How to Answer Tell Me About Yourself—Job Interview in English

Summary

In this Confident English Wednesday lesson, Annemarie addresses the common job interview question 'Tell Me About Yourself' with 3 dos and don'ts. She advises against sharing life stories, verbatim resume repetition, and speaking too long. Instead, she emphasizes tailoring responses to the job, highlighting relevant skills and experiences, and keeping the answer concise. A workbook is offered to help viewers craft their unique answer and prepare for interviews.

Takeaways

• 📝 The lesson focuses on how to answer the common job interview question 'Tell Me About Yourself' effectively.
• 🎯 The question is crucial as it sets the tone for the rest of the interview and is a chance to show if you are the right fit for the job.
• 🙅‍♀️ Avoid telling your entire life story; instead, focus on how your experiences and skills relate to the job you're applying for.
• 🔍 Think about the specific job requirements and tailor your answer to highlight the relevant qualifications and strengths that make you a strong candidate.
• 📚 A step-by-step workbook is offered to help brainstorm and create a unique answer to the 'Tell Me About Yourself' question.
• 🚫 Do not repeat your resume verbatim; the interview is an opportunity to emphasize key points that connect directly to the job position.
• 📈 The answer should be concise, about 2 to 3 minutes long, providing an overview and highlighting the most important aspects of your background.
• ⏳ Practice is essential to ensure your answer is well-timed, natural, and effectively communicates your suitability for the job.
• 🗣️ Speak confidently and succinctly, ensuring every word adds value to your introduction in the interview.
• 💼 The interviewer is looking for an immediate idea of whether you are the right person for the job, so make a strong first impression.
• 💬 Engage with the workbook, share your answers, and read others' examples in the comments section for feedback and further practice.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video script?

The main focus of the video script is to provide guidance on how to effectively answer the common job interview question, 'Tell Me About Yourself.'

What is the purpose of the step-by-step workbook mentioned in the script?

The purpose of the workbook is to help individuals brainstorm and create a unique answer to the question 'Tell Me About Yourself' that can be used in a job interview.

Why should one not tell their life story when answering 'Tell Me About Yourself' in an interview?

One should not tell their life story because the interviewer is interested in knowing if the candidate is the right person for the job, not in their personal life details.

What is the key aspect to consider when answering the interview question 'Tell Me About Yourself'?

The key aspect to consider is to relate your work experience, accomplishments, and skills directly to the specific job you are interviewing for, demonstrating why you are the right fit.

Why might it feel uncomfortable for some to talk about their accomplishments and strengths?

It might feel uncomfortable because it may not be common in some cultures to self-promote, or they might not be used to discussing their achievements.

What is the second 'don't' mentioned in the script regarding answering 'Tell Me About Yourself'?

The second 'don't' is not to repeat your resume word-for-word, as the interviewer likely has it in front of them and is looking for a personalized response.

How long should the answer to 'Tell Me About Yourself' be in a job interview?

The answer should be about 2 to 3 minutes long, providing a brief and clear introduction without going into too much detail.

What is the importance of practicing the answer to 'Tell Me About Yourself'?

Practicing helps to ensure that the response is natural, fluent, and well-timed, allowing the candidate to communicate confidently and effectively.

What does the speaker suggest doing after watching the video and downloading the workbook?

The speaker suggests sharing your prepared answer in the comments section of the video for feedback and reading comments from others to see their examples.

How does the speaker plan to assist viewers in improving their interview answers?

The speaker plans to provide feedback on the answers shared in the comments section and offers a workbook with examples to help viewers craft their responses.

What is the speaker's final message to the viewers?

The speaker wishes the viewers a fantastic week and looks forward to seeing them in the next Confident English Wednesday lesson.