How would you respond to a Hiring Manager when asked "so tell me about yourself"?

CW3 Dylan E. Raymond, PHR — Tue, 10 May 2016 22:56:56 -0400

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2016 11:10 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 May 2016 23:10:58 -0400

CW3 Dylan E. Raymond, PHR This is a critical question that you have to prepare for by writing out what you want to say, and then practice talking it out loud until you are confident that you can not wait to be asked that question. You should start with your past experiences as they relate to the position that you are interviewing for. Then talk about your strengths and how they will help you in this new position. Before you can prepare to write out the answer to this question, you must do your homework about this company, so you can answer any question that they throw at you. Preparation = success.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2016 11:13 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 May 2016 23:13:11 -0400

A great topic. Here's a site for "elevator speech" tips
https://www.quintcareers.com/elevator-speech-dos-donts/

Elevator Speech Do's and Don'ts | QuintCareers

A collection of rules -- do's and don'ts -- for job-seekers in the development and use of career elevator speeches, a key job-search networking tool.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made May 10 at 2016 11:15 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Tue, 10 May 2016 23:15:44 -0400

With a resume walk.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2016 12:21 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 May 2016 00:21:30 -0400

Told one Personnel Manager, "I'm the greatest thing since sliced bread. Could you be more specific as to what you want to know." I didn't get hired. LOL

Response by Maj John Bell made May 11 at 2016 12:31 AM

Maj John Bell — Wed, 11 May 2016 00:31:29 -0400

I'd ask him to give me some context to the inquiry.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made May 11 at 2016 10:32 AM

SGT Ben Keen — Wed, 11 May 2016 10:32:52 -0400

Your elevator pitch is critical to your interview process. It needs to be something you have prepared and practiced to the point that you can say it in your sleep. It is a very straight forward question and is routinely asking. This is the one question you have to get right. They want to see how you think and act. If you act like some sort of "known it all" then your chances of getting the position pretty much go out the window. Yet, if you present yourself as a confident and professional person, the interview will go a lot better for you.

Personally, when asked, I briefly state that I am an IT Professional with over 15 years of experience working in a high demand environment which knowledge and skills that crossover several different IT platforms. I am a passionate young professional looking to take my skills and lend them to the over team success while learning from the team as well. I thrive off of being able to provide a quick and reliable solution to complex issues.

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made May 12 at 2016 1:41 AM

MAJ Raúl Rovira — Thu, 12 May 2016 01:41:26 -0400

PPF (Present, Past, Future) in 60 seconds. Also known as elevator speech.

Past - Talk about your past. Where are you from. Mention something significant like becoming an Eagle Scout, graduating valedictorian, or perhaps captain of X team.

Present - Tell them about where you are at, and what you are doing. Currently completed my service to the military and perusing a career in X. I am enrolled in college to earn x degree because I'd like to do XYZ.

Future - explain what you are looking for and how you you want to apply skill X, or degree Y to bring value to the organization.

Rehearse it, record it, refine it, and rehearse it some more. It is normally the first question in the interview. The delivery is critical.

Response by Cpl Jeff Buckman made Jul 3 at 2016 2:17 PM

Cpl Jeff Buckman — Sun, 03 Jul 2016 14:17:03 -0400

I love this question at interviews, it gives you carte blanche to brag about yourself and how much the employer wants to hire you and why. It is a pretty critical question that most people brush off thinking they are just trying to get to know you.