How to answer "tell me about yourself"?

[RNnicu42]

Hey everyone!

I have my first interview since graduating in May 2011. It is for a full time NICU RN position, my dream job. I have heard that "tell us about yourself" is a common question and I am wondering what is the best way to answer? Do I give information only related to my nursing career, or do I share my life story? Any tips or advice is grealty appreciated!

Thanks

Hopeful NICU applicant

[EricJRN, MSN, RN]

Personally, I think that the perfect answer will give the interviewers a little bit of non-nursing info about you, in order to establish a little bit of a personal connection. At the same time, it's great if you can tie that non-nursing info together to show how it has led to an interest in (or preparation for) a NICU nursing career.

For example, someone who grew up in a big family might have learned the value of cooperation or teamwork at an early age. (Sorry for the dumb example. As Mitch Hedberg would say, "That joke came off the top of my head, and the top of my head ain't funny.")

[a_damsel]

I would only give information about your nursing career. Personal information (ie. marital status etc.) should not be relayed in interviews, in fact it's illegal for them to ask you directly. You can also speak about your personality traits and goals, but in relation to nursing.