7 Seconds- that is how fast we form a first impression about someone. And the only thing scarier than that? That impression is what we form all other opinions about that person on. Yikes - sure makes a person reconsider not brushing their hair this morning!
So how do we ensure that the first thoughts that cross people's mind (especially an interviewer's mind) about us are good- or better yet- great? Well we can do a few things to get a good head start- the typical hygiene and dressing for the situation are definitely at the top of the list. But who wants to be judged solely on their appearance? Not me, that's for sure! That's why I have put together a formula for how to answer a question that is almost guaranteed to be in any interview, and that I have always struggled to answer intelligently.
As an almost 25 year old, when interviewing for jobs I dread the "tell us about yourself question." I think this is probably a common sentiment for many mid-westerners who don't enjoy talking about themselves, as well as a challenging question for many of us as it is so open ended.
When answering this question in high school, I always felt like I was reaching for things to say- "Hi I'm Lexi and I like FFA, my favorite class is English, I have a little brother and sister, and my parents work at the Natural Resource Conservation Service and at the Elementary school....that pretty much sums up what I can definitively tell you about me."
Now the situation is reversed. I have far too much to explain for one little question without sounding like a deranged lunatic who bounces from job to job on the slightest whim. How do I possibly fit where I am from, where I went to college, what I studied, valuable internships and organizations, and the four jobs I have had since graduating into a one minute answer that paints an accurate picture of my experience? That's a pretty tall order.
Add in the fact that I often have to explain what my major even is (Horticulture = ornamental plants, fruits, and vegetables), followed by the journey I took to work as a high school agriculture education teacher, an administrative assistant, a communications specialist for a hospital, and finally in client care at a veterinary diagnostic lab, and I usually am looking into some pretty confused faces after only one question. I don't know about you, but confused is not the first impression I like to leave in interviews.
Which is why I have come up with a formula to answer this question without traveling down 15 different rabbit trails. So- here it is:
#1: Who you are and where are you from?
If they don't say my name when they ask the question, I always start by stating who I am. This can save confusion for interviewers, especially if they are a on a panel and weren't notified the order that applicants would be coming in. You may see a sudden shuffle of papers indicating that they had someone else's resume in front of them. Save them the confusion and say who you are. Then let them know where you grew up or where you consider home. This can help form instant connections with your interviewers, allowing them to place you in their mind and improves their likelihood of remembering you.
#2: What defines you?
This can be a starting point for your career path or something that has always stuck with you throughout every job you have had. Maybe it is a passion, character trait, or value that has guided you. For me, I always start with my involvement in FFA. I joined the National FFA Organization in high school and have been passionate about it ever since. It is where I learned the field I wanted my career to be in, and the organization that led to my personal development, preparing me for a wide variety of careers. For me, this is a nice transition into my college major and first job after college, which were a direct result of joining the FFA and wearing the blue corduroy jacket.
#3: Where have you been?
The most important piece for this is to keep it SHORT! You will get the chance to expand later. I have found it is ok to leave out pieces of your journey, especially if you like to be involved in a large variety of things and/or have had a long list of jobs in varying fields. I focus on things that are important to me or that helped develop me the most into the person I am today. I state a few of the things I was involved with in college, followed by why I enjoyed my time at my two favorite internships (Gieringer's Orchard and the Center for Engagement and Community Development), followed by my first real job- being an ag teacher. I usually delve into this one just a little bit (my responsibilities and what I liked about it) because it made a big impact on me. I then skip on to my job as a communications specialist and describe the useful skills I acquired there.
#4: Wrap it with a bow.
This used to be the hardest part for me. When I ran out of things to say to answer their question, I would just sort of trail off, end with a super lame "so, yeah." or start to ramble down a rabbit trail because I didn't know how to end my answer. Placing a "bow" on it allows you to present a poised and polished demeanor while giving a definite end to complete your train of thought, not leave them wondering if you were going to tell them about the time you spent in prison, the time you switched jobs 5 times in 6 months, or some other red flag. My "bow" of choice is a statement similar to my "addend #2," describing how my passion has tied together each organization and job I have held and how I hope to continue that passion in the position I am applying for.
#5: SMILE :)
Remember that first impression that is made in only 7 seconds? Make sure you don't come off as a grump! Smile, make eye contact, sit up straight, and fold your hands in your lap so you don't fiddle with them. Even if you don't feel confident in the interview, fake it til you feel it and remember an interview is just a conversation. They want to find the best candidate for the position, and you want to focus on feeling out if the position aligns with your goals and strengths.
And that's it! Set the stage for a great interview and first impression by tackling the first question with ease. This is your chance to tell your story, so put your best foot forward by being prepared. Nailing the first question will leave you feeling accomplished and set you up for a smooth rest of the interview. Remember, no one has a story that is perfect. Sharing who you are authentically helps the interviewer to relate to you- after all, they are people too!
What question do you struggle with in interviews? Do you have an interviewing secret or tip? I would love to hear it!
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