As a non-native English speaker, job interviews in English can be intimidating. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
One question which is nearly always asked in an English job interview is “Tell me about yourself.<\/em>” <\/p>\n\n\n\n In this blog post, we\u2019ll look at how to answer this question. There is a wrong way, and a better way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep on reading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Inspiration comes from, and thanks go to Christina at Speak English with Christina. Check out her YouTube video her<\/a>e<\/a> for more examples, and her YouTube channel here<\/a> for more Business English resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s start with how not to answer this question. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Your interviewer does not want to hear your entire life story. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They don\u2019t want to know that you were given a 100% attendance certificate or how you always received top marks at school. They also don\u2019t want you to just recite your CV (curriculum vitae) since they've already read it, and wouldn\u2019t be interviewing you otherwise! Finally, they don\u2019t want a one-sentence answer, nor do they want you to talk for ten minutes straight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n What they do want, is a summary of your experience<\/strong> which got you to this current moment. How does your past experience relate to the position you\u2019re interviewing for? How did you get to where you are now?<\/p>\n\n\n\n And most importantly it has to be relevant and show how it led you to the job position you are applying for. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s look at an example. Imagine you\u2019re applying for a teaching role in a primary school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Interviewer: So, tell me about yourself.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Applicant: Well, since I was a teenager, I\u2019ve always worked with children in a babysitting role, or as a camp leader. I love how much energy children have, and how rewarding it is to work with them. So, I knew I wanted to be a teacher from a young age and I chose to study education at university. I especially enjoyed learning about children\u2019s development. While at university, I volunteered at a youth club. This helped me become more confident in organizing activities for young people. I\u2019m now looking for a job as a primary school teacher, and that\u2019s why I applied for this role. This is such an exciting opportunity for me, and I\u2019d love to be a part of it.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n This example follows the structure that Christina suggests in her video. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Tell a short and sweet summary of your life, which is relevant to the role you\u2019ve applied for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s look at another example. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Imagine this time that it\u2019s somebody applying for a waitress job in a restaurant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This one\u2019s a bit harder. You might not be as passionate about a part-time job as you would a teaching position, but you have to pretend to be!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Interview: So, tell me about yourself.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Applicant: Well, I\u2019m originally from Spain and I came to the UK last year to improve my English. Since moving to London, I\u2019ve had so many opportunities to meet people from all over the world, and I\u2019m so grateful for this opportunity. When I lived in Spain, I volunteered at charity events, so I had lots of opportunities to work in a team and develop my communication skills. I hope to stay in the UK for another year, before returning to Spain to start my university studies. I hope that by working for you, I\u2019ll have the same opportunities to develop and grow and have plenty of opportunities to meet new people and help them.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Once again, a short and sweet summary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This time, it\u2019s relevant that the candidate has mentioned their future hopes. As you can see, this candidate has recently finished high school and hasn\u2019t had much work experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ok, now it's your turn. Write out your summary, keep to the structure. Now, try to remember the key points. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You don't have to memorize it like a script. It may come across awkward. But do practice it a few times. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Wrong Way<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Better Way <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Sample Job Interview Answer – Teacher <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Sample Job Interview Answer – Waiter\/Waitress <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Your Turn<\/h2>\n\n\n\n