The interview question "Tell me about your family background" is a common one, but it can be tricky to answer.
The interviewers ask this question to learn more about you as a person, including your values, work ethic, and upbringing.
How you answer this question can give the interviewer a glimpse into your character and whether you would be a good fit for the company culture.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best approach will vary depending on your circumstances. But in this article, we try to help you answer this common interview question with 10 sample answers.
But before we dive into it, here are some tips to help you answer this question "Tell me about your family"
How to Answer "Tell me about your family"
Here are 6 unique tips on how to answer the interview question "Tell me about your family background":
Relate your answer to the job you're interviewing for
Think about which aspects of your family background have prepared you for the role.
For example, if you're interviewing for a job in sales, you could talk about how your parents taught you the importance of hard work and perseverance.
Or, if you're interviewing for a job in customer service, you could talk about how your family taught you the importance of being kind and compassionate.
Be specific and provide examples
Don't just say that your family is supportive or hardworking. Provide specific examples to illustrate your points. For example, you could talk about how your parents always encouraged you to follow your dreams or how your siblings taught you the importance of teamwork.
Be honest, authentic, and concise
The interviewer wants to get to know the real you. Be honest about your family background, even if there are some challenges that you've faced.
Don't spend too much time on this question, as the interviewer will likely have other questions to ask you. Aim to keep your answer within a minute or two.
Talk about the strengths of your family background
Even if your family background has been challenging, focus on the positive aspects and how they have strengthened you. The interviewer wants to know that you are resilient and adaptable and that you can overcome obstacles.
End with a question
This is a great way to show the interviewer that you're interested in learning more about them and the company.
For example, you could ask them about their family background or how they got started in their career.
Here is an example of how you could use these tips to answer the interview question "Tell me about your family background":
Example
I come from a middle-class family. My parents are both hard-working and supportive, and they have always instilled in me the importance of education and perseverance.
I am grateful for the values they have taught me, and I believe they have made me a strong and resilient person.
For example, when I was in high school, I wanted to try out for the basketball team.
I wasn't very good at basketball at the time, but my parents encouraged me to try out anyway.
They told me that even if I didn't make the team, I would learn valuable lessons about hard work and determination.
I ended up making the basketball team, and I played on the team for all four years of high school. I learned a lot about teamwork, perseverance, and the importance of never giving up on my dreams.
I am now a first-generation college graduate, and I am excited to start my career. I am confident that the values and lessons I learned from my family background will help me to be successful in my new role.
By following these tips, you can give a thoughtful and informative answer to the interview question "Tell me about your family background" which will help you make a positive impression on the interviewer.
Sample Answers
Here are some more elaborate general answers to the interview question "Tell me about your family background":
Sample Answer 1
I come from a family of four, including my parents and younger brother. My parents are both hard-working and dedicated to their family. My father is a doctor, and my mother is a teacher.
They have always instilled in me the importance of education, hard work, and perseverance. I am grateful for their love and support, and I know that I can always count on them.
I grew up in a small town, where everyone knew each other. My community was very supportive, and I always felt like I belonged. I learned the importance of teamwork and cooperation from a young age.
I am grateful for the values that my family and community have taught me, and I believe they have made me a strong and resilient person.
Sample Answer 2
I am the eldest of three siblings. My parents are both immigrants, and they came to this country with nothing.
They built a better life for themselves and their children through hard work and determination.
I have learned a lot from my parents, including the importance of perseverance, resilience, and self-reliance.
I am grateful for their sacrifices, and I am inspired by their example.
I grew up in a diverse community, and I was exposed to different cultures and perspectives from a young age.
This has helped me to become open-minded and tolerant. I am also a good communicator and listener, and I am able to build relationships with people from all walks of life.
I believe that these skills are essential for success in any workplace.
Sample Answer 3
I am from a single-parent household. My mother worked very hard to provide for me, and she always taught me the importance of hard work, determination, and independence.
I am grateful for her sacrifices, her strength and resilience inspire me.
I grew up in a challenging environment, but I learned a lot about being resourceful and resilient and understood the significance of education and hard work.
I am grateful for the opportunities that I have been given, and I am determined to make the most of them.
I am a good student, and I am actively involved in my school community. I am also a hard worker, and I am always willing to go the extra mile.
I am confident that I have the skills and qualities necessary to be successful in any role.
Sample Answer 4- Single-parent household
I grew up in a single-parent household with my mother. She worked very hard as a nurse to provide for me, and she always taught me the importance of hard work and determination.
I am grateful for her sacrifices, and her strength inspires me. One specific example of how my mother's work ethic has influenced me is that I am always willing to go the extra mile.
When I was in high school, I volunteered at a local hospital on weekends to gain experience in the medical field. This experience helped me to get into a top nursing school, and I am now a registered nurse myself.
I am also grateful for the lessons my mother taught me about resilience. When I was in high school, my father passed away.
This was a difficult time for me, but my mother helped me to stay strong. She taught me that it is important to never give up on my dreams, no matter what challenges I face.
Sample Answer 5- Blended family
I come from a blended family. My parents divorced when I was young, and my mother remarried when I was 10 years old. I have two stepsiblings from my stepfather's previous marriage.
At first, it was difficult to adjust to having a new family, but we eventually became close. I am grateful for the love and support of my entire family.
One specific example of how my blended family has influenced me is that I am very open-minded and accepting of others.
I have learned to appreciate different cultures and perspectives. I am also grateful for the strong sibling relationships that I have developed.
My stepsiblings are like my own siblings, and we support each other through thick and thin.
Sample Answer 6- Adoptive family
I was adopted when I was a baby. I don't know much about my biological parents, but I am grateful for my adoptive family.
They have given me a loving home and a wonderful life. I am especially close to my adoptive mother, my biggest supporter.
One specific example of how my adoptive family has influenced me is that I am very grateful for the opportunities that I have been given.
I know that I am lucky to have a loving family and a good education. I am determined to make the most of my opportunities and to give back to my community.
Sample Answer 7- Foster care family
I grew up in foster care. I was placed in my first foster home when I was 5 years old, and I moved to several different homes over the years.
It was a difficult experience, but I am grateful for the families that cared for me.
I learned a lot about resilience and perseverance during my time in foster care. One specific example of how my foster care experience has influenced me is that I am very passionate about helping others.
I volunteer my time to mentor children in foster care, and I also advocate for foster care reform. I want to make sure that all children in foster care have the support and resources they need to succeed.
Sample Answer 8- Military Family
I grew up in a military family. My father was in the Army, and we moved around a lot when I was growing up.
I learned to be adaptable and resilient at a young age. I also learned the importance of teamwork and discipline.
One of the most memorable experiences from my childhood was when my father was deployed to Iraq. I was 10 years old at the time, and it was difficult to be away from him for so long.
However, my mother and I were very supportive of each other, and we got through it together.
I am grateful for the experiences I had growing up in a military family. They made me the person I am today. I am hardworking and I am always willing to go the extra mile.
Sample Answer 9- Immigrant family
My parents moved to India when I was a baby. They worked very hard to build a better life. I am grateful for their sacrifices and their work ethic.
One of the challenges I faced growing up was that I was often the only Indian child in my class or at my school. I felt different from the other kids, and I sometimes felt like I didn't belong.
However, my parents always encouraged me to be proud of my heritage. They taught me about Indian culture and traditions.
I am now a first-generation college graduate. I am proud of my accomplishments, and I am grateful for the opportunities that I have been given.
I am committed to using my education and experience to make a difference in the world.
Sample answer 10- Multigenerational household
I live in a multigenerational household with my parents, grandparents, and younger sister.
I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from my grandparents and to spend time with my extended family.
One of the challenges of living in a multigenerational household is that there can be a lot of noise and chaos.
However, I have learned to appreciate the different perspectives and values that each member of my family brings to the table.
I am grateful for the close relationships I have with my family members. I know that I can always count on them for love and support.
When answering the interview question "Tell me about your family background," it is important to focus on the aspects of your family background that have shaped you into the person you are today and that have prepared you for the job you are interviewing for.
You should also be positive and focus on the strengths of your family background.
Conclusion
The interview question "Tell me about your family background" can be a tricky one to answer.
However, by following the tips and sample answers provided in this article, you can give a thoughtful and informative response that will help you make a positive impression on the interviewer.
Remember, the interviewer is trying to learn more about you as a person, including your values, work ethic, and upbringing.
Be honest and authentic in your answer, and focus on the aspects of your family background that have shaped you into the person you are today and that have prepared you for the job you are interviewing for.
Good luck with your job search!
FAQs:
- What is your family background answer?
Your family background refers to information about your family's history, culture, socioeconomic status, and values. When asked about your family background, you can provide details such as your parents' occupations, where you grew up, your family's cultural or ethnic heritage, and any significant influences or experiences from your upbringing. - How do you describe a family background?
To describe your family background, provide relevant information about your family's history, including details about your parents, siblings, and upbringing. Mention any cultural or religious traditions, values, or customs that are important to your family. You can also discuss how your family background has shaped your identity, values, and worldview. - What is family background information?
Family background information encompasses details about your family's history, demographics, and social context. This may include information about your parents' occupations, education level, cultural or ethnic heritage, and geographic location. It can also involve aspects such as family structure, socioeconomic status, and any significant events or experiences that have influenced your family's trajectory.
