Introduce the New YOU
"Personality is an unbroken series of successful gestures."
- F. Scott Fitzgerald
The biggest secret in the world to unveil is 'The secret behind its origin', similarly and unfortunately the biggest task awaiting you is to unveil the secrets of 'who are you?'Well, you all have come across this question, in interview halls, classrooms, events, or even sometimes while having a cup of coffee with the man/woman you are pursuing.
Ah! Did I just mention 'a date'? Well, yeah! A date with the most charismatic man/woman in your life; imagine you are waiting for this day since the dawn of the era (don't take era seriously) and here it is, both of you are staring deep in the eyes, taking dips in the holy water of love and suddenly the significant other uttered the words you long to hear- "Tell me about yourself?"
(Oops! What? Why now? I haven't learnt the answer yet. All of this going inside your not yet conscious mind But you got to smile and say) Ah! About me, well..(there goes the not so prepared answer about your personality) and what's next? Got the call for next date? Or the post you applied for at the big firm or won hearts in the discussion room?
No!
'Oh God, what went wrong?' Was that the dress (maybe it was too revealing) or the resume (they must have not looked at it even once). The excuses can't help you improve, but the answer to the cliched question- "Tell me about yourself?"
Most of us approach this question like this-
1. Define the past, present and future with a flat expression on the face.
2. Mention the hobbies that we no longer pursue.
3. Tell about the business our family is involved in.
4. Or sometimes, just our name.
We definitely can keep the list going on since there are various ways we can answer this one liner. But does any of the above answers or any other answer you may think of is appropriate or best suited for every scenario? If you said NO, then you must read on.
Let's head on to dissect this question in parts and fit it according to every other situation you may come across this awkward question. Frankly, there is no singular answer you can prepare and learn it by heart to use it in every situation.
For example- Suppose you are sitting in an interview hall and you are asked this question. Since, you have applied for a job here, you can't go on telling about your family, business, a list of your past relationships or simply your name or name of your graduate school. This is not going to fetch great marks for you or can cost you a Job.
Next, Suppose your beloved asked this on your first date, you being already shaken from head to toe can't talk about the history of your Grandpa fighting in WW1 or the jobs you got fired from, or how you friend zoned few of your exes. Oh Jesus! You may get friend zoned with such response.
So, what's the easy way to answer?
Trust me, the answer I am going to tell you is going to change your life (is that too optimistic, mind not). At first, you all know the answer. Yes! Obviously none can tell you about yourself better than you. Hence, all we need to figure out is what to answer. We have years of experience with a number of people; we interact on a daily basis with friends, family, colleagues and strangers while our way to work or school/university. That means we have a lot of things to tell and say about ourselves.
So, what we are going to do here is to perform a small exercise. There is a stepwise process, you got to follow to come to terms with your answer and we are done.
Grab a pen and a paper and start as follows:
1. Write your name first (full name, its our identity card, we can't define ourselves without this, the most important step)
2. Write what your current status personally and professionally (Since this will make us in line with where this answer will fit in; also keep a little homework done about the prospect you are going for or the person you are meeting)
3. Write one adjective that defines you (like, I am hardworking, or I am gregarious by nature etc. )
4. Support your adjective with an example from your past experiences or skills, or events you were involved in, now, if you are in an interview you must not tell stories, hence mention the one stuff that is there on your resume supporting your adjective.
5. Write your greatest weakness in blocks and one event (loss) caused by this weakness. Now this, definitely you shouldn't speak but need to keep in mind to not mention any such event which might paint a sorrow figure for you (Like, I lose my temper quite often, or I don't brush my teeth :'( etc.)
6. Write about your passion or your one hobby that still is your hobby (Like, I am passionate about studying, socializing or painting, dancing).
7. Write about the project, prospect or opportunity you are looking for or working on (personally and professionally)
Here, Bang on!
This little exercise has given you a gist of what you are like, what interests you, what are your weaknesses and what you need to work upon.
Note:
1. None of the answers should give a hint about your family background or anything cooked on the spot to suit the conversation.
2. Since, the question is all about you and you only, limit it to yourself.
Now, turn the paper and based on the above exercise frame an answer.
For example (if you are up for an interview call):
' Hello, I am Alexa Johnson. I am currently pursuing a career in Banking Services. My field of study made me hardworking and agile in nature. You definitely have gone through my resume where I have mentioned about my work in the field of International trade and Ethics in Banking. I am also on track to dig deeper into skills, of Management and team building. I am quite passionate about exploring and experimenting distinct acumen. I came to know that your firm is endeavoring a new project in what I assure I can contribute greatly and hence I am positive for a career in Banking Management with your firm.'
This is just a paragon and you definitely can go on and add or delete according to your needs. Always keep in my mind that open ended questions must be answered openly i.e. There should always be a hint to carry on the conversation by way of counter questions. This will help build interests of both the parties and will give an opportunity for exploring more.
Now, Do you still have that exercise paper with you? Yes! Good!
All you have to do next is keep a record of it, modify, add, delete and let the list go on. Because, we keep on learning about the world and ourselves daily. Add something different, unique and unparallelled to stand out every time with a different YOU. Create less boundaries to learn new skills, stick to your hobbies and don't stop socializing. Socializing in a positive way helps to make relevant and good conversation, help you study body language and interests of the other person and makes you aware of the surroundings. Thus, to know what is expected out of you is to know what the other person is interested to hear from you.
Also, you may question why to keep a record? Because, this is how we can improve the things, qualities and attitude we are unhappy with and figure what can help us work on that. It's a great technique to stay aware about oneself and to encourage enough to work on changing.
At last a little trick to give the most interesting and perfect answer which can engross people in your personality is - Know yourself, keep on experimenting, keep surprising and Keep bettering oneself to keep it authentic.' If you wish to know more about your personality type and how to outshine the glow in you, go on and read What type of personality you are?
All the best!
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