NSN #12 | How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself” & More

Heyyyyy there,

Welcome back to this week’s edition of The North Star Newsletter!

This week, I’m answering one of the most common—and most fumbled—interview questions:

“Tell me about yourself.”

I’ll walk you through a quick, effective framework you can use to nail this question every time.

Plus, I’m sharing a simple way to ask for feedback at work that actually works.

Let’s get into it. 🎉

🏢 Corporate Hack of the Week: The One-Line Feedback Ask

Getting feedback at work can feel awkward—so here’s a simple way to make it easier:

After finishing a project or presentation, ask:

“What’s one thing you think I could have done better?”

That’s it.

It’s disarming, direct, and way more effective than asking for generic feedback.

Bonus: It also makes you look like someone who’s always trying to grow. Win-win.

⁉️ How to Answer: “Tell Me About Yourself”

Let’s break down a question that shows up in almost every interview:

“Tell me about yourself.”

This question trips up so many candidates, but it doesn’t have to.

Here’s a simple 3-step framework:

1️⃣ Start with the present

Talk briefly about your current role, key responsibilities, and standout accomplishments.

2️⃣ Then go backward

Highlight a few relevant previous roles, focusing on major achievements and what you learned.

3️⃣ Tie it all to the future

Explain how your background and goals align with the job you’re applying for.

📌 Pro Tip: Keep it under 5 minutes—no monologues—just value.

Save this formula and use it in your next interview.

Best of luck!

🌟 Quote of the Week

As someone who just made a career pivot, this quote hit home:

“The most dangerous phrase in the language is, ‘We’ve always done it this way.’ If you’re not evolving, you’re falling behind. Your career should challenge you, not sedate you.”— Grace Hopper

If your job doesn’t stretch you anymore—it might be time to move.

🥳 Free Resource of the Week: The 17-Page Corporate Guidebook

This one’s not available on my website—but I’m giving it to you here.

It’s a step-by-step guide to breaking into and thriving in corporate America.

Perfect for anyone looking to build a strong foundation or make a career move.

🎁 [Click here to download the guidebook]

That’s it for this week! Let me know what you loved—or what you want to see in future editions.

See you next Saturday,

Katie