Almost every job interview starts with the same question: “Tell me about yourself.” This is simply a conversation starter, an invitation to tell the interviewer who you are and why they should want to know more. Before you answer, I think it is worth focusing on three things: your energy, your relevant experience and your impact. Show that you are engaged, curious and genuinely excited to be there. Share the parts of your experience that are relevant to the role, rather than reciting your entire CV. And talk about what you have done and, importantly, the difference you have made. Give a few examples that make the interviewer want to hear more.
Remember, it is not about showing everything you have ever done; it is about giving them enough to understand who you are, what you bring and why they should want to continue the conversation. Be genuine, show your enthusiasm, share what matters, and then let the conversation flow naturally.
This is a journey
Somebody once told me years ago, the greatest motivator is fear, and he meant in business. People need to be afraid of you and afraid that they are going to lose their job, otherwise they won’t do what they need to do. I think that’s terrible way to treat people and I don’t that’s for anyone. You want to work, you work for it, and you want to work for other people with the same conditions.
The most exciting part of life is learning, and being a better listener, being a better partner, being a better father, being a better leader, being a better friend, being a better colleague. We should all aspire to never be satisfied with where we are and always try to be better. I’m fully aware that things in business do not change overnight. It’s a momentum, it’s like exercise, it’s like parenting. It’s hard work and you don’t always get to see the results of all that labour, stress and sacrifice, but you get these little glimmers that you realise it’s all worth it, and that’s the point.
I don’t think it’s possible to overstate the importance, and the power, and the potential of creating a work environment where people feel valued and respected and have the opportunity to be fulfilled in their work. And it makes no difference whether you’re in the service or manufacturing business, at the end of the day everyone wants to be part of something. And if you give me an opportunity to play a meaningful role, I’m going to give you 150%. When you know somebody trusts you, it’s like you are raising your game to meet their expectations of you. And any organisation powered by people who care and are cared for is a lot better place to work, it’s a better place to buy things from, it’s just a better place.