“Tell me about yourself.” Is that simply an easy start? A way for the interviewer to sit back and listen passively? On the contrary, the interviewer is likely listening very intently to what you say, how you say it, how long it takes you to say it, how directly you make eye contact while you say it, and your overall presentation style.

A podcaster recently recommended that interviewees respond by expressing their passions, key career experiences and goals, rather than specific career history. While I see the value in showcasing one’s passions and favorite career wins, including career history additionally demonstrates transparency, vulnerability, clarity. The last thing you want is to appear as if you are smoke screening.

The interviewer is looking for good judgment, respect and professionalism.

Are you poised in presenting, and are you exercising good judgment by limiting details?

Be respectful of the interviewer by letting them run the show; you are a guest speaker on that show.

And remain professional regardless of how casual or informal the interviewer’s style.

Your response to “Tell me about yourself” should take roughly 90 to 120 seconds, and should include education, early job history, next steps, and what brings you here to interview. My whole career in 90 seconds?! Yes, but it’s only the introduction. There will be much more discussion about your background. Start with that brief overview, and then let the interviewer drive.

And every interviewer is different. One may want to delve into your college work. (Perhaps they went to the same school.) Another may want to focus on the last two years. Still another may zoom in on your transition from a great well-known company to a startup. If your overview is gigantic and fully comprehensive, the notes your interviewer is taking on that yellow pad might include their supermarket list. So, provide the framework with some specific passions sprinkled in. Since you cannot know what each interviewer will ask, don’t overdeliver. You are providing an outline, and the interviewer will indicate which roman numeral they want to know more about.

Everything in the interview process is perceived as a strong indicator of how you will perform on the job, from the way you answer your phone initially, through the formal interview, and every step along the way.

As an interviewer myself, here are some things I learn while a candidate is responding to “Tell me about yourself”:

If you have a smooth, well-practiced delivery, you’ll probably be prepared for meetings if/when we hire you. (Jerry Seinfeld rehearsed his first “Tonight Show” monologue 200 times—200!—before coming on stage and seeming offhanded.)

If you are articulate and use professional language and industry terminology, you will likely be a strong communicator as an employee. (Check yourself for esoteric acronyms not familiar to everyone.)

If you are candid in how you share information, you will probably be a good team player. (Information is power but the ability to readily share it indicates trust and confidence.)

Some anecdotes from the trenches:

I interviewed someone who really dug themselves into a hole—“My last employer let me go because I went to HR to complain about my boss and …” Don’t overshare. This is just a summary.

In her overview, a young woman referred to people in previous jobs by first name. How was I possibly to know who she was talking about, and why was she referring to them by name? Goes to judgment.

A fellow got so comfortable—and don’t get me wrong—I want you to be comfortable and be yourself, but the best side of yourself—that he threw out two four-letter words during that overblown overview. Over and out.

A woman who repeatedly posed questions to herself and answered them as part of the overview. “Why did I decide to move to the marketing team? Because…” How about if the interviewer asks the questions!

So, practice, practice, practice. Shoot for 90 to 120 seconds, tops, then let the interviewer tell you what they want to hear more about.

Be poised, articulate. Practice will lead to confidence.

Did I mention practice?

Before the interview, do yoga or jumping jacks or whatever you need to be in the right head.

Good luck!

JFCS’ Re-Launch Career Services is here to help with all career readiness skills.
Call 201-837-9090, ext 225.