I remember we have tackled this question before but a good refresher is not a bad thing. Well, let us start with the obvious; the first question in an interview is of the utmost importance as it sets the initial impression. The impression you create at the beginning sets the mood for the rest of your interview. After a little pleasantries, this is definitely the next question in line.
We will advise you to use the pleasantries very well because you do not want to tense when you are in an interview. Engage the interviewers and make sure you are at a common ground not in a case where they are throwing questions at you. Let an interview be a conversation and not an interrogation. If you let it turn to the latter, you will definitely tense and fail. The first contact is important for setting the atmosphere in the room and that is why today we want to handle this very obvious but important question.
When asked this question there are things you need to avoid. Just think about it, the ‘tell me about yourself’ question is quite vague and general and usually creates confusion or a dilemma for the interviewee. There are two very important things you need to know; first, prepare yourself to typical interview questions and avoid looking surprised and speechless. Second, try to avoid turning the interview into an informal and personal conversation. Do not appear to induce sympathetic feelings in the interviewer and turn the occasion into a warm and friendly one.
This attitude does not coincide with a professional manner. You must try to toe the line of remaining professional all the time. Do not tell interviewers how you have suffered in the past to draw sympathy or any other thing for example your family (how poor or troubled it is). When you are unconfident, hesitant or apprehensive you will have a harder time responding to such a question.
There are questions you need to refrain from asking when asked to respond to this question. Do not ask: What do you mean exactly?" "Could you be more specific?" "This is a question I often have difficulty in answering". This is very dangerous because it means you are trying to figure out the interviewer's intentions. Don't try and decipher the interviewer's agenda. Such responses present the interviewee in an insecure manner and may affect the development of the interview.
Avoid lengthy and cumbersome responses. Long answers are tiresome and may create a feeling that you are trying to control the progression of the interview. The interviewer has no interest in your personal experiences; they are interested in your abilities as a professional. Concentrate on your professional accomplishments and advantages and refrain from personal stories.
Please answer concisely, in a manner that exemplifies your capabilities which are relevant to the position interviewed for. The first question in an interview is an opportunity to make a concise and professional manner. It is vital that your response remains to the point and focused; 60 – 120 seconds that describe your professional experience in a nut shell. You came to an interview to succeed! If the interviewer provides you with an opportunity to present yourself seize the moment!
Keep focused, concise, don't hesitate and don't be concerned; open the interview with a sense of power and enthusiasm. Put emphasis on your professional skills; concentrate on the aspects that present your abilities and accomplishments at work.
Respond enthusiastically and cooperate with the interviewer. He / she is not your enemy; they are trying to figure out if you are a worthy candidate and you need to prove it to them. Cope with the situation and the question asked, do not indulge in self pity.
The structure of the answer should be as follows:
1. Begin with a description of your last position, the main responsibilities you had in 45 Seconds.
2. Continue with the description of your position prior to that and so on with any other positions you had which are relevant to the position you are applying for. This should take you 30 Seconds.
3. If your education is relevant, present it briefly; if it isn't, please leave it out. Take 30 Seconds in this.
4. Conclude with a few words on the traits you have that are important for the position. Concentrate here for more than a minute.
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