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So, tell me about yourself and how it led you to...
Hello! Longtime follower first time poster. I found a few jobs at Apple and I've been able to get on campus one time for an interview and a couple times on the phone with a hiring manager, but always a bridesmaid never a bride. I get so anxious when I am on the phone/in-person when I get the tell me about yourself question. I practice, rehearse, research and still fall flat. How do you answer this most important question with confidence, yet not too over the top and stay focused?
Thanks!
Laura
Lynne CoganCareer Coach for Realizing Professional Dreams
871
06/24/20 at 7:53PM UTC
Most people respond to "Tell me about yourself" by giving a list of what they have done and where. Boring.
Tell a story instead. Tell the story of who you are that makes you uniquely qualified for the position you're seeking.
For instance, someone applying for an assistant event planner position might state:
"I love being the family event planner for birthdays, anniversaries, reunions. I was even asked to plan and run a moving sale for my cousin.
"Now, I had never even been to a little garage sale and didn't have the faintest idea what to do. So I called on a team of friends who love garage sales. They helped with the marketing, the organizing, and pricing.
By the time the 2-day event started, there was a long line of people waiting to come in. There was someone to help the customers in each room with my dependable aunt at the cash register.
And the bottom line: The sale earned over twice as much as projected.
I now want to share event-planning talents professionally--including my ability to succeed where I have little or no experience by developing great teams.
Lindita Duraj
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06/19/20 at 3:26PM UTC
You got past the job search; you are asked to be interviewed. You have been at the campus; imagine yourself walking there every day to work. Once you perfect the image, rehearse your speech, and your responses, you are smart, confident, and you will be blowing your interviewer away with your answers. Good luck.
Michelle PauleyEntertainment Executive & Personal Assistant
55
06/19/20 at 2:17PM UTC
Just take a breath before answering, it will help calm you. It is ok to pause before you go into your response. You got this ?
Katie SullivanAward winning Sales/ Business Development leader
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06/18/20 at 9:16PM UTC
How you come across is everything. Self confidence. Excitement. Answers that are short but potent and powerful. Practice rehearsing and have faith that the right job is out there- keep believing. That is amazing you have been on campus and on the phone- many don't even get that far. Believe in yourself.
