Often this is the first question in an interview, this is a no-brainer, are we right? Wrong. 'Tell me about yourself' does not mean tell the interviewer everything that led to you sitting in the chair across from them. Instead, it means the interviewer wants you to discuss what you've done to prepare yourself to be the very best candidate for the job. Give an example of your background and experience, and after you're done, ask if they would like any more details or examples.

Luckily, If you nail this question the right way, it sets a positive tone for the rest of the interview. The hiring manager will start to find out why you're the best fitting candidate for the position in terms of how you carry yourself, your hard & soft skills, and your experience. It's additionally a wonderful opportunity to show that you can articulate your meaning clearly and effectively, connect with and react to other people and present a professional presence.

At this time, your answers should focus on the present, past, and future of your career. Talk to them about what you presently do, your role, and its scope. Perhaps you can even discuss a tidbit about a recent accomplishment you've made. When it comes to the past, tell them about how you got there, and your previous past experience that is relevant to the position. Discussing the future career you see for yourself is a great way to segue into why you are interested in the position, and why you're interested and a good fit for the gig. Next, discuss at length the toolbox of skills and knowledge you bring from college and your work experience. It is a good time to show them printouts of your accomplishments in a folder or show the interviewer any examples you have on your tablet or laptop.

Tip: The requirements and job description for the position are a good place to start building up a portfolio of your accomplishments and skills. However, this isn't the only way to formulate your response, and, of course, you can always tweak it for your situation and as you see fit.