Tell me about yourself... how to nicely begin with it?

[nynewrn]

I am going to have my interview and I bet there will be questions like this. Can anyone advise? thanks.

[emtb2rn, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

Wisecracks usually fly through my head when I hear that question "well, i was born in the desert and raised in a lion's den" and "i was born a poor black child".

In reality, it's a wide open invitation for you to sell yourself. "i have x years experience in whatever, i like challenges, i enjoy working as part of a team, my certs are these and those, i love to learn, yadda yadda yadda". Avoid anything personal.

[nynewrn]

I appreciate your answer.

[chicookie, BSN, RN]

I normally answer the tell me about yourself with my age and I will say I've lived her for x amount of years. Then I would say something like I've been a nurse for x amount of time and the reason why I went into this field was to *insert your reason* (help people, etc) and I come to find that this field is exactly what I was looking for because *insert something nurse-y). I usually say something that I am grateful for and then say something like the reason I am interested in this position is because *insert reason here* (Mine was: I had clinicals here and I saw what a great team this is so I know that this floor will allow me to not only give me excellent clinical skills but also help me grow as a person.) Be sure that whatever you say is selling yourself. Don't say I like to party all the time or I am always glued to Facebook.

Also when they ask the negative question: What would you say are some of your negative qualities. ALWAYS turn it into a positive. For example: A negative quality I have is that I sometimes forget certain steps for a procedure so I have trained myself to always check the policy and procedure to make sure I have it right. if its something that comes up often I make a copy of the policy and procedure and always carry it with me.

[nynewrn]

I really like your answer! thank u very much chicookie

[chicookie, BSN, RN]

I really like your answer! thank u very much chicookie

Anytime!

[justashooter]

there are dozens of questions a potential employer may not ask you, under the current law. this is your chance to answer them.

employers are looking for stability in an applicant's life, which is an indicator of stability in employment. if you have a stable life, this is your opportunity to demonstrate it. if you are happily married, say so. if you already have all the children you plan for, say so. if your husband has a good job and intends to stay rooted in the area, say so. if you are active in your church or community organisations, say so. these things all make you a more attractive hire.

employers do not want to hear about instability. if your boyfriend just got out of jail for drug conviction and you're thinking about dumping him anyway, or you are tired of living in this city, or you are worried about your mother in arkansas, or you are tired of being harrased by your neighbor because you are gay and like to play loud music at all night orgies, keep this to yourself and talk about how much you love nursing because it gives you a chance to help people.

[nynewrn]

I like your answer, too, justashooter! thanks

[carluvscats]

justashooter, you make a great point. Sometimes we tend to "over share" about things that scare people (esp. future employers) off. Keep it light!

[onetiredmomma]

My interview at the beginning of May consisted of questions like "tell me about a time when you....." "Tell me about an experience you had when you....". Seems interviews have gone from asking about strength/weakness to examples of your practice in situations. As others have said be brief and positive. Take a deep breath before your meeting and smile! Best of luck

[AgentBeast, MSN, RN]

I normally break into song when asked this question.

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[tokmom, BSN, RN]

I have always mentioned my personal life when asked this question. Like the others said, it can show stability. I also tell them I have 7 kids. That to me shows, I can multi-task well.

As for the the negative question (one thing you need improvement on) I tell them I have issues delegating at times. I tell them the reason is I want things done right and if I don't think somebody will, I will do it myself.

Good luck with your interview!