Tell me about yourself...? Interviews, anyone?

Not really a random thought.. more like a painfully annoying thought.

I'm trying to prep for a phone interview tomorrow, I've never done a phone interview, but I'm assuming they will ask pretty much the same questions as in person.
Thinking about past interviews, I know they always, always ask you to "tell them about yourself."
I hate that question, it's so open ended, how much do they want you say, I could tell them my entire life story, but it's long distance, and would be quite boring.

Any tips on interview hell?

 

Well- I was born a poor black child...

 

If they ask you to tell you about yourself- start off saying where you went for any schooling and/or where you grew up- give a quick sentence involving any job training or experience or volunteer work- then state any sports, interesting travel or hobbies that you have.

 

If they ask you to tell you about yourself- start off saying where you went for any schooling and/or where you grew up- give a quick sentence involving any job training or experience or volunteer work- then state any sports, interesting travel or hobbies that you have.

 

Great advice, both times.

 

Wow, The Jerk, what an obscure reference.

I was wondering if it was ok to mention non-work activities, and since the job is in a different province, bringing up something about enjoying travel may be a good idea, thanks!

 

If it s a real career your shooting for then here is what I did back in the day so many years ago.


I brought up things like clubs and hobbies I had been in that pertained to the job, schooling and the goals I had, independent research and ideas in the field and the directions I have been heading in it as well as my motivation for doing so.

 

I recently had two phone interviews for the same job and got hired...

Think of it as selling yourself...what would you want to hear if you were them?

 

Haha.... Forums keep loading all funny.

 

You might get a sense of where you can take the interview from the interviewer him or herself... whether or not they are interested in a more conversational exchange or whether you are going to be simply asked specific questions requiring short answers. You would be well advised to be relaxed.

 

If you speak more then one language, that would be something to mention also.

 

Another tip, research the organization or company you are interviewing for and ASK QUESTIONS. They love that, it makes you look interested in the organization/company and more professional.

 

Thanks for the advice everyone!
Since it's a phone interview, I'm making notes for myself, and your tips are really going to help. I also get nervous and giddy, so if I have something to draw from it should help!

 

lol, I've actually made up a list of questions I'd like to ask. I'm a nerd!
I hate being put on the spot and not knowing what to say. Also, since the job is two provinces away, there are some questions I really need to know the answers to.

 

ask them this question

The 9x9 square ABCD is broken up into 81 1x1 squares. All of
the vertices are colored either blue, green, yellow or red,
so that there are 25 of each. Consider all of the vectors
, where M is blue, , where M is green, , where M is
yellow, and , where M is red.
Prove that the sum of all of these vectors is zero.

 

Umm, no.

Anyways, the tips must of worked.. because I got the job!!

I'm moving to Alberta!!!!!

 

congrats

what is the job?

 

Thanks!
It's a housekeeping supervisor job at a hotel in the Canadian Rockies!