Messed up icebreaker question on interview

[AmpleOlive]

I’m interviewing for a position which will involve multiple interviews. I had the hiring manager interview last week, which I felt went pretty solid apart from rambling a bit with the “tell me about yourself” question.

I have now progressed to the panel interviews and had one today with a peer who I have worked with previously (and who gave me the initial referral). I had prepared a better answer for the “tell me about yourself” question, but because we are already familiar we skipped it and I was asked to showcase my CV highlights. I rambled harder than the last one, to the point where I stopped and asked if I should continue or move on (we moved on to the next question). The interview went solidly after that and I was able to give good examples which (hopefully) showcased my abilities.

I have two more interviews to go so I am trying to nail the icebreaker question. But has anyone here messed up the icebreaker question and still got the job? I’ve read that the icebreaker question is often one of the crucial ones - I’m praying this is an exaggerated truth bearing in mind nerves come into play at the beginning?

I’m being made redundant from my current role so to say I’m stressed is a massive understatement! The role is also in a sector where opportunities are already limited…

We don't mark the ice breaker and haven't at either of my workplaces. Public sector though so don't know if it's normal elsewhere.

I wouldn’t place much weight on the ice breaker, but it does set a tone.

If you rambled for one question only I would assume nerves. If you rambled again it would be harder to overcome. It also depends on the role, if it’s one where succinct verbal communication was important it would perhaps count more.

I would prepare a few short summaries and have them ready. Consider your strengths, what tone do you want to set, what are you selling. The opening questions are like the back page of a novel, they need to entice the interviewers to want to know more and should accurately reflect your skills and approach.

Also prepare for: what do you know about the role so far? Now that you’re at 3rd stage what is it that really interests you about the role? How has your interview experience been so far? (Tip: always remember the previous interviewers names here)

best of luck

Public sector here. icebreakers are just used to get you comfortable and gauge time taken to answer (we have timed questions).

While I'm sure some organisations place greater emphasis on them, I would see it as the settling in question. Getting to see the panel's responses and gauging how to answer the rest of the questions.

Revisit your application before the interview. It will help you focus your attention to what the panel are looking for. Use the opportunity to elaborate on that if needed to showcase yourself.

Had my second panel interview today. This one went MUCH better than the first. The icebreaker was so much better and the interviewer gave very good feedback throughout, saying I was clearly committed.

HOWEVER, I think I gaffed during my own question round. I got into conversational mode and, without thinking, commented on their office culture billboard and how it might be a challenge to translate into other languages (the role I am going for involves translation of their content into other languages). My intention was to highlight my awareness of their office values, but she went a bit open mouthed and said “and this is why we have a team to look at these things”. She was still smiling, but as soon as her mouth went open I regretted what I said.

Should I email and clarify what I intended to say? It was otherwise a very positive interview and I am absolutely furious with myself right now, especially as it wasn’t necessary to make that comment.

Massive lesson learned for the last interview, obviously…

Consider it your highlight real, it's your very best bits, practice in front of the mirror or with a spouse and get their feedback about any rambly bits.

Can I ask what is a good way of answering “tell us about yourself” question?

Tell us about yourself is not- I like hiking and reading, it's a brief educational and professional background.

Hi, just to update this one. I got through my last interviews and was offered the job! So a positive outcome for me :)

Congratulations!

Congratulations 👏 💐

Sounds like you were put through the wringer in the interview process so it's good to hear you were successful!

Well done!!