Tell me about yourself
True or False
Answering this question well is one of THE MOST effective things you can do during your interview
True
Why?
Because it can shape the tone of the interview, gives you power and autonomy, a chance to make a great first impression, and can help create a dialogue
Why do interviewers love this question?
Because it makes them feel thorough and like they're digging deep and ...
(Answer varies)
True or False:
When in an interview, remember to be modest with your answers.
FALSE!
This is your time to showcase yourself shamelessly. Don't be arrogant/cocky, but DON'T be shy. When stating your accomplishments do so as if you were introducing a guest speaker.
What does STARC stand for?
Situation
Task
Approach
Results
Connect to role
Should you aim to dress slightly more formal or slightly more relaxed than the job's typical attire?
slightly more formal
How long should your Tell Me About Yourself answer be?
~2 minutes
What does a great candidate say they're doing about their weaknesses?
A great candidate is always looking to learn and grow.
A fabulous candidate takes the initiative to improve.
(Game host note: answers close to these will satisfy and earn the respondent full points)
What should a Welding student wear to an interview?
Polo shirt (solid dark color)
Jeans that are clean in style and a dark wash
Welding shoes
What is it you're hoping to accomplish/showcase with your answers to this question?
Show you at your best
prove your qualified
demonstrate you would be a pleasure to work with
(other meaningful answers earns points)
How should you wear your hair?
not noteworthy
(answer can vary)
According to the video, what 3 bullet points should your Tell Me About Yourself answer have?
Who you are
Why you're qualified
Why you're here
According to this video, what are the 3 things that you should not do when asked what's your greatest weakness?
1) Turn a negative into a positive (sharing a supposed weakness that's actually a desirable positive) i.e. "I'm a workaholic"
2) Refusing to answer the question. Maybe because you choke up or don't want to say the wrong thing, but not answering makes it seem like you're hiding something.
3) Revealing a weakness that raises a red flag/being too candid? i.e. Sometimes I struggle to get out of bed in the morning. (Be the exact right amount of honest)
According to the video, which is a good example of a fixable weakness and why?
A) "I get nervous when speaking in front of large groups."
B) "I am shy and often have trouble speaking up in meetings."
"A" because that weakness just needs practice whereas "B" is indicative of someone who has difficulty collaborating.
Why should you use a story-telling approach to your answer instead of a simple response or a "he said ... then she said ..." kind of response?
We're more likely to become engaged with information in the form of a story.
More likely to respond to and remember information when it's presented in the form of a story.
It engages the right hemisphere of the brain which makes them feel like they're a part of the narrative.
Triggers the imagination.
All of which makes the listener more likely to connect with you.
Describe ideal accessories
nothing flashy, studded earrings only, nothing loud (aesthetically or literally), No big necklaces, no big or blingy watches or bracelets or rings or ...etc.
According to the video, what are some bad ways to answer the tell me about yourself question?
TMI
Ancient history
stumbling over words and faltering (pro-tip: rehearse and workshop your responses with each other)
BORING your interviewer (pro-tip: rehearse and workshop your responses with each other)
According to the video, how do you go about choosing a good weakness? Of all the weaknesses anyone could have, how to you narrow down which one you should use?
1) be authentic
2) pick a relevant weakness, but not too relevant (i.e. I really can't figure out how to correctly spice pasta isn't relevant; I struggle to do XYZ welding essential is too relevant)
3)Select a fixable and relatively minor weakness
4) a weakness that can be described concisely and neutrally (and then describe it concisely and neutrally avoiding being defensive or overly negative)
(any will do)
From class, why should you use STARC instead of STAR?
because it answers the question "So what?"
It tells the interviewer how the story is relevant
It demonstrates to the interviewer how you can solve their problems
(answers can vary)
From the video, what are some examples of "tangible results"?
any quantifiable or measurable improvements
[Examples will vary]
tangible definition:
literal: perceptible by touch. Something that can be physically grasped.
metaphorical: clear enough or definite enough to be easily seen, felt, or noticed. Something that can be mentally grasped.
If you're wearing a blazer or suit coat, what color should your shirt be?
White if possible
Pam Skillings likens a strong TMAY answer to an
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Elevator pitch
Concise, strong, and highlighting your most recent and relevant experience
According to the video, what are the 2 parts of a good answer to this question?
1) Briefly describe a real weakness that would be a major handicap on the job.
2) Describe how you are already working on improving your weakness being sure to include proactive efforts you're taking to improve. Including your proactive efforts demonstrates self-awareness, a drive to be your best, and that your weakness won't slow you down?
How do you ensure you'll nail any interview question?
Rehearse and workshop your responses with each other
When trying to prepare answers for this question, you should think of your stories that are your "greatest _ _ _ _"? (she said something very specific and unique)
hits
i.e. proudest professional accomplishments, promotions, tackled difficulties or large projects and succeeded, resolving and important customer issue, making a tough decision, ...
What sort of makeup "look" should you wear if you choose to wear makeup?
"no makeup" makeup