Tell me about yourself

The first question that many interviewers tend to ask candidates is to describe themselves. Now this can be slightly tricky, yet it’s very simple—the interviewer is not interested in your life’s philosophy or your next travel plans. S/he is simply trying to find out how well you will get along with your employers and coworkers, if they were to hire you. Keep your answer short and sweet. Let’s not go overboard with explaining how your folks wanted you to be an engineer but you dreamed of being a doctor, however life had other plans and you wound up going to a business school and now you are here for your interview for the position of Accounts Officer. You don’t want to seem too eager and describe yourself as a workaholic either, which may make you seem desperate or “too available” and potentially decrease your chance of striking a good deal. Stay true to yourself and just explain who you are. The idea is to let your employers know who you are, where you are coming from, where you are in your life, and where you’d like to be headed career-wise.The introThink of this question as the starting point of the interview that will set the tone of your entire conversation with the interviewer(s) and put it into perspective. Avoid reiterating the things you’ve put on your resume. Just start off by introducing yourself, followed by a brief career history and the series of events that have led you to this meeting.Put it into perspectiveAt this point, you’ll be tempted to dish out your greatest professional attributes and skills. Instead, briefly narrate a story that describes all these qualities you have. Instead of saying: “I am great at solving problems,” describe how you dealt with a crisis situation at your last job. Or how you led and motivated your subordinates to meet targets.Express interestWrap it up by explaining why you are motivated to work there. Now is the time to show that you have done your research on the company and the roles you are required to play there. Clarify what you believe you can bring to the table. Just say the right amount—not too much, not too little. Be yourself.