So tell me a bit about yourself..........

[danceyourselfsilly]

As an interviewer what do you want to hear if you ask this question?
Reason for asking - last time I had an interview which was a 2nd interview for which I appeared to have exactly the right experience etc - when the interviewer said this to me I was not prepared and ended up waffling too much about my last job and she looked really bored (understandably!) I think I just didn't know what to say about myself on the spot (divorced,dog-owner, teenage daughter, like to cook, drink wine that sort of thing?) Needless to say I didn't get the job. Got another 2 interviews this week so just looking for tips please? So I don't mess up this time. :)

Google elevator pitch for interviews and that will give you format ideas.

It can be a good opportunity to highlight any skills which may be relevant to the role and address any weaknesses positively. Use the Job description and advert to look for clues.

As a recruiter I do not want to know you’re divorced and enjoy wine. ‘Tell me a bit about yourself...’ would be looking for answers relating to your skills and professional background. What have you done/achieved/why should I want you on my team? Be memorable (for the right reasons)! I’m always impressed when people say: I’m [insert], I’ve done [insert] and [insert]. Now I’m looking to move into [insert], and this role will really showcase my talents in [insert] and [insert].

ok thanks - so they don't want personal stuff they want career and achievement info (which is also on cv and in covering letter) relevant to the role?

Exactly - personal stuff is not what they’re looking for (although some people will throw in one memorable fact that might be slightly more personal at the end), but on the whole, I want to understand and get to know the professional you! If you want to pm me i’m happy to give you proper examples (I have set answers I give to this question that i’ve built up over the years but would be too revealing to put them on here...)

thanks I appreciate it - not pm'd before but will have a go

Last time I was asked this I asked them if they meant outside of work or work related and they said both.

I always like to know a bit about their personal lives! Not too much though. But I get bored when people just waffle on about their jobs a

By the time they ask this question, I tend to have sussed whether they have bothered to read my CV or not. I've always included a bit of personal stuff as, for my last five interviews (all of which led to job offers, two of which I accepted) I've been in my 30s so whilst I know they shouldn't discriminate against me, I have made it clear that I have reliable childcare, continue to enjoy challenging roles etc.

I volunteer with a couple of charities so generally discuss the skills and experience I've developed in those roles and how they relate to the work place