All the clients I “career coach” go through the “Tell me about yourself” exercise during our first ten minutes together. Why is this so pivotal? The most important reason is that the first impression you make is a lasting impression. During a job interview, it is vital to make a good first impression. If you don’t, it will be very hard–if not impossible–to dig out of that hole. “Tell me about yourself” sets the scene. If you answer it well, you’ll be riding a good wave, and everything you say after that will be viewed through a positive prism. Otherwise, the opposite is true.

Why do interviewers ask that question? After all, the interviewer has read your r?sum? and knows everything about your professional past and accomplishments. Nevertheless, there is a two-fold test contained within the question. First, do you know what your accomplishments are? And second, can you talk about them eloquently and succinctly?

The most important thing for you to understand is why the human resource person asked you to appear for a real-time interview in the first place. Think about it for a second. Oops, you’re wrong! It’s not about having an opportunity to tell the hiring manager how great you are and to sell yourself. It’s about one thing and one thing only: what you can do for the hiring manager. And to show him if you can carry yourself in a way that speaks well of his company. Now, if you agree with that contention, go back and rethink your personal marketing program. Your interview answers should universally focus on how your past experience and skills can help meet the hiring manager’s challenges.

Alex Freund, the “landing expert,” supports job seekers into employment. Alex is an effective and successful career and interviewing coach. He is known for making people feel comfortable when interviewing. Feedback and/or questions can be directed to [email protected].

By Alex Freund