[11:22 PM, 2/2/2025] Yayah Rukoyah: That's a good start, but for an interview, you want to go a little

deeper than just the basic facts. While your name, where you live (generally, not your exact address), and
your hobbies are relevant, the interviewer is really trying to understand who you are professionally and
how you'd fit into their company.
Here's a breakdown of how you might approach "Tell me about yourself" in an interview, expanding on
what you suggested:
* Start with a brief introduction of who you are professionally. For example, "I'm a highly motivated and
results-oriented [your profession/area of study] with [number] years of experience in [relevant
industry/area]." Or, if you're a recent graduate, "I'm a recent graduate from [university] with a degree in
[major] and a strong foundation in [relevant skills/knowledge]."
* Highlight relevant skills and experiences. Connect your skills and experience to the job you're
applying for. Instead of just saying "My hobby is reading," you could say, "I'm a quick learner and enjoy
staying up-to-date on industry trends by reading industry publications and blogs. This has helped me to
[give a specific example of how this benefited you]." Focus on accomplishments and quantifiable results
whenever possible. For example, "In my previous role, I increased sales by 15% by implementing a new
marketing strategy."
* Show your passion and enthusiasm. Express your genuine interest in the role and the company.
Research the company beforehand and mention something specific that excites you about their work. For
example, "I'm particularly drawn to [company name]'s focus on [company value/mission/project] because
[explain why it resonates with you]."
* Conclude with a concise statement of your career goals. Briefly mention your aspirations and how this
role aligns with your long-term career plans. For example, "I'm eager to contribute my skills and
experience to [company name] and grow as a [your profession] within your team."
* Keep it concise and focused. Aim for an answer that's around 1-2 minutes long. Practice your
response beforehand so you can deliver it confidently and naturally.
So, taking your initial idea, here's a more interview-appropriate example (assuming you're applying for a
marketing role):
"I'm a recent marketing graduate from [University Name] with a strong foundation in digital marketing
and a passion for creating engaging content. During my studies, I honed my skills in social media
marketing, content creation, and data analytics. I even led a project where we developed a social media
campaign for a local business, which resulted in a 20% increase in their online engagement. I'm
particularly drawn to [Company Name]'s innovative approach to digital marketing and your focus on
[specific company campaign/value]. I'm eager to contribute my skills and learn from your team, and I
believe this role would be a great stepping stone in my career goal of becoming a marketing manager."
Now, how would you answer "Tell me about yourself" in the context of a job you might be interested in?
Let's try it out!
[11:24 PM, 2/2/2025] Yayah Rukoyah: After you've answered the "Tell me about yourself" question, the
interview can go in many different directions. There's no single, fixed sequence, but here are some
common next steps and types of questions you might encounter:
* Deeper dives into your resume/experience: The interviewer will likely pick specific points from your
resume or what you mentioned in your "Tell me about yourself" answer and ask for more details. Expect
questions like:
* "Tell me more about your experience with [specific skill/software/project]."
 * "Describe a time you faced a challenging situation at work/school and how you overcame it."
(Behavioral questions)
* "What were your responsibilities in your previous role at [company]?"
* "Why did you choose to leave your previous job?" (Be prepared to answer this positively, focusing on
new opportunities and growth, not negativity about the old job)
* Questions about your skills and qualifications: They'll want to assess if your skills and qualifications
match the job requirements. This might involve:
* "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" (Be honest and choose a weakness that you're actively
working to improve.)
* "How do you handle pressure and deadlines?"
* "What software or tools are you proficient in?"
* "Describe your problem-solving approach."
* Questions about your career goals and aspirations: They want to know if you're a good fit for the
company's long-term goals. Expect questions like:
* "Where do you see yourself in five years?"
* "Why are you interested in this particular role?"
* "What are your salary expectations?" (Research industry standards beforehand)
* Questions about the company and the role: This is your chance to show you've done your research.
They'll want to know:
* "What do you know about our company?"
* "Why are you interested in working for us?"
* "What are your questions for me?" (Always have a few thoughtful questions prepared!)
* Behavioral questions: These questions are designed to understand how you've handled situations in the
past, as past behavior is often a predictor of future performance. They often start with "Tell me about a
time..." or "Describe a situation where..." Examples include:
* "Tell me about a time you failed."
* "Tell me about a time you worked on a team project."
* "Tell me about a time you had to deal with a difficult client/colleague."
* Technical questions (if applicable): For technical roles, expect questions related to your specific field,
like coding challenges, system design questions, or industry-specific knowledge.
* Questions about your personality and work style: They want to see if you're a good cultural fit for the
team. This could include questions like:
* "How do you prefer to work – independently or as part of a team?"
* "What motivates you?"
* "How do you handle conflict?"
* The "Do you have any questions for me?" part: This is crucial. Always have a few insightful questions
prepared. This shows your interest and engagement. Avoid asking questions that could easily be
answered through a quick Google search. Good questions might be:
* "What are the biggest challenges facing the team/company right now?"
* "What opportunities for professional development are available?"
* "Can you describe the company culture?"
* "What are the next steps in the interview process?"
The order of these questions can vary, and the interviewer might ask follow-up questions based on your
responses. The key is to be prepared, be yourself, and be enthusiastic.
[11:24 PM, 2/2/2025] Yayah Rukoyah: This is a classic interview question, and it's important to answer it
thoughtfully. Here's a breakdown of how to approach it:
Strengths:
* Focus on relevance: Choose strengths that are directly relevant to the job description. Review the job
posting carefully and identify the key skills and qualities they're looking for. Then, think about which of
your strengths align with those requirements.
* Provide specific examples: Don't just list your strengths. Back them up with concrete examples from
your past experiences. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to illustrate how you've
demonstrated those strengths in real-life situations.
* Quantify your achievements: Whenever possible, quantify your accomplishments. Instead of saying
"I'm a good communicator," say "In my previous role, I improved team collaboration by 20% by
implementing a new communication strategy."
* Be genuine and authentic: Choose strengths that you truly possess and that you're passionate about.
This will make your answer more convincing and memorable.
Weaknesses:
* Choose something real: Don't try to turn a strength into a weakness ("I work too hard"). This will come
across as disingenuous. Instead, choose a genuine weakness that you're aware of and that you're actively
working to improve.
* Don't pick a critical skill: Avoid mentioning a weakness that is essential for the job. For example, if
you're applying for a software engineering role, don't say your weakness is coding.
* Focus on improvement: The most important part of this answer is how you're addressing your
weakness. Explain the steps you're taking to improve in that area. This shows self-awareness, a
willingness to learn, and a commitment to personal growth.
* Be positive and optimistic: Frame your weakness in a positive light. Show that you're not afraid to
admit your shortcomings and that you're proactive in overcoming them.
Example:
"One of my strengths is my ability to adapt quickly to new situations. In my previous role, our team had
to transition to a new project management software with very little notice. I took the initiative to learn the
new system quickly and then helped train my colleagues, ensuring a smooth transition for everyone.
One area I'm working on improving is my public speaking skills. While I'm comfortable presenting to
small groups, I sometimes get nervous when speaking to larger audiences. To address this, I've joined a
public speaking club and I'm actively seeking opportunities to present in different settings. I'm confident
that with practice, I'll continue to improve in this area."
Key takeaways:
* Prepare in advance: Think about your strengths and weaknesses beforehand and come up with specific
examples to illustrate them.
* Be honest and self-aware: Choose strengths and weaknesses that are genuine and that reflect your true
capabilities.
* Focus on growth: Emphasize how you're leveraging your strengths and how you're working to improve
your weaknesses.
* Tailor your answer: Adapt your answer to the specific job and company you're interviewing for.
By following these tips, you can confidently answer the "What are your strengths and weaknesses?"
question and make a positive impression on the interviewer.
[11:25 PM, 2/2/2025] Yayah Rukoyah: This is a common interview question designed to gauge your
ambition, career goals, and whether your aspirations align with the company's trajectory. Here's how to
craft a strong answer:
1. Show Alignment with the Company:
* Research: Thoroughly research the company's mission, values, and growth trajectory. Understand their
industry position and future plans.
* Connect the Dots: Explain how your career goals align with the company's direction. Show that you see
a future for yourself within their organization.
2. Focus on Growth and Development:
* Skills and Knowledge: Emphasize your desire to continuously learn and develop your skills within the
role and the company. Mention specific areas you'd like to grow in.
* Contribution: Express your eagerness to contribute meaningfully to the team and the company's
success.
* Progression: While you don't need to map out a precise career path, it's okay to mention your interest in
taking on increasing responsibilities and potentially leadership roles within the company.
3. Be Realistic and Authentic:
* Avoid Generic Answers: Steer clear of vague statements like "I want to be in a senior management
position."
* Be Honest: Your answer should reflect your genuine aspirations. Don't try to tailor it too much to what
you think the interviewer wants to hear if it doesn't feel authentic to you.
* Be Patient: Recognize that career growth takes time. Show that you're willing to put in the effort and
learn along the way.
Example Answer (Tailored to a Marketing Role):
"In five years, I see myself as a highly skilled and valuable member of your marketing team. I'm
particularly excited about the opportunity to deepen my expertise in [specific area, e.g., digital marketing,
content strategy] and contribute to the company's growth in [mention a specific company goal or
initiative]. I'm eager to take on new challenges, learn from experienced colleagues, and potentially mentor
junior team members as I gain more experience. Ultimately, I want to be someone who makes a
significant impact on the company's marketing success while continuing to grow and develop
professionally."
Things to Avoid:
* "I want your job." This can come across as arrogant or presumptuous.
* "I don't know." This suggests a lack of direction or ambition.
* Focusing solely on salary or promotions. While these are important, the primary focus should be on
growth and contribution.
* Mentioning plans to leave the company. This is a major red flag.
Key Takeaways:
* Preparation is Key: Think about your career goals and how they align with the company's future.
* Be Specific: Mention specific skills, areas of interest, and potential contributions.
* Show Enthusiasm: Express your genuine excitement about the opportunity and your desire to grow
with the company.
By following these tips, you can deliver a compelling answer that showcases your ambition, alignment
with the company, and commitment to professional growth.
[11:26 PM, 2/2/2025] Yayah Rukoyah: The question "What motivates you?" is a chance for you to show
the interviewer what drives you professionally and what makes you excited to come to work (or what
makes you driven in your studies if you're a student). Here's how to ensure you give a strong answer:
1. Be Authentic and Genuine:
* Reflect on Your Own Experiences: Think about times you felt truly engaged and motivated. What
were the factors that contributed to that feeling? Were you working on a challenging project? Were you
making a real difference? Were you learning new skills?
* Be Honest: Don't try to give an answer you think the interviewer wants to hear if it's not genuine to
you. Authenticity is key.
2. Focus on Intrinsic Motivation:
* Go Beyond the Obvious: While things like salary and benefits are important, they shouldn't be the
primary focus of your answer. Interviewers want to know what intrinsically motivates you – what drives
you from within.
* Examples of Intrinsic Motivators:
* Making a difference: Contributing to something meaningful, having a positive impact.
* Learning and growth: Continuously developing new skills, expanding your knowledge.
* Challenge and problem-solving: Tackling difficult problems, finding creative solutions.
* Collaboration and teamwork: Working with others to achieve a common goal.
* Recognition and achievement: Being recognized for your accomplishments, striving for excellence.
* Passion and purpose: Aligning your work with your personal interests and values.
3. Connect Your Motivators to the Role and Company:
* Research the Company: Understand their mission, values, and the type of work they do. Connect your
motivators to what the company offers and the specific role you're applying for.
* Show How Your Motivators Align: Explain how the role and the company's work will allow you to
pursue the things that motivate you. For example, if you're motivated by learning and growth, you could
say, "I'm particularly drawn to this role because it offers the opportunity to work with cutting-edge
technology and learn from experienced professionals in the field."
4. Structure Your Answer (Example):
"What motivates me most is the opportunity to make a tangible impact and continuously learn and grow.
In my previous role at [Previous Company/School Project], I was highly motivated by [Specific Example
- e.g., leading a project that resulted in X, solving a complex problem, mentoring a junior team member].
That experience showed me how much I value [Specific Motivator - e.g., seeing the positive results of my
work, the challenge of overcoming obstacles, the satisfaction of helping others].
I'm particularly drawn to this role at [Company Name] because [Connect to the Role/Company - e.g., the
company's mission to Y resonates with my own values, the role offers the opportunity to work on Z,
which is something I'm passionate about]. I believe this role will provide me with the challenges and
opportunities I need to stay motivated and contribute meaningfully to the team."
Things to Avoid:
* Listing Only Extrinsic Motivators: Focusing solely on salary, benefits, or job title.
* Generic Answers: "I'm a hard worker" or "I'm a team player" are not specific enough.
* Negative Motivators: Mentioning things you're trying to escape from (e.g., "I'm motivated by getting
away from my current job").
Key Takeaways:
* Be Authentic: Your answer should reflect your genuine motivations.
* Focus on Intrinsic Motivation: Highlight what drives you from within.
* Connect to the Role and Company: Show how your motivators align with the specific opportunity.
* Be Specific: Use concrete examples to illustrate your points.
By following these tips, you can give a compelling answer that shows the interviewer what truly
motivates you and why you're a good fit for the role and the company.