpful.
  • Cornelius A
    Cornelius A
    Thank you this is really very helpful information.
  • Steven K
    Steven K
    My last interview they used this technique...
  • MORLENE S
    MORLENE S
    I have not start to interview just but these tips can be heplful
  • VINCELLA S
    VINCELLA S
    This was very helpful and educational.
  • Martha J
    Martha J
    I found this interviewing tips very helpful.Thank you for sharing them.
  • Ellen W S
    Ellen W S
    So how do you form your experience when you are breaking into a new area? I have never been part of management. My skills have been tagged by previous employers for independent work and not part of a team. As far as I know I have consistently met deadlines, but that is based on the fact that I have never been called on the carpet for missing one. My reviews have been focused on what else I can branch into to serve my boss's needs, not on what I do well or project worth information. I have great skills in research and documentation, organization etc. So how do you present a set of general skills?
  • Currie C.
    Currie C.
    This Article had great ideas. But, I don't think my resume could benefit from S.O.A.R the same as the example given in the article. I only have customer service skills and sales. I wouldn' t know how to apply these tips to my type of resume. (non-corporate)
  • Michael B
    Michael B
    Good sound advice.  Sometimes we spend more time looking for a career or employment we will forget about the finer points of the interview.  This article gets you thinking again and rehearsing for that critical interview.
  • Patricia B
    Patricia B
    I have been performing this technique but not to this level.  I will now refine my responses.
  • KAVEH N
    KAVEH N
    I don't have to worry getting to interview! these days employer are asking questions that is not supposed  to be asked, like your age and race, I don't even get to the interview let alone the rest.
  • John B
    John B
    Lets see tell me about your self. I'm being discriminated against all of the H1B's coming into the USA and being replaced by cheaper labor. 2014 Ice.gov. there are 65000 H1B's coming into the USA and 2015 is filling up fast. My question to the recruiters and management  is what makes you so special?? there are H1B's out there as well more qualified then you are to replace you for what they call it Top Talent. So tell Mr.  Recruiter to pull up his glasses and think about his job as well. Getting that big Incentive package of $5000.00 each and Government making $130.000.000 a year on H1B applications I would tell Mr. Perfect recruiter to pull up his glasses and watch his job too.
  • Jainet C
    Jainet C
    Recently, I attended a screening with a job coach, and I was excited that some of the tips, ie the question "Tell me about yourself," was mentioned in this article and was also said by the coach. I am impressed, and will use these tips on my next interview. Thanks.
  • Catherine S
    Catherine S
    I think re: s.o.a.r maybe some examples can be mentioned so job seekers are clear of what it is the question is trying to show about the person who is being interviewed... but other than that the article was helpful and useful for me...
  • Marilyn C
    Marilyn C
    This was very helpful, yet I wish there were examples for people who have skills & experience in areas like cashiering, customer service, merchandising, front desk with phones, typing 65 wpm, 10 key, and who are working on their education simultaneously.
  • MIRTA P
    MIRTA P
    Basically, for the corporate world it might be helpful. But there are people out there that lack educational back ground and the skills.
  • Judith B
    Judith B
    Very helpful.  I keep going over my resume and keep finding new things to expand on
  • Michael G
    Michael G
    Good advice!
  • Loretta T
    Loretta T
    These are great tips. I recently used them in my last interview and I got the position.
  • Sophia C
    Sophia C
    Thank You, that tip was very helpful.
  • Ronald K
    Ronald K
    I think that the s.o.a.r. are helpful, but some people haven't very little contirbutions that they have offered in the past; how do they respond to "tell me about yourself" questions if this is the case?
  • James Sl
    James Sl
    I just read the article and found it to be extremely insightful.  I especially like the S.O.A.R. technique and will put it to use at my next interview.  Thanks Jim S.    
  • Kathryn A
    Kathryn A
    This article is very helpful with respect to this question. I have had trouble with this situation many times and often dropped the ball. The advice offered is helpful and hopefully will provide a road map that will lead to success in my future. Thank you for providing this advice.
  • Maria V
    Maria V
    Great tips!  Thanks!!!
  • Gloria M
    Gloria M
    Good feedback.   I needed to know this.  Thank you.

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