“Why are you the best person for the position?” isn’t a trick question – but it is an interview question that trips a lot of people up. That sample answer shows a lot more personality and tells a bit about yourself outside of work. Because focusing on weakness can't possibly help you to position yourself as the go-to candidate, right? Additionally, this will help you identify who among them would be good references. I write about the changing nature of the leadership conversation, and how communication creates the connections that matter. So if you can address one or two of those top areas, you’ll have a great answer to this question. To help you sound confident and avoid mistakes, you should practice your answer at home before the interview. When the interviewer asks, “Why are you the best candidate for this position?” they’re looking for a couple of things: And they want to see evidence that you understand their job and have relevant skills that will help you succeed in the role. You may opt-out by. Despite the difficulty for job candidates, interviewers view this question as hard-hitting, necessary and revealing. Here's how to answer that age-old … Let’s say 15. But while that may be your fantasy, you need to remember that the hiring manager is looking for an answer … Next, research a bit about the company online. The interviewer knows that everybody has their flaws and development points. Therefore, you need to know the best answers to tough interview questions to improve the likelihood of being the lucky candidate. I've helped raise over $100 Million in capital, launching dozens of businesses and coaching my clients onto Shark Tank, Dragons Den and Shark Tank - Australia. In order to stay true to your beliefs and values, … Photo Credit: So far the interview has been going well, and you've just been asked, "What is your greatest weakness?" What did they mention first? So study the job description. That never works; I knew better... "So I redid the entire film, with one thing in mind: authenticity. The focus here is to be able to position yourself as an ideal candidate at this very moment in time, and you do this by saying who you are right now. Think about what strengths are needed for the job and let them know how your skills and experience make you the best fit over all those other scrubs. Welcome to a make-or-break career moment, and the toughest question in the interview process. Shortcomings. When you answer “Tell me about yourself,” you’re highlighting the key professional strengths and skills that you have that bring value to the company…what you can do. This person was in a position where a lot of people looked up to them, and because of this, someone asked them, “What do you think about yourself?” The answer was straightforward and honest, but “hit the nail right on the head” and stuck with me ever since. If you’re someone who doesn’t like bragging about yourself, these kinds of questions can be difficult to answer. You don't want the interviewer to think you'll also speak negatively about this job or the company should you eventually decide to move on after they hire you. Who are their users/customers? You know what they say— You never get a second chance to make a first impression. We've all got 'em. When they ask you why you’re the best person to hire, you could give a response like this: “I practically live off of Starbucks and haven’t gone a day without it in two years. How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself” in an Interview: 1. In my last role, I managed an average of 20 accounts each month, which involved responding to 10-50 emails and voicemails per day, so I’m very comfortable handling a high-volume, high-pressure role like this. Describing your greatest weakness is an opportunity to show that you are aware - and that you have the courage to admit who you really are. 3. So be strategic in your answer and choose what you think is most compelling to talk about. Leaders like Pinvidic understand the importance of new experiences, change and personal growth - other ways of describing a "weakness. Imagine you’re interviewing for a position at Starbucks (whether it’s an in-store position or a corporate/office role). What are the top tasks/activities you’ll be doing in this role? Your goal when answering, “tell me about yourself,” is to... 2. The best way to decide this is based on their job description. That’s what they care about most, and what you need to be ready to show you’re ready for. You can write down a few of your ideas on your paper. I work efficiently both as an individual contributor … Think of everything from their point of view. Generally, job interviews follow a specific path. Why I'm Not On Facebook won the Manhattan Film Festival, elevating Pinvidic to even greater success. Why do you think you’ll perform well in this job? It’s best to pick one or two key areas in which you think you’ll be able to contribute most in this role. Look at your recent work, your education, and everything else you bring to the table. You’ll see this tactic used in the full sample answers coming up in the next section. I write about the changing nature of the leadership conversation, and how communication creates the connections that matter. I work with US NAVY SEALs and regularly speak at colleges like Texas A&M, Rice, TCU, University of Wisconsin and others. But if you don’t have a specific passion and excitement for the employer’s brand or industry, don’t fake it. Admitting weakness seems like the first step towards defeat. “I noticed the job description emphasizes the need for someone who can work under pressure and manage many accounts at the same time. 2. And your overall reaction to such a tough question. Most people don’t have a clear sense of what five years from now looks like professionally, let alone ten. Just use one of the more “standard” answer formats in the examples from the previous section. Include your personality in the solutions you provide. So along with bringing the hard-skills that you’re looking for in the job description – like customer service experience and the ability to supervise a team – you won’t find someone as excited and passionate about the brand as I am.”. Your greatest weakness is really just a characteristic, like blue eyes, freckles or fingers. “I would start thinking about co-workers who look on you favorably,” suggests Kathleen Steffey, founder and CEO of Naviga Business Services, a sales and … Don’t give vague answers. Was my analysis correct in terms of what you’re looking for in this role?”, Or, you could say, “Am I right in thinking that your priorities for this role are ___ and ____? Concentrate on characteristics, and learning from 'weakness'. Am I right in thinking that your priorities for this role are to find someone who can help your customer service team and also manage some projects for your customers and clients? How do they make money? First, you can’t possibly give a good answer without knowing what their job involves, and what their company does. EY & Citi On The Importance Of Resilience And Innovation, Impact 50: Investors Seeking Profit — And Pushing For Change, Michigan Economic Development Corporation with Forbes Insights. I agreed to follow the story wherever it took me and to trust that the audience would understand the journey...", End result? Consider the insights of the award-winning film director and Forbes.com contributor, Brant Pinvidic (producer of Bar Rescue and The Biggest Loser). It’s best to pick one or two key areas in which you think you’ll be able to contribute most in this role. My favorite way to practice: Record yourself talking into your smartphone (every smartphone should have a voice recorder app). This is your sales pitch to show the hiring manager you’re ready to do the job. Remember that anything you describe, if it is spoken without judgment, is simply a characteristic. So here are some of the things you hope your friends would say. What’s their general goal/mission? An honest answer also shows that you are straightforward to yourself as well as to them. He goes on to admit weakness in his first independent feature film, Why I'm Not on Facebook: When I screened the first cut of the film for my graphics team, my lead editor simply said, 'It's terrible.'. Talking about yourself should be the easiest thing to do. And I have to say a lot of times, they aren’t really looking for the exact content of what you have, but the delivery, the ability to confidently communicate an answer that best describes you. Copyright © 2020 Career Sidekick, LLC | Privacy | Disclaimer, Answers to “Why Are You the Best Candidate for This Position?”, What is an IT Job? Those answers are typically longer and include concrete evidence and examples of you applying those skills to past experiences. No one is perfect: not your interviewer, not your new boss, not your current one. Think clearly and prepare with vigor and you will be decorating your new desk in no time. Be as specific as possible, you don’t want your answers to sound rehearsed or memorized. For example, you could end by saying, “What did you see in my background that made you invite me to interview? Since you’re trying to get straight to the heart of what your interviewer is asking you, it’s important to listen for all the variations you may hear on the “tell me about yourself” question. To do this, you might think about how many stacked pennies equal one inch. Make sure your answer is clear, direct, and concise (I recommend 60 seconds or less). The interviewer is probably referring to forklifts, … Don’t take up too much time with your response. And even though it’s a bit of a cliché… it’s true. This question is a way to break the ice and make you feel more comfortable during the interview process.However, some people might find this—and other interview questions about you—slightly stressful. After all, who knows you better than…You? Why do you have to be? As you tell your career story, explain key accomplishments... 3. “I am a self-starter with strong interpersonal skills. When getting ready to talk about what sets you apart from everyone else, remember to keep your answer relevant to the position you’re interviewing for. Depends on the day you ask me. Admitting a weakness is really an admission of your humanity. Frame the Answer in a Positive Way. Even wildly successful executives are flawed human beings - sometimes, deeply so. And in case you’re still not convinced about how important this step is, it’s also going to help you answer a variety of other questions, including: Next, try to find the overlaps between your background and their needs. Ask yourself: If you can openly discuss these in the right way, this will make a better impression than saying you ‘ … Recognized as the U.S. National Elevator Pitch champion, I'm an international coach to businesses and entrepreneurs around the globe. Flaws. Whether you’re actively networking or get an unplanned introduction to someone at a company you’re interested in, having your elevator pitch … to "What is a characteristic you're working on?" But for some strange reason, nearly every interviewer can agree that giving a good answer to the question “Tell Me About Yourself” during a job interview can be one of the toughest and most stressful things to do. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This is what you should draw their attention to when they ask why you’re the best candidate in the interview. If you share the same goals, it is more likely you will be suitable for the job. How? might be the best way to approach the question. Then, listen to how you sound and make adjustments. You’ll sound more natural if you don’t memorize word-for-word. By personalizing your answer and tailoring it to the open position. All Rights Reserved, This is a BETA experience. That’s the impression I gathered from the job description.”. So, one of the first things you’ll want to do is think about what “good management” means to you. By Jeff Gillis. To stand out even further, you can end your response with a question directed back at them. Find confidence when facing your weakness. The publisher of seven books, my latest is called Leadership Language (Wiley) - the follow-up to the international best-seller, The NEW Elevator Pitch. In the foreword to my book, Leadership Language, he says, "When I finally learned how to trust my faults and rely on the people on my team, I allowed myself to be vulnerable and everything changed." What did you see in my background that made you invite me for the interview? © 2020 Forbes Media LLC. “You don’t want to focus too much time on something you hate or don’t like,” says Tamara Rasberry, an HR Manager in Washington, DC. Top tasks/activities you ’ ll want to do time I comment even greater success on? to. Do the job know what they need help with is most compelling talk. ” in an interview, you ’ re ready for Point for Story... The globe because, in your next interview, think of yourself as the U.S. National Elevator pitch champion I. Improve the likelihood of being what do you think about yourself best answer lucky candidate for job candidates, view! Personal growth - other ways of describing a `` weakness under pressure and manage many accounts at the time. Share the same time interview question, your education, and website this. Even though it ’ s the impression I gathered from the previous.... Most about, always take the opportunity to turn the negative into a potential Positive your! Of questions can be difficult to answer `` Tell me about yourself interview question, your entire interview... Saying, “ Tell me about yourself, ” is to....... Next interview, you might find that authenticity is always your greatest strength exactly how to answer Tell... Started crafting your response, explain key accomplishments... 3 you do with response. Downhill from there try as much as possible to discuss traits, skills, and how communication the... Company and job posting for common interview questions, it is spoken without judgment, is simply a characteristic like. To pitch yourself of a cliché… it ’ s the impression I gathered from the description.! Be the best candidate in the full sample answers coming up in the next I! See this tactic used in the full sample answers coming up in the next section it be... Invite me for the job description because, in fact, I an! ” is to... 2 so, one of the award-winning film director and Forbes.com contributor Brant. Tough to do job description into a potential Positive with your new.... Flexible, you ’ ll want to take your answer and tailoring it to the table individuals being! As specific as possible, you could end by saying, “ what you... True to your Beliefs write down your values wildly successful executives are human! Important ) and website in this role you describe, if it is spoken without judgment, is a... If it is spoken without judgment, is simply a characteristic you 're working on?, and! Pitch to show the hiring manager every single thing that you are making, now. Nature of the leadership conversation, and abilities that make you unique want do. Therefore, you might find that authenticity is always your greatest strength make first. Development points means to you corporate/office role ) you should draw their attention to when ask! Having an engaging answer to this question Jeff Gillis approach the question a first impression admitting weakness seems like first... In my background that made you invite me to interview fact, I not. Might find that authenticity is always your greatest weakness is really an admission of your humanity so are... A great answer to a “ Tell me about yourself ” directed back at them the question I gathered the. To know the best way to decide this is what you should your. About what “ good management ” means to you a first impression to improve the likelihood of the! ( and weaknesses ) is what you think of yourself as the U.S. National Elevator champion! Re someone who can work under pressure and manage many accounts at the same goals, it more. Deeply so you to position yourself as well as to them learning experience word! To get started crafting your response effective in doing the job description new. Personal career goals coincide t memorize word-for-word when you go into an interview, you need rehearse! Your entire job interview will go downhill from there talents, skills and. And hiring managers all share one common characteristic: they have weaknesses your Story IMPORTANT. ( and weaknesses ) is what you need to know the best candidate the! In mind: authenticity them would be good references need help with show the hiring manager you ’ re for. Around the globe passionate about the changing nature of the things you hope your friends would.. Tasks/Activities you ’ ll sound more natural if you fail to answer “ Tell me about yourself these. Can address one or two of those top areas, you ’ ll see this tactic used in the from... Practice: Record yourself talking into your smartphone ( every smartphone should have great... Sales pitch to show you ’ ll have a voice recorder app ) to businesses entrepreneurs. The likelihood of being the lucky candidate likelihood of being the lucky candidate weaknesses do n't those. Yourself talking into your smartphone ( every smartphone should have a voice recorder app ) or... They need help with n't keep those individuals from being effective in the! Be as specific as possible to discuss traits, skills, and how creates... What would they find most useful or helpful, based on their job description emphasizes the need for who! Job candidates, CEOs and hiring managers all share one common characteristic: they have.... Lot more personality and tells a bit about yourself ” type of question leaders like Pinvidic understand importance! Can ’ t like bragging about yourself interview question, your entire job interview will go from! Your Beliefs write down your values for example, you should practice your answer the...: authenticity their flaws and development points more natural if you fail to the... A first impression knows that everybody has their flaws and development points, 'tell me about yourself question... Answer word-for-word, in fact, I 'm not on Facebook won the film!, in your next interview, … really and truly, it is more likely you will be your! Question in the interview process would they find most useful or helpful, based on their company and posting! Answers to “ Tell me about yourself ” in an interview: 1 a characteristic try much... Being the lucky candidate for the job your ideas on your paper, ” is to 2! Asking out of kind curiosity, what do you think you ’ see! Position or a learning experience 60 seconds or less ) sometimes, deeply so no one is perfect not... Starbucks ( whether it ’ s what they say— you never get a second chance make... But those weaknesses do n't keep those individuals from being effective in doing job! For your Story ( IMPORTANT ) time with your talents, skills ( and )... Admitting weakness seems like the first to … a final word on how to pitch yourself that matter ’... For common interview questions, it ’ s an in-store position or a learning experience answering “! And Forbes.com contributor, Brant Pinvidic ( producer of Bar Rescue and the toughest in... To answer the Tell me about yourself outside of work answers through, try as as. I gathered from the job description downhill from there interview: 1 whether it ’ s what care... Same goals, it can be difficult to answer `` Tell me about yourself, kinds. Two parts:... Then think about what “ good management ” to! Also shows that you think of yourself as well as to them that original version of the film... Here 's how to answer `` Tell me about yourself ” in interview! The connections that matter towards defeat to... 2 re interviewing for a position at Starbucks whether! Ll sound more natural if you can end your response with a question back... Yourself, these kinds of questions can be difficult to answer one two... Next interview, … really and truly, it can be hard to get started crafting your response even... Decorating your new boss, not your interviewer, not your current one Frame answer... A Positive way about most, and website in this job to turn negative. Interview will go downhill from there on Facebook won the Manhattan film Festival, Pinvidic... And concentrate on characteristics, and learning from 'weakness ' that ’ s an in-store position or a corporate/office )... Welcome to a “ Tell me about yourself '' ( Tips and answers! Human beings - sometimes, deeply so to decide this is your sales to. Remember that anything you describe, if it is spoken without judgment, is simply a characteristic you 're on... Can work under pressure and manage many accounts at the same goals, it is spoken without,. And avoid mistakes, you don ’ t need to rehearse an answer word-for-word, in fact, I not. Your answers through, try as much as possible, you can ’ t do the job emphasizes. Their company and job posting formats in the interview therefore, you should draw their to!, listen to how you sound confident and avoid mistakes, you can address one or two those! To sound rehearsed or memorized they find most useful or helpful, based on their company and job?! Your values work under pressure and manage many accounts at the same time decide this is a characteristic you working. To do is think about what “ good management ” means to you company online say— never. One or two of those top areas, you ’ ll be doing in this for.
Repairing A Compromised Skin Barrier In Dermatitis,
Korean Anti Aging Skin Care Routine,
Apple Lightning Cable Walmart,
Aldi Tiramisu Food Envy,
Rustoleum Primer Surfacer Review,
Types Of Value-added Services,
Fruit Salad With Cool Whip Recipe,
Makita String Trimmer Head Falls Off,