How to Answer "Tell Me About Yourself" in a Job Interview (Template!)

[@AdviceWithErin]

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[@noraiha-modia]

I'm transitioning from customer service to a virtual executive assistant role. Should I highlight my e-commerce VA experience alone, or include both my e-commerce and customer service experience?

[@bryangrunauer]

Nice! Let me try: I'm a brazilian designer born in Rio de Janeiro but raised in São Paulo, where I graduated in graphic design with a specialization in motion graphics. I am currently working with global brands at XYZ Agency, and I'm looking forward to use my skills in something more direct and creator-driven, which is why I ended up here. In my spare time I've been into gardening, it's very relaxing and adds more life to my apartment :)

[@keetyalexx]

This made me realize exactly where I can easily tell interviewers about my preferred name. I go by a nickname, and I never know when to bring it up, because I use my legal name on my resume and job applications. But of course telling them about myself should include my preferred name! Thank you!

[@kvcharles4425]

Im intrigued here. Please enlighten me. Can I do this from a legal perspective?

[@kvcharles4425]

I thought about using my preferred name on the resume

[@darkangel7820]

@@kvcharles4425 I do use my preferred name on my resume and application. I also use it when filing taxes. So if the aIRS has no problem with it, neither should an employer. Most of the time they roll with it and don't catch it or don't care. I have had some call me out. I just explain that's the name I go by and I also use it when filing taxes and have no problems. I NEED to legally change the shit is what I need to do. Maybe we all should to avoid this bullshit problem. We go through ENOUGH when it comes to a job. No need to add a name to the mix

[@dammar117]

You can put your preferred name in quotation marks between your legal given name and your surname.

[@Lobstrique]

i have an interview tomorrow and I've tried this template after seeing the ticktok. I'm so happy to find a full video, too! I'll perfect my statement and hopefully get the job, wish me luck 😄

[@Lobstrique]

ERIN IT WORKED, THANK YOU i used the template, learned the answer by heart, rehearsed it for a couple of days, timed it too to make sure it's not too long, and it saved me so much anxiety during the actual interview I GOT THE JOB, THANK YOU SO MUCH 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭✨✨✨✨✨

[@victorious_amos]

Congratulations 🎉

[@heatherofcrunchyleaves1519]

​@@Lobstrique thanks for coming back to update us.

[@Seraphina_Atley]

@@Lobstrique Wow!! a very belated congratulations to you!

[@kingofcurrywurst5287]

I watched a bunch of your interview videos and did exactly what you said and landed my dream job, i can't thank you enough ❤️‍🔥😭🙏

[@chanelchandelier]

Thank you so much for all the advice, Erin! This channel is extremely underrated. More people should be watching and commenting.

[@anonymoususer2766]

Erin I can’t thank you enough for your videos. I have an interview next week and am preparing by watching your channel, thank you for all your help!!

[@dnkember1230]

I am originally from ---- where I attended Community College, I excelled in public speaking and computer courses. My thirst for knowledge motivates me to pursue independent research, fueling my ambition for personal and professional growth. I've held various customer service positions in the food and retail industry, which allowed me to develop strong interpersonal and communication skills. Currently, I have over a decade of customer service experience and currently work for ---- which has a 5 year record for Fortune Best Workplaces. However, I am committed to lifelong learning and wish to further my studies in business, marketing, or digital design to broaden my knowledge. Creative activities, such as writing, art, and astronomy, inspire me to think creatively and innovate in my professional life.

[@kvcharles4425]

This is very articulate! What a splendid read! Superbly well written and awe inspiring! Thank you!

[@clincpb8903]

I wouldn't hire someone who speaks like a How to book.

[@moi1310]

Honestly your helping me out so much. I've just been searching for a job for a month but it's so difficult and I'm so anxious, I can tell my applications can be better but it's so hard to know how especially since Iäve been studying for two years. I will probably watch all your videos.

[@Abby-ll5yw]

I just bombed this question royally 😂 I had a phone interview and it’s really hard to answer this when you can’t see facial expressions. It’s like a void of talking about yourself and you don’t know when to stop 😂

[@isaguimaraes8285]

Its good in this case cause you can write down and read your answer😉

[@caitlinparkerfilms]

Please make templates for all the common job interview questions. I am a hopeless rambler! 😭

[@Slothy07]

Girl same! 😭

[@veronicamozee]

I had a terrible interview the other day. I wasn't prepared and i took the bus and it was the hottest day in Texas and i looked sloppy. It was a cute french restaurant and it suited me.Was tired annnd i rambled. I face planted. 😢 Ill be taking your advice from now on. Probably got ny twin/impersonator a job! ...or vote! Shame.

[@ArieruChan]

Thanks for what you do Erin. Your advice is leagues above any other content I can find on youtube! ❤

[@bethypines]

Just stumbled upon you this morning and I love you and your energy!! I need a refresh in all of this! I am 20+ years in my career and your words are exactly what I need right now. Thank you, Erin!!

[@Janna13011]

OMG thankyou so much! I have never done a job interview but applying for leadership positions at my school always comes with an interview. And I never really knew what to say. I would tell them my name, and where I was born and what I applied for and never thought about structuring a better response. This is perfect for when I apply for my next position at my school for a higher interview mark.

[@jenh3534]

I’m Jen and I grew up mostly in xxx with a brief stint in xxx. I went to school at xxx and graduated with a degree in business marketing. Shortly after graduating, I got a job at xxx and have been working there ever since. I’m currently a program manager in the creative agency and I love it. As you probably know xxx company is moving out of state and that has opened the door for me to explore a new career path. I noticed that xyz company has a lot of the same values and commitments to the community as xxx company, so when I saw this PM role position posted I knew I had to apply. In my spare time I like to travel, read and watch baseball.

[@Sannalikes]

You are a lifesaver! Your channel has helped me so much in preparing for interviews, I made it to the third round of interviews, which I have tomorrow! I feel so much more prepared which also helps with my anxiety. Thank you, Erin!

[@Paintthesewings]

Did you get the job!❤

[@Sannalikes]

@@Paintthesewings Nope lol 😅 But it was good practice for interviews and I got good feedback.

[@emmar2378]

So glad I found this video! I've been preparing for an interview this week and the examples you have given are amazing, thank you so much

[@ruthfeiertag]

Your videos are fantastic: practical, understandable, and encouraging. I’ve been recommending them to my adult children and their friends. What advice do you have for people, particularly women, who have been out of the work place for decades to raise their children? Parenting does not get the respect it deserves even though it does, as you obliquely note, require a lot of skills that translate well to a job. Iv would also love to see a video on how people with chronic illnesses should handle an interview. So many people are dealing with the often devastating effects of Long-haul COVID and other disabling conditions and, while chronic illnesses are supposed to be covered by the ADA, it would be tremendously helpful to have some guidance on how to navigate the job market honestly and still have a spot at getting employed. Thank you so much for sharing your insights and experience so generously!

[@SL-lz9jr]

Job discrimination still exists but I think many HR/talent acquisition professionals today are a bit more savvy. There's been a slow but steady cultural shift towards recognizing people's potential vs someone who follows a traditional career path. People are job hopping, taking self imposed sabbaticals, trying out entrepreneurship, etc. Lots of reasons for gaps on a resume. I'm not a hiring manager but I think if people can explain how their experiences translate to a new role or how their experiences made them a better person, a reasonable hiring manager would see the potential and value in this candidate. If it were me, I would absolutely treat parenthood as a "real job" and outline examples that directly fit into the role I'm applying for. It's no different than a recent grad using their college experiences to demonstrate their abilities. And it's no different than a self employed person using those experiences to demonstrate their value. As long as you can demonstrate your capabilities and show their relevance, you've got a shot. It's also similar for anyone making a career shift from being a Starbucks employee or something into an office job. I once helped a friend recognize the value of her past experience working at Trader Joe's. I helped her quantify her achievements, demonstrate the improvements she made, and anything else that might be relevant. It's no different for someone who is a mom, former nanny, or other caretaker.

[@ruthfeiertag]

@@SL-lz9jr The world needs so many more people like you!

[@ruthfeiertag]

@@SL-lz9jr It’s fantastic to read that you have such an open mind about how life experiences can be a boon in a workplace! I hope you’re right that your perspective is becoming more common. Parents should be able to take time to raise their kids without fearing bias when they return to the work force, especially with good childcare so hard to come by (and we need to value childcare workers more too, and that value should show up in their wages). Thank you for your response.

[@MccUser-xe3ox]

I have an interview in a couple of hours I'm going to use your notes and I'll be back afterwards to update on how greatt I did Thank you so much

[@Robert256]

I’m hoping to be able to use this soon. I’ve been looking for a new job for a while now. Hopefully something comes my way soon.

[@charliecharmander]

Thank your for posting this and taking the time to explain these concepts the way you do. I did great in my interview and your videos were essential in helping me feel prepared and confident. You are doing great work here.

[@klaudianapieraa4924]

Erin, could you please give advise on applying for jobs as internal candidate and telling your manager? I am based in the UK and not sure how much of that process is confidential.

[@ASHLEYANGELINA]

Thanks so much for posting. Very helpful 😊

[@AdviceWithErin]

Glad you like it! ❤

[@georgiaherskind]

watching you videos back to back. They're so helpful. Thanks so much!

[@darkangel7820]

Yep she just mentioned what I was about to type lol when it's a work from home job, do NOT mention you have kids or pets. Especially when it's a dog. They automatically discriminate because they think you will be dealing with your kids and you will have background noise. One question I guarantee you will be asked that a lot of people mess up on is , why do you want to work from home?? They are not really asking why you want to work from home. They're asking Why do we want you to work from home for us? I'm a home body and I hate traffic. I like working in my own environment as I am more comfortable and better able to focus on the task at hand. Do you have kids or pets that will be interrupting during your working hours? They're probably being nosey and trying to find out if you are trying to use the WAH job as an opportunity to be with your kids. But my kids will absolutely NOT be interrupting while I'm working. And I don't have pets. So I always say no. Nobody will be here to interrupt while I am working. When I first started working from home I had a cat. She HAD to be with me. I had her trained not to meow when I had on a headset. She would open her mouth like she was meowing but no noise lol when I took off the headset she would get loud because she had been wanting my attention for whatever. I always kept out her food where she could get to it whenever and of course plenty of water. Tell me about yourself I'm a homebody. I am more comfortable in my own environment. I first started working from home in August 2005, so I have a lot of experience. I love talking to different people and being able to help them. I don't mind difficult calls as I consider it as a challenge. I don't take it personal. The caller is not angry at me. They don't know me. They're angry at their situation. I also have a little over 6 years experience working as an Assistant Supervisor at a Data Entry company. I started out as a Data Entry Operator myself and moved up. (Then stop) That's for a Customer Service Representative or a Supervisor position of a Customer Service Representative of a work from home company. When it comes to work from home, there have only been two jobs I wanted that I didn't get!! One of them was local. I KNOW they found my Facebook and didn't hire me based on my political and religious views. Now the other one lol I have no idea. I guess I breathed the wrong way or something. I was part of a huge WAH message board during that time before it got shut down and there was like 14 of us that interviewed and didn't get it and none of us could figure out why lol so I just don't focus on that one

[@terrinutting7337]

Your fabulous! Love your material!

[@joelbarajas2780]

Do you have an advice for someone who’s currently changing careers? I’ve gone from customer service, tech support, bank through a call center,auto body and paint, and now I am going back to a bank but, now face to face. I am trying to figure out first how can I negotiate salary when my resume have been all over the place and how can I find what a truly like? I know I loved teaching and that I am good with numbers and I like to find different ways to find an answer to a solution.

[@Juhulia76]

You have many different skills and interests. This can be seen as a strength. But you need to believe in it. If you think of your variety of jobs as a weakness then you will transmit this to the interviewer. Be proud of having experience in so many different areas.

[@khorshidbanoo1158]

"and remember you got thissss" I love that

[@noraiha-modia]

Hi, Erin. I'm transitioning from customer service to a virtual executive assistant role. Should I highlight my e-commerce VA experience alone, or include both my e-commerce and customer service experience?

[@laurenh8736]

I love these long form videos!

[@lifeviz28568]

How do you start off the past if you are unemployed and a recent college graduate, and are looking for a full-time job? Do you just say "I am currently looking for great opportunities in ABC field" without giving off a negative impression?

[@heatherorr2116]

Thanks for the short. Just used it this afternoon for a job interview.

[@ellenlittle6551]

I love your videos! Also, I actually AM from Charlotte, NC so I got excited at your bonus example being from here, too!

[@user-yp6wn8tr1z]

Hi Erin! What do you do if you currently work for the company just in different capacity? I work at a high school as the head secretary, but am applying for the accounting department in the district office? I do all the accounting,ordering and talk with the people in this department in my current role.

[@rosiegoesrogue]

Superrrrr helpful! Thank you.

[@setyourspacewithsusan]

Qualifications, qualifications, qualifications! Lol!

[@jaycollins2929]

Erin, any advice how to perform at a job interview for Federal or government ? Thanks

[@myadajanku]

Definitely used your template to get my recent job.

[@shanagirl33]

Excellent video.

[@reneadinaro8183]

For those going into an interview, do your research. Ask questions. Know what you don't know. Don't try to impress. You are beaten on that front just by asking for a job. Remember, they are evaluating you in how can you help them make money. Despite the fact that you shower, wipe your butt after pooping, and do laundry, what else you got? You have your youth, potential, curiosity, and the skill to learn, be humble, and lead. Remember Erin, you manage money, time, things, inventory. What you do not manage, Erin, is people. You lead them. Be a leader and nit some person with tricks.

[@9Nikko8]

Where did that come from?!

[@reneadinaro8183]

​@@9Nikko8Age. Time. I'm 53. And I still interview. It takes about 2 minutes. I know more about that organization than they know about me because they advertised. Do your homework. Intelligence is key.

[@rachxcel]

i have an interview in 2 days... i hope this will help

[@NaijhaSpeaks]

Great "Teach Me Something New" session at VidCon Baltimore.

[@ITSHProductions]

The past : what if you have had a busy history? How do you minimize?

[@ITSHProductions]

I guess I should elaborate on the fact that I've done family own business retail, electronic store, auto parts delivery, shuttling people to their resorts, delivering ice cream, ..... Another word's nothing that is consistent with a subject matter.... But I've been the director, the front office manager, assistant manager, youngest store manager in the district, all sorts of weird things how do you put that into a short statement

[@shanaesmith112]

Only mention things that benefit the company you're applying to.

[@autumntaylor9795]

Honestly pretty sad that women with children can just get discriminated against for having kids.

[@L.Hodson]

Thank you

[@andrewlamb7272]

Question: What is the best way to answer “What is your biggest pet peeves when working with a team.” Thank you for all the great content! I just used your advice in an interview!

[@stargirl33343]

Being a cowboys fan in DC is almost as bad as being a Steelers fan in Baltimore.

[@tyradeck4746]

thank u so much

[@lasurfette7830]

"Tell me about yourself" means "give me your pitch!"

[@burrrrr8525]

I’d say some of those examples are too long and set some traps for yourself. ESP if interview has higher difficulty

[@TheGoodWin777]

Can you elaborate on this?

[@SyedkhanjeeSyedkhanjee]

Optic top name major tourist cities kazakhstan kuwait

[@cgi2173]

217k views on YT for this. Only 23 comments. 🙃

[@reneadinaro8183]

I can't stand the smile/talk bullshit communication thing. It reminds me of greeters at a store in the south eastern part of the US. Just talk to me real, don't embellish and, if you really want to impress Erin, tell me what you don't know. Ask me questions. The sign of intelligence is curiosity. Knowing what you do not know is how you move forward.

[@steevemachine118]

😅

[@kevinmassetti]

Wow use chat gpt? To get some ideas? Talk about “disingenuous?”