So tell me about yourself. - STOP! It's A Trick Question!

Posted by in Career Advice


That’s a trick question! After reading this the 'Hiring Powers That Be' are going to revoke my membership and then cut me off from ever working in the Human Resources field again. OK that may be a bit dramatic but I am revealing one of a hiring manager’s secret weapons. The first question an interviewer most likely asks is "So tell me about yourself." It may sound harmless but watch out, this is where it can get you in deep trouble and cost you the job! Yes, before you have even discussed qualifications and background experience your answer to this question will either keep you in the running or boot you out before the interview is over. The question is designed to be a warm up. When you first greet someone for an interview they would like to get to know you, most likely so you'll warm up, feel more comfortable and at ease talking to them. But be careful because this question often entices people to share personal information. When I say personal information I’m not referring to your social security number and place of birth. I'm referring to you, what you do, who you are, where you go, your family, etc. When I have asked this question in interviews (Yes, I am guilty of being one of those people) I am surprised at the responses that I get. They are hardly ever professional and career focused. Normally a candidate will start off with well I was born in New York City in '74 went to school at Green Park Elementary, had two dogs, I love to play basketball and now I'm married and have two kids. Wrong answer. Sneaky recruiters will use this information against you. They know they can't come out and ask you about your age, religion, marital status, etc. And this is exceptionally tricky for STAY AT HOME MOMS!!! I warn you! USE DISCRETION. I once had an interviewer start of with the ‘So tell me’ question. Knowing what I know, I kept it strictly professional. I said I graduated from XYZ University with a Bachelors of Science in Communications and started my career in Recruiting with a National Staffing Agency, I progressed through the ranks, then moved on to a better opportunity with ABC Corp. I have been with them 6 years and am now seeking a more challenging role as the Human Resources Manager for LMN Inc. See how I kept it purely about my career progression? This is the proper way to answer the question. But the interviewer was not satisfied that I didn't come out and tell him about my personal life and later on in the interview he just came out and asked the illegal personal question. "I am sure you have a family and children don't you? Tell me about that." WHOA! Hello illegal question. I said, you'll have to pardon my response if it comes off negatively but actually I think you really need someone in this Human Resources position that is knowledgeable about current employment law because that is an illegal question and could really get you into a lot of trouble if you ask the wrong person. Thankfully he laughed it off and said "Oh, I didn't know that - it's a good thing you said something. We really do need someone that knows that information." The next day I had an offer on the table. And he never interviewed anyone again - phew, lawsuit averted. The reason why I mentioned previously this question is tricky for stay at home moms is because you get caught in the trap. When they say, so tell me about yourself you immediately want to say "Well, I have two kids and for the last 4 years I have been staying at home taking care of them." I hate to even say this but some employers will look down on this. They'll think oh she has kids and that may detract from her job duties and what about absences if her kids get sick? How much work will she have to miss? I am not saying every employer is like this by any means but there are some out there. Know what your rights are and what is and isn't OK for an interviewer to ask. And if someone says to you in an interview "So tell me about yourself" keep it professional and about your education and experience. Refrain from telling them your whole life story. Hopefully, this will help many of you make it to that next step in the interview process and one step closer to the job of your dreams.
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  • Louise P
    Louise P
    I agree with site but wish I knew which act  this came under as interviewers can be very nasty.  I was in an interview for a nursery receptionist and I showed my qualifications but she just flicked through them. I was asked nothing but personnal questions about me, my family and my love life.  Even if I lived with my boyfriend.  But I cant understand what that as got to do wtih the job or the person interviewing.  I did not get the job but I dont want to work in that environment anyway.
  • Matilda
    Matilda
    I'm impressed! Cool post!
  • vicenta marrero
    vicenta marrero
    Very good to know, thank for sharing
  • Shirley M
    Shirley M
    Very informative & humorous. I will remember this for my next interview, because i have fumbled a few times. This has helped a great deal.Thanks a lot!
  • JaCo
    JaCo
    My wife is from Chile and here are a few things that are common: A photo on the resume (they like pretty women in up-front positions and will disqualify ugly, homely, old or disabled people); resume must contain birth date, sex and marital status. You can be asked if you plan to have children (because the company doesn't want to pay for hospitalization). It's really a good thing we have anti-discrimination laws in place, although it seems like it still exists - just covertly.
  • Teri
    Teri
    Great help. Have interview coming up shortly, and this will be a good review. When you've worked for 1 company for many, many years, it's hard to get back into the grove to 'sell yourself'.  
  • Maureen
    Maureen
    James R. took the words out of my mouth. It's a shame that HR bases their decision on someone who can "Talk the Talk" instead of someone who can "Walk the Walk". If I was an interviewer I would prefer to interview someone who is genuine instead of someone who is playing "The game".
  • Richard Oppenheimer
    Richard Oppenheimer
    Excellent article.  Funny, when things turn around and HR people can't fill positions because all the talent is taken, this shoe goes on another foot.  I suggest HR people behave themselves and act fairly, legally, and professionally.  What goes around comes around, friends, and soon HR will be begging people just to come in for an interview.  Either way, professionalism and legal knowledge should be the guideline, not today's job market.
  • Anthony
    Anthony
    Its a game to companies. It seems that HR and people that need jobs is just a game to HR or the hiring people. I've had several interviews for jobs that I have held for over 15 years. I'm licensed and have the needed experience.I get questions that don't have anything to do with the job. I've taken tests that are in a different field all together. I have flown 1/2 way across the country at my expense to find out that the bosses brother-in-law was going to be hired. That trip cost me $900.00.I really need a job and would like to find a way to find sincere people that really need a good employee.
  • Heather
    Heather
    Helpful article.  I have failed on this question several times, trying to explain "gaps in employment" due to being medically disabled and then recovering from a full lung transplant.  I am proud of my "gift of life" but I know that this information can be used to disqualify me from a job.  I am tired of not being able to just talk to the recruiter, instead I have felt like I was being submitted to some crazy psychological test to find my weaknesses.  
  • JEFFREY
    JEFFREY
    Whatever happened to just talking to a person and getting to know what their like? Now you have to answer all these bs questions and all employers have to know every little detail about you and yet all they're willing to tell you is that it's a job. I wish things were the way they used to be.
  • Michele
    Michele
    Good article.  Thanks!
  • Linda
    Linda
    So what do you do when they say this job requires you to stand on your feet for 8 hours, some lifting and it is fast paced. You have been doing these things for the past 20 years. I'm thinking it has something to do with the white hair on my head.
  • Jim
    Jim
    This is also another way of getting you to reveal your age.  I've been mostly unemployed for nearly 3 years and I know a great deal of my problem has to do with my age and there are unfortunately far too many sources a potential employer can look at to determine that.Although I'm 57 and look 10 to 15 years younger, age discrimination is a very real threat.  It's tempting to tell a potential employer about all the experience I've had in my industry.  I highlight the most relevant and don't give dates except for the past 10 years.
  • Rachel
    Rachel
    i like this article and its very valuable...
  • Linda
    Linda
    Getting ready to return to the work force, WOW what an eye opener.  Thanks
  • Constance M L - Roberson
    Constance M L - Roberson
    I read over a few of the responses to your article. Sorry I ran out of time their were so many. I was just curious is that the only trick question that comes to mind?Thank you for your reply.
  • Arnold Sliter
    Arnold Sliter
    More specifically, ask the interviewer what they want to know.  We don't need to waste time beating around the bush.
  • Ms. Kelley
    Ms. Kelley
    Good article a lot of employers need to know what questions are illegal cause some push your buttons for example I interviewed with a doctor's office that happened to be in private practice for interal medicine and prescribed medication for addictions and also did group therapy in the office with a LCSW leading it.  The doctor's wife had a paper and I noticed one of two of her questions was if I was married with children.  I am not I volunteered to tell her this because she wanted who was hired to have flexibility as the clinic was only open to those clients that could come for doc appointments and group therapy.  I would work front office catering to doctor's needs and the phone.  No billing except what addicts could afford??  No thanks I moved on. Addiction is serious people do need help.
  • Mary
    Mary
    Wow. I didn't realize how this could affect a possible job hire. Nice to know for the next interview.
  • zdzislaw juszczyk
    zdzislaw juszczyk
    I would like to thank "Sue" for her insight about not asking personnal questions. Never occured to me to use that question against the employer, mainly because I would rather earn the money! As the articles above keep mentioning "Best Fit", I seriouly do not believe that in their context they are stating. I've worked in a major company (2 Letters) and the "best fit" to their definition was one that they can intiminate without reprisale, willing to be exploited, work cheap and have little knowledge of their rigts! Hight turn over rate is OK, No insurance, no real liabilities, etc. by hiring through temp agencies.
  • Brian
    Brian
    I used this regularly for two reasons neither having to do with plots or descrimination:1 Many people leave stuff off their resumes which increases their value.  If you have a small or mid size company hiring folks that can do more than 1 thing has value2 A lot of engineers are non verbal to the point of autisim and interviews are stressful  If you give someone a chance to tell their story in their own way and they can't do that you know if you hire them you lok rm in a room, throw in meat and let them be brilliant with no customer contact
  • Godfrey
    Godfrey
    tell us more!
  • Antonette
    Antonette
    Oh my gosh...this is such an excellent advice...Thank you so much!Everyday, I always learn something new and valuable.  Next time I go for interview, I will keep it professional.
  • Patsy
    Patsy
    I really appreciate the insight into what HR people are asking with their questions. I did have a potential employer ask me one time, "Do you mind telling me how old you are?" I responded, "I'm from the generation that has a strong work ethic." He didn't ask any more illegal questions.

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