How to Answer “Tell me about yourself”

The most common question in an interview is “tell me about yourself” (or the close relative “walk me through your resume.”). Don’t answer this question literally! Think about why you are being asked. Interviewers want to know what you bring to the table and if you can do the job.

Some guidelines to answer this question well:

1. Pre-identify your top 3 most relevant skills, and work them into your answer.
2. Give clear examples. List cases won, deals closed, certification earned, seminars given, papers published.
3. Clearly state why you are interested in this job. Even if you articulated spot-on skills, don’t play hard to get.

Remember: Keep your answer to 90 seconds or less and your 3 points crystal clear. Will your interviewer remember them after talking to lots of other candidates? Practice this answer out loud, and make it sharp!