How to answer the question: Tell me about yourself.

Typically the first question a hiring manager will ask a job seeker is "Tell me about yourself". This question often leaves the job seeker with the "deer in the headlights" look on their faces. This can be such a broad question and we often wonder, where should I begin???

Your best strategy is to highlight the top 5 or 6 accomplishments that you have had in your career. So, for example, a manager may want to highlight how many people that have hired, how many people they have promoted, how they have increased revenues in their area/department, any awards or recognitions that they have received, additional responsibilites and/or projects they have taken on, etc.

Once you have highlighted those accomplishments wait for the next question.

A common mistake during the interview is to TALK TOO MUCH. Remember, if you ramble, you will lose the attention of the interviewer. It is key that you create a valuable dialogue with the hiring manager so that you can gain insight into exactly what competencies are necessary to accomplish the job at hand.

I highly recommend taking the common interview questions and formulating your answers prior to the interview. You want to be well prepared so that you're answers are concise yet impactful.

Xodus Advantage is here to help the job seeker accelerate their career search by giving personalized and effective strategies.

Thank you for putting Xodus Advantage on your job search team!