How to Answer the Interview Question, “Tell Me About Yourself” When You are Unemployed **EXAMPLES**

[@elisagiaimo5187]

Thank you so much for all these great tips regarding interviews, they are life savers!

[@RamuelTolores-ln8eo]

Thank for this question, I stepped away from my previous job so I could care for my aging parents..

[@eperanzaqueen4400]

Thank you! Very helpful

[@86whyklynn]

Thank you this question is my biggest weakness in an interview in the past I've lost track and can go on- like you said this longggg tangent- and , I'm sure that was the reason why I did not get call backs. I'm sure my desperation probably came out in my tone, speed, or rambling on of TMI. I only realized it after the interviews were completed and it was a poor 1st impression made.

[@SundriedStars19]

would have been really helpful if you included an example for if you were laid off. i feel like the other ones (quitting to be a caretaker or just starting out in your career) are perceived as less negative than being laid off, and therefore answering from that place is pretty easy imo. even if i just touch on the present, how do i touch on the fact that i was laid off without starting off putting myself in a negative light? should i just skip the present? or say something not tied to a certain position?

[@LifeWorkBalance]

Great question, and I’m sorry you’ve been laid off! I’ll post a video on this topic, but essentially you can briefly touch on it (or choose to ignore it completely). I imagine it would go something like this (this is very vague and generic because of lack of context): I was recently laid off from XYZ due to XYZ and I’m excited to find a role where I’m not only able to use my skills in XYZ, but also with an organization and field I’m passionate about. In my previous role(s) [with XYZ], I did XYZ. I’m hoping to find a role where I can apply my skills in XYZ, and help share my knowledge with others through XYZ. If you’d like 1:1 help to design your answer to this question, please feel free to email me directly at [e-mail] or pay for and schedule a session here: lwbalance.com/services/pricing/ I hope this helps! Best wishes.

[@thembinkomo8518]

It would be ñice if you included an example if you gave birth and lost your child and you left the job

[@xiaobinangel]

I am so thankful for seeing your video earlier, which allowed me to prepare ahead of time. I followed exactly what you suggested (including the three questions from your other videos) for my Zoom interview yesterday, and it went very well! My second interview will be in two weeks. Thank you so much!

[@LifeWorkBalance]

Congrats!! How has the interview process been since you commented a month ago? Were you offered the job?

[@xiaobinangel]

@@LifeWorkBalance Hi Abby, Thank you so much for your reply. I got the job! I’ll be starting in mid-August. Everything went so smoothly. Because I prepared well ahead of time, I was very confident during the entire interview and made a great first impression. I’m extremely grateful for your video; it truly made a difference! Thank you so so so much ! Blessings to you !

[@86whyklynn]

I'm currently injured and can not work but hopefully I can recover from the back injury and in the meantime I'm studying up and preparing for my next opportunities to be successful from the get go.

[@lilmaria5735]

Hello Abby and thanks for another helpful video. Regarding the burnout reason, would some employers view that as a negative? They may think that you were not capable of handling all the workload thrown your way? Looking forward to your take on this as the creator of Life Work Balance channel. Thanks again.

[@LifeWorkBalance]

It's possible they could view "burnout" as negative, but I would say in this day and age most employers are aware burnout happens and would appreciate your candidness, as long as you are clear that you have techniques in place to help prevent yourself from reaching burnout in the future. If they judge you for being honest about being burned out, they're probably not the best fit anyway!

[@daretobehappy7321]

I would have like the scripting with answering when youve been laid off..That is the probably the most popular reason foe being unemployed.

[@LifeWorkBalance]

Honestly, less is better. It's not really the new employer's business to ask this question (why were you laid off or why are you looking for a new job) but if it does come up, keep your response short and positive. Something like: "My organization lost funding. While the downsizing impacted my role, I am excited about the opportunity to [fill in the blank]."

[@Gurdeep0104]

you should have answer this question with example as how someone should speak about present, past and future just to get an idea, by just saying talk on present, past and future is not making me any sense.

[@LifeWorkBalance]

Check out this video for a better example from me: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJvGonSuqM9ro8U

[@Mwesigwajoseph-lu5ti]

lt seems like an easy question but its tricky

[@DennisBible]

I was asked something in a recent interview that I've never been asked before and would love to get your opinion. "What year did you get your degree?"

[@LifeWorkBalance]

My first reaction is “OMG!” This is not a question that should be asked because it can lead to age discrimination. While it’s not illegal (in the US), because they’re not asking about your age directly, it isn’t a question that should come up. There are a few ways you can respond. My preference might be: “I received my degree a few years ago, and I’d like to make sure I’m understanding the intent of your question. Is there a particular class, project, or coursework that is relevant to this job that you are looking to verify?” This type of response doesn’t directly call them out for asking an almost illegal question, and it redirects the question to something that is more job related.

[@DennisBible]

@@LifeWorkBalance I also considered they may be thinking that a masters degree attained twenty years ago is somehow irrelevant now? Though they didn't ask anything continuing education or relevant experience to the field.