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Tell it as a story that culminates into why this opportunity is the perfect one
If it’s in response to the “so tell me about yourself” question, practice in advance. This question is so regularly a stumbling block for people!
My preference is a succinct explanation of your work history including key verticals you’ve worked in and responsibilities you’ve held, a callout or two of your top accomplishments that relate to the role you’re interviewing for, and a short and sweet quick bio of you personally. Like, 2-4 min MAX.
Chief
Expeditiously
I like to start with current/most recent role, outline a few key points (responsibilities, accomplishments and major projects), move to the second and spend a significant amount less talking about this role, and finish it by touching on the third.
I try to make my key points in my anecdotes and questions that I’m asked/I ask.
Don’t walk through your resume. Tell a story with the data that’s on there.
Some of these strategies have helped me and I continue to use them (as needed):
1,3,5 rule
1 minute elevator pitch, 3 stories that answer any soft skill questions, 5 minute elevator pitch for longer more formally structured processes.
The One Liner
5-10-word line that articulates who I am. Old example I’ve used: “Over the past 5 years I have developed as a digital media client account manager and project manager within publishing and most recently with the video streaming landscape.”
The Elevator Pitch
4 sentences that define my unique talent:
“I’ve managed books of business that included Enterprise, marquee, and SMB clientele, ensuring the successful launch and adoption of the product offering/software solution. I’ve been responsible for the onboarding of these clients, which includes training on product UI, monetizing and optimizing best practices, as well as reporting on program performance. This experience has helped to sharpen my analytical skills and increased my technical proficiency. Working for startups has refined my ability to juggle multiple projects and prioritize with grace as well as work autonomously and seamlessly, while acting as a valuable member of cross-functional teams.”
The Story
:60 second true event that establishes my passion & understanding of the need for the {JOB TITLE} role.
Just tell them the story of you. Like any good story it should be interesting and pointed.
Quickly.
Quickly tell the narrative that makes sense of your past roles. Help the interviewer understand how you've grown and why you're here now.
Confidently.
Pro
10 minutes is fine, depending on length of resume.
You should be thorough on key points that make you who you are, any data to back it up, and why the company you’re interviewing with should want you. It’s your chance to control the narrative of your career and is definitely a skill to be able to do it well.
Have good hooks for why you moved roles when you did, so they don’t have to ask and you can give things dimension.