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.

[Black Jade, BSN, RN]

I also had problems describing myself. I learned from my past interviews that they don't want to know something that they can look it up in your resume or you telling them about your personal life. Instead, they want to find out how your personality fits in with the company. ie. how do you get along with others, how's your work ethic, how do you deal with stress, etc...

[llib]

perfect.

[CourtneyLR]

I'm still in school, but I am currently in management at a non-health care related business and interviewing/hiring is a major part of my job. I think the basics of interviews (at least in terms of this question) are probably quite similar, so I'll offer my opinion.

I agree very much with justashooter- don't say anything to a potential employer that translates to instability. People who are not stable tend to spill it all when asked this question, and that is often the point! It might help you to make a list of possible responses to this question, then choose those which correlate with the characteristics you think this particular employer is looking for.

Every interviewer has pet peeves. For example, I hate when someone says they are a perfectionist. My response is usually something like, "So do you find that you have difficulty completing projects on time because you are so concerned with every detail being perfect?". Truthfully, very few people are perfectionists but most people want to deliver their best- so I'd rather hear that. I think people believe they are supposed to use the perfectionist line, so it also seems like a fake answer. Describe yourself honestly, but avoid extremes because they often come across as exaggerated rather than impressive.

Best of luck!

[hiddencatRN, BSN, RN]

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.

I was always told this is "about you" in a professional sense. What brought you to the field, what interests you about the work, unique career or educational experiences that tie in to the position, etc. I would NEVER volunteer marital status or child bearing strategy or really personal things. This question is asking for your pitch, the soundbyte for why to hire you, not about your love of Harry Potter and collection of Precious Moments dolls.

[llib]

First of all it is quite important to have prepared answers about yourself. But the question "tell me about yourself" is a question to find out can you speak in chronological order. Interviewers love to stop you in the middle of your description of yourself. By doing things in chronological order You are able to get back to the place you left off at so it doesn't seem like you're rambling.

When starting you want to start with something like I'm originally from Chicago my father was a doctor my mother was a nurse that's why I chose profession. I did well in high school. I then went on to nursing school. I've had two jobs since I finish school. I came to the West Coast because I wanted to be close to the ocean. I'm currently employed by XXX. I'm looking for an opportunity that has more depth and more opportunity for growth I've studied your company and I see you have an opportunity that looks challenging and would afford me the opportunity to grow.

Along with that interlace any awards such as scholarships. A little bit about your activities when you're not working such as flower gardening etc.

Most importantly you want to make it so that you are interesting. you have the ability to fill in any questions the interviewer might have about you.