Being prepared is the single most important thing you can do to make a good impression on your interviewer.
From high schoolers interviewing for their first job, to high-ranking professionals in all genres of work, the job interview question that trips people up the most is "Tell me about yourself." It's vague, abrupt, and tricky--and intentionally so.
Make no mistake, this questions presents many opportunities to shoot yourself in the foot. The wrong response can, at best, make you seem naive and unprepared, and at worst, can cost you the whole interview.
Nevertheless, those who know the ritualized dance of the job interview tell you there's a "right way" to answer this question that satisfies even the most critical interviewer. Nail this question on the first try, and you're probably already miles ahead of everyone else in the applicant pool.
Instructions
1. Plan your answer beforehand. In a brief, resume-style statement, describe your job title, previous experience and professional strengths, and mention why you're at this interview. Don't dwell on personal information, such as your kids or your home life, because the interviewer isn't interested. Remember, the key here is "brief."
2. Write down your answer. Create an outline, and review it several times before each job interview you go on. Start with your name and job title, then describe at least two professional functions you serve. Next, describe at least two strengths you have in that role--this helps separate you from other job applicants. Finally, include why you're now looking for a job, being sure to put a positive spin on it--saying "I was fired for being late too often" definitely won't help you.
Even though writing it down might seem trivial, seeing it outlined will give you something to practice, so that you're as organized as possible during your interview.
3. Practice your answer. If you can, run it by someone you trust for feedback. Think it through while you're getting ready for the interview. Rehearse the entire statement out loud so you can hear what it sounds like. Remember, this is your first impression you're practicing, so you can't really be overprepared.
4. Speak to the interviewer slowly and with confidence. Make eye contact, and speak as if you're just explaining your job functions to a friend. Sometimes you can't help but be nervous, but as long as you've prepared for the interview, you'll come across as someone who is organized, prepared and on the ball.
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