Here's part 9 of a piece from CareerBuilder that offers advice on how to answer tricky interview questions. Here's today's question and their response:
Tell me about yourself.
While this query seems like a piece of cake, it is difficult to answer because it is so broad. The important thing to know is that the interviewer typically does not want to know about your hometown or what you do on the weekends. He or she is trying to figure you out professionally. Pick a couple of points about yourself, your professional experience and your career goals and stick to those points. Wrap up your answer by bringing up your desire to be a part of the company. If you have a solid response prepared for this question, it can lead your conversation in a direction that allows you to elaborate on your qualifications.
This is my favorite question of all. Why? Because it can be translated, "Give me a one-minute commercial on how great you are." That's basically what they're asking. They want to know you and hence, why they should hire you. So tell them -- and be sure to fill your answer with lots of business-producing examples that will leave them wanting more.
Here's a suggested answer from me:
I graduated with undergraduate and graduate honors from XYZ College and ABC University, respectively.
Since then, I have held finance and general management positions of increasing responsibility in a variety of industries and business settings.
In each of these, I’ve been able to identify opportunities and then capitalize on them to generate substantial business results.
These results have been recognized by my employers through the awarding of additional responsibilities and compensation and by outside organizations such as when I won the Big Guy of the Year Award in 1992 and the Yes, I'm the Man Award in 1999.
Personally, my greatest joy is spending time with my family. I am also a freelance writer on business and personal finance issues, bike 60-100 miles a week to keep in shape, am actively involved in my church, and have a thriving rose garden.
So, what do you think? Any recommended changes?
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