Why don't you tell me about yourself?

In today's workplace it's very important for employers to recruit the right person. They want someone who not only has the correct skills and experience to do the job, but also the sort of personality that will fit in with an existing team. So, how can you answer those tricky interview questions and convey all the great skills you have to offer?

Why don't you tell me about yourself?

"Why don't you tell me about yourself?" is an almost inevitable question an interviewer will ask. It enables them to learn a large bulk about you right at the beginning of the interview. But, even though it is the most frequently asked question, it's one that many interview candidates have the most difficulty answering. This is because candidates often don't understand what the question implies. Do they want you to explain your hobbies, past experience, or that you go out every Friday night?

Every question interviewers ask is used to differentiate your skills, experience, and personality with that of other candidates. They want to determine if what you have to offer will mesh with the organisation's mission and goals.

The following are four easy steps outlined to ensure your response will grab the interviewer's attention.

Step one: Introduction
Provide a brief introduction. Focus on attributes that are key to the open position. You shouldn't respond with comments about your hobbies, spouse, or extra curricular activities.

Sample introduction: During my 10 years' of experience as a sales manager, I have mastered the ability to coach, train, and motivate sales teams into reaching the company's goals.

Step two: Career Summary
Provide a career summary of your most recent work history. Your career summary is the "bulk" of your response, so it must support your job objective and it must be compelling. Keep your response limited to your current experience. Try not to go back more than 10 years.

Sample career summary: Most recently, I was challenged with turning around a company that ranked last in sales in this region. Using strategies that have worked in the past, I developed a sales campaign that focused on creating new accounts and nurturing the existing client base. The results were tremendous. Within six months my sales team and I were able to boost sales by 65%.

Step three: Tie-in
Tie your response to the needs of the hiring organisation. Don't assume that the interviewer will be able to connect all the dots. It's your job as the interviewee to make sure the interviewer understands how your experiences are transferable to the position they are seeking to fill.

Sample tie-in: After researching the companies background I found the challenges your sales department is facing is perfect for the experience I have in leading a sales team. I believe I would fit in very well.

Step four: Question
Ask an insightful question. By asking a question you gain control of the interview. Don't ask a question for the sake of asking. Be sure that the question will engage the interviewer in a conversation. Doing so will alleviate the stress you may feel to perform.

Sample question: What strategies are currently underway to increase sales and morale within the sales department?

These step-by-step responses meet the needs of the interviewer and support your agenda.

When broken down into manageable pieces, the question, "So, tell me about yourself?" isn't overwhelming. In fact, answering the question effectively gives you the opportunity to talk about your strengths, achievements, and qualifications for the position. To find out more about interview techniques, click here to take a look at the range of free online course.