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April 27, 2007
The Dreaded Interview Question
"Tell me about yourself." Does this "question" instantly make you cringe? Many interviewers use this as a way to begin an interview. Of course, your response will likely set the tone for the entire interview, so you want to be well prepared with a confident response.
Many students wonder where to start with their response. What does the interviewer want to hear? Should I start from birth to present - filled with details regardless of their relevance? The answer is NO.
For a polished response to this "question," you need to think of three to five accomplishments from your past that are relevant to the position you are interviewing for. These accomplishments can include skills that you use effectively, in-depth knowledge of a certain practice area, awards, relevant coursework, and various other qualifications. Select these accomplishments by reviewing your resume, and then coming up with at least one example that demonstrates your ability. When providing the example, be precise - do not ramble. Generally, any answer that extends beyond two minutes is probably too long.
Once you have determined your accomplishments and selected examples, you need to become comfortable with the material so you can be confident with your response. Just be sure that you do not over-reherse your answer so as to sound like you are making a speech. Be conversational and let your personality show a bit.
Remember that you cannot control the questions that an interviewer asks, but you CAN control your answers. By preparing for interviews, you can spin any question from a trap that stumps you into an opportunity that can advance you. For more interview tidbits and hints, stop by the CSO to meet with a counselor!
Posted by cld30 at April 27, 2007 11:00 AM