'Tell me about yourself' doesn't translate into 'tell me everything about you'. Employers don't want to become your friend they just want an idea of your work ethic and habits. This is typically one of the trick questions potential employers ask to make or break the interview.
So, what do you do if this question arises? Tell them where you went to school (if applicable), where you got your training, previous work experience, and where you'd like the position you're interviewing for to take you.
If after this they ask for more personal information, answer carefully, if concerned whether or not its appropriate suggest otherwise.
What about the wild card questions?
ever hear questions like, "If you were a cereal, what would you be?” or "If you were writing an autobiography, what would its title be?" No? Well here are some tips to avoid the surprise factor if in fact they do arise.
Many employers, just like the trick question above will throw in wild card questions to catch you off guard. This allows them to link it back to business.
For instance, the cereal question may be referring to actual job requirements. If you say tutti-frutti’s, they may take it as a suggestion that you are not a serious worker. Even if that is not the case. Grape Nuts on the other hand suggest humor with solidarity.
How bout an autobiography? This may refer to your ability to sell, in this case yourself. It doesn’t have to be overly clever, it could just be a song title, or like or favorite quote the can explain your qualities while also making you appealing.
Questions like this are impossible to prepare for, because they are always unpredictable. However, practicing answering "silly" questions on the spot may help eliminate the surprise factor. Have friends or family quiz you before your next interview, if anything it will be a fun game.
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