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Responding to the “Tell me about yourself” question…

Posted: June 24, 2010 at 11:36 am

What is a “Me in 30 seconds” Statement?

A “Me in 30 Seconds” statement is a simple way to present to someone else a balanced understanding of who you are. It piques the interest of a listener who invites you to “Tell me a little about yourself,” and it provides a brief and compelling answer to the question “Why should I hire you?”

What Should it include?

When well crafted, your “Me in 30 Seconds” statement will include:

• A brief personal introduction that includes your career objective or the type of position you want.

• Three or four specific accomplishments that prove you meet or exceed the requirements for that position.

• A few character traits or adaptive skills that set you apart from typical applicants. When networking, finish your “Me in 30 Seconds” statement with probing questions that cannot be answered with a “yes” or “no” to start a conversation that may lead to referrals or job opportunities. For example:

WHO do you know who works in _______________?

WHAT businesses are in the area that _______________?

WHO do you know who knows a lot of people?

Other points to consider:

• Keep your “Me in 30 Seconds” statement brief. People generally listen effectively only 30 to 60 seconds, and they appreciate concise responses to questions. This indicates that you are clearly focused and waste no time getting to the point.

• Speak in the present tense to show that your skills are current and applicable in today’s market.

• Remember your audience. Adjust the level of detail and industry jargon you use according to the interest and experience of the person you are addressing.

• Avoid common claims such as: “I’m trustworthy, loyal, helpful, courteous, kind,” and so on. Not only are these claims made by most job seekers, but without detailed examples, they don’t convey your value to a potential employer.

• Make your “Me in 30 Seconds” statement natural. It is a genuine form of communication that will help you organize everything you are into brief, coherent thoughts.