How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself” in an Interview

[@LifeWorkBalance]

Have you used the "present + past + future" format to answer introduction questions like "tell me about yourself?" How did it work for you?!

[@daniellechapman855]

You completely changed my interview game with this video. Anyone else coming here so last minute interview help this video has great tips. The present, past, future format really helped me highlight my relevant skills for the role I was applying for. Since my current role is unrelated I was able to gloss over it by saying, " My current role is in 'industry' but with my past experience doing a, b, c I think I would be a good fit for this role. The interviewer seemed very impressed with my opener and after I was done said I had answered her next question. It also makes sense to practice the answer to question so it flows naturally because you are going to be asked this question in some form at ever interview. I'm sad I just stumbled on your videos but there is a right time for everything. I did get the new job and I feel like it was due to having such a strong opener.

[@LifeWorkBalance]

Thank you! I am so glad this format helped you and "changed your interview game." What a success story :) Congrats again on the new role!!

[@Royalhumanresources]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5O4pKONitSnmpo

[@Imanelt]

Please help me I have interview next week thanks

[@marthaagorkle4807]

I listen to you and I passed my interview. Thank you very much.

[@LifeWorkBalance]

Great job!

[@deborahhope2253]

Great video! As a career coach, I will recommend this to my clients. I appreciate the past, present, and future ideas. AND practice with a recording. Well done!

[@LifeWorkBalance]

Thank you!!

[@deborahkhayden3152]

The VERY BEST interview tips out there. Thank you! Love your delivery!

[@LifeWorkBalance]

Thank you!!!

[@sbcouv]

I've been binging your videos in preparation for interviews. I'm feeling a lot more confident and less anxious. Thanks for all the tips! I'll report back once I get hired! :)

[@juliadanilyuk6161]

Your advice is very spot on, thanks for that! From my experience, the whole interview game seems to be all about how good a candidate could be at acting. Oftentimes, employers forget that they are also the ones who should put some kind of effort to win good candidates and get them interested in the company without making basic statements listing cookies and vacation days as extra perks.

[@alicexu9041]

Good to hear the structure. Do you have a couple of examples to see how it’s put together?

[@menchiedelosreyes5591]

Hi. I'm a new subscriber from Manila, Philippines. I'm preparing for an interview later tonight. Your tips are among the best on KZbin, compared to the videos I watched before. Your approach is very concise and direct. I'll keep you posted if I get the job.

[@LifeWorkBalance]

Thank you!! Hope your interview went well.

[@chandaelichanda328]

Will be logging in to a Virtual Product Development Engineering interview this week with a top foreign company...your videos are a real huge readiness booster. Thank you.

[@LifeWorkBalance]

Best of luck!

[@sted4258]

Thank you so much for these top tips, very much appreciated 😊

[@LifeWorkBalance]

Thank you for watching!!

[@victorianejo8564]

Thank you so much for everything you do. I got 2 job positions at same time and I had to be the one to pick. I watched most of your videos and they are very helpful.

[@LifeWorkBalance]

What a great position to be in! Congratulations on the job offers and I’m so glad my videos helped you prepare.

[@iyanamatakane1283]

I have a teaching interview tomorrow. "One of the major reasons I am a teacher today is because I am a slow learner, many times slow learners are regarded or seen as stupid people. I love teaching because being able to help low achieving students fulfils my heart. My reward accelerates when that one learner who never gets anything right finally gets the concept" Does that personal information make look bad?

[@LifeWorkBalance]

I hope your interview went well! I don't think this makes you look bad - though I wouldn't share it in your answer to "tell me about yourself," but more a question about why you want to be a teacher or work in schools.

[@iyanamatakane1283]

@@LifeWorkBalance Great stuff, thank you very much. I actually got the job and for some reason I used this answer for the exact suggested question. Thank you very much, your videos really helped me to be well prepared for this interview. I especially loved asking the intimidating questions :)! 😶

[@LifeWorkBalance]

@@iyanamatakane1283 Congratulations! Thank you for letting me know you got the job!

[@youlittlewitchyou]

Thanks!! I got my dream job with you help! 🎉😊

[@schreckschraeubchen]

Thank you very much, Abby! I am a nurse, living in Germany and I just sent an application for a position in the hospital that I am already working for. The first step is done, I already received an Inviting for a job interview. So as I really want this new position ( recruiting & onboarding for nurses/MD' s from other countries) which is completely different to that what I am doing now ( endoscopy), I long for really good preparing myself. Your videos are so helpful, now I have better ideas to go through the upcoming interview. 😊

[@dawnjones726]

Thank you for sharing your channel concerning these issues. They are vital key points and elements of gaining employment, and the processes involved, that not a lot of formats address in detail so it is understood how pertinent and forming it is in their effects of execution and the dynamics of the outcomes possible.

[@LifeWorkBalance]

Thank you for watching!!

[@kayorco9253]

Hi Abby, I just wanted to THANK YOU for all of your great advices, after watching them all and had interviews, I got my dream job!if I didn’t find your video, I would have been felt overwhelmed, thank you again for your support!! Xxx

[@LifeWorkBalance]

CONGRATULATIONS!! So happy to hear you got your dream job!!

[@Brigsam1970]

Where have you been all of my life? This is extremely important information!

[@LifeWorkBalance]

Thank you!! I so appreciate your support!

[@stefanosxefteris7826]

I am preparing for an interview on Monday (I am writing this on Friday morning) and this is great advice, I had no idea about the present-past-future format. Thank you so much, you have greately helped me structure my response to this question !

[@LifeWorkBalance]

Congratulations on your upcoming interview!! This format has really helped me and others structure the answer to "tell me about yourself" in an effective way. Good luck, I hope you rock it!

[@stefanosxefteris7826]

@@LifeWorkBalance Actually I think I nailed all the questions in which I followed your advice. Some minor mistakes in one very technical question, but I think I got it. Your content really helped me!

[@LifeWorkBalance]

@@stefanosxefteris7826 Congratulations!

[@stefanosxefteris7826]

@@LifeWorkBalance results came, I passed the interview! Your videos where essential in all this. A big thank you from Greece.

[@DianeSheirbon]

Thank you! I really appreciate listening to you and gleaning how I can improve!! I'm old school and this drastically changed how I prepare. I feel way more confident. I will continue to learn from you.

[@LifeWorkBalance]

Yay! I am so glad to hear this. Thank you, and best wishes as you prepare!

[@michelleszaro2228]

I have been interviewing for weeks now. I have never been jobless before and it's getting tough I'm going to watch all your videos now!

[@christinecreamer2029]

Same here as I’m getting older is harder for me. I usually pass all my interviews on the spot but lately I been to 5 and didn’t called back!

[@LifeWorkBalance]

Thank you for your support! How have things been going as of late with your interviews?

[@LifeWorkBalance]

Ugh! 5 with no call backs!? That is so disheartening! Have things been getting better as of late?

[@TEEP61]

I had an interview where the hiring manager asked this question but specifically asked. "Tell me something about yourself that has nothing to do with work or the position" YIKES!

[@chi1abb]

Well, that's an easy question.

[@redrobin4542]

Just in time for my Job interview tomorrow! Actually it is just a practice for my class for my Employment Achievement Strategies module. So when we are in the actual interview for a job position we have confidence and ready for it. Thank you very much Abby for all your videos. This really helped me a lot

[@dawnhartley529]

As far as the “what are you doing now” portion, should you include a personal detail if it is the reason why you are currently unemployed? (ie, I took a break from working to care for my husband when his health suddenly declined but he is recovered now and I’m able to get back to a career)

[@stp982]

The timing of these interview coaching techniques is perfect in my situation, where after 34 straight years of continuous service at three major corporations, where I did little serious interviewing, I was somewhat insecure about a recent job elimination and foggy where this lands. I strolled through your thoughtful and logical guidance with interest which has built my confidence so I actually pace myself, look forward to interviews, connect and be genuine and sincere. I think this was one of the best things that could have happened for a much needed change of scenery. Thanks again.

[@LifeWorkBalance]

Yay!! Thank you so much for sharing!! Many people are in a similar situation to you, so I hope these videos continue to be helpful :) Good luck on your job search!

[@esteruushona5905]

@@LifeWorkBalance ì

[@vaatijeminah9913]

L

[@tommyigoe3952]

Thank you Abby, I wish is found your channel earlier. Great stuff... I have a hard time talking about myself. I will try to catch your Twitch on Tuesday.

[@mariaisabelfernandesserra577]

Hi Abby, thank you for your video. Do you have any tips specifically for women looking to resume their career after a 5-year maternity leave?

[@LifeWorkBalance]

No, unfortunately I don't! I need to create one, because you are not the first to ask this type of question...I have several tips that could apply to anyone who has taken a break from the world of work to raise children or care for others (elder care, etc.).

[@Mwesigwajoseph-lu5ti]

Your advice is much appreciated it helps us to be prepared very well

[@CharmayneHill]

Hello I have a upcoming interview and I am completely stumped on the question what made you apply for this position?

[@Mushroom321-]

Thank you for getting quickly to the answer to the question. 😃

[@bansalvijay]

Very useful! Thanks for sharing. I often think about how to answer this question and "Present, Past and Future" is an excellent idea!

[@LifeWorkBalance]

Thanks for watching! I think the present, past, future format is easy to remember and definitely makes answering this question a little bit easier!

[@elmariewaltman9669]

Love love your suggestions and honest approach!

[@GregNye-be3pm]

I have a lot of experience on both ends of the interview process and have learned so much from your videos which I just happened to come across now thank you. Excellent recommendations on the questions at the end of the interview one of the other ones that I ask is actually asking for the job if I want it that is what are your thoughts on that?

[@LifeWorkBalance]

Thanks for your comments! Are you asking my thoughts on asking the interviewer for the job, during the interview? If so, I wouldn't usually recommend doing this - it's clear you want the job because you are interviewing for it. What I would do instead is express my enthusiasm for the role and describe why I'm a great fit for it during the beginning of the interview (likely during my answer to "tell me about yourself") and at the end of the interview thank them for their time and reiterate my enthusiasm for the role.

[@catecurl3790]

You know, I've watched a couple of your videos and you have a good way about yourself. I've enjoyed watching. One of the others, it's more a matter of endurance 😅. Thanks from Melbourne Australia 🇦🇺

[@Mojo-le2bv]

Good advice. I am going back into the job market after an extremely long absence so your insight was crucial because I barely recall the types of questions they ask on interviews. I do want to organized, prepared and brief,yet informative.. Thanks I'll be watching.

[@LifeWorkBalance]

Getting back into the world of work can be intimidating! Take it one step at a time and try not to be too hard on yourself. You have many valuable skills that you use, even if you've been out of the job market. I wish you the best in your job search!

[@angelaschliebs7878]

Traumatherapie? I always wondered, why I wasn't transitioned into my first job by the high school that gave me a high school certificate. Legal secretary in Notary's rooms for instance.

[@Mike-z4m4s]

Do you have videos about people over 55 interviewing for a job?

[@RamuelTolores-ln8eo]

Hi ma'am thanks for all the tips..

[@billmiller6274]

It sounds like the answer is a linkedin summary. However, I have encountered many interviewers looking for a casual introductory answer about personal life just to get the ball rolling. I have to ask if it is in reference to professional experience or personal. Outside of a job interview, it is usually personal.

[@LifeWorkBalance]

A LinkedIn summary is a good way to think about it. LinkedIn summaries are usually professional in nature, but also tell a good story.

[@angied6974]

thisssssss is a lifesaver!!! 💓💓🕊

[@MAYANN88]

Thank you so much for your very informative videos. This help me a lot. Thanks again & please continue what you are doing because you help a lot of people. I was scheduled for an interview & was given a short notice thus I do not have plenty of time to prepare but with your guidance I managed to boost my confidence & be able to perform well. Thank you!

[@LifeWorkBalance]

I hope your interview went well!

[@UnstoppableVi]

So helpful, thank you

[@yana6400]

U r my great finding. I'm so bad with interviews I'm getting so nervous that starting to be super shy 😳 Thank u so much for ur videos. 🫶🏼🙏🏼

[@LifeWorkBalance]

You're so welcome! It takes a little practice, so I recommend recording yourself and watching it back so you can see what you're like from someone else's perspective. Good luck!!

[@monicaurib22]

You are amazing 🎉❤ I love ur advice ❣️

[@LifeWorkBalance]

Thank you so much!

[@BikeHikeLikeMike]

Thank you!! Very helpful. I appreciate your knowledge and perspective.

[@LifeWorkBalance]

Thank you!

[@C21CamelotThomas]

Great Stuff!!! Thank You! You're the Best!

[@clarkragay13]

Thanks Abbey, you rock!!

[@immjgraphix]

Wow! You really amazing! Can you give me a tips, how to answer these question,.. pleaseee. 1. Have you ever worked in a team and how you manage to take ideas from everyone 2. how new technologies can solve the problem 3. how you solve a problem in real life I hope you noticed this. I am your new subscriber :) Thanks!

[@LifeWorkBalance]

GREAT question! My best tip would be to watch this video on the formula for behavior-based interview questions: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3emqKeJdpesa7c What you'll want to do is think about a time when you did those exact things in your questions (worked on a team, managed ideas from multiple people, used technology to solve a problem, and how you solved a problem in general) and use the formula (my preference is CAR) to craft your response. I've also got other behavior-based interview questions you can think about on my website here: lwbalance.com/2020/06/06/free-list-of-52-behavior-based-interview-questions/ I hope this helps! THANK YOU for being a new subscriber!!

[@leonorbanez56]

This is awesome! I will have an interview next week. This is very helpful❤

[@GregNye-be3pm]

I guess when I have been asked the question tell me about yourself I feel like it's so open-ended in so many ways you can answer, I kind of feel like they want to know a little bit about everything so I do start with and just touch on growing up in a close-knit family and still have those values but I move on quickly to education and then experience and I can do that in less than 90 seconds and I think they appreciate the fact that you touch a little bit on personal values and integrity based on growing up.. I think it shows that you have a solid foundation that you can bring and use in the organization What are your thoughts

[@LifeWorkBalance]

You could certainly share that information during your answer to "tell me about yourself!" I wouldn't give too many details about your family, but I do think if it's relevant to the job and you think it will help you connect with the interviewer, you can go for it.

[@maheshmakhijani8361]

Incredible...well presented, lots of experience and research done is obvious here. Worth listening. Recommended

[@LifeWorkBalance]

Thank you for your support!!

[@frankservant5754]

Thank you very much

[@austineswitbarsh991]

Wow... Thank you ma

[@bhartijoshi8836]

very impressive and helpful.

[@lovelynswiri7692]

Thanks heaven I stumbled on this now before my interview,it's has made my research easy. I wish for an opportunity to prepare myself for this interview,I don't want to blow this one like others.

[@LifeWorkBalance]

Fingers crossed your interview goes well! Please report back and let us know!

[@mollyritter8931]

I would have found it very useful if you had shared an actual example of what you would have said as a way of demonstrating how you craft a response using the Present-Past-Future structure. Without hearing an example, I’m still confused.

[@LifeWorkBalance]

I have an example in this video (which is a little buried): kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJvGonSuqM9ro8U

[@JesusAlicea-vm2wk]

Thank you for the helpful information. How do you handle negative fishing? For example, "I heard you left xyz?" or "Someone said they had a bad experience?"

[@LifeWorkBalance]

I think it depends. If they're using this type of language, my warning bells go off automatically that there is gossip or drama involved and I may not want to be a part of that. However, if you really want this job, and you think it might be a good fit, then it's okay to address the "negative fishing" head on. If there's any truth to it, you can talk about what you've learned as a result.

[@mucashtrader175]

Thanks for information

[@tonystewart7624]

Thank you so much.

[@comoeres88]

Excellent recommendations! Thank you!

[@athos0152]

Thank you for sharing all of your knowledge 👍

[@LifeWorkBalance]

Thank you for watching, @Athos01!

[@lenmessi27]

You are brilliant Abby

[@silkysagitarian6168]

Omg I am so glad to find you Abby!! Your videos are the ones what I was looking for. Expert advice and very useful tips. I am watching them back to back and felt the need to thank you ❤❤

[@LifeWorkBalance]

Thank you so much! I so appreciate your support and I hope you have success in your job search process!

[@saintbastian2736]

Thank you so much, your tips are very useful to me. ❤

[@aniebietnkopuyo186]

How about using past, present and future format

[@LifeWorkBalance]

You could certainly use the past, present, future format. It's not going to change much. However, I feel like present, past, future tells more of a story. Check this video out for more: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2bCg3h6mrepr8U

[@dailyvlogs7308]

Awesome Thank you so much❤

[@LifeWorkBalance]

Thanks for watching!

[@leoisidore7753]

Thank you very for this good information

[@LifeWorkBalance]

Thank you for watching and for your support!

[@sunny.giraffe]

Hi! Thank you so much for useful tips. If you were Russian, would you start your answer with words, that you left Russia after few days the war started and now live in another country? It's better to say somehow that we completely against this war, but I don't know how to make it better.

[@LifeWorkBalance]

Good question - and I can appreciate your feelings about how to approach this. In the US, this type of conversation should not come up because it could lead to possible discrimination. If you are interviewing for a job in a different country where it is appropriate to disclose this information then I think it is appropriate to be honest about why you left!

[@christopherowen3670]

Great video, she's really good at this, lesson learnt.

[@nicolecarter5781]

Watching your videos has been interesting, learning things and ways i never even thought of. Now that being said, how do you answer the "Tell me about yourself" as it relates to the job you're applying for, when you have no experience, when no experience is required?

[@LifeWorkBalance]

Focus on your transferrable skills (check out this video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHOQhHSKfLtobqc) and still use the same formula. Your answer to the question may be on the shorter end if you have 0 experience, (the past part may be very quick, like, "I just graduated from XYZ") so you'll want to focus more on the future part of the formula. I hope this helps!

[@bluedot27]

This is a very helpful video. Thank you.

[@LifeWorkBalance]

Thank you for watching!

[@BillMardis]

Very well done Video

[@nelliasithole9878]

wow. this good

[@anapaulacosta2760]

I loved your video!! Thank you..

[@pamelasmith5748]

You're the best. So helpful!!!

[@LifeWorkBalance]

Thank you! I so appreciate your support!!

[@africankitchenmanchester]

Thanks so much for this

[@LifeWorkBalance]

Thank you for watching!

[@yvonnemoore7224]

Thanks!

[@LifeWorkBalance]

THANK YOU for your support!!

[@KLHJ2005]

I have an interview for aldi tomorrow and I'm apsalutly terrified I wnat to make a good first impression but I always say thr wrong things and start and ramble on about things I shouldn't be telling them about cause I'm too honest 😅

[@DavidStrickland-sf2hm]

Thanks. Well presented it Helped

[@LifeWorkBalance]

Thank you for watching! I am so happy this helped you.

[@sapaspeech2412]

Truly amazing, as others have said, very specific and reliable information that works. The video also left me feeling much more confident and assured about myself and my approach to interviews. Very grateful for the information and advice shared!!

[@LifeWorkBalance]

Yay! I am so happy this helped you feel more confident and self-assured. Good luck on your future interviews!

[@MRR_Shadowolf]

Great video, subbed!

[@LifeWorkBalance]

Thank you!!

[@therealmissglamBAM]

Im definitely guilty of verbalizing my resume and always hate this question, oh no! It seems like this is almost similar to what you'd put in a cover letter, about how previous experience relates directly to things from the job posting?

[@LifeWorkBalance]

Somewhat - though you want your cover letter to tell a story about how you are a good fit for the overall position, where as your answer to this question (tell me about yourself) is more of "tell me (quickly) about how your previous experience and future goals relate to this position and why you're a good fit." A cover letter probably couldn't be condensed into 90 seconds!

[@whorable]

what if you don’t have any highlights? i’ve never worked before and was kinda antisocial so had no volunteer work either

[@LifeWorkBalance]

Good question! What did you do before trying to get this job? Were you in school? Did you work on any projects related to this job?

[@latinyabenton6148]

Thanks. An example would have been helpful.

[@LifeWorkBalance]

Check out this one for an example! kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2bCg3h6mrepr8U

[@bryanwebb3112]

Great content, very helpful to me. Doesn't hurt that she's as beautiful as Dreama Walker either!

[@LisaGarrison-s4d]

How is the best way to describe work history when at those times you were a second income balancing family and home.

[@sherih8879]

Can you look occasional at notes in case you forgot?

[@LifeWorkBalance]

Absolutely! Here’s a whole playlist on that topic! kzbin.info/aero/PLzWOz8R0BVKljXtMBwO0HTwsnmgjWQOwD&si=Nemc6-c62mvEwmx0

[@Plubob_McHabblefluffin]

Do you have a website?

[@LifeWorkBalance]

I do! lwbalance.com

[@sisehochimama7264]

If did work before how do answer the me about yourself?

[@LifeWorkBalance]

If you've worked before, you can use the formula I've shared in this video! Present, past, future. Past is where you focus on your previous experience.

[@sinclair657]

Thank you

[@LifeWorkBalance]

Thank you for watching!

[@rosmic32]

I am not finding any links that you reference are below. Help?

[@LifeWorkBalance]

These are the links from the description box! Hope they help :) Tell me about yourself: How to answer this common interview question!: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZndfaSphM9lr5Y Questions to Ask at the End of an Interview: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bn3ap5ilebSSg5o Last Minute Interview Tips: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4nScmqYm7V2a8k How to make a GREAT first impression during your job interview: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gaq2i3uIlNyJoKc Interview Tips Playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLzWOz8R0BVKl4PETqrCvLdQJyGvPQFx4m

[@Emily-cf6ws]

What do you do if you don't have much experience?

[@LifeWorkBalance]

It depends! You'll likely want to focus on your transferrable skills from your past & present - while you may not have much professional PAID experience (e.g. a job) you may have experience with school, group projects, etc. You can pull on that experience, even if it isn't paid work experience.

[@SundriedStars19]

how do i approach this when my highlights are already on my resume? i worked hard to make sure my resume encompasses the best of my career, so i'm at a loss at to what else i'd add say other than stuff that's already on my resume for this specific question.

[@LifeWorkBalance]

Yeah, you don’t want to reiterate the same stuff on your resume. However, your resume likely isn’t in story format, whereas your answer to this question is more of a story to explain why you’re here and why you’re a good fit for this position.

[@damlacevir456]

Thank you for the info you gave but unfortunately this is not helpful without making an example. Personally, I need an example to fully comprehend.

[@LifeWorkBalance]

Totally. Check out this video where I share an example: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJvGonSuqM9ro8U

[@esanram]

I wish you would give some examples

[@LifeWorkBalance]

I understand! It's hard to give examples since everyone's answer will be unique and different. I will likely work on creating an update to this video and will include a few examples to help people like you develop your own!

[@lynlinglang2981]

I really don't like the games of interview jumping through loops I'm not a top speaker or make things stretch to sound good .and then they still hire someone isn't worth it ..just give ppl chances

[@LifeWorkBalance]

There has to be some way for an organization/hiring manager to make a decision on who is the best qualified and best fit for a job. The only way to truly do this is via interviews. It's impossible to give everyone a chance, because 1 job opening might have hundreds of applicants. It's up to us to represent ourselves in the most effective way possible during an interview to make the best impression!

[@dawnreneegmail]

Lynling I agree the interview process makes my skin crawl‼️However as said, it's the only process we have though in my line of work there are also practical demonstrations ( I'm in western med, skills matter,) which are nerve racking as well. We buck up and deal as conquering this essential process shows our best in problem solving, foraging forward with the workable solution while managing my own baggage in the process‼️😎

[@Anna-yf9tv]

What do you answer when they ask why you left your past job?

[@LifeWorkBalance]

I’ve actually got a video on this! Check it out here: How to Answer “Why do you want to leave your current job?” or “Why did you leave your last job?” kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4myk6qIatFnp6M

[@Anna-yf9tv]

@@LifeWorkBalance thanks

[@theokaralenka]

I was expecting an example from you but :)

[@LifeWorkBalance]

I'm working on putting together a series with my answers to these types of questions!

[@mikeoliveras7159]

Thank you for the advice. I am in the process of finding a job, and your video will definitely help me get one. I have a question: There is a gap in my experience due to a personal situation; can I mention it?

[@lisar.2549]

Soooo not specific, yet oddly helpful.

[@LifeWorkBalance]

It’s hard to be specific when everyone’s answer will be different! Any advice on what to improve?