Career Resources

Interview & Career Guides

About You & Your Background

The most common openers — how to position yourself, walk through your resume, and make a strong first impression

Pro Tip: The FLIP Framework

For "Tell me about yourself," use the FLIP framework:

  • Flag your wins upfront — start with your biggest accomplishment
  • List relevant experience — three roles max, connected to this job
  • Identify misconceptions — address gaps or career switches directly
  • Plant interesting connections — give them something memorable

Insider Tip: Mirror the Job Description in Your Answers

Before your interview, do the Ctrl+F Test on the job description. Identify the exact phrases and terminology the company uses — then weave those same words into your interview answers. Interviewers subconsciously listen for alignment with the role's language.

  • Use their exact phrasing — if the JD says "cross-functional collaboration," say "cross-functional collaboration" in your answers, not "working across teams"
  • Mirror metrics language — if the JD mentions "revenue growth," talk about "revenue growth" in your interview, not "making more money"
  • Reference the JD naturally — "I noticed the role emphasizes [exact JD phrase] — that's something I've done extensively at [company]" signals genuine preparation
  • Prep a JD cheat sheet — write down the 5–8 most important phrases from the JD and rehearse weaving them into your STAR answers
1Tell me about yourselfEssential
2Walk me through your resumeEssential
3How did you hear about this position?Easy
4How would you describe yourself?Easy
5How would your boss and coworkers describe you?Medium
6How would a friend describe you?Easy
7What makes you unique?Medium
8What should I know that's not on your resume?Medium
9What do you know about the company?Easy
10What do you like to do outside of work?Easy
11Do you consider yourself successful?Medium
12How do you define success?Easy