"Tell us something about yourself"

SHOW UP! during job interviews - Self-introduction: "Tell us something about yourself".

One of the most popular interview questions is the one about your CV or your work history. It is a real classic, as it provides an easy introduction to the interview. Often, applicants feel surprised by such questions or requests: they are ambiguous and sometimes it is difficult to see what the interviewer really wants to know. But in this ambiguity there is also an opportunity for you: Your counterpart gives you the choice of how to respond.

The question is deliberately open-ended, but it is very important and gives you the chance to place many important points such as experiences or characteristics at this early stage.  The interviewers can also already assess many factors here, for example structured work, determination or comment just to name the most important ones.

Set individual priorities

At this point, the interviewer is less interested in the facts - after all, they have already read your CV and have it at hand - but would like to know whether you are suitable and motivated. The question is therefore not about reproducing your CV completely and chronologically. This is not necessary, even if you are proud of many stations. At this point, you can show initial job-relevant skills by structuring your answer well.

For example, are you able to distinguish between important and unimportant things and to set priorities? Ideally, you should present those highlights of your career that are relevant to the advertised position. Decide in advance which stations are the most important and do not try to somehow build all professional experiences into the answer. The perspective should be: Which stations are particularly relevant to the position and distinguish you from other applicants? This could be your studies, a year abroad or your last internship, if it fits the job profile of the position to be filled.

Important messages in the interview: I am, I can, I want

Set a Focus

It is important: Even if you are explicitly asked for your CV, you should focus on the three most important aspects of your career. Ideally, you have found a common thread that connects the three elements. This gives the positive impression that you have made conscious decisions and that there is a goal that you are consciously pursuing. Explain your motivation in each case and share it with the interviewers so that they can understand your decisions.

In doing so, explain your motivation and these purposeful and conscious decisions are always valued positively. Build the next steps logically on this. Again, give concrete examples to prove that you made conscious decisions and underline the motivation and reasons for your actions. It would be perfect if you included an event that concludes your answer as a result. Then you not only list what you have learned, but you can also show experience and results. This would also provide a link for further questions during the interview. You allow the interviewer to come back to the topic later to ask for details. At the end, make the connection to the current job. Tie the advertised job into the description of your career in such a way that it is the next logical step for you. You can also point out that you can optimally contribute your previous experience in this company. This way you make clear your high motivation to work in the company.

If you succeed in communicating your motivation when asking about your background, then you will have already set many points of contact with the first content-related question and found a very good entry into the job interview.

Summary:
- Link personal strengths with vivid examples.
- Concentrate on details and results that you can quantify.
- Avoid summarizing your CV word for word.
- Mention past experiences and proven achievements.
- Show how your current duties overlap with the advertised role.
- Show your personality.
- Do not rush into in-depth conversations about the job and the company.

Important messages in the interview: I am, I can, I want.

What to do about difficult topics?

If there are gaps in your CV, you should mention them briefly if they are longer than four months and fill them with content. Remember: You don't need to justify yourself, but honestly and objectively describe what happened during this time and what experience you were able to gain during this time that could be beneficial for your future career.
Afterwards, briefly explain how your current professional and personal situation looks today. It is important that you are authentic and you can also deal with negative professional decisions or other difficult topics in a matter-of-fact and open way during your self-presentation. This shows greatness and self-confidence!

So far you got tips on how to structure your answer and what to avoid.
But how to best prepare to make sure you don't get off track?
I suggest hold a little brainstorming session with yourself first. Here are a few questions you can ask yourself to find answers.

· What qualities make you suitable for this position? Think about what makes you stand out as an applicant for this position. Perhaps a sought-after education or specialization? Or your many years of experience? Match your answers with the job description. You may even be able to exceed some of the requirements.

· Think about how your current job fits with the job you are applying for. Have you applied for a more senior position? If so, explain that you are already taking on more responsibility in your current role. Or would you like to move to a function with different requirements at the same hierarchical level? Then describe how your current qualifications qualify you for the new position.

· Concentrate on strengths and skills that you can support with examples. When formulating your examples, focus on results that you can quantify, if possible. If you do not have exact information, give a realistic estimate.

· What attracts you to this job? Think about why this position excites you, how it fits with your overall career goals and why you feel it is the right next step. First, reread the job description. Make a note of the requirements and recall recent events from your professional life where you have used these skills. Ideally, these experiences should be from your most recent work experience. However, volunteer work can also support your story while showing your commitment to the community.

· Why are you interested in the business or industry? After thoroughly researching the company and industry, you should have a better understanding of the mission, goals, and general industry trends. Do these align with the professional goals you have set for yourself? What do you value and respect about the company? What excites you about the future of the industry? Build your story to link commonalities between your professional goals, the company's vision for the future and key industry trends.

· With all of the above in mind, ask yourself: what is a positive quality that I have had for a long time that can benefit me in this role? Have friends or colleagues described you as particularly well organized? As curious? Entrepreneurial? Or generous? Think about how you see yourself and how others see you. Then recall specific events from your life when you used this trait.

Write down your ideas from the brainstorming session and get feedback from family, friends and colleagues. And then, as mentioned at the beginning, it is important to set priorities and focus.

Since the question "Tell us about yourself" is often asked at the beginning of an interview, your answer will determine the rest of the interview. As a general rule, tell an exciting story that is no more than two minutes long.

Show your personality to break the ice. The invitation to "tell something about yourself" is about getting to know you better. Therefore, show your personality, but without revealing too much detailed information. You can briefly mention hobbies that show your education or social commitment. Anything that underlines your willingness to perform is also suitable. Talking about personal interests is a good way to conclude your answer while maintaining a professional tone.

Basically, the request "Tell me about yourself" is about what you want your interviewer to remember when she hears your name. If you answer this opening question effectively, you have already made a good first impression. You can then use the rest of the interview to your advantage.

In the end, what is decisive for the selection of applicants is always the greatest match between your qualifications and the requirements of the potential employer. Remember: when you sit in an interview or assessment center, your background has already convinced your counterpart, at least in writing!

To close:

Be positive! Use active and positive statements, not passive and negative ones. 

Practice, practice, practice!

Before the interview at the company, write down your self-presentation in keywords according to the above-mentioned topics and practice it in advance, ideally with people you trust, according to the tasks and requirements of the new job and always according to the motto "Describe, don't evaluate".

You know yourself best and the question "Tell us something about yourself" is your chance to highlight what makes you special!

You still need help with this? In my course SHOW UP! I present you a concept how you can easily prepare for moments in your professional life when you need to present yourself confidently.

Reach out to me via mail katharina@katharinaengelhardt.com for further details.

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