You Have an Interview…But You Hate Talking About Yourself. You’re Not Alone

NetworkingIt’s a statement I hear almost every time I interview someone.  “I’m sorry, I just don’t like bragging or talking about myself.”  Have you ever said this, or thought it?  Chances are you are not alone.  Talking about yourself too much can make you look arrogant, while not talking about yourself can make you seem timid and insecure.  There is a balance to approaching the infamous question during your interview; so what can you tell me about yourself?

Here are 3 tips to help you remember how to talk about yourself during an interview

1- Share Quality Not Quantity

Talking too much will get you no where.  Keep your answers to the point.  If you begin to tell a story, be sure to not give the whole story.  Most recruiters want to see some communication skills and ability to convey a message.  By talking too much, you could be hurting your chances.

2-Back Strengths Up With Stories

Use relevant experiences that show off your qualities.  It’s easy to say, “I’m great at customer service.” But what does that mean to the interviewer?  Share a specific example of a challenge in your professional career where that trait helped you overcome a problem.  This will help reinforce a message of quality. Note: not all strengths require a story to be told.  Remember #1? Keep only a few gems ready to share.

3-Focus on Outcomes, Not Experiences

If you’re talking about an experience, always tie it back in to what the impact was to the company you were working with.  This will help you stand out compared to other applicants.   Let the recruiter get a good look at the solutions you provide.  The best way to do this is relating it back to the original job description.  Use your experience to highlight why you are a perfect match to the key responsibilities they are looking for.
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