How to answer "Tell me about yourself" in a job interview? (lemmy.world)

submitted 8 months ago by Jackthelad@lemmy.world to c/asklemmy@lemmy.world

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I've got a job interview on Tuesday and I haven't had one for a while due to a period of unemployment because of family health issues.

One part of interviews I've always struggled with is when they first ask you to tell them about yourself. I struggle to talk about myself anyway and never know what they'd like me to actually say, whether it's about me as a person or about my work history.

So any tips or tricks would be welcome.

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[-] TropicalDingdong@lemmy.world 6 points 8 months ago

It's difficult to do but you can practice in front of a mirror. All shaggy dig stories should be at least 30 minutes in length and end with a lich ness monster asking you for about tree fiddy.

Realistically, these people are thinking "I'm going to have to talk to this person at the coffee pot every day, please dear mother Theresa I hope he's got something more interesting to talk about than Dave who only discussed work and his commute"

They want to know how you'll fit culturally, or rather, will you be additive? What's something interesting about you or a hobby you have? What's a funny story that might happen to you in the weekend that they might find some interesting?

[-] mysoulishome@lemmy.world 1 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago)

I think often times the question are well intentioned but to some degree they are also fishing for things they can’t legally ask like are you planning to get pregnant soon, will you be a flake because you have sick kids or a parent you’re taking care of, planning to retire soon. Are you a job hopper. Will investing time and training in you worth it for us. I was always dumb and just answered those questions mostly honestly but they just listen for signs you won’t be a model slave in some cases.

I tried to get a position I was overqualified for once and told them I was looking forward to not being a manager, not having to have every employee be my problem, be able to take time off without coming back with a mess…take a weekend off now and then…be a great fucking employee and then clock the fuck out.

Their questions got really shitty and it was very clear they were twisting everything I said into meaning I wasn’t a team player. Bullshit I’m the best player on every team I’ve ever been on at work.

Long story short, don’t answer questions like that honestly. Don’t be honest about anything. Lol

this post was submitted on 07 Mar 2024

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