How To Answer, "Tell Me About Yourself"
J.T. O'Donnell
Founder & CEO, Work It DAILY | Board of Directors, McCoy | Career & Professional Development | Job Search | HR & Recruiting | Employer Branding | Recruitment Marketing | Talent Management | Executive Coaching
When we meet new people in our careers, we often get asked, "Tell me about yourself." While it sounds like a simple question, you may find yourself feeling stressed and thinking things like:
What do they want me to say?
Or,
What can I say to impress this person?
It's hard to be a mind-reader in this situation. That's why I encourage professionals to use a three-step process for providing a simple, yet positive answer.
Problems, Process & Passion
I have found over the years that the best way to answer this question is by sharing the following:
#1 - Problem - I explain what problem I love to solve for customers and/or employers.
#2 - Process - I highlight the methodology I use to consistently solve the problem.
#3 - Passion - I explain what I am hoping to do next to further my skill set in this area.
NOTE: Don't be too wordy! They key is to know yourself well enough to be able to give simple, one-sentence summary for each of the three elements above. Your can CLICK HERE to watch this LinkedIn VIDEO where I explain how you can do it in under 30 seconds.
For example, if you were to ask me this question, I might respond with:
I love helping people find their career confidence. I do this with a set of video courses and online career tutoring that teaches best practices in developing your career. I'm hoping to expand this into a global platform so everyone can have affordable access to the tools they need to find greater career success and satisfaction.
It's Your Turn! Tell Me About Yourself
Why don't you give it a try. Post your answer in the comments below. If I like what I see, I'll be asking you to connect with me (and, I hope other readers will do the same). Let's use this tutorial to help one another expand our networks by connecting with interesting people here on LinkedIn.
P.S. - I want to reward you for reading this post. Thank you for taking the time to check out this article. If you found the information helpful, I invite you CLICK HERE to review our career advice courses. If you like one, you can use the discount coupon code, LINKEDIN20 to save 20%. Let's get your career confidence in gear!
Corporate Executive Office Support | L&D | Find Your Why Strategist | Co-Founder Equality Starts at Home | Final self-publishing phase of a 365-Day Devotional for finding Passion, Purpose, Careers, Vocations & Dream Jobs
5 年Hey J.T. just passed this info on to someone who has no clue what a TMAY is or how to do one. Love the example here you have given. Have also suggested they check out your Linkedin video, as well. Appreciate all of the how to get started info. Knowledge is power!
Director Information Technology & Chief Technology Officer
5 年Sorry, this answer is not very effective.? Most of the employers when asking this question have clarified that they want me to touch on my education, experience, accomplishments and key skills
Former Executive Assistant - HBO, Nickelodeon, EPIX ... Entertainment, TV, Talent, On-Air Promos, Operations.
7 年Great concept!
Homewood Wellness Group
7 年What an amazing new concept on answering this question. So many of our clients struggle with this and always share detailed and personal information during interviews. Thank you J.T.