Tell me about yourself 🤢

It’s a lazy, predictable interview question, but you know it’s coming. So be prepared.

This is the main thing: Don’t start at the beginning, start at the end.

The interviewer doesn’t want to hear about your first paper round.

Here’s the formula:

➕ Your elevator pitch should start with where you are now.

➕ Then discuss the main themes that run through your career. What problems do you solve and how do you solve them?

➕ Follow this with a couple of highlights, in brief. You can introduce these by saying ‘The two campaigns I’m most proud of are…’

➕ Next talk about the opportunity in front of you: why it’s the perfect fit for you, and why you’re so keen on the job, and the organisation. And how the role aligns with your values and goals.

➕ Finally, address the elephant in the room (if there is one). In other words, what concerns do you think the interview already has about you. Address them head on. Diplomatically.

Stop the waffle

Your elevator pitch should be concise. No more than three or four minutes long. Practise often, and time yourself. If you’re a waffler, notice when you’re veering off course. Finish your sentence. And then STOP!

Take a breath. Ask the interviewer a question. Something like: “Can I expand on any of that for you?” or “Is that what you were looking for?” They’ll be forced to return their attention to you, and you’ll be able to start afresh.

Remember, the interview is a conversation, not an interrogation. Listen out for problems you can solve. Ask as many questions as you answer.

📌 Want to nail the job interview? 💥 ​Register here for my FREE interview masterclass (it looks live, but it’s a recording that runs every 15 mins).