UIAA Alumni Career Center

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The University of Illinois Alumni Career Center provides individual and group career/life transition counseling and maintains an active liaison with employers so that University of Illinois alumni have the necessary tools to conduct a successful employment and career management campaign.
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"Tell Me About Yourself"

Many interviewers will ask this question. Some will ask it just to take up time while they settle into the interview. Most, however, are truly looking forward to the information You choose to provide.

That is the key concept. The way you answer this question is a choice. Choose wisely. Think strategically. You can choose to:

  • Focus on strengths
  • Share a targeted biography
  • Describe your vision for the position
  • Share a personal story
  • Talk about what motivated you to apply.

This is your moment to create a positive impression that you can build on during the interview. I encourage to spend time crafting one of the answers above and avoiding the typical answer of the complete bio (I was born in..., I went to school for...).

One way we can help you explore your strengths and describe these in ways that are significant for your field, is through the "Identifying and Demonstrating Your Strengths" session on September 25.

Workshop participants will discuss results from their Strengths-based Leadership assessment, discuss ways these strengths can be used in careers and transitions and practice describing their strengths in practical ways. Attendance is limited and participation is on site only.

How do you incorporate your strengths when you answer this question?

What strategy do you use when responding to the "Tell Me About Yourself" prompt?

You can share your examples or ask questions by clicking on the comment link below.

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