The question "What are you about?" can feel surprisingly tricky. It's not a simple request for your profession; it delves deeper, seeking to understand your passions, values, and driving forces. Whether it's a job interview, a first date, or a networking event, mastering this answer can significantly impact your connections. This guide provides starter-friendly ideas to help you craft a compelling and authentic response.
Understanding the Question's Depth
Before diving into crafting your answer, let's clarify what "What are you about?" truly seeks. It's not just about listing your hobbies or job title. It's about showcasing your core values, motivations, and the essence of who you are. Think about what truly excites you, what drives your actions, and what makes you unique.
Beyond the Superficial: Digging Deeper
Many people make the mistake of answering with surface-level details. Instead of simply saying "I'm a software engineer," consider what motivates you as a software engineer. Is it problem-solving? Creating innovative solutions? Helping people? These underlying motivations are what truly define "what you are about."
Crafting Your Response: Practical Steps
Here's a step-by-step guide to help you craft a compelling answer:
1. Identify Your Core Values
What principles guide your decisions and actions? Are you passionate about sustainability, creativity, justice, or something else entirely? Identifying your core values provides the foundation for a meaningful response.
2. Highlight Your Passions
What activities genuinely excite and energize you? This could be a hobby, a professional pursuit, or a personal project. Sharing your passions reveals your personality and interests.
3. Connect Your Values and Passions
The strongest responses weave together your core values and passions. For example, if your core value is creativity and your passion is painting, you might say, "I'm about expressing my creativity through painting, and using that creative energy to explore new ideas and perspectives."
4. Keep it Concise and Engaging
Aim for a response that's concise and easy to understand. Avoid rambling or overly technical language. Use storytelling techniques to make your answer memorable and engaging.
5. Tailor Your Answer to the Context
The best answer will always be tailored to the situation. A response appropriate for a job interview might differ from one used on a first date. Consider the audience and the context when crafting your response.
Examples of Effective Answers:
- For a job interview: "I'm about building innovative solutions that improve people's lives. My passion for technology, coupled with my strong problem-solving skills, drives me to create impactful software."
- For a first date: "I'm about exploring new experiences and connecting with others. I love trying new restaurants, traveling, and learning about different cultures. I'm also passionate about environmental sustainability and always look for ways to contribute."
- For a networking event: "I'm about fostering collaboration and innovation within the [industry] sector. I'm driven by helping businesses leverage technology to achieve their goals."
Practice Makes Perfect
The key to mastering this question is practice. Try answering it out loud several times, refining your response as you go. Ask friends or family for feedback, and continue to adapt your answer based on the context and audience. By following these steps, you'll be well-equipped to answer "What are you about?" with confidence and authenticity.
