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SMART Goals: How Do People Set Goals for Themselves?| American Family Insurance

Updated September 4, 2022 . AmFam Team

What are SMART goals? How do they work? How do people set achievable goals for themselves? Learn more about how SMART goal setting will help you achieve success.

When it comes to long-term goal setting, there’s no one right way to reach your goal. Every goal is a unique and personal journey, and your approach will certainly vary. But having a process to plan your goals, track progress and see them through to completion is an important step towards success.

What Are the Best Practices for Goal Setting?

Best practices for goal setting allow you to break your goals into smaller, actionable steps. So, where should you begin? The SMART goal technique is a great starting point!

By using a goal-setting system like SMART, you can better understand your goals and objectives and what it will take to achieve them. The SMART goal methodology is a tried-and-true standard for setting big (but achievable) goals that can help make your dreams a reality.

Watch this short video on SMART goals. Then, keep reading to learn how to make your own SMART goals and see a few examples to get you started!



What Are SMART Goals Examples?

We’ve covered what SMART goals are and how to write them, but if you still have questions, you’re not alone. These examples can help you better understand how to set SMART goals that can help you realize your dreams:

SMART Goal Example No. 1: Find a new job.

  • Specific: I'm going to pursue my dream of [insert job title].
  • Measurable: I will submit one resume every week.
  • Achievable: I will apply for positions with a higher salary that also align with my long-term career goals.
  • Relevant: I’m working toward saving for a house. A new job with a higher salary will help me save for a down payment faster while working toward my career goals.
  • Time-sensitive: I’ll start applying for jobs [insert specific start date], with the goal of landing my dream job by [insert specific end date].

SMART Goal Example No. 2: Become an entrepreneur.

  • Specific: I'm going to start a [insert type] business.
  • Measurable: I will work on launching my business for one hour every day, with a goal to make my first sale within four weeks.
  • Achievable: I will choose an online storefront platform that is easy to use and that will allow me to launch my business quickly.
  • Relevant: I want to have more flexibility in my work life, be my own boss and have more control over what I earn.
  • Time-sensitive: I will begin on [insert specific start date] and make my first sale within four weeks.

Things to Consider When Setting SMART Goals

When you use the SMART criteria to set your goals, it's important to remember a few additional things.

Acknowledge your awesomeness

Before you do anything, think about all the great things you’ve already done. Your list of achievements is probably longer than you think! And you deserve some self-kudos for that.

Try and try again

Next step: Keep trying. Remember, it’s okay if you don’t get it 100% right the first few times. Use what you’ve learned and keep going — you can’t fail if you keep trying.

Celebrate small victories

Small wins are huge motivators. Go ahead and treat yourself every time you reach another goal or milestone along the way. High fives, fist bumps, parties, chocolate — celebrate in a way that inspires you. Just make sure to take time to acknowledge your milestones.

Seek support

Remember, nobody expects you to do it all on your own. Build up a good support team to keep you focused and pushing through challenges. And don’t be afraid to reach out to a friend when you run into roadblocks. Even the most successful people need help sometimes!

Want more tips and motivation? Our collection of self-improvement tools and resources can help support and guide you and your family along any dream pursuit.

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    woman sitting at desk, looking at laptop computer and smiling
    Your Guide to the Modern Day Job Hunt

    Whether you’ve just graduated from college or are working towards a career change, searching for your dream job is a daunting task. It takes a lot of time, effort and resume building to even get on the tracks to your ideal career path. But, chin up! There is light at the end of the tunnel, and we’ve got just the tips you need to get there faster.

    We sat down with career consultants and all-around job search experts, Kelli Richards and Lindsay Williamson Kindschy to bring you the inside scoop on what it takes to secure your dream job in today’s market. Check out their tips and head into the hunt with a leg up on the competition.

    Where to Begin

    The beginning of your quest is exciting! But it can also get overwhelming. Before you start, take a step back and do some serious planning.

    “Really reflect and think about who you are as a person, what your values are and what work environment and lifestyle best suits you,” says Lindsay. “There is a direct correlation between your happiness and professional and personal fulfillment.”

    Applying for anything that is available and molding yourself to fit a job may be tempting, but Kelli explains why that’s not the best approach.

    “Taking time to research careers that would be a good fit for you is important. This way, it’s much more likely that you’ll be satisfied in the industry you’re in and less likely that you’ll want to switch careers later on.”

    Exploring Your Interests

    So, you’ve thought long and hard about what kind of job would make you happy, but you’re not really landing on anything. Sound familiar? It’s time to explore your interests.

    There are tons of resources to help match your personality to a career. Start by taking career assessments online, or turn to more scientific methods like the Myers Briggs Type Indicator, The Holland Code or YouScience to get a high-level understanding of what might be a good fit.

    Once you know what’s important to you, “talk to as many people as possible – friends, family, peers,” advises Lindsay. “Everyone has their own lens of seeing the world and their own network of people that they may be able to connect you with based on your interests and passions.”

    Another important thing to remember in this stage of your job search is that your major doesn’t have to dictate what you do with the rest of your life.

    “I always advise college students to explore careers of interest and study what you love to study,” says Kelli. “These two may be related, but they may not be. Either way, employers are looking for the soft skills — dedication, work ethic, leadership, communication — and they will teach you the technical skills needed.”

    Putting Your Plan into Action

    Now that you have a better grasp on your ideal career path, it’s time to lock-down that dream job. Online job listings are great, but they may not be the best way to go about the application process.

    “Networking is by far the #1 way to approach a job search in the 21st century,” says Lindsay.

    In fact, “the majority of jobs are never advertised and are instead filled through networking,” adds Kelli.

    Networking, huh? Sounds kind of scary — but it doesn’t have to be! Start by reaching out to professionals through your alumni network or friends of family members or peers. Once you find someone who has a similar job to what you’re looking for, set up a coffee meeting or a phone call and ask them questions about their job and how they got to where they are. Thinking about it more as research and less as a plea for a job will help make the process easier, more informative and more beneficial for you in the long run.

    “It can be intimidating, but it’s helpful to remember that it’s just a conversation and you are simply researching their company or career and gathering information,” encourages Lindsay.

    “People like to talk about themselves and give advice, so as long as you approach it this way, the conversation usually comes pretty easy and you end up getting a lot out of it in the end,” says Kelli.

    So, turn to LinkedIn and reach out to your network to boost your job search! Odds are you’ll find more people willing to help than you’d ever expect, and one of those informational interviews could lead to a great job.

    Taking these steps and approaching your job search in a proactive way isn’t necessarily the easiest path, but it gets you the best results. Stay confident and keep Lindsay’s words in mind: “You are not going about the job search process alone, all of us go through this period in our lives. If you can work through the struggles and get to the other side, you’ll be better off for it.”

    Looking for more resources to help you grow in your career? Check out these professional development tools to find the right career path for you.

  • Two talking people smiling and having a conversation
    How to Negotiate a Salary Offer

    You made it! After rounds of interviews and follow-up emails, you’re just a few steps away from landing your dream job. Now, an offer is on the table and you have to make a decision. Are you going to accept your potential employers’ proposed salary? Or are you going to negotiate a better salary for yourself?

    Research shows that negotiating your starting salary is one of the most strategic financial decisions you can make for your career. Employees who negotiate their salary when they start a new job — and every few years thereafter — can earn significantly more in lifetime earnings.

    This is great news, but not everybody is comfortable asking for more money. A Glassdoor study showed that more than half of US employees didn’t negotiate their starting salary — leaving potential earnings on the table! One reason is some people worry that asking for more money might prompt an employer to withdraw the original job offer. But this scenario is extremely unlikely — 90% of employers said they’ve never rescinded a job offer because of negotiations during an interview. In fact, they expect you to negotiate!

    Whether you’re new to the job market or a seasoned professional, negotiating a salary can feel intimidating. But it’s one of the most important conversations to have before accepting a new position. And once you have that conversation, you could be pleasantly surprised how well it could go! In this article, you’ll learn effective tips to negotiate a better salary, which could lead to increased income potential throughout your career.

    Tips to Negotiate Your Salary

    As you might expect, every salary negotiation is different. If you’re still building your resume, you may wonder if you’re justified in asking for more money. On the other hand, as a senior-level professional, you may be concerned that asking for too much money could motivate the company to seek younger, more affordable talent.

    But fear not! It’s possible to avoid jeopardizing the opportunity in front of you without letting imposter syndrome or other doubts keep you from advocating for what you deserve to be paid. It’s all about the art of negotiation.

    In today’s competitive job market, learning salary negotiation tactics is an essential skill. Not only will utilizing these tips ensure you are fairly compensated for your expertise, but they’ll also show you can effectively communicate your point of view to find a mutually beneficial agreement. Here are 10 tips to confidently ask for what you want in your salary negotiation.

    Tip #1: Know Your Value

    You know your experience makes you a desirable candidate for this position. But translating the hard skills on your resume into a monetary figure is a challenge. You don’t want to overestimate the value you bring, but you don’t want to underestimate your qualifications either. How do you determine a salary range that accurately reflects your expertise?

    One way is to compare your skills and work history to the market value of this position. What are other companies willing to pay someone with your level of experience for a similar role? Use this research as a benchmark to find an acceptable range. If you discover that you have qualifications that go beyond the job description, highlight this competitive advantage during your interview. It may provide the leverage you need to earn the pay bump you’re requesting.

    Tip #2: Know the Exact Number/Range of Salary You’re Looking For

    When you enter a salary negotiation, you should have three numbers in mind: the lowest amount you are willing to accept, a mid-point figure and a high-point salary goal, which is the amount you would love to earn in a best-case scenario. The market research you do to determine your worth in the field is also a strategic way to arrive at these three numbers. Another rule of thumb is to calculate 10% to 20% above your existing income. In fact, research shows job seekers most often click on job links that pay, on average, 34% more than their current salary.

    Here’s the catch. Instead of fixating on a general range — like $80,000 to $90,000 — have specific figures in mind. Candidates who use exact numbers in their salary negotiation are more likely to get a final offer that is closer to their desired pay range. The reason? Your employer will assume you’ve done thorough research to arrive at that number. Be prepared to zero in on a more defined range: “I’d like to earn between $82,500 and $86,000.” It is commonly suggested to list your mid-point figure as the bottom of your desired pay range. This sets you up to earn a slightly more competitive pay — one that is hopefully close to your high-point salary goal!

    Tip #3: Show What You Can Do

    Showing what you can do is a powerful strategy when negotiating a salary offer. Instead of solely focusing on your work history, demonstrate your skills and abilities during the interview with tangible evidence. Showcase your expertise through examples of projects you have successfully completed, metrics you have improved, or challenges you have overcome.

    This is another point in time where specific figures can help build your case. Instead of stating that you optimized emails, get specific and say you increased email open rates 25% through user testing subject lines. Highlight this achievement. Did the social media campaign you spearheaded expand your Instagram following? Speak to that growth by pointing out how your following went up by 10%.

    Showing what you can do builds credibility and illustrates your potential to contribute to the company’s success. It also demonstrates how your skills can produce a positive return on investment and align with your employers’ objectives for this role. Ultimately, by conveying what you can do, you elevate your negotiation position and strengthen your case for a competitive salary offer.

    Tip #4: Know the Person Across the Table

    By now you’ve conducted research for the role and have thoroughly examined your market value. Now, it’s time to get to know the person conducting your salary negotiations. Are you speaking with a human resource representative or recruiter? The founder and CEO of the start-up you’re eager to join? A department manager of a Fortune 500 company?

    The person you are communicating with can greatly influence how your salary negotiation unfolds. For example, a recruiter may be able to communicate your desired salary range, but it would be the hiring manager who makes the final decision based on budget. Be thorough in your research and consider the person’s decision-making power!

    Tip #5: Consider the Entire Job Package

    It’s common to think that salary negotiations and “the job package” are one in the same — but they are not. A salary negotiation is one piece of your entire job package. A job package includes compensation, paid time off, parental leave, health and wellness benefits as well as the ability to work from home. What some companies lack in annual salary, may be balanced out with a competitive benefits package or unlimited paid time off.

    Consider all that the company is offering you and weigh this against their proposed salary. Research shows that many employees are willing to accept lower pay in exchange for a great company culture or a role that is aligned with their long-term dreams and goals. Take these factors into consideration when preparing your salary negotiation! If an employer can’t meet your request to earn $5,000 more, you could ask for additional PTO or a work-from-home benefit.

    Tip #6: Don’t Negotiate Just to Negotiate

    Although negotiating your starting salary is considered best practice, it should be done with purpose — not simply for the sake of countering an initial offer. Remember, negotiating is not about winning or nickel-and-diming your potential employer. It’s about finding a mutually beneficial agreement that is good for the company — and for you — based on your unique contribution and financial needs.

    That’s why it’s essential to provide strong evidence to support your counteroffer. Have a specific objective in mind: “Based on my research of someone in a similar role with comparable work history and education, I expected a pay range around [specific figures here]. Is there wiggle room in the pay range?” Or you could say, “I’m comfortable with the base salary, but my concern is the commute time to your office. To be more efficient and productive, I’d love the opportunity to work from home at least two days a week. Is this option available?”

    Tip #7: Stay at the Table

    In today’s job market, it’s not uncommon to participate in a lengthy screening process. More and more companies are leveraging recruiting services to vet and pre-screen job candidates before they can ever have a meeting with an internal hiring manager. It’s normal to feel like you are having many versions of the same conversation during the hiring process — but stay the course. While not every person you speak with will have decision-making power, continue to advocate for yourself at every touch point.

    You can also use these conversations to find out more about what the company can offer you. For example, a pre-screen is an excellent time to learn about the employer’s budget for this role. It also gives you the opportunity before your first or second interview to do research on your market value and to decide on exact figures. By the time you speak with an internal hiring manager, you will feel more prepared to press for your desired salary, based on your unique qualifications.

    Tip #8: Practice Your Pitch Beforehand

    Knowing how to successfully negotiate your salary demonstrates emotional intelligence and professionalism. Negotiation is an art, after all. It reflects your ability to read the room, balance competing priorities and find a mutually beneficial solution.

    To appear confident in your interview, practice your pitch beforehand. This gives you time to perfect your pace (you should speak moderately fast) and to avoid saying uncertain phrases like “um” or “maybe.” If you’re nervous, you may be prone to “upspeak” or use rising intonation at the end of a sentence that makes it sound like a question. Understandably, this could make you seem less confident. When you practice, be definitive: “My ideal salary range is $75,400 to $80,000.”

    Tip #9: Make Sure to Ask Questions

    Negotiations are just that — a back-and-forth conversation to exchange information. Come prepared with thoughtful questions to keep the dialogue moving in the right direction. The more you know about how an employer crafted this position and how they calculated the salary, the better you can tailor your negotiation.

    Posing questions like “How did you determine this position’s salary range?” or “Is there a cap to what someone can earn in this role?” can help you gain context around salary structure and the opportunity for negotiation. You should also consider asking if any benefits are negotiable and if they’re willing to put the final salary and benefit package offer in writing.

    Keep in mind, the key to a successful negotiation is finding an agreement that not only meets your needs now but also several years into the future. To inquire about your future earning potential, you could ask: “How do you determine raises?” and “What metrics do you use to evaluate the success of your employees?”

    By asking the right questions, you’ll feel more secure in your opportunities to advance within the company, earn more money and develop your skills.

    Tip #10: Take Your Time to Evaluate the Offer

    There are many factors to consider when evaluating a job package and a proposed salary offer. It is normal to take your time before confirming your decision. Most recruiting experts say that requesting 48-72 hours to consider an offer is very common.

    If the job package on the table is more robust — and includes things like relocation or other significant changes — you can ask for up to a week to make your decision. You may also be waiting to hear back from other companies to compare salary offers. Communicate your need to take time to make an informed decision! Your potential employer will respect that you want to carefully weigh your options.

    Salary Negotiation Takes Practice

    Negotiating a salary offer is a strategic and essential step to position yourself for long-term success — no matter where you are in your career. While it might seem intimidating to advocate for your needs and engage in a hard conversation, you can feel confident in what you are asking for if you approach the process with purpose and preparation.

    Researching your market value and knowing your worth will help you find a starting point for your negotiation. You deserve to be adequately compensated for your unique qualifications. But, if you are feeling a little overwhelmed at the idea of landing on the “ideal” number during a negotiation, don’t fret. You will have many opportunities to negotiate a salary offer or ask for a raise in your career. You just have to be willing to have the conversation.

    If you want support on your journey, you can find more tips and motivation in the Support For Your Dream career content.

    This article is for informational purposes only and includes information widely available through different sources.

  • Man interviewing a woman
    How to Answer Tell Me About Yourself

    Being asked to talk about yourself seems simple enough, right? After all, no one knows you like you! But if it’s that easy, why do so many job seekers stumble in their response to this common interview question? The truth is, it’s trickier than you might think.

    No matter what stage of the interview process you’re in or what position you’re applying for, the meeting will probably kick off with some version of the “tell me about yourself” question. Why? Because it can give the interviewer a straight look at you and your values and direct the course of the rest of the interview. The question can also reveal clues about how you communicate and whether you’ll be a good fit for the role and the company.

    While there isn’t one ideal strategy for how to answer the “tell me about yourself” question, we’ve put together tips and examples to help you get one step closer to nailing your interview.

    How to Answer the Tell Me About Yourself Question

    Answering the “tell me about yourself” question may feel daunting because it’s a broad, open-ended invitation. It may also cause confusion because it’s sometimes asked in different ways, such as “Describe yourself” or “What brings you here today?” Yet with a little preparation you can develop a confident, concise response that could work to your advantage as you position yourself as the best candidate for the job.

    Many career coaches suggest using a three-part, past-present-future outline to structure a solid response to "tell me about yourself.” But remember, this isn’t a hard-fast rule — you can tweak the order depending on the extent and relevance of your experiences.

    For example, if you have been working for decades, it may make more sense to begin with the recent past, when you started to focus on a specific direction along your career path. Or, if something in your present situation is particularly significant considering the job description, you might choose to speak to that first and then briefly summarize how your past led you to this point.

    No matter how you decide to organize the parts of your answer, what’s most important is to make sure everything you say relates to the job at hand and assures the interviewer you have the right background and qualifications to be a strong candidate.

    Mention Past Experience

    When reflecting on what to share from your past, remember it’s okay to cherry pick — especially if you’re a seasoned professional with an extensive work history. Interviewers don’t want to sit through a laundry list of your previous jobs; they want to hear about the past experiences in which you gained skills or key responsibilities that closely relate to their current opening.

    If you’re a recent graduate, you won’t have to par down a lengthy career story, but you will have the challenge of sharing what led to your interest in this field without getting too bogged down in personal information. Feel free to mention previous volunteer work or other transferrable experiences, but again, be mindful that the interviewer’s priority is to find a capable candidate with qualities that fit the job description.

    State How Your Present Role Relates to the Job You’re Applying For

    If you had a job until recently or are currently employed, briefly describe the scope of your work, zeroing in on (and here’s the kicker!) the responsibilities that are relevant to the job you’re seeking. This is also the perfect time to mention an award you won, a leadership role you took on, or any other significant accomplishment that might underscore the relevance of your most recent work experience.

    If you’re back in the job market after a significant lapse of time, briefly note the gap without diving into the details. For example, you might say you took a break to start a family, get another degree or pursue other interests. Then seamlessly turn your focus to why you’re there today.

    And if you’re a new graduate, think creatively! Were you involved in an academic organization or extracurricular club? Did you study abroad? Play sports? It’s worth noting anything that provided opportunities to gain skills and experiences that you could connect to the job description.

    Highlight What You’re Looking for in Your Next Role

    Whether you started your career story by talking about your past experiences or the present, you’ll conclude your answer by talking about your future goals. This is where you tie a bow on your answer by clearly showing the interviewers how your professional aspirations align with the company mission as well as the role you are pursuing. role you are pursuing.

    When you finish your answer to the “tell me about yourself” interview question, there should be no mistake as to why you are there. You’ve shown how your previous positions make you a qualified candidate, and now you’ll cap off your response by describing where you see yourself headed.

    Pro tip:

    By framing your discussion of future goals in light of the job description and company objectives, you’ll prove you’ve done your research and reinforce why you are a great fit for this opportunity!

    Tell Me About Yourself: Tips

    Even with a solid understanding of the three-part formula above, there are still some aspects to consider before creating your own. Here are a few tips that can give your response to “tell me about yourself” a polished finish.

    Focus on strengths that you can quantify

    When talking about your earlier roles, try to spotlight strengths or accomplishments you can support with concrete examples and measurable data. Even if you don’t have exact percentages or numbers, you could estimate or give anecdotal evidence of the effectiveness of your work. Think about it — who would you rather hire, the candidate who says, “I helped with patient in-take” or the one who reports, “I helped with patient in-take and worked with a cross-functional team to increase efficiency by roughly 25%?”

    Use your personality to your advantage

    While you’ll want to avoid topics like politics and religion, you can still give glimpses of your personality and interests — as long as you tie them back to the position and maintain a professional tone. For instance, if the job description says it’s a fast-paced role that requires a lot of focus and stamina, you might weave in how you’ve leveraged your fitness hobby to stay mentally disciplined for the demands of your career.

    Tailor the answer to the role you’re applying for

    If there’s one thing hiring managers can spot instantly, it’s a candidate who uses the same generic response to this question, no matter what position they’re interviewing for or who they’re talking to. Make no mistake — what you’re really being asked to do is clearly and succinctly identify those aspects of your career journey that qualify you for this job. So be sure to adapt your answer to show you understand the job’s specific requirements.

    Know your audience

    Equally important is remembering who you’re speaking with and adjusting your response to address their priorities. You might focus on a high-level view of your professional background with a recruiter but shift to highlighting specific responsibilities and qualifications when interviewing with a potential manager.

    It would also be a good idea to find out what you can about the person interviewing you. If you have their name, do a little research online to learn about their background, experience or interests — anything you might be able to use in your response to establish common ground. For example, maybe you discover that the hiring manager went to the same college as you. This would be a great opportunity to make a memorable connection.

    Avoid summarizing your resume word for word

    Since it’s likely your interviewer will have already read your resume, you can skip the chronological replay of your work history. Instead, key in on those experiences, skills and accomplishments that will make them think, “Wow, this is just the person we’re looking for!” Remember, this is your elevator pitch, and a long-winded response won’t set the stage for a dynamic, engaging interview.

    Rehearse, don’t memorize

    As you prepare for the “tell me about yourself” interview question, it will help to rehearse at home. Think of the pieces you want to include and keep a basic structure in mind so you don’t ramble. Then, practice — but don’t memorize your answer. You’ll run the risk of sounding overly scripted.

    Pro tip:

    Rehearse your response to this question aloud, in front of a friend or family member, and ask for their feedback. If you prefer to practice alone, consider recording yourself and play it back to see if it sounds natural and sincere.

    On the day of the interview, remember to sound conversational and personable. You are, after all, talking about you!

    While this may seem like a lot of information for just one interview question, keep in mind the entire answer should take a maximum of about two minutes. Keep it short, sweet and, yes, strategic.

    Tell Me About Yourself Sample Responses

    Now it’s time to put theory into practice and write your own response. But first, let’s look at “tell me about yourself” examples representing three different levels of experience within three different industries.

    Example #1: Education, new graduate seeking entry-level position

    “I just graduated with honors from XYZ University with my Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education. I’ve always had a passion for learning and have wanted to be a teacher from the time I used to gather all the neighborhood kids at our backyard picnic table to ‘play school’ over summer break. While at university, I was a proud member of the International Club, completed a study abroad semester in Spain and developed a strong interest in the relationship between culture and education. I’m very excited to apply for the K-6 opening in your district because I am aware that your schools are very culturally and linguistically diverse which aligns closely with my professional passion and training.”

    Example #2: Healthcare, mid-level professional seeking lateral position

    “After receiving my RN, I got a job as a floor nurse at Research Medical Center, and that is where I have been for the past four years. This was a wonderful place to start my career in nursing because I immediately had the chance to apply all that I’d learned in nursing school and acquire hands-on experience with all kinds of illnesses, injuries, treatment plans and patients. It could be a bit overwhelming at times, but I worked hard to increase my efficiency. I even volunteered to be part of a test group on my unit to implement new software that enabled us to manage patients and complete documentation about 30 percent faster. I believe my ability to be productive, along with my collaborative skills and medical-surgical experience, make me a strong candidate for the OR surgical team at your clinic.”

    Example #3: Technology, senior-level professional seeking management position

    “I’m currently the lead software developer at 123 Tech Systems, where I’ve spent more than seven years designing, testing and launching new applications. Prior to this role, I spent five years on a cross-functional team of developers at ABC Technologies. Throughout my journey, I have not only broadened the scope of my project contributions, but I’ve also assumed increasing responsibility for directing and inspiring the work of others. Last year, I led a team of software engineers to complete multiple projects on time and under budget. We were later recognized at our year-end conference for achieving a client satisfaction rating of 98%. I believe the skills I’ve cultivated and the successes I’ve achieved have prepared me for the challenges of the Director of Engineering position at your firm."

    Practice Makes Perfect!

    Using the tips above, you’ll be able to develop a successful response to the “tell me about yourself” interview question and lay the groundwork for a winning interview. Remember the dos and don’ts:

    DO

    • Rely on your three-part outline
    • Align your response to the role
    • Include measurable supportive data when possible

    DON’T

    • Get too personal
    • Recite your resume
    • Memorize your response

    With that covered, there’s just one step left ... practice, practice, practice, practice! The more thought, time and effort you put into practicing your response, the more confident you’ll feel and the easier it will be for your true self to shine through. Always remember, skills can be learned, and tools can be mastered. What a hiring manager is really looking for are the unique dreams and perspectives you’ll bring to the table. Want more tips like this to help build your career? Whether you’re new to the job market, changing careers or considering starting your own business, our professional development resources offer practical tips to guide you on the path to your dream job.

    This article is for informational purposes only and includes information widely available through different sources.

  • a woman writing on a piece of paper
    a person holding a pen
    Follow-Up Email After an Interview

    Your job search is moving right on track! Your application caught a potential employer’s attention, and you just aced the interview. Now, you’re feeling confident, energized and ready to move forward toward your dream job.

    But wait! While the interview finished well, it’s not quite over. Keep the good vibes going by taking the next, sometimes underestimated, step in the interview process — sending an interview thank you email. This is your opportunity to express your gratitude for the interviewers’ time, remind them of what makes you a great fit for the position, and invite them to contact you for further information that would assist in their hiring decision.

    Not quite sure how to write a follow-up email after an interview? Use these tips to quickly get your message in the hiring manager’s inbox and keep your name top of mind!

    How to Write a Follow-Up Email After an Interview

    Follow-up emails should always be concise, but the specifics of what to include depend on the kind of message you want to send. There are three different types of follow-up emails:

    • Thank you email — sent within 24 hours of your interview
    • Checking-in email — sent about a week later if you haven’t heard anything
    • Staying-in-touch email — sent if at least two weeks have passed since your interview with no contact from the potential employer

    For this article, we’ll focus on the first type — the interview thank you email. These tips can help you create the ideal follow-up email immediately after an interview.