Whether your interview is on the phone or in person, with a recruiter or a hiring manager, for a marketing or operations role – chances are it will begin with the same request: “Tell us about yourself and why you’re interested in this position.” Or, as we say at Chick-fil-A: “Tell us your story.”
By letting you start, interviewers get to hear upfront what you think matters most, and the way you frame your answer will shape how they see you as a candidate.
At Chick-fil-A, we care deeply about the human experiences and interpersonal skills that usually don’t make their way onto a resume. When we say “tell us your story,” we’re hoping candidates will speak about the experiences that have made them who they are today. We want to know how you’ve grown, what you’re working on and where you’re headed!
It can be challenging to talk about yourself with clarity and openness – so it’s definitely worth thinking ahead of time about what you want to say. Keep these suggestions in mind as you prepare:
Know Your Story
First impressions are important – but even more important is that you walk into the conversation with a clear understanding of who you are, what you’re passionate about, and what strengths you bring the table.
These days, brands do a lot of work to define their own stories. Chances are, the company you’re interviewing with has done its own soul searching to define its values, strengths and mission. You should be doing the same. Sure, it will help in the interview – but it will also help you grow and flourish long after the hiring process is over.
It’s Important to Open Up
Remember, you want to find an employer who’s the right fit for you. If you speak from the heart about your passions, strengths and goals, your interviewer’s response can give you a good sense of whether the job will give you the opportunities for growth that you’re looking for.
Highlight Your Journey and Your Strengths
Be ready to talk about a few experiences that shaped your strengths and goals. It’s one thing to say that you want to support the growth of people on your team. It reveals a lot more to discuss a time that mentoring a subordinate delivered exceptional results and helped you realize that you want that kind of leadership to be a part of your work going forward.
And don’t forget that some of your most vital skills may not be immediately apparent on your resume. Employers are extremely interested in the “soft skills” that help you work well with teammates and earn buy-in for new efforts. Make sure to share some brief anecdotes that convey just how good your people skills are.
Talk About Your Outside Interests
At Chick-fil-A, we’re excited about candidates who are excited about pursuits beyond the workplace. We’re committed to building an environment where work is full of life and our employees find meaning both in their work and in their lives outside of the office.
And we’re not alone. Employers around the U.S. are increasingly aware that workers who throw themselves into passionate pursuits are more likely to bring that same dedication and excitement into their work.
It’s a lesson we’ve learned time and time again – from one staffer who opened an art gallery and founded two nonprofits, and from another who’s running a half marathon in every U.S. state, as well as from countless others.
So don’t hesitate to share your own “extracurricular” experiences as you tell your story! They are a vital part of who you are.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Just as you would for a business presentation, you should practice saying your summary statement out loud. If possible, do it in a mock interview with a friend or trusted mentor, and take a video of yourself so you can get a sense of your voice and body language.
Check to make sure you’re answering confidently and positively. And try to stay connected to the true enthusiasm you feel; you want your words to flow well and not feel too forced or rehearsed.
At first, repetition may feel awkward, but the more you practice, the more natural it will feel. After all, there is no better spokesperson for your journey and mission than you!
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What tips do you have on sharing your story? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Are you interested in learning more about a career at Chick-fil-A? Visit us at www.chick-fil-a.com/careers.
