So. . . Tell Us About Yourself

I went to lunch with my boss and my new team today.

Rodney, what kind of food do you like?

Honestly, I’m the easy person to go to lunch with.

We went to a nice BBQ place in South Salt Lake City. I would have been just as happy with Chinese, or sandwiches or vegetarian. I really am that easy to please.

As we got our food, my boss and the other two project managers gathered around one of the small dining tables.

So, Rodney, tell us a little about yourself.

I’m never sure how to answer that. Are you? My life is a pretty full. I have hopes, dreams, disappointments, family, friends, funny stories, boring stories, unbelievable stories.

But, of course, they didn’t want to hear all that. It’s a small company and we are going to be working pretty closely together. It helps to put some context around the people people you work with. And I was the new guy, so it’s them getting to know me. There’ll be plenty of time for me to learn about them as time goes on.

But, what things do you pick when someone wants to know about you? I picked family first off.

I have 13 children.

Really?

Yeah, it’s not necessarily something you bring up in during the interview.

I mentioned the camping and hiking, a passion that my boss shares. Although, it sounds like he is a more enthusiastic hiker than I am.

I also talked about the Follow The Flag organization. We fly the largest free flying US Flag in the world from a canyon just up the road from my house every July 4th week.

I offered enough to be polite, and then let the conversation turn to other topics.

But, it made me think about how we answer the question of “Tell me about yourself.” What topics are most important to your sense of self? Is it your passion for dance? Your grandkids? Your immaculate lawn?

The conversation turned to cars. I repeated with some pride the fact I drive a car with virtually no automated features; standard transmission, no power windows, no power locks. It has a radio and AC. Oh, and it has 289,000 miles. When it hits 300,000 I think I’m going to have it painted.

I’m enjoying my new position. I think I’m going to really enjoy my coworkers. Eventually, they’ll tell me about themselves.

Stay safe

Rodney M Bliss is an author, columnist and IT Consultant. His blog updates every weekday. He lives in Pleasant Grove, UT with his lovely wife, thirteen children and grandchildren.

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