How to Answer the Question, “Tell Me About Yourself” | Christine vs. Work

It may seem like a softball, but it's actually the toughest job interview question. Here's how to nail it.

Let’s be real: “Tell me about yourself” isn’t even a question. It sparks instant anxiety for most. Where do I start? What’s most important? How much of myself do I reveal? Also, 𝘸𝘩𝘰 am I? Innovation Editor Christine Liu decided to tackle these questions head-on with the help of Joel Schwartzberg, author of, “Get to the Point! Sharpen Your Message and Make Your Words Matter.” With a few practical steps--like matching who you are with the company’s needs and mission--you’ll have more answers than questions next time someone says, “Tell me about yourself.”

Filmed in Fall 2019.

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[harvardbusinessreview]

What questions do you dread during a job interview? 🙈 —Christine

[JoeSmith-yozc]

Interview question "Tell me about yourself" Think of it this take the next 1.5 to 2.5 minutes and summarize your skills and experiences that >>directly relate<< to the job description you are interviewing for." Regarding your passions, I have never hired anyone because they were passionate about job or company. Foundational skills, specific experiences using certain skills or tools, corporate experience, and effective communication. Adaptability is a HUGE corporate skill, but it rarely discussed, and has nothing to do with passion.

[Airith]

So don't actually talk about yourself, talk about the only thing the company cares about, how you make them money and provide value.

[charlotterivera]

I couldn't stop laughing at the sound effect to the question. It's like an evil question that shouldn't be brought up. 🤣🤣🤣

[ThatsJustMyBabyDaddy]

My response is always to ask them what specifically they are wanting to know about me. It's a conversation, not an Inquisition.

[monicaviola]

We need more Christine Liu "How to video"
We need more CL coaching session
and We need more short and concise video

[misosoupbaby]

I was feeling so lost and lonely about my job search as a college senior & this series humanized things so much for me, im so glad the boss hired christine !! I'm also an Asian woman myself looking to work in media and I needed this representation so much atm

[viviennewei]

Love this. Christine did a great job of providing next steps, while still making this a fun exercise in a relaxed setting. Very creative!

[nandinipal]

This is such a fun way to talk about the most dreaded question

[athenaparthenos]

I got an email for a Harvard interview today. This video was super helpful. Thanks a lot and fingers crossed

[shellytheressenovo]

It's 2024 but I still re-watch this video whenever I have interviews! Job interviews are indeed a nerve-wracking experience and Christine made a unique and fun how-to video with it. More of these videos from Christine, please.

[palray]

Where's Christine? I miss these Christine vs Work videos. :( They are super super helpful!

[mijailayala]

Dear Christine.
Today I had my first job interview. the interviewer was the CEO, I felt a little fearful, but I followed the advice in this video.
I still have to wait for the answer, however, I was prepared for the interview.
Thank you.

[adnancivgin]

Great work Christine. Especially the progress you have made within a week, thanks to good preparation. A concise and insightful video - very helpful and thanks for it!

[naosouumrotulo]

One question tough, I learned from other coaches that it not a good strategy to say plain simple that you are great at some skill, you should tell a story that illustrate why you are good

[mochanmugham]

Great content. I like the specific strategy to improve your answer. And Christine is a great host. I like her casual and friendly style.

[elmonterrosa]

I love the before and after! I would love to see more of the entire process. Like what did the outline look like. How many times did she practice it. Any types of self-reflection she did.

[DouganTheLegend]

Thank you so much for this video. I never know how to tackle this question and now I know. It was the first question during the interview! I was expecting it, so once I got it out of the way, the rest of the interview was easy.

[okanime]

This question is not only useless it’s also pointless. But it’s helpful to know how to answer it correctly regardless.

[naosouumrotulo]

Oh my god! this really helped me! Usually I just repeat my CV! Also I LOL with this video!! Thank you very much!