Interview Success Opportunity

There is only one job. There will be only one job offer. So every interview conversation (answers to interview questions) should be about your talents and contributions to differentiate you from other candidates.

Most interviews begin with the question, “tell me about yourself.” Preparing a strategic answer ensures you won’t miss an opportunity to steer the conversation in a positive direction focused on your talents.

Tell me about yourself is one of the few times you get to decide the conversation direction. Introduce yourself by stating two or three significant talents that align with the job need. Then provide a brief career summary sharing recent job title, the job challenge (why you were hired), and a few of your contribution successes.  

For example, “During my 12 years of experience in human resources, I worked on employee engagement programs to retain staff. As HR director at the city, I was challenged with slowing staff turnover. Using my HR knowledge, I developed employee mentoring, lunch and learn, and professional development programs, resulting in a significant 40% increase in employee retention. The impressive results have expanded HR employee programs to include global leadership and technical mentoring initiatives. From my proven employee program success, I know I can help your organization engage and retain employees.”

Interview questions are opportunities to highlight your skills, achievements, and qualifications for the position.