How To Answer Tell Me About Yourself - The RECRUITER-APPROVED Way!

Tell Me About Yourself - The RECRUITER-APPROVED Best Interview Answer! Learn how to answer this common question on how to introduce yourself in a job interview. Hint: Don't tell a long story.
_____________________________________________________________
Learn how to reclaim power and act like the CEO of your career: Join my FREE newsletter here: alifeafterlayoff.ck.page/90f4...
My website: www.alifeafterlayoff.com/
Need personalized help with your job search? www.alifeafterlayoff.com/care...
INTERVIEW TRAINING:
Have a BIG INTERVIEW coming up and want to be fully prepared? Check out the 48-hour Interview Crash Course! a-life-after-layoff.teachable...
Learn to navigate and master the entire job search process from application to offer with The Ultimate Job Seeker Bootcamp:
a-life-after-layoff.teachable...
RESUME TRAINING:
Learn how to write a professional quality resume! Check out 🚀 Resume Rocketfuel 🚀
a-life-after-layoff.teachable...
LINKEDIN TRAINING:
Learn how to skip the recruiter by Unlocking LinkedIn: a-life-after-layoff.teachable...
_______________________________________________
I've got merch!! Get your witty work mugs here!
a-life-after-layoff.creator-s...
_____________________________________________________
Are you struggling with your job search? Applying for job after job and not getting any interviews? Perhaps you’ve got a few interviews but always seem to get passed over for the job? Or maybe you’re not satisfied with your current career and want a change. Well, you’ve come to the right place.
As a corporate recruiter with over 20 years of experience hiring thousands of employees at all levels into major corporations, I’m going to spill the beans on how to get noticed by recruiters, start getting more interviews, navigate through each step of the hiring process, and ultimately land the dream job you deserve.
But that’s not all - I firmly believe that to truly experience career success, you need to think bigger. Multiple streams of income and budgeting are crucial to forming a layoff-free lifestyle and helping you achieve your goals.
If these are things you’re struggling with, that’s what I specialize in. I’ve got a website called A Life After Layoff. It’s loaded with tips and tricks for getting noticed, interviewed, and hired by your dream company. Make sure you check it out!
I’ve got weekly videos coming at you, so make sure to subscribe. You won’t want to miss a post. Join me as we explore these things, all from an insider’s perspective!
____________________________________________________________________
💥 Sign up for my FREE 5-Day Bootcamp for Job Seekers: alifeafterlayoff.ck.page/7735...
______________________________________________________________________
👉 Join my network!
➤ Facebook Community: / alifeafterlayoff
➤ Linkedin Community: / a-life-after-layoff
➤ Tik Tok Community: / alifeafterlayoff
👉 Connect with Me on LinkedIn: / bryan-creely-a6b26713b
Follow our other channel! / @myracreely
Royalty-Free Music from Bensound

[@Gracievision]

its such a shame that getting a job is about how good you are at interviews rather than how good you can be at the job.

[@soheston]

True

[@SaraphDarklaw]

It’s about justifying your existence to a stranger.

[@danawhiteisagenius8654]

Yup it’s all about how well can you booooolsheeit I mean articulate. My bad lmfao

[@nickr3441]

If you lose that interest then don't ask that stupid question

[@jarrettstork9883]

The companies feel they can train people who give the answers they wanna hear

[@abysmallytall]

With this question, you're essentially giving a teaser answer to the questions of "Why you? Why us? Why now?". I found that planning around that has led to success way more often than not.

[@RandomFandomDragon]

This is helpful, thank you!

[@bridgetmakesmovies]

Really helpful!! I'm jotting that one down.

[@lloydrichardson9248]

This is gold, thanks for the perspective!

[@davidjulien1474]

A strategy that I used recently which helped me organize the response/thoughts was to talk about your present (what you're currently doing), your past, and your future (career ambitions and goals), and like you said, tying it all into the job description and/or company (2 or 3 bullet points each, probably about 1 minute). It really helped me create a concise and cohesive response.

[@izamalcadosa2951]

Agree! You need to summarized this in 1 minute or less! It's a way overrated questions, specially in IT Tech.

[@me0101001000]

In the startup my dad and I started, we don't even ask that question. We just ask for a CV, degrees, certifications, and a portfolio of research papers, patents, and projects you've had a hand in. Maybe even if you've written a research grant or proposal. From a hiring perspective, I think the "Tell me about yourself" question is way overrated.

[@me0101001000]

@TheKidWhoKilled I mean, we're scientists. We don't care about things like "company culture". As long as you get your work done and do it well, not much else matters.

[@YerBrwnDogAteMyRabit]

​​@@me0101001000n the immortal words of Greg Horne: "The technical stuff can be taught and learned, but if you're a freak or an asshole, there's no fix for that..". I had a boss who hired 2 guys bases solely on PERCEIVED ability, not personality. The entire group couldn't stand either of them (3 of us interviewed them, + the boss). They were our LAST choice. Boss hired them,🎉 and team dynamic went right in the shitter. It got to the point of no one wanting to even be around them, let alone work with 'em.

[@me0101001000]

@@YerBrwnDogAteMyRabit and that's why the portfolio is so important. Your ability is less perceived, more demonstrated. If you have a set of great projects to present with a good mix of solo and collaborative final products, you can determine a bit about their collaboration ability. And the ability to collaborate is still a technical skill, at the end of the day. If you've ever taken a hands on class like a chem lab or wood shop, I'm sure you catch my drift.

[@ColonelFluffles]

@@me0101001000 In a lot of companies, especially those that don't hire highly industrious people lik scientists, just probing the interviewed person to check whether they have basic (professional) social skills is important for work efficiency.

[@andreypopov6166]

@@YerBrwnDogAteMyRabit have a prepared answer doesn't mean someone is a friendly/nice person.

[@aaronaustrie]

I wish interviews were shorter or more flexible. I haven't interviewed for any job yet, but it gives me chills to be telling someone I don't know that well about myself. Very nerve-wracking 🤦🏾‍♂

[@theterminaldave]

Lately I've been getting "what have you been up to" instead, which is annoying when you've been hunting for work for months. "Well sir, I've been spending my days building my skill sets (somehow with no money), and certainly not spending every waking second job hunting." Is that what they want to hear?

[@theterminaldave]

@@ghost_mall Sell yourself effectively = how well you can BS them. Sure, I get it. Maybe one day human nature will value genuineness and compassion over the ability to bullshit people, but I doubt it. That's why narcissists are great salespeople and cult leaders.

[@fullmoonfunnels]

I call this question and the questions that begin with "tell me about a time" the Psychological Minefield questions. There's little chance you can survive because the goal of the interviewer is to get to the gotcha moment that allows them to reject you. I've never gotten a job where these questions are rolled out.

[@emailuser8668]

These STAR method questions are difficult to prepare for. Job applicants have to mentally prepare answers for possible questions.

[@rockstarofredondo]

And this guy admits most people bore him with their answers, yet the question keeps getting asked, proving it’s nothing but a gotcha opportunity for the employer. It’s designed to get an answer that makes the applicant look not worthy.

[@benowens9590]

I've been turned down for a job for not knowing a specific software (not really mainstream for the industry). I explained that I have experience in 3 other software packages that do the same thing and frequently convert/work with from their coveted software. I could buy a license outright and learn from it, but I don't have over $3K just to "maybe" get a job. what the hell did I go to college for?

[@Bigelite094]

When I've gotten asked to talk about myself, I ask, anything in particular you'd like to know? I've had the question narrowed down to something more specific.

[@sunkist-n-skittles9072]

I like that.

[@EventHoriXZ0n]

Whenever I got asked that question I just asked them back what they mean. I don’t understand the point in asking a vague question but looking for a specific answer. But in case I forget this would be good to keep in mind too

[@recruitcrm]

Spot on! Understanding the job description, highlighting relevant skills and experiences really are key

[@ALifeAfterLayoff]

This is the way!

[@PaleGhost69]

I've had Success starting with my responsibilities that define me as a person. Move onto my skills and passions that would benefit the job. Finally, I end with a general arrow that I want my life heading in. In short, it tells them why i want the job, what i can bring to the job and what kind of person I am.

[@joerockhead7246]

I hate that question

[@nickr3441]

Bc it's stupid and lazy

[@markgoodrich4666]

Well that was really cloudy , I was kinda expecting some kind of pat answer to kinda sound interesting and powerful , but noooooo this was extremely vague and absolutely left me exactly where I'm at .

[@TheCoolOwen]

It’s a warm up question. Keep your answer professional, on task to the job description and provide an example of your past experience as it relates to this job. Keep it brief! Don’t ramble on about some past college course.

[@paulhornbogen980]

B. Spot on in matching qualifications with skills. Short and sweet but in a conversational tone. Setting up the relationship but marketing myself to the hiring manager. Being strategic. Keep it up sir.

[@Info-God]

I recently (2 weeks) started to suspect a new recruiters trend: on LinkedIn, Recruirers inviting for a talk for a specific job then ghosting. My suspicion is: Recruiters need to show activity.

[@dibuzzz3920]

I think this is my favorite question in an interview

[@10akee]

That is the EASIEST at question at the interview! I use this question to tell a potential employer a few interesting things about myself. This is my time to give them a glimpse of who I am as a person. I'll lightly touch on some professional things, as needed. I try to keep my answer to about 2 minutes.

[@EhrenG]

4:09 was it really necessary to zoom in for that long? 😂

[@soheston]

I would answer: this is not about me as a person but as a worker, it would be the opposite, I would like to know how would they treat me as a person

[@miguelgonzalez9681]

Winging interviews is fun! It’s worked out for me but maybe my jobs aren’t that impressive

[@chrisxavier3147]

If you can't relate it to the role that you are interviewing for, keep that info to yourself (at least until you have secured the job)

[@kurthanke5788]

More than likely, the reason people tend to ramble, is simple: they're nervous. I've caught myself doing the same thing, being nervous, and not thinking correctly lol

[@ladysparkymartin]

The 48 hr interview crash course is a genius idea! Thank you!

[@gK-ih2ct]

Excellent video as always!

[@josep9599]

What are interviewers looking for when they throw you a curve ball and ask, “what are some of your hobbies?”

[@josep9599]

@@ghost_mall I always get that in final interviews with executives for some reason.

[@SJones-kk5lg]

This is excellent advice.

[@jeremyk9000]

Thanks again Brian, these videos and your emails have helped me think much more strategically about my own job search, resume and the interviewing process.

[@ALifeAfterLayoff]

Glad to hear you’re taking the newsletter advice to heart!

[@jackiearmenta798]

That’s me. I get nervous

[@rachelr8837]

Where do you start though, so it sounds natural and not like you're just trying to follow their outline?

[@dorianodet8064]

As a recruiter myself there is only one tiny bit where I might disagree (not entirely though, just in the detail) : When I ask someone to talk about themselves I do enjoy a bit a background and their history, just in a very synthetic way. Usually this question is very good to set the tone as you stated, but I think it's also a great moment to explain a bit the choice you made and why. Understanding how you candidate work is a very large part of my recruiting process and having the candidate tell me their story (Once again, in a synthetic way) is a great way to do that

[@bridgetmakesmovies]

I've not heard "synthetic" used in that context. Can you explain what you mean by that? This sounds helpful, I just don't get what you mean.

[@dorianodet8064]

@@bridgetmakesmovies Okay it was a error (English's not my main language) with a false mirrored word. What I mean is "sum up". I want a gloss over your history, what you like, dislike, what choiced you make and everything

[@bridgetmakesmovies]

@@dorianodet8064 Oh, gotcha! I was just wondering if it was a corporate buzzword I hadn't heard, lol. Thank you for the helpful advice.

[@dorianodet8064]

@@ghost_mall Succint is the word yeah

[@jikook7457]

Resume question: how would putting only the previous jobs relevant to the applied for job on ur resume, work if there are gaps in between? R we doing chronologic resumes now or work related to the applied for job only? I'm having alot of difficulty with this being that the videos I've seen have different opinions on what is appropriate in 2023. Thank u. Sorry this is off topic from the video but I thought asking this on ur newest video might get a response

[@Shahana-23]

Your linkdin. Note s sooo good to my mental health

[@gabrielhillceo]

I went through this once when I was looking to hire a designer and asked for past projects to see if I had the style and talent I was looking for and he did. I wasn't looking for a lot on him explaining to about himself. Just to see if he enjoys what he does basically. I don't care about degrees either. As long as the work is legit, legal, and to my standards then it's all good. Sometimes I'd ask him to give me his own ideas or even suggestions.

[@ondrejc55]

It is a very good question. But this is even better: "Tell me." And don't you dare answer something else than I want you to.

[@ihorfilimonchuk9289]

Thank you for video. Do you have any video about which questions should candidate ask when applying to job?

[@cloverlengocphuong2197]

video imported in my head.

[@soheston]

I would never and never answer that question, I answer it this way: Do you want to know how am I good in what I do? Then make the effort in preparing the interview, it seems you had no time to prepare the questions for me and you didn’t read my resume I have a question for you: how will this company treat me when I have a problem? When I can’t come to work because I had a problem in my personal life? Will I be fired? Will I find understanding? How is the environment here? Toxic? Because I’ve seen that you have this position very often online, is it because people can’t stand it here? I don’t accept questions that might sound personal, the company I work for doesn’t need to know about me, just about what I do and the people interviewing should be able to make the right questions, me in my position I NEVER ask that question, I find it stupid, lazy and personal, something that in Europe is forbidden because of a privacy law and in France u might find people reporting u, perhaps not in Spain, because people r used to beg for a job and afraid of losing the chance, which is sad

[@chiplangowski3298]

Something tells me that you don't get called back for second interviews very often...

[@soheston]

@@chiplangowski3298 I have a high position, I’m asked very often by head hunters and big companies, I reject them. That’s just when u r good and I am Rozumiesz? Ahhh, nie mówisz po polsku! Perhaps u r one of those that accept everything just to get a job, not me. I’m not working for a company that I’m not happy to work with, not for! Huge difference. I highly appreciate myself, not the industries or who pays me, I make them rich with my work

[@nancykerrigan]

Great advice but was the closeup of the Nanny McPhee character necessary? 😆

[@user-vq3cw1st5c]

Thank you

[@jackcarraway4707]

Tell me about yourself is basically them asking you to expand on your work experience, skills and education based on what you put on your resume. Remember, your resume is just a sales flyer and you have to keep things short and concise on it. The employer here is asking for more information on it.

[@novadhd]

no it is just an icebreaker to cover highlights about your career very quickly. You can expand on them later if they ask you aout something.

[@KcMcclary]

Had an interview recently and the guy interviewing me kept asking me about the books that I was interested in and what shows /movies I regularly watched... During this time I wasn't sure why he was asking all this miscellaneous information because it had nothing to do with the job.

[@ColonelFluffles]

What's the job you were applying for

[@KcMcclary]

@@ColonelFluffles a low tier pizza joint where my job would've been to simply wash dishes

[@ColonelFluffles]

@@KcMcclary probably you'd be working with that guy a lot in the kitchen. So, he wanted to see if you'd at least be interesting enough to spend the whole work day with. That's what I'd assume haha

[@KcMcclary]

@@ColonelFluffles lol but he was a manager tho which was part of the reason I was so confused the actual ppl in the kitchen were described as being " very much Dedicated to their craft" & " Focused on winning the day for the mellow mushroom family"

[@jaycol21]

I did a pretty good job spitballing this one in an interview late last week. When I was done, the interviewer said “Wow. That was good. Did you have that prepared?” Nope. But, I should have.

[@examover]

I recently experienced a situation that has surprised me and I am not sure how common it is. I went through an interview process where I spoke with a hiring manager, team members and the hiring manager's manager. I received an update from the recruiter that the team was impressed and that an offer was coming. Throughout the process, I was in contact with the recruiter and everything seemed normal. The day I was supposed to get the written offer, I received an update from the recruiter that the hiring team (hiring manager, hiring manager's manager, and other people) was pressured to hire an internal candidate. The recruiter profusely apologized that this decision came from a higher level. Later, the hiring manager also contacted me to reiterate the same and apologize. I was told that I would be a valuable fit for the company for future opportunities. I have heard of offers being rescinded due to business decisions, but this is the first time I personally experience a situation like this. Is it common? Is it worth applying to role at this company in the future?

[@Info-God]

I feel for you and it does indeed happens. One person got at me with comments near insulting me. However. About your sad experiencw. My advice is this. Put a sneery smile on your face and expect such attitudes. If you are right then say to yourself. "I was right". Today I sent an email, after an interview and 200 resumes where compared to me, stating"good luck in finding an 'affordable' person for this role".

[@fishstix6976]

Do you have any videos or advice on how someone can fill in gaps on their resume after being out of work for years? My wife is a stay at home mom and wants to get back in the workforce part-time with something preferably remote, but companies keep asking about the 9 year gap

[@fishstix6976]

@@ghost_mall thanks for reaching out. She has a masters degree in finance, that's about it. She stayed home to take care of our disabled child

[@fishstix6976]

@@ghost_mall thank you

[@pramod1591]

What's the difference between a recruiter and a technical recruiter? Any technical recruiter I've come across does not possess any knowledge on the technology or the domain for which they are hiring. They are just like postmen. So what's "technical" about a technical recruiter?

[@vadims6865]

Is it good idea to make a post in community where Im offer myself to potential team or company? Something like: hello all, I m looking for a job opportunity .... Instead of sending my resume. What are my chances?

[@dialdo6880]

so, why they do not ask more specifically about the job related competences, abilities, skills rather than "tell me about yourself" stupid sentence?? would be more efficient to adress directly to what is important to them, i don't loose my time guessing and trying to figure out, neither they recieveing some shit answer ..

[@alb12345672]

Almost like going on a date

[@dieglhix]

I think dates actually go even way more natural than socially constructed corporate interviews.

[@watchinvidzwatchinvidz7691]

It's the question that is the problem. Why such a vague question? They want to confuse people. I don't like this question. I like what are your skills that align with the job.

[@andreypopov6166]

i believe recruiters should have thought about asking right question instead of pretending to be smart/wise/ etc. But "thinking" is hard and it is much easier to say "i have expected another answer" :)) But unfortunately hiring nowadays is spoiled...

[@ALifeAfterLayoff]

It’s not a recruiter’s job to find you a job. It’s their job to find a candidate for their job. Note the difference.

[@andreypopov6166]

@@ALifeAfterLayoff Yes indeed, they should be as interested as the candidate. So why not just to ask a better question? It is like while taking a loan from a bank hear in return "we need your papers". I bet one wont be 100% sure which one exactly :)

[@KevinMDowney]

Only HR people and recruiters ask this question. Owners and decision-makers don’t ask this question. Owners and DMs want to know one thing: How are you going to make or save my company money. That’s the only reason a job exists in any for-profit company.

[@veronicamitchell9378]

That does not align with the experiences I have.

[@ciroweinstein8627]

Now what happens if you´re a foreigner... And chances are they will not validade your experience ... or you ´re just entry level...????

[@Info-God]

Marketing yourself is intentionally not taught in schools. It must be mandatory at any level of education with pass ONLY grade (re-take the course until you pass). This is why we see so much desperation and agencies (sorry Bryan) taking advantage of this mess.

[@Info-God]

​@@ghost_mallSince when tellin the truth becomes entitlement? Since when critisizing is bad? Bryan clearly stated the companies admitted posting fake jobs. Bryan said it. Ok? Even Yahoo posted his comments. What mainly Bryan promoted is opening your own business. Ok, fine. I accused Bryan of taking advantage of the misery job seekers are in. I might be the only voice to said. So what? How many like him are out there trying to make a buck out of an unemployed desperate job seeker? Ask Bryan if he accepts a late pay (big one-say 25% of the first pay check) if his training lands a job seeker a job. No. He wants money in advance. Otherwise he could make really big bucks if he charges only if a candidate is succesful based on his help. And about learning how to sell yourself skills to be taught on schools, look at yourself. Did you learn such skills in school at any level? No. Then, spare me with your self-unhapiness acusing critisizing people of entitlement. Peace. Otherwise this channel exposes much crap going in companies.

[@RelyksLegacy]

I literally always wing my interviews and only got ghosted twice, I guess I've gotten lucky. Also, after watching this video I'm wondering, what's the difference between two pretty commonly asked interview questions? Those two being, obviously, "Tell me about yourself." and "What do you think you can bring to the table here?" The way you explained the reasoning behind "Tell me about yourself.", I actually don't see a difference between the two anymore. The way interviews are all about strategy and whatever feels wrong on a DEEP level, I hate using this stupid word but whatever, why can't neurotypicals just be upfront and honest instead of constantly throwing curveballs and trying to corner others?

[@EmilyGloeggler7984]

The reality is that there is no such thing as neurotypical and it is those who professionally make false claims that it is such are financially gaining from promoting inconsistent and ultimately inaccurate data. Science is guilty of this but most don’t bother to realize as such. I hope that you will do your research more thoroughly.

[@RelyksLegacy]

@@EmilyGloeggler7984 That's the thing you want to focus on about my comment, really? I will kindly disregard your opinion as it brings nothing of value to the conversation. Good day.

[@iwantcheesypuffs]

Tell me about yourself ... in short you answer in this format "I kick a** at [ top three items listed in the Job Description -- that you actually have experience in ]"

[@inspirationalmindset8235]

So, this is basically the same as the question, "Why should we hire you?"

[@gerardsloan1593]

Life after layoff ---- could you do a video on how to handle rude/disrespectful interviewers- i know some do it to test you at the interview. But how to disarm a rude intervewer - i famously was interviewed with a big four consultancy firm, nonstop interruptions and distractions and looking at the time and what was outside the room etc. Please thank you. Have a good day reader.

[@rejectwokeness1314]

I just think if you encounter such interviewers, it means they are already not keen on you before the interview, but gotta interview you so as to hit some quota.

[@gerardsloan1593]

@@rejectwokeness1314 interesting (but disappointing). If an opportunity is for you it won't go by you. Have a good day reader. Ps please do a video on dealing with rude interviewers lol. Thank you.

[@gerardsloan1593]

@@rejectwokeness1314 although I did experience a rude interviewer before and I did get the opportunity. So it must differ on a case by case basis. Have a good day reader

[@gerardsloan1593]

@@ghost_mall thank you. While that is good advice, I still think being able to deal with rude interviewers is useful. I famously had a rude interviewer and I did get the opportunity, but it was a pressure cooker etc lol. Have a good day reader.

[@nickr3441]

One of the dumbest questions. The first is why you want to the job

[@ChrisJones-qw7bn]

HATE that fekkin question....