The hardest interview question is always the first one.
It's in every interview.
It's the question you KNOW will be asked... but STILL can be the hardest to answer:
"Tell me about yourself and why you are interested in this position?"
Why is this question so hard?
For many reasons:
1. We are often taught to shrink ourselves or not speak too highly of ourselves, what we are proud of, etc. This is detrimental in the interview setting!
2. For some, it feels like A LOT of pressure. Is there something they WANT to hear? Do I tell them my life story? Do they even care? What if I get this wrong?
There is a little bit of pressure here, but simply because: interviewers (and all humans) remember beginnings and endings.
If you start of strong in the interview, you will be more memorable.
1. We are often taught to shrink ourselves or not speak too highly of ourselves, what we are proud of, etc. This is detrimental in the interview setting!
2. For some, it feels like A LOT of pressure. Is there something they WANT to hear? Do I tell them my life story? Do they even care? What if I get this wrong?
There is a little bit of pressure here, but simply because: interviewers (and all humans) remember beginnings and endings.
If you start of strong in the interview, you will be more memorable.
So... How do I answer this question?
Let me help you!
Take 3 minutes and write down:
Take 3 minutes and write down:
- 3 Things You Love About Yourself
- 3 Things You Are Most Proud of About Yourself
- 3 Things You Love To Do
And you thought the interview question was hard! ;)
But, seriously here: this interview question is one of the only times that the ball is in YOUR court. You can be as YOU as you can! They want to genuinely get to know you. And this is a great and creative way for you to express yourself- and guaranteed that the interviewer will remember you!
But, seriously here: this interview question is one of the only times that the ball is in YOUR court. You can be as YOU as you can! They want to genuinely get to know you. And this is a great and creative way for you to express yourself- and guaranteed that the interviewer will remember you!
Here is an example:
"Hi, my name is Charlie. I love to play soccer and get really motivated to score a goal! I am competitive. I work hard and like being the best I can be, while also encouraging my team to do their best as well. And, that's why I am applying for x position: I feel that this is a role I can be my best in and I would love to be on a team anchored in (blank) success"
See? The interview now knows that you:
- Like to play sports
- Are competitive
- Motivating and collaborative
- And want to succeed WITH the company you are applying for.
Now, that's a win!
The formula is: Reflect on a few things you love, reflect on what you admire about yourself, and see how that aligns to the position you are applying for!
Got it? Great! Go get those interviews!
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