"So, Tell Me About Yourself ..."

How do you reply when an interviewer asks, "so, tell me about yourself?"

The one interview question most people say they have the hardest time answering is: “Tell me about yourself.”

Typically it's the first question posed in an interview because the answer tells the interviewer who you are, what you’re about, and what motivates you.

The importance of this question is that the interviewer will use it as a control mechanism to determine your truthfulness and consistency in the way you answer questions later on.

One example of how to answer this question:

(1) I’m a graduate of Tulane University where I majored in Business Management.  I’ve always been intrigued by business since reading Donald Trump’s book, The Art of the Deal.  (2) Since starting my career five years ago, I’ve worked for AB Company, C Company, and D Company. The proudest moment in my career to date was establishing a joint venture with AB Company. (3)  Moving forward, I’m looking to further my career as a business analyst in an environment where my knowledge of joint ventures can best be utilized.

Effectiveness of this approach:

• Point One gets right to the matter and lets the interviewer know who you are and why you chose your profession, while also backing up your story with testimony about reading a well-known book.

• Point Two allows you to name-drop and highlight your experience. This gives the interviewer insight into the results they can expect if they hire you.

• Point Three positions you as a leader who sees a clear path and knows how to get the job done.

Take some time to revise this example to fit your own employment history. Remember:  the key to answering any interview question should be to provide answers which highlight your experience, expertise, and leadership skills.