I find myself struggling with the "Tell me about yourself question" due to the fact that I have 15+ years of experience however due to the fact that I didn't complete my degree program for health reasons, and the fact that for years I have been working on "what I want to be when I 'grow up'" so my responses tend to be what I feel may be too long.

Anonymous

June 18,2021 at 2:43PM UTC

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I find myself struggling with the "Tell me about yourself question" due to the fact that I have 15+ years of experience however due to the fact that I didn't complete my degree program for health reasons, and the fact that for years I have been working on "what I want to be when I 'grow up'" so my responses tend to be what I feel may be too long. Any ideas on how best to overcome this obstacle?

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Lauren OdomJune 18,2021 at 2:58PM UTC
I would recommend focusing your "elevator pitch" on who you are, the skills you have, and what makes you unique. Keep it positive! I don't think you need to speak to why you did not finish your degree program on this question, although, it may come up later.
In 15+ years, I'm sure you've got some great experience and have worked on many different projects. What types of projects inspire you? Maybe you enjoy solving interesting questions or building relationships with teammates or clients? Keep it high level, but be able to provide context as the conversation continues.
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Jaime CastroJune 18,2021 at 3:58PM UTC
That is a tough question for everyone.
The key to understand that is that there is no wrong answer! Keep it simple.
For example, I'm passionate about my profession, want to continue to learn and grow, and thrive in a collaborative environment.
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AnonymousJune 18,2021 at 4:48PM UTC
keep it short and simple and don't talk about degrees or health!
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Christina WalshJune 18,2021 at 4:52PM UTC
I struggle with this too. I am glad I found your post as I feel less alone now. I don't have degrees other than many years of lived experience. I was suggested I focus on the things I am doing for myself now, what qualities and skills I do have now - transferrable skills. Happy to help in any way I can.
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Caroline K Lenher, CMCJune 18,2021 at 6:06PM UTC
I just listened to a podcast that addressed this and overall interviewing, Dalton is a job search coach and his advice may be helpful for you!
The episode is here - https://awesomeatyourjob.com/674-nailing-your-interview-resume-and-negotiation-fast-with-steve-dalton/
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Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJune 21,2021 at 4:51AM UTC
Whether or not you have your degree has nothing to do with your answer to "tell me about yourself".
As a recruiter, I suggest to my candidates that they tape themselves answering interview questions they're having a hard time with so they can refine what they want to say. I promise you, the 20th time you answer that question, it will sound a whole lot better than the first time.
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