Interviews: tell us a bit about yourself! How to answer, 4 tips and an example. #interviewtips #phd

TL;DR

Deliver a concise and well-structured response to the common interview question, showcasing your background, interests, and future goals.

Transcript

tell us a little bit about yourself it's a very very common opener to an interview and this is actually an opportunity for you to deliver a very concise well-structured response that will impress the person interviewing you from the very beginning and set the tone right from the very start the most important thing is that for the answer to this que... Read More

Key Insights

• ⁉️ The purpose of the question is to assess your ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
• 🤔 Giving a concise answer shows your interviewers that you can think through your experiences and present them in a well-structured manner.
• 🥺 Steering the conversation towards your strengths during this question can lead to further exploration of those areas.
• 📔 Taking notes beforehand can help ensure that you cover all the key points while maintaining a natural flow in your response.
• ❓ Avoid rambling or providing unnecessary details that may detract from your main message.
• ⁉️ Personal anecdotes and childhood stories should be avoided, as this question is primarily focused on your professional background.
• 💦 Adding a mention of your personality traits in a professional context can give interviewers a glimpse into your work style.

Questions & Answers

Q: How should I approach the "tell us about yourself" question during an interview?

Start by stating your training, main interests, and previous research, then highlight what you enjoyed and what you plan to do next. Be concise, focused, and effectively communicate your background and future aspirations.

Q: Should I include personal hobbies or childhood stories in my response?

It is best to keep your answer strictly professional, focusing on your education and research experience. Avoid mentioning personal hobbies or childhood stories as they may not be relevant to the position and could distract from your qualifications.

Q: Can I mention my personality traits in the response?

You can briefly mention your general personality without revealing too much. For example, you can mention that you may come across as shy initially but are a strong team player once you get to know people. This gives insight into your work style without oversharing.

Q: How can I tailor my response to the specific position?

While keeping your answer professional, you can add relevant details about areas of expertise that align with the position. For example, if the job requires knowledge of molecular methods, briefly mention your experience and future plans to enhance your knowledge in this area.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• When answering the question, be concise and have a clear plan in mind to impress the interviewer from the start.

• Highlight your training, main interests, previous research, and future goals to give an overview of your past, present, and future.

• Answer in a way that shows your communication skills, enthusiasm, and ability to steer the conversation towards your strengths.