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How to Answer "Tell Me About Yourself" Interview Question for Tech Talent

Hired — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 16:12:54 +0000

Regardless of whether you’re a software engineer, a data scientist, a web developer, or a program manager, you’ll be asked “tell me about yourself” in nearly every interview. It’s a popular way to get the ball rolling and if you answer it well, you set the tone for a successful interview. In this article, we’ll cover:

How to begin the interview
7 traps to avoid when answering “tell me about yourself”
5 ways to prepare and confidently deliver your answer
How to craft a strong answer using a job description
A summary of the 5 steps to nailing this question.

How You Start An Interview Can Be Just As Powerful As How You End One

Let’s start this conversation from when you meet the interviewer. Everybody talks about the ever-so-important handshake, right? If you’re in the position for an in-person interview, be sure to look them in the eyes and give them a nice firm handshake demonstrating confidence.

Zoom interviews may have you out of practice, so if you’re visiting as part of an on-site, or simply networking, give a confident but brief grip. The worst thing you can do is give the “dead-fish handshake.” Blech! That can be the kiss of death before the interview even starts.

Meeting for the first time online? Check out our article on Video Interviews 101.

First, I suggest striking up some small talk to build rapport before the interview even begins. This will allow you and the interviewer to informally get to know each other. Plus, this can help calm your nerves a bit.

Whether you’re meeting a recruiter or a panel of interviewers, be sure to ask the scheduler for their names ahead of time, if they’re not provided. Look them up on LinkedIn, and any other social media. You might discover you have mutual connections or other things in common, giving you an opportunity to talk about something other than the weather.

Before We Dig Into Answering “Tell Me About Yourself…”

Please don’t let this question stress you out. Interviewers tell me all the time they want you to nail the interview. They are actually rooting for you! Keep in mind, they want to interview you because your resume showed you have the skills to do the job!

They wouldn’t waste their time bringing you in for an interview if they didn’t think you were a good candidate. This applies to ALL jobs! The good news is, “tell me about yourself” is a question you should nail every time because you:

know it’s coming,
have the job description to prepare with and
have the time to practice!

Now let’s break this down.

7 Traps: What To Avoid When Answering “Tell Me About Yourself?”

We’ve all been guilty of one or more of these in the past. Let’s recognize them, note them, and move on.

Please, I’m begging you, do not start with, “Hi, my name is…” Without fail, 99% of people will start their answer this way. This isn’t necessary because...they asked you to interview. They have your resume with your name plastered across the top (hopefully). Without fail though, people state their name again.
Do not restate what is already on your resume. Sometimes, if the interviewer hasn’t read your resume they may ask you specifically to review your resume. That is a completely different question.
Don’t ask them to clarify the question, “Do you want me to talk about my education, personal life, or experience?” You should know exactly how to answer this question.
Don’t reply with a modest or vague introduction that doesn’t communicate your strongest qualifications for the position. Never shy away from selling yourself!
Stay away from the personal side of your life when answering this question. This is not a date or an invitation to tell your life story.
This can be longer than 30-seconds. You use your “elevator pitch,” when networking. They call it an elevator pitch for a reason. You don’t have much time to answer so you need to be succinct and straight to the point. You have more time in an interview, so use it. The rule of thumb, however, is don’t go over 2 minutes.
Try not to ramble. It happens when we get nervous, I know. Take a breath. Use the time to provide enough information to give an overview of:

What skills and experience do I have that align with the role?
And how can I provide value to the organization based on my experience?”

Now that we know what not to do; let’s talk about how to Knock It Out Of The Park! Keep in mind, when you skillfully answer this question, it’s a great indicator you know how to interview! Undoubtedly, this will bring a smile to the interviewer's face. They might even sigh in relief!

5 Ways How to Prepare and Instill Confidence with Your Answer

1. Practice builds confidence!
Answering this is not easy to do gracefully on the fly. It pays to prepare in advance. Trust me on this one. Rehearse your answer in the car or in the shower! Record yourself and play it back. If you cringe, try it again!

Preparation is key to crushing this question and success! Practice with a friend or family member. The more you practice, the better. For those of you who love to wing it…please don’t. You can thank me later.

2. Align with the job description
You’re going to want to craft your answer by highlighting technical and soft skills aligned with the job description. Concisely convey them through specific projects, work experience, and/or education.

3. Try the ‘stacked blocks’ method of progression
One way to structure how you answer this question is by thinking of your previous roles as building blocks to your current role. In each “block,” highlight expertise in a language, framework, or skill you learned or used.

Be sure to spotlight skills or languages they’ve asked for in the job description. Make it easy for them to see what a great match you are!

4. Identify your main selling points for the role
This could be years of experience or a specific area of specialization. Highlight special training or a Bootcamp experience. By focusing on the qualifications in the job description you’ll be able to tell them how you will meet and exceed requirements.

5. Make your pitch in your closing
Describe why you’re interested in the position. Maybe indicate why you are looking for a new challenge and why you feel this role is the best next step.

Are you ready to move from being an individual contributor to a team lead? Maybe you’re looking for more autonomy or opportunities to influence the roadmap.

Be sure to focus on how you will provide value by reinforcing how your experience, skills, and drive can help them reach their goals. Finally, feel free to incorporate any relevant hobby or volunteer experience. If they match traits in the job description, such as attention to detail, or collaboration with others, they’re relevant.

Maybe you build websites or troubleshoot IT issues for nonprofits in your community. Perhaps you coordinate volunteers or coach a team. Maybe you’re not using a specific language in your current job, but use it as part of an ongoing passion project. Share these things.

Let’s Put It All Together With This Example

Let’s craft an example using the job description below.

Sample Job Description:

Use a variety of technical skills, soft skills, and industry knowledge to develop applications and systems.
Expertise in C, C++, Java, Python, JavaScript, C#, PHP
Use analysis and critical thinking skills to determine and assess the needs of the user and then create software to meet the requirements.
Ability to collaborate and provide clear instructions to the project team, clearly explaining how the software looks to the customer. Available to answer any questions using exceptional communication skills.
Apply keen attention to detail and organizational skills to work on numerous parts (time management) of a system or application at the same time while being accurate and thorough.
Able to work well and collaborate with others on a team of Designers, Developers, and Programmers using effective interpersonal skills.
Able to efficiently identify and resolve issues during the design, testing, and maintenance process using strong problem-solving skills.

Example Response:

“So, tell me about yourself…”

“Thank you for asking. I would describe myself as a collaborative and solution-driven software engineer with over two years of experience working with designers, developers, and programmers holding a degree in Computer Science from Purdue University.

I've already contributed to over a half dozen projects and assisted with managing a project for one of our firm's long-time clients.

Something I’ve enjoyed and has been able to use in my current role is leveraging my experience in tech support to help identify and resolve complex issues.

And over the last year, I worked on several project teams using C++, Python, JavaScript, C#, and PHP and recently started Java. Since this role asked for Java, I signed up and started an online Java course to increase my knowledge as quickly as possible.

I believe my experience has allowed me to hone my attention to detail and critical thinking skills as well as enhance my communication skills working on team-based projects and with clients.

In my last role in tech support, I received several commendations from customers where I was able to identify and resolve their technical issues with clarity and ease.

I’m excited to collaborate on a team and apply my technical skills to develop applications and systems along with contributing to your team in a way that positively impacts the organization and your clients”

See how we matched up the job description specifics with the response?

In Conclusion - Tell Me About Yourself Doesn’t Need To Be So Scary!

Note how in the example above, you didn’t see “I was born in” or “I grew up in,” types of autobiographies. It boils down to:

Who you are
“I’m a [characteristic description] [title] with [number] years of experience working with [teams, functions, or industries] holding a [education].”

How you got here
“I’ve contributed to [types or number of projects], managed [types or number of projects], and used my experience to [something from the JD they need you to do]. I’ve used [languages, skills] and achieved [example of success, contribution, or something you learned].”

Why you’re here
“I’m eager to [what excites you about the role], apply my skills to [tasks, projects, or function], and contribute to [positive outcome or goal of the team, company, etc.].”

In a nutshell, remember these five steps:

Focus on the job you are applying to,
Think about what makes you stand out,
Include your technical and soft skills that align with the role,
Mention past accomplishments,
End strong with how you can provide value to the company.

It may help to write out your response and read it aloud several times before your interview. The goal is not to memorize it, per se. You want to be authentic. But writing it down helps organize your thoughts. If your interview is over Zoom, it’s easy to have notes and bullet points on a second screen or nearby. Just don’t “read” it. It’s your story, after all. You know it!

The best advice I can provide as a Career Coach is to prepare and practice! I’ve seen hundreds of people move from literally having no idea how to navigate the “tell me about yourself” question to absolutely killing it! You’ve got this!

Ready to find your next role? Employers are looking for tech professionals now. Here's how it works for job seekers.

Ready to sign up and complete a free profile? Get started here!

This blog was contributed by Christy Rosen, a Certified Career Coach, Resume Writer, and Interview Professional. She has worked with hundreds of professionals helping them to launch, transition, and climb the corporate ladder to meaningful careers in the technology industry.

Disclosing a Disability During Your Job Search

Hired — Fri, 11 Mar 2022 18:14:28 +0000

Searching for a new job can be a stressful, anxiety-inducing process for anyone. If you’re one of the 61 million U.S. adults (26% of the population) who suffers from a disability, a job search can be even more complex and worrisome.

Are you legally required to share information about your disability in the first place? Can employers opt to pass over your candidacy due to a disability? When is the best time to disclose your disability during the application and interview process? How specific do you have to get?

These are just some of the questions that might be passing through your mind as you think about applying for your next job.

Luckily, being prepared is half the battle. By doing your due diligence and researching what you can expect during the process, you can take some of the pressure out of applying for a job with a disability.

What types of disability forms will I come across during my job search?

The most common disability form you’ll encounter during your job search is the Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability form issued by the Office of Management and Budget.

Any company that does business with the government is required to provide equal employment opportunities for those with disabilities, so they ask — but do not require — applicants to fill out this form.

In a nutshell, this form explains the reasoning behind requesting the information, tells you which conditions qualify as disabilities, and gives you three options for answers:

Yes, I have a disability or have a history/record of having a disability
No, I don’t have a disability or a history/record of having a disability
I don’t wish to answer

Do I need to disclose my disability to employers in the first place?

When the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in 1990, it became illegal for employers to discriminate against hiring qualified individuals due to mental or physical disability.

On top of that, the ADA also requires employers to make “reasonable accommodations” to ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities can perform effectively at work (e.g., putting in a wheelchair ramp to access an office building).

The first thing you need to know is that you are not legally required to disclose your disability status to a potential employer. That said, if you aren’t up front about it, the employer won’t have to make reasonable accommodations to ensure you can work productively.

It’s also worth noting that you might not be required to get into the specifics of your condition — which might give candidates who don’t want to be associated with the stigma of their disability peace of mind. While the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) hasn’t issued formal guidance on whether employers can ask for the precise diagnosis, some states, including California and Connecticut, do not allow companies to ask for detailed information about your medical history.

Despite the legal protections that exist (more on this in a bit), it’s perfectly understandable why someone with a disability might hesitate to disclose that information. All other factors the same, might an employer opt to hire a candidate with a disability or one without a disability? It’s a very valid concern.

Before we take a look at some of the scenarios where it makes sense to disclose your condition, let’s take a step back and examine your legal rights as a jobseeker with a disability.

Legal protection for jobseekers with disabilities

If you’re qualified for the job you’re applying for and you have a disability, the ADA protects you from getting passed over due to discrimination. Qualification includes having the requisite education, experience, and skill set needed to excel in the position — and the ability to perform the job responsibilities, with or without accommodation.

This means that employers cannot discriminate against you during the recruiting, hiring, and training processes, and they also can’t discriminate against you when it comes to promotions, benefits, pay, and job assignments.

During the interview process, employers are also not allowed to ask you questions about your medical history or health, whether you’ve filed workers’ comp claims, or whether you have disabilities. They can, however, ask questions about whether you are able to perform job responsibilities with reasonable accommodation.

In the event you feel as though you’re being discriminated against, you need to file a claim with the EEOC within 180 days. For more information on how to file a complaint, check this out.

When is the best time to disclose a disability while job hunting?

When it comes to disclosing your disability to a prospective employer, there’s no such thing as the perfect time. Some people have found being up front about it from the get-go has worked well, and others say early disclosure isn’t the best move for everyone.

When it boils down to it, timing your disclosure is up to you. Generally speaking, if you’re going to disclose your disability, you’ll have three options:

Before the interview - this could be ideal for candidates who have visible disabilities so the interview can focus entirely on qualifications and experience
During the interview - mentioning your disability during an interview can demonstrate your confidence to prospective employers and reassure them that your condition does not impact your performance and ability to meet the responsibilities of the role
After the interview - if you’ve got a job offer and haven’t disclosed your disability, now could be the best time, particularly if you’ll need accommodations

Keep in mind that, while the ADA prevents employers from asking questions about disabilities during the interview process, they are allowed to ask after they’ve extended a job offer — as long as they ask the same questions to other candidates offered similar positions.

Before you decide your strategy, spend some time researching the company to determine whether they have any public stance on hiring individuals with disabilities. In the age of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, many organizations are proactively searching for underrepresented candidates and putting forward proactive efforts to foster a sense of belonging for all. In this light, revealing your disability could result in floodgates of support opening up.

If you’re still feeling unsure, we highly recommend clicking into the pages linked in this piece, as they go into extensive detail about various scenarios and may provide more specific information for your condition.

Other resources when it comes to disclosing a disability during a job search

If you’re feeling down on your luck, remember that you are not alone. Here are some resources you might want to look into for additional support and information:

Tech Disability Project, an organization dedicated to helping people with disabilities in the tech industry
Lime Connect, a network of high-potential students and professionals with disabilities
Disabled Techies Slack Community, a network of disabled professionals in the tech industry
A to Z of Disabilities and Accommodations, a glossary of disabilities, work functions, and accommodations

Here’s to landing your dream job however you ultimately decide to navigate the process. Don’t forget to check out other listings on the Hired blog to assist with getting you job ready.

Video Interviews 101: How To Impress In The Digital Age

Hired — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 20:25:22 +0000

You passed your phone screen with flying colors. Next up? The (often-dreaded) video interview. How do you develop a rapport with the recruiter or hiring manager through a screen? We'll cover 12 tips to make a great impression in video interviews.

A mainstay of the modern era, video technology is used by at least 60% of hiring teams. But while virtual interviews eliminate the need for time-consuming commutes, they also bring their own stressors—like spotty internet connection or unanticipated background noise.

Wondering how to make a strong digital impression? Here are 12 practical, trusted tips for acing your next video interview.

1. Inspect your (digital) self

Whether your interview is taking place on Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, or another video conferencing platform, it’s worth cleaning up your profile before the call. Does your Skype name date back to middle school? Consider making a new account rather than logging on as “raisinbran22.” While you’re at it, choose a professional photo for your account. It doesn’t have to be a headshot, but keep it classy. Finally, steer clear of video filters (and save yourself the embarrassment of morphing into a potato mid-call).

2. Dress the part

It may feel odd to dress up for a video call, but treat your virtual interview as you would an in-person one. There’s no set dress code since each company is different. For example, a startup interviewer might scratch their head if you wear a suit and tie, but dressing up would certainly be expected if you’re talking to a bank. Research the organization in question to get a sense of their corporate style and choose an appropriate video interview outfit. When in doubt, a button-down shirt is usually a safe bet for looking professional and polished.

3. Check your tech before the video interview

“You’re frozen!”

Technical problems may not ruin your interview, but they can easily make for awkward situations. Be sure to take video calls somewhere with reliable internet, and test your connection well in advance. You can use a free online speed test to check your computer’s performance against the chosen platform’s recommended broadband speeds.

For instance, Zoom recommends 600kbps for high-quality video calling, Skype recommends 500kbps, and Google Meet recommends 3.2mbps. If your internet speeds are too slow, consider logging on from a different location.

It’s also important to think about sound quality. If you’re sure your surroundings will be quiet, go ahead and use your computer’s built-in microphone, but keep headphones nearby just in case.

In general, wearing earbuds with a microphone is a more reliable way to ensure better sound quality, so consider doing this even if you’ll be in a quiet room. If background noise is inevitable, whether from a whining puppy or nearby construction, try using a noise cancelling app like this one to preserve your peace of mind.

Lastly, set up a short test call with a friend or family member to confirm everything’s working as planned. Unexpected technical snafus can throw off your concentration and prevent you from bringing your A game—but this simple step helps stop them in their tracks.

4. Prepare for skills-based assessments

A popular component of the interview process, skills-based assessments help employers easily gauge your expertise from the start. To prepare, consider taking one of Hired’s many programming skills assessments. In addition to highlighting your abilities for prospective employers, it helps you gain confidence and squash pre-interview nerves.

5. Set the scene

Unmade bed? Leaning tower of pizza boxes? Bookshelf teeming with beach reads? Video calls can give interviewers an unintended glance into your home life, so take some time to check your on-screen background and reorganize as needed.

Beyond that, you’ll also want to check your lighting before the interview. Poor lighting can make it difficult for interviewers to see you properly, posing a distraction from the conversation.

If you’re relying on natural light, do a test during the same time of day as your interview to make sure the lighting you’ve envisioned lines up with where the sun actually is at that time. Avoid sitting with your back to a window or other big light source causing you to be in shadow. If you have a ring light test it.

Finally, think about what you might want to have handy during the interview. A glass of water, pen, and paper can all be helpful. Similarly, it may be nice to have a printout of your CV and any notes or questions you’d like to touch on in the interview. It’ll be obvious if you’re clicking around on your computer during the call, so print any documents you anticipate referencing.

6. Make a strong first impression

Remember: You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Emotions can be difficult to read over video, so don’t hesitate to express energy and excitement during the call. For instance, a simple smile can go a long way in demonstrating that you’re enthusiastic about the opportunity at hand. A nod here and there shows interviewers you’re actively listening throughout the conversation.

7. Stay focused

While in-person interviews require both parties to be actively engaged throughout the conversation, video leaves room for drifting focus by offering instant access to internet temptations. To avoid potential distractions, close any other windows and disable push notifications on your computer, then put your phone on silent mode and keep it out of sight for the duration of your call.

The more difficult part of this puzzle is ensuring your interviewer remains engaged, which you have less control over. As with in-person interviews, it can be helpful to use hand gestures or other body language to keep the other person interested and emphasize points that might otherwise be lost.

If you sense that your interviewer has turned to emails or other distractions, don’t shy away from asking if they’d like a moment before continuing—you deserve their full attention just as much as they deserve yours.

8. Make “eye contact”

If you’ve ever seen recorded video call footage, you’ll know that tiny things—like whether you’re looking straight into or just above the camera—can make a huge difference in how natural you appear. During your interview, look directly into the camera while you’re talking (rather than looking at the screen) to give the interviewer the sense that you’re looking straight at them.

In addition, be sure to expand your video to full-screen mode. If you keep it as a tiny box in the bottom corner, you’ll have to keep looking back and forth between there and the camera, which can be distracting to your interviewer—and darting eye movements can even make you appear uneasy.

9. Build rapport

It’s always important to build a relationship with your interviewer from the first interaction, regardless of platform or medium. Don’t skip over the niceties just because you’re speaking via video.

Be sure to thank your interviewer for taking the time to chat, pay attention to everything they say, have some questions prepared, and let your personality shine through. You may wind up working with these people every day, so commit to authenticity throughout the entire interview process.

10. Ask questions

Never forget that job searches are a two-way street. Too often, candidates concern themselves with wondering, “Why should this company hire me?” But the real question is, “Why should I work for this company?”

Take time to determine what you want from your next job (e.g. target compensation, remote work flexibility, a collaborative and inclusive company culture, proven professional development opportunities), then ask about each area during the interview. Not only will this help you stay grounded in your career goals—it’ll also make it easier to filter the best opportunities from the rest.

11. Get a sense of next steps

Before letting your interviewer go, ask about potential next steps. It can be helpful to know a rough timeline, whether future interviews will be in-person or over video, and who else on the team you might meet. Ask the question tactfully, as you don’t want your interviewer to feel pressured into giving you a decision on the spot—but don’t feel bashful about seeking clarity around timeline and potential future interactions. Pro tip: verify the interviewer's email address if you haven't already.

12. Follow up after the video interview

Never underestimate the power of politeness. According to one survey, 68% of employers say writing a short “thank you” note matters after a job interview. Take time to show your appreciation, personalizing each message with one or two lines about the opportunity in question. While a quick note may not turn a “no” into a “yes,” it’s a nice gesture that interviewers often expect and appreciate, whether or not they respond right away.

If you don’t hear anything within the timeframe your interviewer gave, don’t hesitate to send a polite follow-up email. Your interviewer probably has tons of other things going on—and a quick reminder might be the nudge they need to move things forward.

Ace your next video interview and move forward in the hiring process

There’s no denying that remote work continues to rise. In early 2021, Fast Company boldly declared that “the office as we know it is over,” and a recent Gartner study showed that 74% of companies plan to permanently shift to more remote work after the COVID-19 crisis ends.

The bottom line for job-seekers? Video interviews are here to stay, and strong online etiquette is a must in the modern era. By following the 12 tips above, you can log onto your next video call with confidence and impress companies across the globe—all from the comfort of your own home.

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