How to Answer the Question, “Tell Me About Yourself” | Christine vs. Work

𝙎𝙪𝙗𝙨𝙘𝙧𝙞𝙗𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝘼𝙨𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙤𝙙𝙖𝙮! ✨ / hbrascend ✨
It may seem like a softball, but it's actually the toughest job interview question. Here's how to nail it.
Let’s be real: “Tell me about yourself” isn’t even a question. It sparks instant anxiety for most. Where do I start? What’s most important? How much of myself do I reveal? Also, 𝘸𝘩𝘰 am I? Innovation Editor Christine Liu decided to tackle these questions head-on with the help of Joel Schwartzberg, author of, “Get to the Point! Sharpen Your Message and Make Your Words Matter.” With a few practical steps--like matching who you are with the company’s needs and mission--you’ll have more answers than questions next time someone says, “Tell me about yourself.”
Filmed in Fall 2019.
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#personalbrand #communication #jobinterview

[@harvardbusinessreview]

What questions do you dread during a job interview? 🙈 -Christine

[@brennaosiecki4507]

"tell me about your weaknesses" this always feels like a trap. There is this pressure to talk about something that could be seen as a weakness, but not to the point where it is a red flag that would rule me out for the position. So it has to be a weakness that is fixable to show you are aware of the places you still need to grow without making it seem like you are a mess haha no easy task.

[@chantalabraham6701]

@@brennaosiecki4507 So very true

[@89DerChristian]

@@brennaosiecki4507 I actually never heard this question in any interview ever

[@adazudiara4496]

@@brennaosiecki4507 amen, for that.

[@leila_de_hautjardin]

Why have you been unemployed for so long ?

[@charlotterivera8490]

I couldn't stop laughing at the sound effect to the question. It's like an evil question that shouldn't be brought up. 🤣🤣🤣

[@monicaviola5018]

We need more Christine Liu "How to video" We need more CL coaching session and We need more short and concise video

[@harvardbusinessreview]

Thanks Monica! Happy to share. Also fun fact-I play the viola! -CL

[@nandinipal1042]

This is such a fun way to talk about the most dreaded question

[@misosoupbaby]

I was feeling so lost and lonely about my job search as a college senior & this series humanized things so much for me, im so glad the boss hired christine !! I'm also an Asian woman myself looking to work in media and I needed this representation so much atm

[@elmonterrosa]

She's your expander!

[@JoeSmith-yo1zc]

Interview question "Tell me about yourself" Think of it this way......"Please take the next 1.5 to 2.5 minutes and summarize your skills and experiences that >>directly relate

[@piyushkulkarni3546]

that is bang on point

[@geocom200]

Adaptability is right on.

[@athenaparthenos9092]

I got an email for a Harvard interview today. This video was super helpful. Thanks a lot and fingers crossed

[@adazudiara4496]

How was that?

[@athenaparthenos9092]

@@adazudiara4496 I got in! It's been quite a journey and I'm excited to see where it takes me :)

[@oluwanifemiojo7302]

@@athenaparthenos9092 Congratulations 🥂

[@JustAnotherLokiStan]

@@athenaparthenos9092 I applied this year (REA). I haven't gotten an interview yet (international student lol :') interviews aren't usually offered in my area) but hopefully I'll see you there next year!

[@emmadoner7286]

I got my Harvard interview email today and im so nervous ahhh

[@viviennewei9376]

Love this. Christine did a great job of providing next steps, while still making this a fun exercise in a relaxed setting. Very creative!

[@harvardbusinessreview]

Thanks for the kind words! -CL

[@ThatsJustMyBabyDaddy]

My response is always to ask them what specifically they are wanting to know about me. It's a conversation, not an Inquisition.

[@Airith5]

So don't actually talk about yourself, talk about the only thing the company cares about, how you make them money and provide value.

[@adnancivgin3780]

Great work Christine. Especially the progress you have made within a week, thanks to good preparation. A concise and insightful video - very helpful and thanks for it!

[@naosouumrotulo4430]

Oh my god! this really helped me! Usually I just repeat my CV! Also I LOL with this video!! Thank you very much!

[@davidmiranda8979]

Christine, you rock! I loved this video, I needed it lol

[@elmonterrosa]

I love the before and after! I would love to see more of the entire process. Like what did the outline look like. How many times did she practice it. Any types of self-reflection she did.

[@tracy98098]

I love to watch all your videos! You are a damn good fun editor 💖

[@mochanmugham3649]

Great content. I like the specific strategy to improve your answer. And Christine is a great host. I like her casual and friendly style.

[@harvardbusinessreview]

Hi Mo, thanks so much for the kind words! I think I'll go by "Casual Christine" from now on. -CL

[@pallabiroutray]

Where's Christine? I miss these Christine vs Work videos. :( They are super super helpful!

[@crespo0519]

Omg your the best- love your tips and re-enactments! Omg so me.. I need help LOL ! Pls keep bringing them on! I’m Just going back to the work field after a long gap from working and I need this!! - thank you!!!

[@AnthonyWestkc]

I definitely needed this!

[@monowarabegum2954]

This video is so helpful and well done. Love the presentation 👌 Thank you 😊

[@HAHACHIAO]

Loved this video! Keep more videos coming Christine!

[@shiqichen272]

It's very useful. Thank you very much Christine.

[@cutiex7357]

DAYYYMN YOU became SO GOOOOD!

[@sophiesoxs]

This was legit funny and super informative. Thanks so much!

[@peaceall43650]

you’re killing it on the effects too! 😁

[@DouganTheLegend]

Thank you so much for this video. I never know how to tackle this question and now I know. It was the first question during the interview! I was expecting it, so once I got it out of the way, the rest of the interview was easy.

[@sujatha_jha]

Useful tips to prep for a difficult question! Well done Christine.

[@cococooks8370]

Interesting information presented in such a compelling way. Christine, you are extremely likable!

[@harvardbusinessreview]

Hi CoCo, thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed it. -CL

[@metroymedio8929]

Hahahaha! I've loved you since the first 10 seconds of your video.

[@garretttedeman]

Darn good clip. Textbook illustration for all of us to consider (and maybe even use for a bit of self-improvement).

[@thisisshahidshaown]

Lear few techniques from this Video by Christine. Thanks for making this.

[@harvardbusinessreview]

I'm glad it was helpful! -CL

[@heatherdeluca]

Great video, thank you!!!

[@fleXcope]

Love this

[@naosouumrotulo4430]

One question tough, I learned from other coaches that it not a good strategy to say plain simple that you are great at some skill, you should tell a story that illustrate why you are good

[@lindazhang8004]

so true

[@mijailayala3053]

Dear Christine. Today I had my first job interview. the interviewer was the CEO, I felt a little fearful, but I followed the advice in this video. I still have to wait for the answer, however, I was prepared for the interview. Thank you.

[@marianaarreolaalvarez7604]

how was it? Hope you ve got the job

[@shellytheressenovo3890]

It's 2024 but I still re-watch this video whenever I have interviews! Job interviews are indeed a nerve-wracking experience and Christine made a unique and fun how-to video with it. More of these videos from Christine, please.

[@davidshelby78]

I’m a management undergraduate and it was helpful, thank you!

[@harvardbusinessreview]

That's exciting! Good luck with your studies. HBR will be here for ya. -CL

[@annichabe]

Super insightful!

[@harvardbusinessreview]

Glad to hear you enjoyed it! -CL

[@mdjamaluddin2079]

Thank you so much

[@long_fellow]

Love your videos.

[@user-kd7we9lm1b]

this was amazing

[@gbenga3136]

Just what I need at the moment.

[@harvardbusinessreview]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. -CL

[@abelnunez-guerrero3832]

This is a great video! Thank you @HarvardBusinessReview! 💯

[@roseottinger8117]

was a very helpful video it gave me some very good pointers .

[@salexander3801]

This was dope lol; great editing and content

[@harvardbusinessreview]

Going to add dope to my updated list of personality traits. Thanks for watching! -CL

[@iN00bman]

Great editing 👏🏻

[@prasadramasamy904]

yeah you are a good editor. Thanks for the content BTW

[@harvardbusinessreview]

Thanks man. You're so welcome! -CL

[@adityashaw3198]

Thank you 😊

[@harvardbusinessreview]

You're the most welcome. -CL

[@Clarkstar_Writes]

Okay 👌 Synopsis: Video number two (2) and Christina kills it-yet; again! Dynamite 🧨 dialogue, witty comments with a comedic flair, whilst still maintaining professionalism + educating the audience. I’m almost confused whether or not Christina’s an actress or business specialist. I would absolutely love to interview Christina, and discuss how the concept for these videos came to be, and moreover-was she responsible for production or hired in for this creative content. In contrast to herein, another awesome video and epic usable information. Would be double brilliant to write ✍️ an article about Christina in the near future. Iconic public figure… M. CLARKSTAR

[@Tiffany-ov2jf]

I am 16 and I am nowhere close to getting Harvard but I still clicked on this 😂

[@harvardbusinessreview]

Thanks for stopping by-you'll always be welcome in the HBR fam! -CL

[@meizi5521]

There is another question that i cant answer "where do you see yourself in 5 years time?"To me this terrible question and only people who do not want to develop themselves can answer this question. 5 years is a long time, it depends on lots of factors and i am willing to change myself to adapt, so how the hell will i know where i will be in 5 years?!

[@gnanasekarthiyagarajan7680]

Such a bad answer

[@gusmonster59]

Thankfully, I am at a point where I can say 'I see myself retired unless I have a job that I truly enjoy'. Bad answer? So what. It's. stupid question that doesn't deserve an answer.

[@tidudddudidam5163]

Thats true, what the answer they search for asking question like that? And sometimes i just want to answer "it depends on the situation and condition" no body knows what will happen in the next 5 years in their life 😌

[@cally77777]

I recently thought up this reply. 'Using a driverless car, and employing several cleaning robots.'

[@okanime1]

This question is not only useless it’s also pointless. But it’s helpful to know how to answer it correctly regardless.

[@KrisKringle2]

I agree with you, but it is funny to think there is a correct answer to a useless pointless question. Screams for dishonest puffery.

[@TV-sn6sl]

Good video💕💕💕💕EXCELLENCE

[@hassaan7193]

the "tell me about yourself" music is hilarious. Captures the dread!

[@gusmonster59]

Tell me about yourself means I tell them my skills that pertain to the job description. My personal life is not their business.

[@DrJohnPollard]

My response is, "What would you like to know?" Seems to work okay!

[@vasiwasi4899]

when they ask them i bring in the expert. you have to say yaassss every so often. just work it into your work interview

[@crisvazquez114]

Wao, that coach is super nice hahaha

[@Seanonyoutube]

When I get that stupid question I simply reply with “can you be more specific?”

[@danielshaikhali5108]

When u are so early there are no interesting comments to see :)

[@prasadramasamy904]

hahahahha so damn true

[@techmore5607]

I would tell the interviewer thaT I am forthright and then say that it’s a lame and outdated question 😂.

[@gadanesarsiburian4823]

good video, i almost watching this video for about 100 times, but it still too hard for me because of the deadline of some project, i can't divide my focus when i already do something or already focus on something sometimes i ignore the new thing that i need to do or new task. So, that would be great if someone can solve this matter. Thanks

[@gbenga3136]

If I was asked that same question, I'll be like " I'm the dude who wants to work a little and get so much pay from your organisation"🤣

[@harvardbusinessreview]

HBR also has tips on salary negotiation :) -CL

[@rajatguptabanker]

I don't know why i am watching this.... I am nowhere near a job interview 😢

[@harvardbusinessreview]

You're already on the right track putting in the time to learn. I'll be rooting for you! -CL

[@azelwashington6832]

1:40 WDYM???? THAT IS THE EXPERT💀😍

[@harvardbusinessreview]

👔😹 -CL

[@CharlotteTranp]

I actually thought her first answer was great! adjectives, personality... haha I definitely need some help

[@harvardbusinessreview]

Aww, thanks. Def trying to balance coherence and authenticity. Practice makes it easier! -CL

[@synsng]

5:35 ahahahahaha like me

[@anandk5536]

Don't you think that it is not fair. Interviewer asks " tell me about yourself " we do. When we ask interviewer " tell me about yourself" No no it is not right. We should read about company and interviewer before it.

[@KrisKringle2]

Very often the company, or interviewer, isn't concerned about being fair. Then you have to ask yourself, is the benefit to working at this place great enough to put up with the unfairness and work to make sure (and/or hope) you have the freedom to make that choice.

[@krisnrg]

It’s an easy question

[@veronicamartins5775]

Is there a lettuce leave on his tooth? - 6:00

[@selcukakyuz_marcom]

"Tell me about yourself" is a sign of an attitude problem: I push a button and get information.

[@KrisKringle2]

An attitude problem on whose part, interviewer or interviewee?

[@lordloneshadow7572]

That fucking music reminded me of Re:zero

[@jeremyrondonuwu3155]

Can anyone please tell me what the effect is called in 12 to 13 seconds in? Haha 😂😂

[@victorrodriguezsr6081]

You are too cute and funny too!

[@anantdevasheesh7710]

3:16

[@ssbh8777]

Physcotic random bgm

[@Aceth1s]

Dream i wish i would never happened to me

[@meryllamistoso]

what's the deal? it's the best question ever. it's equal to "tell me what you want to tell me", and gives you opportunity to reveal yourself outside the bounds of the interviewer's questions, which could be none of what you want him to know. it's like getting a headstart in a race

[@lazizbeksaimnazarov771]

+

[@dl5101]

When the interviewer hasn’t read the resume…

[@siticotijah8976]

I hate this question, like arrghh

[@Sllee93]

5:31 and for that reason, I’m out

[@phenomsbk4766]

Music and effects are super annoying

[@ichkaodko7020]

Harvard Business Review: so why should we hire you? Me: Wuut? Because you guys are hiring. Harvard Business Review: That's not an acceptable answer. Me: You know what? why should I accept this position? Harvard Business Review: What? Me: Yeah, why is this position open? Do people keep quitting? Harvard Business Review: Umm Me: why are people quitting this job? Is there something I should know? Harvard Business Review: fill the blank

[@jwongh]

We want investments, stable jobs and productive knowledge to overcome poverty in #Venezuela

[@anthonythompson5130]

The giant aluminium unintentionally stop because text connolly scatter as a dazzling italy. numerous, cluttered coke

[@Kris_96]

The whole interview thing is more of a - can you act well enough to make the interviewer believe you? Everything you say- you are supposed to have prepared beforehand, meaning you are your CV and Cover Letter but instead of it being read by them, it's read by you from your mind, to them. That's literally what it is. I find interviews stupid. Get people to sit with you and have a real natural conversation to actually get to know them, not something that was over-rehearsed multiple times. I understand it's nice to be prepared and to show you have taken the time to prepare, but isn't that why the CV and CL are for?

[@sitoudien9816]

Teamwork and collaborate is so overused. Meaningless buzz words. Like synergy.

[@jacobisrael6489]

total waste of 6 :43 mins...

[@maxwalts9526]

Awesome video, thank you!

[@harvardbusinessreview]

Hi Max, so glad to hear it helped! -Christine