When an employer says "Tell us about yourself." What are they not asking about?

Question

What are appropriate things to talk about in an interview.

Answer 1

They are not asking about any background that does not apply to the position that you have applied for. The subtext of the question is "give me some highlights of your recent work experience and/or education that demonstrate that you have previously handled, or are prepared to handle, the duties of the job that you are interviewing for". If your answer addresses the underlying question, you will be on the mark.

Answer 2

One of the most populare questions that are asked on interviews these days is the famous "Tell us about yourself."

If you are not prepared for this question, since it appears so open-ended, you can easily go down the wrong path very quickly. What the employer is Not asking for is a lot of gritty personal details about your personal life. What they are really asking for is that you tell them about your school 'life' and/or your work 'life'.

Such as, "I went to a four year college and worked throughout my college years. I worked approximately 30 hours a week and put myself through school. I have had two jobs and they were........and my title was......and while I was there I did......" Also, "I am most proud of my ....... and my ......." I look forward to becoming an asset to your company like that."

In fact, avoid a lot of very personal responses like: your marital status, the number of children you have, who provides childcare in your home, religion and politics. Good luck! CW