What to say when asked: "Tell me about yourself"?

[NurseAndLovinIt]

Hey all, I know this should be the easiest interview question; but it really isn't. Like all other new grad RNs, I am desperately trying to get a job. I have had one real interview and one over the phone. I think I botched both by my weak answer to "Tell me about yourself". I ramble on saying stuff like "I just graduated....I'm about to take NCLEX....I passed NCLEX....I have a minor in...." Basically just spouting stuff that's on my resume. Ugh! I kick myself. I've been thinking about this non stop and I just can't figure out what to say. Another problem I think I have is rambling/talking too much when asked interview questions. Nerves of course, but still - not good. So what are some suggestions on how to answer the dreaded "Tell me about yourself"? What info do managers want to hear that is concise and sounds appealing to them? I have tried to look up suggestions, but can't find anything concrete. SO I come here and ask what do you all say when asked that question?

BTW, I grew up as a military brat. Would that be significant info to include to the question? Like I could tailor it to mean that I am open to change and able to adjust well in many circumstances. I have great cultural sensitivity, etc.

Well thanks for any and all suggestions. Hopefully the next time I get asked that question, I will have an awesome answer.

[PediNurse3]

I start by talking about how I got into nursing and take it from there. It works well for me because I didn't go into nursing right out of college and I feel like it gives the interviewer what they are looking for - information about me. I have only included personal information once and felt that it was appropriate because one of the reasons I wanted the position was because it would work better for me and my family.

Just be personable and sincere. Good luck!

[anotherone, BSN, RN]

llg said:

I'm not saying you have to reveal a bunch of personal stuff -- or that you should reveal anything really private. I'm just saying that it is to the applicant's advantage to appear personable and establish a human connection between themselves and the interviewer. In today's economy, job applicants (particularly those without a lot of nursing experience) need every boost they can get. Use such opportunities to help yourself stand out and make a positive connection.

I interview approximately 75 nursing students per year for jobs at my hospital. I also interview 5-10 experienced nurses per year for leadership positions. I have a lot more applicants than I have jobs to fill. And I have been filling positions for over 20 years. Anyone who "plays games" with me during the interview, tries to pull the wool over my eyes, gives me "canned" answers from a book that don't really tell me anything about them as a person, or avoids answering the questions I ask ... is not doing themselves any favors.

I know that sounds arrogant and my sound offensive to some of you. I'm sorry. I don't mean to offend. I'm just telling you all what it looks like from the other side of the interview. Sure, there are some interviewers who don't know what they are doing. But those of us who DO know what we are doing don't like to have our time wasted by people reciting scripts that could be used by anyone. If we are taking the time to ask a question, we want an honest answer that reflects the uniqueness of the person who is saying it. If I want want "stock answers," I'll buy the book.

If you are not the right person for the job, I'll probably figure it out. So your best bet to get the job is to BE the best person for the job. Figure out what the hiring manager is looking for and BE that person. When there are several people applying for the same position, that's your best bet.

Give a script, tailored to what the interviewer wants to hear. Sometimes I go that route, other times I am myself. Both have worked for getting different jobs. You can't BE another person but you might be able to fake it pretty well.

[elkpark]

NurseAndLovinIt said:

BTW, I grew up as a military brat. Would that be significant info to include to the question? Like I could tailor it to mean that I am open to change and able to adjust well in many circumstances. I have great cultural sensitivity, etc.

IMO, this is good. It's "real" and is positive about you at the same time.