Interview Questions often begin with

“Tell me about yourself”

This is one of the most common interview questions and answers are tough to formulate. Where to start, where to end, what to focus on!

Prepare for this question and you can use it as a great opportunity to sell yourself!

In your answer highlight how your skills, knowledge and experience relate to the job and the company profile.

Where you were born and grew up, or what pets you have is not likely to show the interviewer why you are a good candidate for the job opportunity.

The interviewer wants to know if you will fit in with the rest of the team, the department and the company.

The interviewer is also trying to find out what motivates you and whether it is consistent with what the job and the employer offer

Refer to your background research and review the job requirements, focus on how you specifically meet these needs.

For example, if the job requires you to work as part of a team, tell the interviewer about the projects you have undertaken as a team-member.

Most jobs require an element of team work, so this is a good aspect to focus on when thinking about answers to this interview question

Use this sample answer to help prepare your own good interview answer to this question:

"In my previous 2 positions I worked as part of a team on a number of projects. A big project I was involved with at ABC company was writing a new safety policy.

It was a really in-depth project so I put together a safety review committee. We worked together for a month to identify the safety needs of the various departments and what procedures would meet those needs.

Our policy has been well accepted and safety problems have decreased in all areas"

By pointing out to the Interviewer the specific benefits of hiring you for this job, rather than giving a rambling autobiography, you will be positively remembered and set yourself apart from the other candidates.

The interviewer has probably already read your Resume or CV, so avoid just repeating that information during the interview questions and answers.

For example, when talking about your sales experience, rather than telling the interviewer

"I spent three years in sales at XYZ Company"

draw attention to your success during that time.

"When working at XYZ I focused on growing the customer base in the Northeast and increased sales by 50% over a three year period"

It is impressive to quantify your success wherever possible.

Use your research on the company to emphasize how you fit in. For example your information indicates that the company has a strong responsibility to the community, you can point out why you value that, discuss any volunteer work you have done, underline why it is one of the things that attracts you to them.

"I know that this company sponsors some of the local youth football teams. This is a particular interest of mine, last year I got involved in coaching. It is important to me that the company holds the same values"

If you do not have enough information about the position to prepare adequately for this question beforehand, ask the interviewer "What areas would you like me to focus on?" and go from there.

Refer to the specific job interview guides to know which interview questions to expect for positions from accounting to sales. Use the recommended guidelines to prepare for your job interview questions and answers.