Some people have a natural feeling of ease when it comes to stressful situations like job interviews, but that is by far the exception and not the rule. Even those who go in with confidence can be easily caught off guard or flub up an interview. This is especially true if it has been a while since you have been through the interview circuit. So let's go back to basics with this look at the age-old question, “Tell me about yourself.”
One thing you must remember about the interview: you are the salesman, and you are also the product for sale. It is all about presenting yourself as the best candidate for the position. Good reminder points were made in a recent blog post on Resume to Referral, and I would like to share the key factors. Many people blow this part of the interview because they are not sure what to say. Share a life story? Job history? Education history? Skills? Family?
The article speaks of two main approaches to answering. One approach is the “Specific Approach” which is offering specific, relevant aspects of your background. The other approach is the “Overview Approach” where you offer less specific information, especially if you are not exactly certain what specific information would suffice. The latter approach is probably the most typical one used, and tends to be a safe bet. However, if you have seriously done your homework before entering into the interview, you may already know specifics about the position, and can therefore respond more directly. In a group of candidates with an overview approach, a specific approach can cause you to stand out from the crowd.
Whichever approach taken, you should always follow your points up with a question that will cause the interviewer to respond with a more specific question for you. This helps to narrow down the general question to find out more of what specifically is being looked for in an answer. The types of key points you want to make are short, relevant phrases that are action-oriented and highlight tasks and your strengths. The article offers the following as excellent examples of starter words for your points: “I started up…” I developed and successfully executed…,” or “I spearheaded something and brought it to something other.”
For each point, develop a 30-50 second story using the S.O.A.R. technique, which is listed as:
- S – The Situation or circumstance in which you were involved
- O – The Opportunity that existed for, first, your organization and then you
- A – The Actions you took in face of the opportunity
- R – The Results of your action
Here is a very fine example that is offered using this technique:
(S) The ownership of a physical therapy and sports medicine company recruited me to (O) lead, grow and concurrently stabilize a $4.7 million health systems company staffed by 85 professionals. (A) I developed and executed all business plans and opened new markets in industrial and corporate health promotion, (R) positioning the company for its very profitable $6.6 million sale, $2.5 million more than the ownership had anticipated.
When the question is asked – “Tell me about yourself” – start by referencing and offering a brief recap of the bullet points on your resume, followed immediately by the above-mentioned action phrased bullet-points. After offering those, end with the question tip, something along the lines of, “shall I elaborate on any of these points further?” Depending on the response, you can then proceed with the S.O.A.R. story scheme in regards tor the point being discussed. Obviously it is important to have the 30-50 second story ready for each and every point that could be asked about.
In preparation for the job search and interviewing process, it can really be a benefit to write down your example stories, and re-read them. Knowing the content of your resume without looking, as well as having prepared responses to any questions on the key points you have offered, will give you confidence and precise responses so you won’t fall flat on your face. When you are done, you will have properly handled their questions and put forth your best foot as a salesman selling the best candidate – yourself!
Image courtesy of Ambro - Freedigitalphotos.net
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