Interview questions. Scenario 1 of 11. The opening question

Tell me about yourself

You are being interviewed for an office administrator job. After saying hello, the interviewer smiles and says: "So, tell me a bit about yourself."

Which answer works best?

Start from the beginning. Where you grew up, your school, each job in order, up to today.

Not the best call

This is the most common trap. The question sounds personal, but it is not asking for your life story. After three minutes the interviewer has lost the thread and still does not know why you fit this job.

Give a one-minute summary. What you do now, one or two things you are good at that this job needs, and why you applied.

Good call

This is what the question is really asking: who are you, in relation to this job? Present, strengths, reason for applying. About a minute is right. It also gives the interviewer things to ask about next.

Say, "What would you like to know?"

Could be better

It is a fair thing to wonder, because the question really is vague. But it hands the work back to the interviewer and can sound unprepared. Almost every interview opens this way, so have your minute ready.

Talk about your hobbies, your family and your pets, so they get to know the real you.

Could be better

A little of this is friendly, and one line about an interest at the end is fine. But the interviewer is asking about you as a possible colleague. Lead with work, and keep the personal part short.

The principle

"Tell me about yourself" means "tell me why you fit this job". Prepare one minute: what you do now, what you are good at, and why you want this role.