Suzy Welch: What To Say When A Job Interviewer Says, 'Tell Me About Yourself' | CNBC Make It.

Summary

The video explains how to answer the dreaded interview question, 'Tell me about yourself.' It highlights that interviewers are looking for evidence of maturity and authenticity. Candidates should share their personal and professional experiences, demonstrating self-awareness and empathy. For example, mentioning relevant experiences like a childhood lemonade stand can showcase skills related to the job. It’s also important to be authentic, revealing personal values and ensuring cultural fit with the company. The video encourages candidates to embrace the question as an opportunity to stand out by showcasing who they truly are.

Takeaways

• 😀 Be prepared for the 'Tell me about yourself' question, as it's often vague but crucial in interviews.
• 😀 Managers seek two main things: maturity and authenticity, which you should showcase when answering.
• 😀 Your interviewer wants to see self-awareness and empathy, so make sure to highlight these qualities.
• 😀 Tailor your story to the job you're applying for, showing how your life experiences align with the role.
• 😀 If applying for a sales position, for example, mention past experiences like running a lemonade stand or selling items in college.
• 😀 Frame your life and career story through the interviewer's perspective, focusing on what they care about.
• 😀 Authenticity is key: share who you really are, your personality, and your core values to show cultural fit.
• 😀 Emphasize values like being intense, laid-back, social, or independent, depending on what reflects you best.
• 😀 Don't be afraid of this question—view it as an opportunity to differentiate yourself and stand out.
• 😀 Being genuine in your response helps avoid the feeling of having to be a 'phony' at work, which is crucial for job satisfaction.
• 😀 Ultimately, the 'Tell me about yourself' question is a chance to demonstrate both maturity and authenticity to your future employer.

Q & A

Why is the 'tell me about yourself' question often considered difficult in interviews?

The 'tell me about yourself' question is considered difficult because it's vague and open-ended. It can be hard to know exactly what the interviewer is looking for and how to tailor your response.

What are the two key things interviewers want to hear when they ask about yourself?

Interviewers typically want to hear evidence of your maturity and authenticity. They want to know if you're self-aware and empathetic.

How should you relate your life story in an interview?

You should tell the story of your life as it relates to the job you're applying for. For example, if the job is in sales, mention experiences like having a lemonade stand or selling something in college to show your relevant skills.

What does the interviewer care about in terms of your background?

The interviewer cares about aspects of your life and career that are relevant to the job. You should highlight the experiences that show you're a good fit for the position.

How can you showcase your authenticity in an interview?

To showcase your authenticity, you should talk about who you really are and highlight the values that align with the company. Be honest about your personality traits and preferences, whether you're social, laid-back, or prefer working alone.

Why is authenticity important in an interview?

Authenticity is important because interviewers want to know if you'll fit culturally with the company. They are looking for someone whose values and personality align with the organization's values.

What is the danger of being inauthentic at work?

The danger of being inauthentic at work is that it can lead to discomfort and dissatisfaction. Being a phony to get by can make work unpleasant and negatively impact your relationships with colleagues.

What is the best mindset to approach the 'tell me about yourself' question with?

The best mindset is to view this question as an opportunity to differentiate yourself. It's a chance to demonstrate both your maturity and authenticity, which can set you apart from other candidates.

How can you prepare for the 'tell me about yourself' question in an interview?

To prepare for this question, reflect on your past experiences, focusing on those that are relevant to the job. Think about your personal traits and values, and be ready to explain how they align with the company’s culture and the role you're applying for.

What does it mean to be self-aware in an interview context?

Being self-aware in an interview means understanding your strengths, weaknesses, and how your experiences have shaped you. It shows that you can reflect on your actions and behaviors, which is a key aspect of maturity.