There is probably only one person who hates the job interview process more than you do: The person facing you. You know, the one with all the questions. The one who'll decide whether you're the one for the job.
Unless you are lucky enough to be interviewed by a recruitment pro, you're dealing with amateurs here. And you'll probably have to answer some pretty stupid questions. Or at least hard and vague ones.
So in the service of all humanity throughout the universe (this is cyberspace, after all), we've decided to round up the typical nightmare questions that leave us all tongue-tied and try to get some first-class guidance from some of the best recruiters (in the United States, that is).
The inaugural question really isn't a question. It's a command. The kind of command that makes us feel like those old-western cowboys forced to dance as bullets kick up the dirt around their toes:
"So, tell me about yourself...."
From Carol Delacruz, Human Resources Manager, AT&T:
The way in which you answer that says a lot about who you are and what it is about yourself that you think is most important. There are companies for which this question would be an influencer in the final selection process. So, as you're preparing For the interview process, it's important to ask yourself this question: If you could only tell someone one thing about yourself what would it be?
From Jami Dittmeier, recruitment consultant:
I try not to ask that question ever, because people go nuts when they hear it. But recruiters who do ask that question are trying to get a sense of what's important to the candidate. They think they can tell something about you by what kind of information rises to the surface first. But I try not ask people that question because it freaks people out. It freaks me out just hearing it.
From Pam Marsters, Human Resources Officer,
Tell me a story of an experience that was challenging for you and how you handled it. I would be looking for examples of a time when you felt valued, worked really hard, where the time flew, what your work ethics and habits are. Don't give me facts. Those will be in the résumé. The interview is the chance to enhance the résumé.
From Tim Smith, Human Resources professional:
Answer that question in about 90 seconds. Here's who I am, here's where I came from, and what I've done. I'd be looking to see how you're going to tie the experience you've already had toward the job you're applying for. Conclude it by saying, Now that gets us to where we are today....
From Sally Hart, director of Human Resources, Blue Cross/Blue Shield:
We don't ask that question. We typically ask questions that are more behaviorally based. But I suppose it would be useful as an ice breaker or at the end of interview. But I would pose the question this way: Is there anything else you would like me to know about you? But honestly, if I were the candidate, I'd be thinking that the interviewer wasn't prepared for the interview. So I might ask a question right back: "Where are you going with this kind of question?"
Conclusion
How you answer that question might depend on whether it's posed in the beginning of the interview or at the end. If it's at the beginning, this would be a good time to help the interviewer focus on the most important facts and dates and accomplishments listed on the résumé. If it's at the end of the interview, use the question as the welcome chance to give the interviewer an insight into your personality, work habits and values.
Don't forget ... this is also your chance to assess the company and its values and work habits. If your interviewer is genuinely interested, pays attention to your answers and asks excellent follow-up questions, it's a good sign of a quality company.
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