"so tell me about yourself"

Started by 3dee
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3dee

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A lot of interviews start out with this question. I hate it because its so open-ended....what do you say? how long do you "talk about yourself"?
 
A short summary. Try to consider it an "elevator conversation". It usually isn't the make or break part of the interview. It is just there to break the ice and direct conversation a bit.
 
Start at the beginning. What was your family like growing up, how were your interests developed, what qualities did you show growing up? Were there any challenges? And go from there. You can reiterate what your major or degree(s) are in or any life experiences even if it is on your application. But keep it short and hopefully related to your qualities and the school's own goals and emphases. If they want to know more about something, they'll ask.

This intro question usually has a second half, often asked at the same time: why do you want to be a physician? I think you're better off answering the first completely before moving on to this, because that one lets you say more about why you're unique and gives you things to refer back to. You can still do it all in under 2 minutes.
 
this may not help but i just wanted to let you know of an awkward situation i was in...
The interview was the last part of the interview day and I had realized throughout the day that the school was not for me and I did not want to attend that school... I was then asked the question tell me about yourself... well the only thing i was thinking in my head was, "well, i dont really want to attend this school".....out came an awkward long pause making it seem i knew nothing about myself and then came out all this blab i couldnt even recall 5 mins after the interview
 
chinagal said:
this may not help but i just wanted to let you know of an awkward situation i was in...
The interview was the last part of the interview day and I had realized throughout the day that the school was not for me and I did not want to attend that school... I was then asked the question tell me about yourself... well the only thing i was thinking in my head was, "well, i dont really want to attend this school".....out came an awkward long pause making it seem i knew nothing about myself and then came out all this blab i couldnt even recall 5 mins after the interview
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haha!! that sucks... did u end up getting in anyway?
 
Styria said:
Start at the beginning. What was your family like growing up, how were your interests developed, what qualities did you show growing up? Were there any challenges? And go from there. You can reiterate what your major or degree(s) are in or any life experiences even if it is on your application. But keep it short and hopefully related to your qualities and the school's own goals and emphases. If they want to know more about something, they'll ask.

This intro question usually has a second half, often asked at the same time: why do you want to be a physician? I think you're better off answering the first completely before moving on to this, because that one lets you say more about why you're unique and gives you things to refer back to. You can still do it all in under 2 minutes.
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thanks! this helps!
I was asking because I was reading somewhere about how you should discuss why you'd be a good asset to the school but I didnt agree because its not really answering the question
 
3dee said:
A lot of interviews start out with this question. I hate it because its so open-ended....what do you say? how long do you "talk about yourself"?
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You light a cigarette and slowly tell them: 'The name's Bond, James Bond.' Say nothing else ... you'll get in.







:meanie:
 
3dee said:
thanks! this helps!
I was asking because I was reading somewhere about how you should discuss why you'd be a good asset to the school but I didnt agree because its not really answering the question
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You can still discuss why you'd be a good asset to the school, but find out what they're looking for. If they have a rural emphasis, and you're from a small town, then say so in your introduction. If a later question on someone's list asks you about rural or primary care, you can refer back to it. "Well, as I said, ..." and give examples or build on it to show your experience and interests. It reinforces your qualities.
 
MossPoh said:
A short summary. Try to consider it an "elevator conversation". It usually isn't the make or break part of the interview. It is just there to break the ice and direct conversation a bit.
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I say that it's used to break the ice, but I also see it as having a huge impact. It's not make or break, but since it's usually asked first/near the beginning, it can change the direction of the interview immensely. Your response can have an influence on how they interpret every additional response. Mentally, I could imagine them saying "Oh - I see...I understand 100%! That decision is completely logical. And I can see why he/she feels that way."

Styria said:
Start at the beginning. What was your family like growing up, how were your interests developed, what qualities did you show growing up? Were there any challenges? And go from there. You can reiterate what your major or degree(s) are in or any life experiences even if it is on your application. But keep it short and hopefully related to your qualities and the school's own goals and emphases. If they want to know more about something, they'll ask.

This intro question usually has a second half, often asked at the same time: why do you want to be a physician? I think you're better off answering the first completely before moving on to this, because that one lets you say more about why you're unique and gives you things to refer back to. You can still do it all in under 2 minutes.
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👍

Great advice. Personally, I always described my life chronologically (which may or may not be a good idea...it depends on your app/life's story/purpose/mission) which was how my PS was organized.

I often began with about 2 sentences as a child (hinting at my PS text...rural, grew up on a farm, always thought I would be a veterinarian), two sentences describing my adolescence (also a hint to my PS...I realized that being a vet wasn't what I wanted to do...and very briefly why...also in my PS), two sentences about post-graduation (hint @ my PS...my life's situation...usually hooked the listener in b/c of it 😳), then described why I wanted to pursue medicine and be a physician. Most of the time I also discussed Why DO very briefly (adding "for a number of reasons"). All together, it seemed to be like 10-12 sentences or so...I never memorized it, but always remembered the flow and kept it spontaneous even though I've ran through it more times that I care to realize...:laugh: I kept the child/adolescent part very brief because I'm sure that as soon as they hearing any response involving childhood they hit the mental snooze bar ("Oh geez...another life story. 😴).

I often tied back to my PS...I thought mine was very good and it would refresh their memory of it and perhaps explain somethings that I wasn't able to fit in the 1400 characters or whatever it was. Think of your interview as a very brief, personal introduction to you, and as the opportunity to smooth and polish your entire application.

Generally, for almost every interview that comes to mind, you should address in some form or fashion SOMEWHERE in your application
(1) Why medicine/physician? (2) Why DO? (3) Why did you apply (and prefer) that school?

Realize that often some questions may have an unstated motivation. When you review SDN feedback q's, try to categorize each question into what the interviewer is hoping to answer. For instance, "How did you get here?" may be hinting at why did you apply here? or why did you apply DO? or why medicine? To me, "Tell me about yourself" was just another one of those. There are many others...it's kind of fun trying to figure them out. By trying to figure out what they may be asking (or how you can use that question's response to build your application) you can breeze through most interview's no matter how "tough" they may seem. Generally, they are pretty easy and conversational though...don't stress - that's the most important part 👍

As one book said regarding interviews, The decision is made in the first 30 seconds. The rest of the period is used to justify the decision
 
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I don't like this question. I really think it cost me an acceptance at UMDNJ. It was the first question asked and I was having a bad day to begin with because of a parking fiasco outside- was boxed in for over 5 minutes while a huge truck tried to figure out how to get his vehicle out of parking space - no joke. Anyway, as soon as I was asked that question, I froze and did not know what to say even though I prepared for it. My answer was too short and I honestly do not even remember what I said. It was definitely not what I had planned on saying. From then on out my interview went downhill. I kept on thinking how I botched up the first question and continued to dig a deeper hole.

Needless to say, I was not accepted and looking back I am not sure I would have accepted myself either.

It is a simple question and gives you the control to direct where the conversation leads, but if you are not comfortable talking about yourself or taking the lead I suggest practicing. Finding out you stink at open-ended questions at an interview is not a good thing. I personally feel this is one of the hardest questions.
 
The details of my life are quite inconsequential.... very well, where do i begin? My father was a relentlessly self-improving boulangerie owner from Belgium with low grade narcolepsy and a penchant for buggery. My mother was a fifteen year old French prostitute named Chloe with webbed feet. My father would womanize, he would drink. He would make outrageous claims like he invented the question mark. Sometimes he would accuse chestnuts of being lazy. The sort of general malaise that only the genius possess and the insane lament. My childhood was typical. Summers in Rangoon, luge lessons. In the spring we'd make meat helmets. When I was insolent I was placed in a burlap bag and beaten with reeds- pretty standard really. At the age of twelve I received my first scribe. At the age of fourteen a Zoroastrian named Vilma ritualistically shaved my testicles. There really is nothing like a shorn scrotum... it's breathtaking- I highly suggest you try it.
 
batteries said:
The details of my life are quite inconsequential.... very well, where do i begin? My father was a relentlessly self-improving boulangerie owner from Belgium with low grade narcolepsy and a penchant for buggery. My mother was a fifteen year old French prostitute named Chloe with webbed feet. My father would womanize, he would drink. He would make outrageous claims like he invented the question mark. Sometimes he would accuse chestnuts of being lazy. The sort of general malaise that only the genius possess and the insane lament. My childhood was typical. Summers in Rangoon, luge lessons. In the spring we'd make meat helmets. When I was insolent I was placed in a burlap bag and beaten with reeds- pretty standard really. At the age of twelve I received my first scribe. At the age of fourteen a Zoroastrian named Vilma ritualistically shaved my testicles. There really is nothing like a shorn scrotum... it's breathtaking- I highly suggest you try it.
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:lame:
 
the interview is like a date...it is better to flatter than to flaunt. The recent article from Psychology Today says that those interviewees who used flattery (instead of boasting) were judged more favorably post-interview. Just something to consider when out on the trail 🙂
 
batteries said:
The details of my life are quite inconsequential.... very well, where do i begin? My father was a relentlessly self-improving boulangerie owner from Belgium with low grade narcolepsy and a penchant for buggery. My mother was a fifteen year old French prostitute named Chloe with webbed feet. My father would womanize, he would drink. He would make outrageous claims like he invented the question mark. Sometimes he would accuse chestnuts of being lazy. The sort of general malaise that only the genius possess and the insane lament. My childhood was typical. Summers in Rangoon, luge lessons. In the spring we'd make meat helmets. When I was insolent I was placed in a burlap bag and beaten with reeds- pretty standard really. At the age of twelve I received my first scribe. At the age of fourteen a Zoroastrian named Vilma ritualistically shaved my testicles. There really is nothing like a shorn scrotum... it's breathtaking- I highly suggest you try it.
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lol wut (?!)

DrMattOglesby said:
the interview is like a date...it is better to flatter than to flaunt. The recent article from Psychology Today says that those interviewees who used flattery (instead of boasting) were judged more favorably post-interview. Just something to consider when out on the trail 🙂
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hahaha the analogy of a "date" seems to fit; you definitely want the person to give you a "second call" or ask you on another date 😉
I'm curious though - what would be an example of flattery? I know what flaunting is, but I can see how what people would consider "flattery" could vary widely...
 
DrMattOglesby said:
the interview is like a date...it is better to flatter than to flaunt. The recent article from Psychology Today says that those interviewees who used flattery (instead of boasting) were judged more favorably post-interview. Just something to consider when out on the trail 🙂
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Totally agree with this. During one interview, my interviewer explained that the exams she writes up for the PBL pathway are over 50 pages long, to which I responded, "Haha, it must take quite a while to create one of those exams" and we had a good laugh. Don't make it ALL about yourself. 😉
 
coffeeeandtea said:
I'm curious though - what would be an example of flattery? I know what flaunting is, but I can see how what people would consider "flattery" could vary widely...
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the following quote is more like flattery...
Semicolon said:
...my interviewer explained that the exams she writes up for the PBL pathway are over 50 pages long, to which I responded, "Haha, it must take quite a while to create one of those exams" and we had a good laugh.
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I have met a lot of GREAT people on the interview trail...but I've also met a lot of self-absorbed types who were so involved in themselves that they came off as annoying. Anyhow, the general consensus is that everyone knows how hard you've worked to get that interview, now all you gotta do is show up and show them the cool person who did all that hard work. I can recall a few times when I found myself empathizing with my interviewer about the amount of work they had to do in this application process too. I just looked over at his desk and saw perhaps 2000 applications stacked all over it. I gawked and asked him what those papers were...he explained and I couldnt help but give him my respect. It is really humbling to be picked out of that pile and be invited for the interview after you see what they have to do.
 
batteries said:
The details of my life are quite inconsequential.... very well, where do i begin? My father was a relentlessly self-improving boulangerie owner from Belgium with low grade narcolepsy and a penchant for buggery. My mother was a fifteen year old French prostitute named Chloe with webbed feet. My father would womanize, he would drink. He would make outrageous claims like he invented the question mark. Sometimes he would accuse chestnuts of being lazy. The sort of general malaise that only the genius possess and the insane lament. My childhood was typical. Summers in Rangoon, luge lessons. In the spring we'd make meat helmets. When I was insolent I was placed in a burlap bag and beaten with reeds- pretty standard really. At the age of twelve I received my first scribe. At the age of fourteen a Zoroastrian named Vilma ritualistically shaved my testicles. There really is nothing like a shorn scrotum... it's breathtaking- I highly suggest you try it.
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Dr. Evil is my favorite doctor.
 
DrMattOglesby said:
the interview is like a date...it is better to flatter than to flaunt. The recent article from Psychology Today says that those interviewees who used flattery (instead of boasting) were judged more favorably post-interview. Just something to consider when out on the trail 🙂
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That's exactly how I treated my successful interviews. A date.
 
DrMattOglesby said:
lol i hope it wasn't awkward in same-sex interviews :laugh:
if not, you must be an incredible smooth talker 😎
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😎.

Funny enough, the only school I got rejected from post-interview was when I didn't treat it as one. Then again, the interviewee went straight to attack mode. That can really ruin the mood.👎
 
DrMattOglesby said:
the interview is like a date...it is better to flatter than to flaunt. The recent article from Psychology Today says that those interviewees who used flattery (instead of boasting) were judged more favorably post-interview. Just something to consider when out on the trail 🙂
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Yeah but do you do like the ass-out hug at the end or do you be bold and go in for the kiss??
 
<--200 posts, sweet
 
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EricH said:
<--200 posts, sweet
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I like one of the quotes on your signature EricH...cept the one I heard was,
"Never trust a bald barber"


I used to shave my grandpa's head some years ago...and he would say that to me everytime I was about to cut his hair. Keep in mind, I wasn't bald...but my head was shaved and I only knew how to give one type of haircut!
 
DrMattOglesby said:
I like one of the quotes on your signature EricH...cept the one I heard was,
"Never trust a bald barber"


I used to shave my grandpa's head some years ago...and he would say that to me everytime I was about to cut his hair. Keep in mind, I wasn't bald...but my head was shaved and I only knew how to give one type of haircut!
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I am actually bald....so I rock the bald cut. It's gonna be sweet during residency when I'm cat napping. No bed head.
 
batteries said:
The details of my life are quite inconsequential.... very well, where do i begin? My father was a relentlessly self-improving boulangerie owner from Belgium with low grade narcolepsy and a penchant for buggery. My mother was a fifteen year old French prostitute named Chloe with webbed feet. My father would womanize, he would drink. He would make outrageous claims like he invented the question mark. Sometimes he would accuse chestnuts of being lazy. The sort of general malaise that only the genius possess and the insane lament. My childhood was typical. Summers in Rangoon, luge lessons. In the spring we'd make meat helmets. When I was insolent I was placed in a burlap bag and beaten with reeds- pretty standard really. At the age of twelve I received my first scribe. At the age of fourteen a Zoroastrian named Vilma ritualistically shaved my testicles. There really is nothing like a shorn scrotum... it's breathtaking- I highly suggest you try it.
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I can't believe people don't realize what this is.

Amazing Dr. Evil quote lol. C'mon people, Austin Powers!
 
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