Magic Formula To TMAY

“Tell Me About Yourself.”

It’s one of the most common interview questions – and one of the hardest to answer. Where do you start? Your hometown? Your family history? The first job you ever had?

Pause. While your story is important, an interview isn’t the time for an autobiography. The goal here is to highlight your professional journey and what makes you the right candidate for the role.

A Simple Framework IN THIS ORDER: Present + Past + Future 

• Present: Start with where you are now. Share what excites you about your current role and the skills you’ve sharpened along the way. For example:
  
  “I currently live in Dayton, OH with my wife, 7 kids, 4 dogs, and 12 hamsters. I work as an operations manager for a large distribution company for air handling products…”
  

• Past: Wrap up by briefly explaining how your background prepared you for this opportunity. Highlight key experiences that shaped your leadership style or skill set:
  
  “I started my career in the military, leading logistics teams in high-pressure environments, such as combat zones in Afghanistan. I learned how to be a great leader there, in addition to how to avoid leadership styles that deflate a team. After transitioning from service, I learned and practiced LEAN methodologies for a manufacturing company for over 3 years… Where I learned how to eliminate waste in operations and be more efficient and solve complex problems with processes and people.”
  

• Future: Transition into why you’re interviewing for this role. Focus on what you’re looking for and how it aligns with your goals:
  
  “With my experiences, I am looking to take the next step in my career by applying my leadership and operational skills in an organization that values growth, collaboration, and innovation. This is why I’m interested in [your firm] because my conversations with your employees have revealed that caring culture on your team.”

90 Seconds to Stand Out: A Veteran’s Guide 

Your introduction matters. Think of it as a 90-second opportunity to connect the dots between your military background, industry experience, and the role you’re pursuing. Here’s how to make it impactful: Aim for 90 seconds max. 

Think of it like a 60-second elevator pitch with a little extra time to connect the dots between your experience and the role you’re pursuing. The goal is to show up as authentic, engaged, and prepared.

**BE AUTHENTIC** ✨

Your story is your strength. Your military career and years of experience have shaped you into a leader who thrives under pressure, adapts to change, and motivates teams to deliver results. Share these examples with pride, and connect them directly to the role you’re targeting.

Authenticity also means being clear about what you’re looking for. If leadership, growth, or opportunities to make an impact matter to you, say so. Employers respect candidates who know their worth and have a vision for their future.

**BE ENGAGED** ✍️

Engagement means showing genuine interest in the role and organization. Research the company’s mission, values, and recent successes. Connect those to your experiences and goals.

Ask insightful questions to show curiosity and enthusiasm, such as:

• “What does success look like in this role?”

• “How does this team work together to achieve results, and where do you see opportunities to grow?”

Engagement shows you’re not just looking for a job – you’re looking for the right fit.

**BE PREPARED** 🫡

Preparation is key. Have a clear vision of what you want in your next role and practice sharing it in a way that’s concise and relevant. Whether it’s a leadership role in a growing organization or an opportunity to mentor others, articulate your goals clearly.

Prepare a few key stories from your career that showcase leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork. Imagine answering questions like: 

• “Describe a time you led a team through a challenge.”

• “Tell me about how you handled conflict on your team.”

• “What would your previous manager say about your leadership style?”

Practice delivering these stories until they feel natural. Keep your responses focused on how your experience makes you the right fit for the role.

Make Every Second Count

Your introduction sets the tone. Approach it with clarity, confidence, and purpose, and use it to invite deeper conversations about how your unique skills and experience can deliver results. Rehearse and refine your responses to tie back to what you bring to the table and why you’re a great fit for the role. 

Ready to make an impact? Start with your story.