Business1 min read

Ex-Google recruiter: You're answering 'Tell me about yourself?' all wrong, and other job interview mistakes—do this instead

By · Published by Everything Blog

In short

Rather than delivering lengthy professional chronologies, job hunters should limit self-introductions to a three-part, 30-word pitch detailing their present work, desired transition, and purpose for reaching out. Candidates also frequently waste conversations by asking vague questions regarding daily duties or broad career tips that yield generic responses. Directing the discussion toward specific anecdotes reveals actual team dynamics and how performance is truly evaluated.

Key points

  • Concise, three-part introductions provide internal contacts with an easily submissible su…: Concise, three-part introductions provide internal contacts with an easily submissible summary for job referrals.
  • Applicants should avoid broad questions about general career advice and focus on topics m…: Applicants should avoid broad questions about general career advice and focus on topics missing from job descriptions.
  • Inquiring about performance measurement and rewarding aspects of a role helps candidates…: Inquiring about performance measurement and rewarding aspects of a role helps candidates uncover vital team expectations.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

In a job market that can seem impossible to break into, relationships still matter and are often what will get your foot in the door. But if your coffee chats and informational interviews keep ending with "Let's stay in touch," and then nothing happens, you might be wondering where you went wrong.

I've spent more than a decade recruiting for companies like Google, TikTok, Uber and The New York Times. I've found that when people try to network, one of the biggest things that trips them up is the seemingly simple question: "Tell me about yourself?" It can unlock referrals, more introductions and interviews — but only if you know how to answer it.

When someone recommends you for a role at their company, they are often asked to fill out a form where they write how they know you and why you'd be good at the job. That note is where your coffee chat either turns into an interview or goes nowhere.

So the next time you are meeting with someone who does the work you want to do,…

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