How to Answer the Most Common Interview Question: “Tell Me About Yourself.”

This question seems simple, so many people fail to prepare for it, but it is crucial. You might be thinking: Um, what do you want to know? How am I supposed to pick what to share out of my entire life story right now?

Keep in mind, do not give your complete employment (or personal) history. Instead, give a pitch—one that is concise and compelling and that shows exactly why you are the right fit for the job. If you have any unique hobbies or interests, you can share them here. This question is an opportunity to introduce yourself, and explain how your strengths will enable you to do the job well. To make sure you have given the employer all the information they need, end your answer by asking them if there were anything, they would like you to cover in more detail.

Remember to project your voice, because it will give the impression you are confident and composed. Even if you are a bag of nerves inside.

On the other hand, Candidates often make the mistake of saying too much when answering this question. “Don’t ramble, be brief. A one- to two-minute summary is the right length. There is no need to go into detail at this early point in the interview, as the employer will dig deeper into specifics later on. Finally, as with all interview questions, do not give a generic answer. Ensure your points are tailored to the position you are applying for.