Tell me about yourself....

[Hockey9019]

We've all had this question asked to us during an interview at one time or another.

One of the easiest questions to answer, since there really isn't a wrong answer. But, it can be one of the most challenging too

However, I always get hung up on this question. I'm not the kind of person to just start talking about myself. I like when someone asks me questions about myself instead of me just blabbing on and on.


Is there any good "format" for answering the question about yourself? Like go in order of whatever?

I always tell them why I applied, my education, a bit about my work experience, personal background, never really got into hobbies or anything although I probably should to get more on a "personal" level because thats what they want.

Anyone have tips, suggestions, do's and don't s

I figured this would help out several others here too

[nadler20]

No joke, you read my mind. This is the biggest question I have trouble with. I hate the idea of feeling like a pompous A$$ going on and on about me. I feel comfortable answering every question I've seen here and on other sites except this one.

A general outline would probably do the trick. Help us out!

[Hockey9019]

Yup thats why I posted this. I always get caught up on this :p

[canuckofapeach]

This is often the opening question in an interview. Do not run off at the mouth as you will get flustered and side-tracked.

Generally, these four (4) topics should be covered and give them 2 minutes each: early years (place of birth, places of residence (countries, states, cities), education, all work history and recent career experience (last job).

It is essential you emphasize the last subject and put a positive spin on it. Give the interviewer your last occupation, title, job duties.

Keep in mind that these are warm-up question and the interviewer will ask for you to flesh out all of the answers or cherry pick.

Short and sweet is the key.

[mobrien316]

You should also practice your answer to this question. Formulate an answer that runs about 30-45 seconds. This is your chance to make an impression that will set you apart from all the other applicants. Make sure the impression you make is a favorable one.

[nadler20]

...Generally, these four (4) topics should be covered and give them 2 minutes each...

Maybe I'm reading that wrong, but do you mean 8 minutes of speaking, or cover the four topics in 2 minutes?

Narrowing those topics down did help, thanks.

[canuckofapeach]

Don't spend more than a couple of minutes on each of these 4 topics. Say, one topic could just take half a minute in duration and another topic 2 minutes or a little more but preferably less.

This will set the tone that both the interviewer and candidate can springboard from, the area between leading and being led.

It is a fact that first impressions do count so keep it positive, concise yet informative.

As Mobrien stated, practice the question so it feels natural and IS natural for you. You have once chance to make a good first impression but you don't have be an automaton. Be yourself. They will expect a modicum of nervousness.

[retdetsgt]

Now I can just tell people that I'm old, cranky and to leave me the hell alone!

[SnapShawt]

Now I can just tell people that I'm old, cranky and to leave me the hell alone!

Oh that's mine now! Thankya for the sig! :D

[noelchabanel]

Good job thinking about this FIRST, before going to the interview. This little question derailed my whole interview because I had no idea what to say and just got progressively more nervous :D YOU will do fine, because you have prepared on this one. Good luck!

[normal1]

Most of the people who ask that question during an interview don't even know the answer they want. I hate interviews, I think they're useless.

[retdetsgt]

Most of the people who ask that question during an interview don't even know the answer they want. I hate interviews, I think they're useless.

Well, you're dead wrong on that idea. The ability to think on your feet is extremely important. The way you deal with the interview board is an excellent method to see how you deal with the public.

Being able to be introspective is what boards are looking for. There is no right or wrong answer, but how you handle the question is what matters. If you give me a deer in the headlights response, I don't want you as a cop. Verbal skills are paramount in doing police work. You're going to handle a lot more police problems by talking than you are by muscle or writing reports. If a board freezes you up, there are street people who will definitely have you for lunch.

[normal1]

Well, you're dead wrong on that idea. The ability to think on your feet is extremely important. The way you deal with the interview board is an excellent method to see how you deal with the public.

Being able to be introspective is what boards are looking for. There is no right or wrong answer, but how you handle the question is what matters. If you give me a deer in the headlights response, I don't want you as a cop. Verbal skills are paramount in doing police work. You're going to handle a lot more police problems by talking than you are by muscle or writing reports. If a board freezes you up, there are street people who will definitely have you for lunch.

Sorry if my post confused some of you. My thought was more towards interviews for non-public service or LEO positions, you know corporate world. The last QAP I went in front of for the CHP they didnt ask that question and I'm glad they didnt. Not necessarily because I wouldnt be able to answer it but because I just dont like the question really, doesn't make sense to me. :D

[retdetsgt]

Sorry if my post confused some of you.

You would be SHOCKED at the number of things that confuse me.

[normal1]

You would be SHOCKED at the number of things that confuse me.

lol... alright all. Carry on :p