Feb. 12, 2025
889: Master the "Tell Me About Yourself" Interview Question – Expert Tips for Success
Let's get it! In today’s episode, we're diving deep into a question you've encountered: "Tell me about yourself."
Simple, right?
But here’s the thing: this question trips up so many people during interviews. I’m here to help you master it. We’ll explore why interviewers ask it and what they're really looking for in your answer.
You'll learn how to avoid common mistakes and craft a response that tells your story and demonstrates how you can be a standout asset to any team. We'll talk about handling adversity, embracing uncertainty, and steering clear of complacency—all through the lens of this pivotal question.
Plus, I’ll share crucial tips on coming in prepared, knowing the business inside and out, and really selling your potential.
So, tune in, gear up, and let’s get you ready to impress at your next interview. Stay tough and never settle.
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Keep it simple. Keep it moving. Never settle. Stay tough.
Transcript
WEBVTT
00:00:00.578 --> 00:00:01.489
All right, three, two, one.
00:00:01.489 --> 00:00:02.629
Let's get it today.
00:00:02.959 --> 00:00:07.519
I want to tackle a fundamental question that pops up at every interview I give.
00:00:07.929 --> 00:00:12.539
First thing I kick off, man, if you ever come interview with me, that's the first question I'm going to ask you.
00:00:13.308 --> 00:00:14.458
Tell me about yourself.
00:00:15.118 --> 00:00:22.574
And this question might seem simple, but amazingly, This is where most people falter.
00:00:23.054 --> 00:00:31.434
So let me dive into how you can craft a response that sets the tone for the entire interview.
00:00:32.335 --> 00:00:34.564
When I ask, tell me about yourself.
00:00:34.984 --> 00:00:36.933
I'm not just making conversation.
00:00:37.594 --> 00:00:47.603
I'm looking to see how you frame your journey, your thinking process And how the experiences that you've had make you a valuable asset to my company.
00:00:48.173 --> 00:00:49.853
This isn't about your past.
00:00:51.043 --> 00:00:53.354
It's about your future potential with us.
00:00:54.225 --> 00:01:01.134
And you know, I've seen countless people bomb this question by responding, well, What do you want to know?
00:01:01.804 --> 00:01:05.004
That's the worst response you can give me.
00:01:05.394 --> 00:01:09.984
It shows your unpreparedness and the lack of strategic thought.
00:01:10.605 --> 00:01:12.775
This question deserves more than a moment's thought.
00:01:14.155 --> 00:01:17.355
It deserves a thoughtful, structured reply.
00:01:18.344 --> 00:01:19.515
Here's what I'm digging for.
00:01:19.515 --> 00:01:21.855
When I ask, tell me about yourself.
00:01:22.564 --> 00:01:29.204
I want to know how you handle adversity, embrace uncertainty and steer clear of complacency.
00:01:30.385 --> 00:01:34.754
Tell me a story that's woven with challenges that you've overcome.
00:01:35.644 --> 00:01:40.504
Show me how you can own your story and your outcomes, which tells me a lot about.
00:01:41.064 --> 00:01:42.525
How you'll handle this job.
00:01:44.004 --> 00:01:45.125
Start with adversity.
00:01:46.064 --> 00:01:48.593
How have you dealt with difficult situations?
00:01:49.275 --> 00:01:55.454
I want to hear about these moments because they show me your resilience and ability to find solutions.
00:01:56.114 --> 00:01:57.364
Then talk about uncertainty.
00:01:57.364 --> 00:02:03.905
If you've navigated through unclear situations and come out on top, it's a big plus in my book.
00:02:04.469 --> 00:02:07.459
It shows how you can step into the unknown with confidence.
00:02:08.419 --> 00:02:10.560
And then let's talk about the elephant in the room.
00:02:11.110 --> 00:02:12.090
Complacency.
00:02:13.550 --> 00:02:15.120
It's not just what you say.
00:02:16.058 --> 00:02:17.110
It's how you say it.
00:02:17.819 --> 00:02:18.998
Are your eyes lively?
00:02:19.789 --> 00:02:21.258
Do you avoid eye contact?
00:02:21.848 --> 00:02:28.150
Is your speech energetic or does it sound like you're just going through the motions, dialing it in?
00:02:29.340 --> 00:02:32.550
These clues are vital because it shows me.
00:02:33.025 --> 00:02:34.675
The kind of person you really are.
00:02:36.125 --> 00:02:40.844
Now, when you think about crafting your story for the interview, remember preparation is key.
00:02:41.533 --> 00:02:52.873
Dude, I can't stress this enough because so many people come in unprepared and trust me, it shows you got to know your story inside and out.
00:02:53.294 --> 00:02:54.304
You got to know it.
00:02:54.753 --> 00:02:59.914
And I think that's indicative too, Have you really analyzed your own life?
00:03:00.405 --> 00:03:02.185
It shows me self reflection.
00:03:02.645 --> 00:03:11.663
It shows me how much time you spend on yourself and when you ramble and when you get off track, it's not a good thing.
00:03:12.414 --> 00:03:17.485
And here's something just as crucial know about the company that you're interviewing with.
00:03:18.004 --> 00:03:19.634
What do you know about my business?
00:03:20.159 --> 00:03:21.550
What are our accolades?
00:03:21.840 --> 00:03:22.840
It's performance.
00:03:23.069 --> 00:03:25.909
What's being said about it positively in the news.
00:03:26.719 --> 00:03:27.610
Put it like this.
00:03:28.090 --> 00:03:30.150
Be ready to sell my business back to me.
00:03:31.759 --> 00:03:35.909
See, if we bring you on board, how can you be an asset?
00:03:36.569 --> 00:03:43.250
Show me that you've done your homework, that you understand what we stand for, how you can contribute to our continued success.
00:03:43.770 --> 00:03:44.620
Because guess what?
00:03:44.620 --> 00:03:48.520
We were successful before you and we'll be successful without you.
00:03:49.069 --> 00:03:56.539
How can you be a part of the synergy of the business while standing out as someone who's already one step ahead?
00:03:57.550 --> 00:03:58.590
It's what I'm looking for.
00:03:59.639 --> 00:04:00.610
All right, let's get out of here.
00:04:00.629 --> 00:04:01.680
Remember, keep it simple.
00:04:01.689 --> 00:04:02.289
Keep it moving.
00:04:02.289 --> 00:04:02.870
Never settle.
00:04:02.870 --> 00:04:03.500
Stay tough.
00:04:03.789 --> 00:04:05.629
Thanks as always for tuning in.
00:04:05.639 --> 00:04:06.810
Super grateful for that.
00:04:07.210 --> 00:04:11.520
Also, if you would, don't keep us a secret, share this episode with someone who needs it.
00:04:11.560 --> 00:04:12.409
Just one person.
00:04:13.099 --> 00:04:17.730
And if you haven't left a rating or review, please do so on your favorite podcast app.
00:04:18.079 --> 00:04:19.399
This helps get the word out.
00:04:19.759 --> 00:04:20.170
Peace.
00:00:00.578 --> 00:00:01.489
All right, three, two, one.
00:00:01.489 --> 00:00:02.629
Let's get it today.
00:00:02.959 --> 00:00:07.519
I want to tackle a fundamental question that pops up at every interview I give.
00:00:07.929 --> 00:00:12.539
First thing I kick off, man, if you ever come interview with me, that's the first question I'm going to ask you.
00:00:13.308 --> 00:00:14.458
Tell me about yourself.
00:00:15.118 --> 00:00:22.574
And this question might seem simple, but amazingly, This is where most people falter.
00:00:23.054 --> 00:00:31.434
So let me dive into how you can craft a response that sets the tone for the entire interview.
00:00:32.335 --> 00:00:34.564
When I ask, tell me about yourself.
00:00:34.984 --> 00:00:36.933
I'm not just making conversation.
00:00:37.594 --> 00:00:47.603
I'm looking to see how you frame your journey, your thinking process And how the experiences that you've had make you a valuable asset to my company.
00:00:48.173 --> 00:00:49.853
This isn't about your past.
00:00:51.043 --> 00:00:53.354
It's about your future potential with us.
00:00:54.225 --> 00:01:01.134
And you know, I've seen countless people bomb this question by responding, well, What do you want to know?
00:01:01.804 --> 00:01:05.004
That's the worst response you can give me.
00:01:05.394 --> 00:01:09.984
It shows your unpreparedness and the lack of strategic thought.
00:01:10.605 --> 00:01:12.775
This question deserves more than a moment's thought.
00:01:14.155 --> 00:01:17.355
It deserves a thoughtful, structured reply.
00:01:18.344 --> 00:01:19.515
Here's what I'm digging for.
00:01:19.515 --> 00:01:21.855
When I ask, tell me about yourself.
00:01:22.564 --> 00:01:29.204
I want to know how you handle adversity, embrace uncertainty and steer clear of complacency.
00:01:30.385 --> 00:01:34.754
Tell me a story that's woven with challenges that you've overcome.
00:01:35.644 --> 00:01:40.504
Show me how you can own your story and your outcomes, which tells me a lot about.
00:01:41.064 --> 00:01:42.525
How you'll handle this job.
00:01:44.004 --> 00:01:45.125
Start with adversity.
00:01:46.064 --> 00:01:48.593
How have you dealt with difficult situations?
00:01:49.275 --> 00:01:55.454
I want to hear about these moments because they show me your resilience and ability to find solutions.
00:01:56.114 --> 00:01:57.364
Then talk about uncertainty.
00:01:57.364 --> 00:02:03.905
If you've navigated through unclear situations and come out on top, it's a big plus in my book.
00:02:04.469 --> 00:02:07.459
It shows how you can step into the unknown with confidence.
00:02:08.419 --> 00:02:10.560
And then let's talk about the elephant in the room.
00:02:11.110 --> 00:02:12.090
Complacency.
00:02:13.550 --> 00:02:15.120
It's not just what you say.
00:02:16.058 --> 00:02:17.110
It's how you say it.
00:02:17.819 --> 00:02:18.998
Are your eyes lively?
00:02:19.789 --> 00:02:21.258
Do you avoid eye contact?
00:02:21.848 --> 00:02:28.150
Is your speech energetic or does it sound like you're just going through the motions, dialing it in?
00:02:29.340 --> 00:02:32.550
These clues are vital because it shows me.
00:02:33.025 --> 00:02:34.675
The kind of person you really are.
00:02:36.125 --> 00:02:40.844
Now, when you think about crafting your story for the interview, remember preparation is key.
00:02:41.533 --> 00:02:52.873
Dude, I can't stress this enough because so many people come in unprepared and trust me, it shows you got to know your story inside and out.
00:02:53.294 --> 00:02:54.304
You got to know it.
00:02:54.753 --> 00:02:59.914
And I think that's indicative too, Have you really analyzed your own life?
00:03:00.405 --> 00:03:02.185
It shows me self reflection.
00:03:02.645 --> 00:03:11.663
It shows me how much time you spend on yourself and when you ramble and when you get off track, it's not a good thing.
00:03:12.414 --> 00:03:17.485
And here's something just as crucial know about the company that you're interviewing with.
00:03:18.004 --> 00:03:19.634
What do you know about my business?
00:03:20.159 --> 00:03:21.550
What are our accolades?
00:03:21.840 --> 00:03:22.840
It's performance.
00:03:23.069 --> 00:03:25.909
What's being said about it positively in the news.
00:03:26.719 --> 00:03:27.610
Put it like this.
00:03:28.090 --> 00:03:30.150
Be ready to sell my business back to me.
00:03:31.759 --> 00:03:35.909
See, if we bring you on board, how can you be an asset?
00:03:36.569 --> 00:03:43.250
Show me that you've done your homework, that you understand what we stand for, how you can contribute to our continued success.
00:03:43.770 --> 00:03:44.620
Because guess what?
00:03:44.620 --> 00:03:48.520
We were successful before you and we'll be successful without you.
00:03:49.069 --> 00:03:56.539
How can you be a part of the synergy of the business while standing out as someone who's already one step ahead?
00:03:57.550 --> 00:03:58.590
It's what I'm looking for.
00:03:59.639 --> 00:04:00.610
All right, let's get out of here.
00:04:00.629 --> 00:04:01.680
Remember, keep it simple.
00:04:01.689 --> 00:04:02.289
Keep it moving.
00:04:02.289 --> 00:04:02.870
Never settle.
00:04:02.870 --> 00:04:03.500
Stay tough.
00:04:03.789 --> 00:04:05.629
Thanks as always for tuning in.
00:04:05.639 --> 00:04:06.810
Super grateful for that.
00:04:07.210 --> 00:04:11.520
Also, if you would, don't keep us a secret, share this episode with someone who needs it.
00:04:11.560 --> 00:04:12.409
Just one person.
00:04:13.099 --> 00:04:17.730
And if you haven't left a rating or review, please do so on your favorite podcast app.
00:04:18.079 --> 00:04:19.399
This helps get the word out.
00:04:19.759 --> 00:04:20.170
Peace.