"Tell us about yourself"

[internationalbeeboo]

...any advice for how best to answer this question in an interiew? Somebody just told me I shouldn't go through my CV, which is what I did in my last 2 (unsuccessful) interviews when they asked me this...

I have no idea but I would guess this is more about your personality/style of working - so "I'm a sociable person" or "I like getting into the detail" or things like that... then you might use work-related examples to back it up. Also maybe a bit about your interests outside work.

I would presume that question to be more about "me" as a whole person than specific to the job.....
(made up) Well, my name's Jane and I grew up in Wales but have lived in Manchester for several years now. I'm married and have two teenage boys. In my spare time I vounteer with Guide Dogs for the Blind. I've been a {insert whatever job you are} for x years and love {insert something about the job}. I'm looking for a new challenge now. what else would you like to know ?" type of thing.

Thanks!

I have been googling this question and to me it seems they don't want to know your life history or personal details but more what you can bring to the company, and briefly what your skills are and why you would be great for this job. I wouldn't go through my CV cos they already have that in front of them but I'd use it as a chance to sell myself rather than tell them about my personal life.
HTH

Cathy

I would keep it purely work related. They don't give a shit what you do outside work and how many kids you have. Don't just go through your CV, but say stuff like 'I have been working in the x sector for x years, started from doing xyz and progressed blah blah blah'. Add some colour, personaility and interest to the bare facts detailed on your CV.

Purely wrk related. 1 or 2 minutes tops. They don't want your life story.

Highlight from your cv the things that are important for the role.
E.g I worked in xyz industry for 10 years and for 4 years interacted with customers (if customer facing is important.) - I was great at this because .....
Basically a very brief history of what you have done, your qualities (Why you are wonderful for the role), what you are looking for (describe this job??).
Try and end with an open ended question.
E.g What are the most important qualities you are looking for?

Rehearse but make sure it doesn't sound rehearsed.
It should drip of your tongue without sounding memorised.
Aim for it to be a conversation and not a questions and answer session.