How Teens Can Answer, "Tell Me About Yourself"

Summary

In the script, Jessica, a senior at Brulee High School, initially fails to impress in a mock job interview by sharing personal anecdotes unrelated to her professional skills. She then corrects her approach, emphasizing her leadership and teamwork experience from the swim team, and her academic achievements, effectively showcasing her potential as a valuable employee to the hiring manager.

Takeaways

• 📚 Jessica is a senior at Brulee High School with a keen interest in biology.
• 🔍 She initially misunderstood the purpose of the 'tell me about yourself' question in an interview.
• 🤔 Jessica's first attempt was too personal and not focused on her professional attributes.
• 😐 In her second attempt, Jessica was unconfident and provided no valuable information about her work ethic or skills.
• 🏊‍♀️ Jessica has experience with the swim team, which she later used to highlight her teamwork and leadership skills.
• 🏆 She was part of the swim team for two years and had to train new members, demonstrating her ability to lead.
• 🏅 Jessica received top academic honors, indicating her dedication to her studies and strong work ethic.
• 💼 The third attempt was the most effective as she connected her school and extracurricular experiences to valuable job skills.
• 📈 Jessica's improved response showcased how she can offer leadership, teamwork, and a strong work ethic to a potential employer.
• 📝 It's important to tailor the 'tell me about yourself' answer to highlight relevant skills and experiences for the job.
• 🤝 Interviewers are interested in what candidates can bring to the job, not just their personal hobbies or free-time activities.

Q & A

What is the common mistake Jessica made in her first attempt to answer the interview question?

Jessica assumed the interviewer wanted to know about her personal life and interests outside of work, which is not typically the focus of a job interview.

Why did the interviewer find Jessica's second attempt underwhelming?

In her second attempt, Jessica provided very little information about herself, coming across as unconfident and closed off, which did not give the interviewer any insight into her as a potential employee.

What did Jessica do differently in her third attempt that made it more effective?

In her third attempt, Jessica focused on her relevant experiences, such as being part of the swim team, which demonstrated her leadership skills, teamwork, and strong work ethic.

What is the main purpose of the 'Tell me about yourself' question in a job interview?

The main purpose of this question is for the interviewer to understand the candidate's professional background, skills, and how they can contribute to the job.

Why is it important for a candidate to showcase their skills and experiences in a job interview?

Showcasing skills and experiences helps the candidate demonstrate their value and suitability for the job, even if they lack direct work experience.

How did Jessica's involvement in the swim team contribute to her development of leadership skills?

Jessica's role in training new members of the swim team allowed her to develop leadership skills by guiding and supporting others.

What does receiving 'tops' indicate about Jessica's academic performance and dedication?

Receiving 'tops' suggests that Jessica has excellent academic performance and is highly dedicated to her studies.

How can a candidate's body language impact their interview?

Body language can convey confidence, enthusiasm, and openness, or it can signal lack of confidence, closed-off attitudes, and defeat, which can influence the interviewer's perception of the candidate.

What advice would you give to someone preparing for a job interview about how to answer the 'Tell me about yourself' question?

Focus on your professional experiences, skills, and how they relate to the job you're applying for. Avoid going into personal details unless they are relevant to the position.

Why might a candidate's extracurricular activities be relevant in a job interview?

Extracurricular activities can be relevant as they can demonstrate transferable skills such as teamwork, leadership, and commitment, which are valuable in a professional context.

How can a candidate ensure their interview answers are concise and relevant?

A candidate should practice their answers beforehand, focusing on key points that directly relate to the job requirements and their suitability for the role.