exercise 9.1 Tell Me About Yourself

Use the space below to outline your Tell me about yourself script.

• 1. Tell me about yourself: Introduction

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• 2. Relevant background and goals:

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• 3. Education and training:

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• 4. Work background:

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• 5. Job and career goals:

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• 6. Value you bring:

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As you work through this exercise, keep in mind that you need to focus on those skills that are most relevant to the job youre interviewing for. Certainly, many skills you have are transferable to a variety of jobs. Definitely work through those and talk about them in the interview. But be very sure you identify two or three critical skills and abilities and talk about them as your strengths.

Major Strengths

Strength #1: ___________________________________________________

Where/when shown: ______________________________________________

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Specific situations and examples: _____________________________________

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Strength #2: ___________________________________________________

Where/when shown: ______________________________________________

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Specific situations and examples: _____________________________________

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Strength #3: ___________________________________________________

Where/when shown: ______________________________________________

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Specific situations and examples: _____________________________________

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File this in your portfolio.

As you next work through your weaknesses, keep in mind our maxim to be honest, but dont be stupid. Each of us has weaknesses. Honestly talk about your weaknesses in the interview, but dont dwell on them. Concisely state the weaknesses and, most importantly, tell the interviewer how you are currently working to improve them. Offering this information will convey your motivation and initiativea critical work ability in the current world of workto the interviewer.

Major Weaknesses

Weakness #1: ___________________________________________________

Where/when shown: ______________________________________________

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How you compensate for it: _________________________________________

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How youre improving it: ___________________________________________

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Weakness #2: ___________________________________________________

Where/when shown: ______________________________________________

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How you compensate for it: _________________________________________

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How youre improving it: ___________________________________________

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Weakness #3: ___________________________________________________

Where/when shown: ______________________________________________

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How you compensate for it: _________________________________________

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How youre improving it: ___________________________________________

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