Tell Me About Yourself
An interviewer says, “Tell me about yourself.” What are three things you should focus on?
Your relevant skills/strengths, experience or interests, and why you are interested in the job.
Does “experience” only mean paid employment?
No. It can include volunteering, school, placements, clubs, household responsibilities, training, or community activities.
Name one strength that would be useful in most workplaces.
Reliability, teamwork, communication, organization, patience, punctuality, willingness to learn, etc.
Should you answer “What is your biggest weakness?” with “I don’t have any weaknesses”?
No. It can sound unrealistic and show a lack of self-awareness.
What should you usually say if an interviewer asks, “Do you have any questions for us?”
Ask at least one thoughtful question about the position or workplace.
Give an example that proves you are reliable.
Answers vary: arriving on time, completing responsibilities, attending scheduled shifts, etc.
“Why do you want this job?” — “Because I need money.” Improve it.
Example: “I’m looking for an opportunity to build my customer service skills, and I like that this position involves working with people.”
You realize you may be 15 minutes late to work. What should you do?
Contact your supervisor as soon as possible, explain briefly, apologize, and give an estimated arrival time.
Which is the better answer: A) “I like video games and hanging out with my friends.” B) “I’m dependable, I enjoy working with people, and I’ve been developing customer service skills through volunteering.”
B
Why should you explain what you actually did during a volunteer placement instead of only naming the organization?
It helps the employer understand your responsibilities and skills.
Why should you give an example after naming your biggest strength?
It proves the strength is real and shows how you have used it.
What should you include after telling an interviewer about a weakness?
What you are doing to improve it.
Which is a better question: A) “When do I get vacation?” or B) “What does a typical day in this position look like?”
B
Give an example of working successfully with another person.
Answers vary. Look for situation + what they did + positive outcome.
“Are you a good team member?” — “Yeah, I guess.” Improve it.
Give a confident answer and an example of working well with others.
You disagree with feedback your supervisor gives you. What would you do?
Listen first, ask questions, explain respectfully if necessary, still accept direction.
Why should you avoid telling your entire life story when asked, “Tell me about yourself”?
The interviewer wants a short, job-related introduction, not every personal detail.
An interviewer asks, “Tell me about your previous experience.” What three things could you include?
Where you worked/volunteered, what you did, and what skills you developed.
Choose one strength and explain how it would help you in a customer service job.
Answer should connect the strength directly to the job.
Why might “I’m always late” be a risky weakness to give an employer?
Punctuality is an important workplace expectation and the answer could suggest you are unreliable.
Give one appropriate question to ask about training.
“What kind of training would I receive when I start?”
Choose one skill you would tell an employer you have, and prove it with a specific example.
Answers vary. Student should connect the skill to evidence rather than simply claiming it.
“Tell me about a mistake you made.” — “I don't make mistakes.” Improve it.
Give a small real example, explain how you fixed it, perhaps referencing feedback received, and what you learned/what you did to improve.
A coworker asks you to skip part of a required procedure because “everyone does it.” What would you do?
Follow proper procedure and check with supervisor if necessary.
Give a 20–30 second answer to “Tell me about yourself” for someone applying to a grocery store position (Grocery Store Clerk/Stocker) with little work experience.
Answers vary. Should include position, strengths, relevant experience/volunteering, and interest in the position.
Give a 30-second answer to “Tell me about your experience” using a volunteer placement instead of paid employment.
Include:
Brief description of placement + responsibilities + skills learned + connection to the job.
Answers vary
Improve this answer: “My biggest strength is that I’m a hard worker.”
Add a specific example showing effort, responsibility, or persistence.
Which answer is stronger and why? A) “I’m a perfectionist.” B) “Sometimes I spend too much time checking my work, so I’ve been practicing setting time limits and prioritizing what needs the most attention.”
B, because it is specific and shows an improvement strategy.
Give one question that would help you understand what the employer expects from a successful employee.
“What qualities make someone successful in this role?”
Prove that you can be flexible. Describe a time a plan suddenly changed.
How they adjusted without becoming disruptive or giving up.
“Why did you leave your last job?” — “My manager was terrible.” Improve it.
Stay professional: “I was looking for a position that was a better fit and offered opportunities to develop my skills.”
ou accidentally give a customer incorrect information. Ten minutes later, you realize your mistake. What would you do?
Correct it, notify appropriate person, apologize if possible.
Challenge: Let's say your only experience is volunteering with RiseAbility in the community. How could you use that experience to make yourself sound prepared for a job?
Mention transferable skills such as teamwork, following directions, organization, communication, reliability, or helping customers.
Which answer is stronger? A) “I don’t really have experience.” B) “I haven’t had a paid job yet, but I’ve developed teamwork and communication skills through volunteering.”
B
Bonus - What could you add to this answer to make it even stronger?
You are applying for a job that requires teamwork. What strength could you talk about, and why?
Teamwork, communication, patience, cooperation, flexibility, etc.
Give a complete answer to “What is your biggest weakness?” that shows self-awareness and improvement.
that shows self-awareness and improvement.Weakness + how it affects them + specific action they are taking to improve.
The interviewer has already answered all of your prepared questions. What could you ask instead?
Ask about next steps, what success looks like, training, or something specific discussed during the interview.
Prove that you can learn something new. Give an example of a skill you initially found difficult.
Practice, asking for help, improvement, and result.
“How do you handle stress?” — “I just try not to freak out.” Improve it.
Example: “I prioritize what needs to be done first, stay organized, and ask for clarification if I need it.”
You make a mistake that could affect a customer or your team. Nobody has noticed yet. What should you do?
Tell the appropriate person, take responsibility, and help correct the mistake.