Interview QUestion

[chikky]

How do you respond to the question:  "Tell me about yourself?"

[raindance]

This is probably one of the most dreaded questions, but it is an opportunity for you to sell yourself to an employer.  

You might talk about your key accomplishments and strengths - commitment, team player, competent, resourceful etc, and how these would benefit your employer in the post advertised.  You might, if relevant, talk a little about your spare time activities, but the focus should be on professional matters.

You may wish to consider some "usual" interview questions and write down how you would answer them, and maybe practice the responses until you get it right.  

[Atlanta Z3]

I would just have a mini prepared speech.  Mine would be:

I've been an administrative assistant for over twenty years, it's a career for me.  Some of my accomplishments include passing the CPS exam, keeping my technology  and softskills current and holding MOS certifications in Excel and Word.  Are you familiar with the CPS certification?  
No, well let me show you my portfolio and I can explain....  
(Yes) Wonderful, would you like to review my portfolio to view examples of my work?

[gee4]

Chikky,

I have been for several interviews in my lifetime and during that time I too have had to find out these answers.  There are many websites that can provide such information, and I have done quite a lot of research on similar questions which are asked at interview.

I have to agree with the others, it is a way of selling yourself or giving snippits of information that a potential employer will use to determine if you are a suitable employee.

Something along the lines of...my name is Jane Doe, I'm a Personal Assistant and I have over 10 years' experience working in both the public and private sectors...is a pretty good start.

[misslynn]

I agree with all of the above statements.  Ninety percept of my response (don't be too lengthy) would be work-related but I also like to get a snipet of a personal touch in there as well. I'll usually end with something like, "And on a personal note, I'm a big-time basketball fan."  Helps make a lasting impression.

When I interviewed with my current boss and used that line, the discussion that ensued about the local NBA team probably lasted longer than the rest of the interview.

[chikky]

Thanks everyone for your responses.  I went out on an interview last week and was asked that question.  It completely threw me for a loop.  It has been 8-years since I have been out on interviews and the cobwebs were showing.  

[raindance]

Never mind, Chikky.  I know it's disappointing when you don't feel you did your best, but chalk it up (or down) to experience.   You'll do better next time and will be better prepared for those sorts of questions.

As has been mentioned, there are interview practice websites, which might be helpful. I did have a look at one from here in the United Kingdom and it was quite stretching.

Best of luck for the future.

Raindance

[jodith]

I actually recommend to people to go on interviews even for jobs they don't necessarily want, just to get the interviewing practice.  After you've done it a few times, you're much more comfortable and natural in the interview.  Like anything else, interviewing well takes experience, too.

[gee4]

Chikky,

Just for info, different employers will look for different criteria at an interview.  Some interviews are also more formal than others, so you really have to play it by ear on the day and let the panel lead.  I have attended several interviews recently and all have been different.  Some were more competency-based, whilst others were more about me as a person.  No two employers are the same so it really is 50/50 on the day.