The classic open-ended question that is typically used to start off an in-person or video interview, “Tell me about yourself”. There are a number of ways that you could go about answering this question. Our first piece of advice is to be confident!  There are multiple open-ended questions that your potential employer can throw at you. The reason they like to do this is that they are more difficult to answer, and there really is no wrong answer to them.  We’re going to guide you through the 5 best ways to tackle these kinds of open-ended questions in an interview. 

What is an Open-Ended Question?

An open-ended question is a free-form question that has the opportunity for multiple answers. This type of question can be answered with one complete knowledge, feeling, and understanding. This is why the question isn’t limited to one answer, nor is there really a wrong answer.   

Why Do Employers Ask This Question?

The common ‘get to know you’ question is an easy way to start off an interview. Not only does it give the employer a chance to see how you respond, but you also have a couple of different angles to take the interview in. 

Typically this question is intended to stump interviewees, but if you are able to answer this question with confidence, then it also sets the tone for the rest of the interview. There is also an opportunity for casual conversion between you and your potential employer, which will also result in a better connection.

5 Best Ways to Answer the “Tell me about yourself” Question

The way you answer the first question in your interview will set the tone for the rest of it. You should be able to tell a great story about yourself in about two minutes. When practicing you should be confident, quick, and precise. Here are the best ways to conjure an answer to the question, “tell me about yourself”. 

1. Introduce past (and relatable) success to the position you are applying for

The first step to answering this question is to know about the job you are applying for. Reread the job description and then take note of the experience you have that is applicable. Let the employer know that you have the correct experience that aligns with what they’re looking for. 

2. Consider how your current job relates to the one you are applying for

It’s important for the employer to realize that you are a good fit for the role they are looking to fill. With that being said, talk about your skill set in your current role and how those will transition to the role you are applying for. Whether you are transitioning to a higher-paying job or a completely different one, your skillset should still give you the upper hand when in an interview. 

3. Focus on your strengths and strong suits

  When you are talking about how you improved a situation in your current role, it is important to be as descriptive as possible. Hype up the things that you are proud of in your current role. It will make you look like a dedicated team player and someone who takes their role to the next level. 

4. Highlight your personality

Answering the ‘tell me about yourself’ question is a great opportunity for you to show off your personality. And this is a great way to start off the interview as a little bit of an ice breaker. Mentioning your hobbies and/or interests is a good lead way into a more connective conversation with your potential employer. The important thing to remember is that you are not oversharing or sharing personal details; keep the conversation professional. 

5. Format your response

Another thing to consider while you are preparing for the ‘tell me about yourself’ question, is formatting it. You don’t want to sound unorganized with your response. Something that can help you keep your thoughts gathered and on track with the topic is to respond in a timely order. 

For example, you could refer to your past experience first, then your present ones, and lastly your future goals. This can be achieved in the reverse order as well, so you’ll be listing everything from future, present, to past. This is one of the easiest ways to answer the question effectively and efficiently. The way you organize your answer is solely based on where your skillset is the strongest and where it is most applicable to the job you are applying for.  

An Example Response For The ‘Tell Me About Yourself’ Question

If you have the opportunity to tour a college, take it! You can learn a lot about a college by researching it online, but sometimes seeing it in person can help you make the final call of where you can see yourself being the happiest and most comfortable during college. Tour as many colleges as you can, so you can make your final decision feeling as confident as possible. 

Dos and Don’ts When Answering the “Tell Me About Yourself” Question

There are always things that should be avoided when you are interviewing for a new job. It is important to keep these things in mind that way you have a better chance at securing the position you applied for. 

Don'ts

The key things to avoid when answering questions in an interview go as follows: 

  • Avoid talking about highly personal information. Things that you should avoid bringing up are religion, politics, marital status, and children. These are topics that can work against you and your potential to be hired.
  • Avoid listing your strengths without supporting evidence.
  • Memorize the information that you want to discuss when answering this question, but don’t memorize your answer as a whole. You don’t want to come off as rehearsed or robotic in your interview. Let the answer flow naturally.
  • You don’t need to recite your resume verbatim, but it is important to know the ins and outs of your resume so that you can effectively answer any questions that the interviewer might have.
  • Don’t rush your answers or the questions that the interviewer is asking.

Dos

These are the things that you want to talk about and develop on in a conversation with your potential employer. 

  • Avoid reciting your resume
  • Keep your responses under 2 minutes
  • Connect your strengths with supporting evidence
  • Highlight what sets you apart from other candidates
  • Highlight your personality
  • Mention past experiences and proven success
  • Connect your skills to the job description

Key Takeaways

When you are preparing for your interview make sure that you know the ins and outs of your resume. The interviewer may ask you to develop on some of your past experiences, so it’s important to highlight the successes of each one. Don’t overshare, but make sure each skill you highlight aligns with the job you applied for. Keep your responses short, but packed with valuable information. Stay confident and think about answers to questions that might be asked during your interview.  

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Senior year of high school is an exciting time full of possibilities! There is a lot to think about in terms of classes, careers, and colleges. It’s an important time to make memories, have fun, and reflect on your plans for your future.

In this article, we will discuss 10 pieces of advice for high school seniors (12th graders). Start your senior year feeling prepared! Know what to expect as you move forward during this pivotal year.

1. Spend time with family and friends

Senior year is an important time to make memories and spend time with the people (and pets!) you love. Regardless of whether or not you decide to go to college, or move away from your hometown, senior year is a big transition. Rely on your loved ones for support as you navigate your senior year. Family members will likely have valuable senior year advice for you as well. Focus on spending quality time with your loved ones, strengthening your relationships, and sharing memories.

2. Start college applications early

College applications can be stressful. They require a lot of research and reflection – on top of preparing the actual application materials. Some helpful senior year advice: Start your college applications early! Especially your college essay. Brainstorm topics, write several drafts, and seek out feedback from peers, parents, and teachers. This will allow you to take your time to edit your applications materials, prioritize, and limit stress. Be sure to ask for your letters of recommendation early as well. This is an important senior year tip! Teachers can get overwhelmed by the number of requests they receive, so make sure you give them plenty of time to plan ahead.

3. AP classes look good on college applications and can help you save money

AP classes look impressive on your college application. They show that you are capable of completing advanced coursework and are ready for college-level material. If you are applying to highly-selective schools, AP classes give your application a competitive edge. Additionally, if you score well on your AP exams, you will likely receive college credit (check with your individual college for specifics). College credits are expensive, so this will help you save a lot of money in the long-run!

4. Take interesting classes

Take interesting electives. High school is a time to explore, so take this time to try something new! Take a pottery class. Or a robotics class. Chinese. Dance. Painting. You might discover something you really enjoy. You might also choose to take more classes with teachers you already know and love.

5. Learn to balance your social life and academics

While you should enjoy your senior year, spend time with friends, meet new people, and attend events, it’s also important not to slack off. “Senioritis” can feel very real. One of the most important tips for high school seniors is to avoid procrastination and maintain their academic standards. Senior year should be fun, but it’s also an important transition point. Whether you are attending college or entering the workforce, it’s important to feel motivated and prepared for your next step. Learning to balance your social life and academics is key to success, both in and outside of high school.

6. A college rejection letter isn’t the end of the world

Receiving a college acceptance letter is exciting and validating! You should celebrate each and every one. You worked hard and it’s nice to see that hard work recognized. A college rejection letter, however, shouldn’t feel like the end of the world. Colleges can be highly-selective, and not getting accepted into a program doesn’t necessarily mean you aren’t qualified; it just means that there is a very large applicant pool. There is a lot of pressure put on you during your senior year and there are lots of tips for high school seniors. Mostly though, it’s important to remember that graduating high school and applying for college is hard work! So try to be gentle with yourself.

7. Talk to your guidance counselor, teachers, and coaches

Ask adults you trust and admire about advice for seniors in high school. What worked for them? Do they wish they had done anything differently? Are they happy with their career? Did they go to college? Senior year is an exciting time with endless possibilities. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed. Take time to reflect on what’s important to you and what you think you might want to do in the long run. It’s okay if you don’t know! Take a year off to work, travel, or volunteer, and keep in mind that many college students change their majors. You don’t need to know all the answers. It’s good and healthy to periodically change your mind. In the meantime, don’t be afraid to ask your guidance counselor, teachers, or coaches about advice for senior year of high school.

8. Tour colleges

If you have the opportunity to tour a college, take it! You can learn a lot about a college by researching it online, but sometimes seeing it in person can help you make the final call of where you can see yourself being the happiest and most comfortable during college. Tour as many colleges as you can, so you can make your final decision feeling as confident as possible. 

9. Sit in on college classes and job shadow

Not everyone knows what they want to do after college, and many students who think they do, end up changing their minds. Some good advice for seniors in high school is to consider sitting in on some college classes and seeking out job shadowing opportunities. There are countless career paths available, so take some time to research and explore your options. Attend a job fair. Take a career test. Talk to professionals and get a glimpse of what a typical day might look like for you in your prospective field.

10. Try new things

Step out of your comfort zone! Graduate high school without any regrets. Is there a club you’ve always wanted to join? Someone you always wanted to be friends with? A class you’ve been interested in taking? Take a moment to think about whether there is anything you’ve wanted to try, but haven’t had the time, or the nerve, for. High school is a great time to try new things, so challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone!

Key Takeaways

Work hard your senior year and have fun! Take time to reflect on possibilities for your future and seek out additional resources to make smart, post-high school decisions. Ask your peers and trusted adults in your life about your goals and anxieties. If you feel like you could benefit from professional, individualized attention, reach out to learn about our college counseling and guidance services.