When they are asked to introduce themselves and when they are asked the question “Tell me about yourself”, many candidates misunderstand what is being asked of them.
The person interviewing you wants to know more about your professional background, education, and career goals.
They don’t want to hear everything about your childhood, your family, your spouse and children, your pets, etc… nor do they want to hear everything about your religion, your personal life choices or your health etc…
You should always keep it professional.
What to share?
1. Start with a brief introduction:
“Sure! My name is [Your Name] and I am [Your current job title or most recent position].”
2. Highlight your professional background:
“I have [X years] of experience as a nanny. My previous role was based in [City, State or Country] I was responsible for [Briefly mention number of children, their ages, your key responsibilities or achievements].”
3. Mention your key skills and strengths:
“I have strong skills in [Key skills relevant to the job you are applying for], including [Specific skills or qualities that make you a good fit for the role].”
4. Talk about your education:
“I graduated from [Your University/College] with a degree in [Your Major/Field of study]. My education has provided me with a solid foundation in [Key areas related to the job]. I also hold [mention any relevant certificates you may hold].”
5. Mention your career goals:
“In the long term, I am looking to [Your career goals or aspirations]. I believe that the position you are offering aligns well with my goals because [Explain how the role fits into your career plans].”
6. Conclude with your enthusiasm for the opportunity:
“I am excited about the opportunity to join your / this family and [Explain how you think you can help the family thrive].”
What to avoid?
1. Oversharing personal information : your private life is private, and and with all due respect, no one cares about your dog or where you grew up
2. Giving personal details such as your age, your marital status etc… this information could lead to discrimination
3. Any controversial topics (politics, religion etc…)
4. Sharing the names of your previous employers : this may indicate that you do not respect confidentiality
5. Badmouthing your previous employers : it’s just not professional
What if I am asked personal questions?
Know your rights! Some recruiters/employers are very nosey and sometimes ask questions they don’t have to ask… if they do, it might actually be a red flag.
Questions about marital status, age, religion, personal life choices, or health are not just inappropriate—they can also be illegal as they may lead to discriminatory hiring practices.
If an interviewer asks an inappropriate personal question, it’s perfectly acceptable to gently redirect the conversation back to your professional skills and qualifications. You might say, “I’m not sure how that’s relevant to my application, but I am really interested in discussing how my experience with project management can benefit your team.”
If you feel uncomfortable, it’s okay to politely decline to answer a question and steer the conversation back to the job at hand.
Remember, interviews are opportunities to showcase your skills and fit, not to delve into your personal life.
The “Tell us about yourself” question is an invitation to sell yourself as the perfect candidate for the job, focusing on your professional strengths and relevance to the position.
And of course, never forget to tailor your answers to the specific job you are interviewing for!