Interview help - tell me about yourself

[Lazysundayafternoons]

"Tell me about yourself"

What do people want to hear when they ask this question? Adjectives describing yourself/ your career / a bit about your personal life/ all of the above?

I'm planning a response to this question (interview tomorrow) but dont know what kind of response is expected?

It's an internal position so the person conducting the interview does know me to an extent eg he knows I had a baby last year and how far I travel to work.

They want you to tell them about your career history and how it brought you to applying for the post you are interviewing for

As above. Taking the view that every question is the opportunity to sell yourself, this question is the chance to show how your career history makes you right for the job. So, highlight the experience and skills you have gained that you think are most relevant to the role. That's always the way I have approached this type of question anyway.

Good luck for tomorrow!

A similar question is ‘what attracted you to this role and what will you bring to it’. That allows you to say ‘I have had pet unicorns since I was a child and I have spent fifteen years as a hairdresser specialising in colour and hair extensions. This role with My Little Pony would at last allow me to combine my interests and my expertise.’ Or whatever it is.....

Give your work history, if its an internal position then start with your history in the company.

"I've worked here for x years, starting off in y the progressing to z etc. Prior to that I worked in....etc."

Agree with above. How long you’ve worked in industry, what relevant experience you have, what you particularly enjoy about the job.

Do not “ I’m wife to Paul, have 3 amazing children, I love going to the gym, cooking and spending time with my family” 🤮

When I ask this question at interview, I always add “there’s no need to go to back your A levels or first job, but we’re really keen to hear you spend a few moments highlighting the roles you’ve had that you feel are particularly to this role and our company”.

What I’m really looking for is 2-3 minutes talking through progression. So something like “my first exposure to skills X was in company A where I was responsible for Z. I moved into a more senior role in company B managing a team of Zists. From here, I focused on leadership development and moved into a senior management role where I’m currently assistant head of the Z department. I believe I’m ready to move into the Head of Z role with your company, thanks to the ten years of experience I have in leadership in this area”.

Absolutely do not talk about your personal life! It’s essentially asking about your experience that’s relevant to the role.

Thanks all, will keep it strictly professional.

Have never had an internal interview before so that's throwing me off a bit that I actually know the interviewers.

Does anyone want to give me suggestions of questions I could ask?
(The one I really want to know is the money but I would never be that brave to ask)

It's a good chance to sell yourself. Highlight on the role description the main skills / experience they are looking for and ensure you cover those points when discussing your recent career.

Questions to ask.... Progression and / or training opportunities, when will you hear about result of interview...

Thanks, I think it went well.

Mostly I was just glad that my wifi held up for me so we were able to complete the interview, mid way through they said I could turn off my video and continue just by phone as I started to break up a little bit.

They said theyll give a response/feedback next week so it's just a waiting game now.

Good luck!