Case
Tell me about yourself

If you were asked this question during an interview: Tell me about yourself. How would you answer this question? What are the do's and don'ts when answering this question?

Posted on: 04/20/13 | Views: 1703
Solution #1
Top Solution
I would immediately begin with talking about your education. State where you went to high school, college, what degree did you earn, and also if you have a temporary job now. Allow the interviewer to know your interests, activities you part take in, and lastly how you as a person will benefit this school/job you are about to accept. Do's: Be yourself! Don'ts: Never exaggerate or go into off task stories.

I begin giving some background information about myself, where I am from, my education background, what i received my degree in. I would state what my goals are and share some fun facts about myself.

I think this a good solution. Talking about your professional self and remaining friendly and positive is a good strategy. I think it is very important to be yourself!

I've always started my answer with the degree I have earned thus far and where I am in my current level of education. It catches their attention immediately and they become intrigued about what you have to say about your educational career. I completely agree with this solution.

41 0
Solution #2
I would start with talking about my education. Where I went to college, what degree I earned, and if I was continuing on with my education. I would talk about things I like to do in spare time. I would be honest with all the information I gave and show the interviewer who I really am.

I agree with this solution. Starting with your education and then a little about yourself seems like a great approach.

13 2
Solution #3
Hi KW1091, I think that it is a good idea to tell them about your educational background and how you came to this profession. However, I would not harp on this since this is already stated in your resume. I would share some personal information that is relevant to the employer, such as how you work with others, a brief summary of your philosophy on teaching, and some things that you value. Do mention your educational background and highlight parts of your personality and prior experience that could benefit the school. Don't go into too much detail with your personal background or ramble on/tell stories about things that are irrelevant. Melissa
3 0
Solution #4
The best possible answer for this question is to be professional and to always list your good qualities that you will use while in the work place.
2 0
Solution #5
I believe this is your one opportunity in an interview to set yourself apart from all others being interviewed. I always share some personal information with the interviewer because they are interested in me as an individual but cannot come out and ask, "Do you have children?", "What are your hobbies"?, etc. Employers will have plenty of time to address your college education and work experience in the rest of the interview, but this is the time to make personal connections with your interviewer and make yourself stand out. I usually share that I am a mom of two and an avid reader. I also usually share that I love music and am willing to help with extracurricular activities that involve music, such as band.
0 0
Solution #6
I believe it would be beneficial to tell them exactly that, the important aspects of myself and educational career. The interesting facts of how I progressed to the career path I decided upon and why (possibly answering two questions in one). Be honest but not overly full of information. No one wants to sit in an interview and listen to your life story in detail (who has time!). Keep it simple, yet concise and interesting.
0 0
Solution #7
I would not tell the interviewer any information that may backfire in the long hall. I would stay away from explaining your religion, sexual preference, or anything that may offend the interviewer. These are usually questions that interviewers cannot ask, so don't offer the information during the time when they ask you to tell about yourself.

I would begin by telling my education experiences, such as the high school and college I attended. Also, I would also tell about which schools I did my field experiences and my student teaching experience.

0 0
Solution #8
Hello KW1091, I believe that this question is a way for interviewers to break the ice, and make the person being interviewed more comfortable. That being said, I think it is important to be speak in a friendly and open manner. I would discuss briefly about my educational background. It is good that they hear directly from you that you are qualified, but that information is already listed on your application as well. I believe it is good to talk about your interests and unique skills (reading, speaking another language, dancing), by doing so you are sharing about yourself and ways you can contribute to the school as well. In my case, I explained that I was Hispanic (though I do not look it) and that I could speak Spanish, this was well received because their is a growing population of Hispanics at my school. Lastly, I would talk a little bit about your character and how it could benefit the school. For example: I get along with others and believe that I would work well together with my peers on grade level teams.
0 0
Solution #9
I would answer this question by referring to my strengths, accomplishments, goals, visions, and future career goals. I believe it is great to highlight things that are great about you rather than things that raise flags or questions. Do not treat this as a first-date question, but a professional question that potential highers will hear.
0 0
Solution #10
I would get a little personal, because that builds good report with the interviewer. But, on the other hand try to keep in business casual. "I come from a large Italian family and I was originally born in New York. I have always had a passion for children and students. I believe that teaching holds a crucial key to not only the child's future but our future as one nation."
0 0
Solution #11
This is usually the questions everyone hates to hear however there are some great ways to capitalize on this questions that helps separate yourself from the other candidates. In most cases, the candidate will go into their entire life story and personal life. In some cases it still works out for the candidate however typically the interviewer is looking to hear what do you bring to the table for this position that separates you from everyone else. Tell me about what you are going to do to help our school be the best school in the district?
0 0
Solution #12
I feel like this is such a hard and yet the easiest question to answer. However I think you could follow the something I like , something I am working on like a new hobby and something to intertwine education and how can make an impact. This is easy to remember and wont have your rambling or over sharing but just enough so they can see your personality and that you are interested in new things.
0 0
Solution #13
When asked to talk about myself, I would begin by addressing things the interviewer does not have on the resume. What I mean is that I would identify things like my personal values. I think that interviewers seek individuality and want to know what unique qualities I will bring to their institution or team. I would not feel bad as the teaching candidate being turned down because the school did not agree with my values. these values are what make me who I am, and I want to be a part of a school that reciprocates these values.
0 0
Solution #14
Do discuss achievements and victories of education and career. Don't discuss personal agendas or items that are inappropriate
0 0
Solution #15
Give enough information to allow the person interviewing you to get to know a little bit about you, but not too much as they should not know your life story.
0 1
Solution #16
I believe the fundamental goal of teaching is to foster learning. Learning takes place in many different circumstances and contexts. Although everyone is capable of learning, a student's desire to learn is a vital pre-condition to effectively mastering new concepts and skills. Humans have multiple learning styles: some learn best in lecture atmospheres, some are motivated by discussion, and others absorb best when they read and reflect on what they have read. The classroom setting can encourage or inhibit learning depending on the dominant learning style of each student. Accommodating different learning styles creates an atmosphere that is conducive to learning. Students take many of their learning habits from the instructor. If the instructor doesn't show interest in the subject and a passion for learning, students are less likely to put forth the effort to learn in that class. An instructor must convince students of his or her knowledge and expertise before they will show a willingness to learn.

I would not say use this solution during an interview. It seems very textbook and maybe rehersed. Be more human and show some personality.

I agree that this solution seems a bit too rehearsed and unfriendly. I think the best way to do well in an interview is to stay personable and professional.

7 18