The DONTs: You may start with I am Mr.

. Dont tell them My father is, Mother is Dont tell them I have completed . . . Dont ever tell them That is all The DOs: Tell them your background Tell them your capabilities reliability; validity; utility; acceptability Give specific information that would help them understand that you can be employed Tell Me about Yourself [Personal Commercial] I am from .. [your family hat] I have a .. [education and credentials] I have experience in .. [focus this on experience that is relevant to the future] Most recently, I .. [your most recent experience and one major accomplishment there] My goal now is .. [positioning statement to optimize and leverage your skills and background] Hints: *Dont try to tell your life story *Focus on the career area you are interested in, not a specific job title (different companies have different ways of titling jobs) *Be brief; your goal is to start a conversation and relationship, not close the deal *Develop a basic pitch and then tailor it to a particular situation Some key points to be mentioned during the interview: @Name @Where I am from @Most recently I have been working @My career history includes @My greatest strengths are @I have used these strengths when @My goals for the future are @Something you cant read on my resume is Possible questions which is similar to tell me about yourself: Tell me about your family background. Tell me about your academic achievements. Why do you want to take this job / join this company? What is your strongest/weakest point? What have you done to prepare for the job? What has been your best experience in high school / College? Your biggest challenge? What are your future plans? Tell me about your interests. What are you the most proud of? Always relate to the position. Let them know you are a qualified candidate.

Read more: http://www.careers-india.com/2010/03/27/how-to-answer-tell-me-about-yourselfin-a-job-interview/#ixzz1eH29uyaF

Hi Chetanaites, The biggest but still the smallest question you face at the point of interview is " tell me about yourself" So, firstly guys chill....the question is to speak about urself and not about some stranger... So, firstly put all ur interview tensions aside and speak confidently and precise in your answers.. Generally, interviewers like answers to the point and good short replies... So,anything you speak be sure that ur maintaining all these... To go on with the question i think before you go for the interview you need to prepare few things like sit down and note down your strengths, weakness, achievements, be clear about ur goals, i.e what do u want to do in ur life etc...so that u will first clearly know what u are and why r u sitting for the interview. Try to go through the company's website of whichever company u r attending. Then the things may go like this in the interview according to me. 1) give ur name,educational qualifications starting from the highest,then your achievements(if any paper presentations etc)remember that name only those things wherein you feel quite excited and comfortable in explaining.be ready as questions would be asked on what u say(basically 90%) 2) if asked about whether u know about the company u can comfortably reply as the previous day u would have go through the website.this will impress your interviewer. 3) one more thing always be honest as it will really help u out. 4) when asked about weakness of u,mention only those weakness which are convertible into advantages. 5) always be confident with whatever u say..plz do not carry any tension along with you into the interview hall...remember that the person who is interviewing u is in need of u..he is buying you and u r selling your abilities.so,he is in bigger need than u. 6) show him in ur words that you are the one fo r whom he is looking out and u r the best.(remember show ur confidence and not overconfidence). so..... buddies ALL THE BEST.... GO FORWARD AND GRAB UR POSITION. Don't use the Slangs & Fillers > Yup, Yeah & hindi words (hmmm, haan, aan, etc)

Take a paper and keep on writing yourself. What you know about yourself? What ever you know just write.... Blindly... Repeat this twice or thrice... or more... Definitely u willin a situation to answer Tell me about yourself.... This worked for me.. Try this

1. Tell me about yourself: The most often asked question in interviews. You need to have a short statement prepared in your mind. Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed. Limit it to work-related items unless instructed otherwise. Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held that relate to the position you are interviewing for. Start with the item farthest back and work up to the present. 2. Why did you leave your last job? Stay positive regardless of the circumstances. Never refer to a major problem with management and never speak ill of supervisors, co-workers or the organization. If you do, you will be the one looking bad. Keep smiling and talk about leaving for a positive reason such as an opportunity, a chance to do something special or other forward-looking reasons.

3. What experience do you have in this field? Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for. If you do not have specific experience, get as close as you can. 4. Do you consider yourself successful? You should always answer yes and briefly explain why. A good explanation is that you have set goals, and you have met some and are on track to achieve the others. 5. What do co-workers say about you? Be prepared with a quote or two from co-workers. Either a specific statement or a paraphrase will work. Jill Clark, a co-worker at Smith Company, always said I was the hardest workers she had ever known. It is as powerful as Jill having said it at the interview herself. 6. What do you know about this organization? This question is one reason to do some research on the organization before the interview. Find out where they have been and where they are going. What are the current issues and who are the major players? 7. What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year? Try to include improvement activities that relate to the job. A wide variety of activities can be mentioned as positive self-improvement. Have some good ones handy to mention. 8. Are you applying for other jobs? Be honest but do not spend a lot of time in this area. Keep the focus on this job and what you can do for this organization. Anything else is a distraction. 9. Why do you want to work for this organization? This may take some thought and certainly, should be based on the research you have done on the organization. Sincerity is extremely important here and will easily be sensed. Relate it to your long-term career goals. 10. Do you know anyone who works for us? Be aware of the policy on relatives working for the organization. This can affect your answer even though they asked about friends not relatives. Be careful to mention a friend only if they are well thought of. 11. What kind of salary do you need? A loaded question. A nasty little game that you will probably lose if you answer first. So, do not answer it. Instead, say something like, Thats a tough question. Can you tell me the range for this position? In most cases, the interviewer, taken off guard, will tell you. If not, say that it can depend on the details of the job. Then give a wide range.

12. Are you a team player? You are, of course, a team player. Be sure to have examples ready. Specifics that show you often perform for the good of the team rather than for yourself are good evidence of your team attitude. Do not brag, just say it in a matter-of-fact tone. This is a key point. 13. How long would you expect to work for us if hired? Specifics here are not good. Something like this should work: Id like it to be a long time. Or As long as we both feel Im doing a good job. 14. Have you ever had to fire anyone? How did you feel about that? This is serious. Do not make light of it or in any way seem like you like to fire people. At the same time, you will do it when it is the right thing to do. When it comes to the organization versus the individual who has created a harmful situation, you will protect the organization. Remember firing is not the same as layoff or reduction in force. 15. What is your philosophy towards work? The interviewer is not looking for a long or flowery dissertation here. Do you have strong feelings that the job gets done? Yes. Thats the type of answer that works best here. Short and positive, showing a benefit to the organization. 16. If you had enough money to retire right now, would you? Answer yes if you would. But since you need to work, this is the type of work you prefer. Do not say yes if you do not mean it. 17. Have you ever been asked to leave a position? If you have not, say no. If you have, be honest, brief and avoid saying negative things about the people or organization involved. 18. Explain how you would be an asset to this organization You should be anxious for this question. It gives you a chance to highlight your best points as they relate to the position being discussed. Give a little advance thought to this relationship. 19. Why should we hire you? Point out how your assets meet what the organization needs. Do not mention any other candidates to make a comparison. 20. Tell me about a suggestion you have made Have a good one ready. Be sure and use a suggestion that was accepted and was then considered successful. One related to the type of work applied for is a real plus. 21. What irritates you about co-workers? This is a trap question. Think real hard but fail to come up with anything that irritates you. A short statement that you seem to get along with folks is great.

22. What is your greatest strength? Numerous answers are good, just stay positive. A few good examples: Your ability to prioritize, Your problem-solving skills, Your ability to work under pressure, Your ability to focus on projects, Your professional expertise, Your leadership skills, Your positive attitude 23. Tell me about your dream job. Stay away from a specific job. You cannot win. If you say the job you are contending for is it, you strain credibility. If you say another job is it, you plant the suspicion that you will be dissatisfied with this position if hired. The best is to stay genetic and say something like: A job where I love the work, like the people, can contribute and cant wait to get to work. 24. Why do you think you would do well at this job? Give several reasons and include skills, experience and interest. 25. What are you looking for in a job? See answer # 23 26. What kind of person would you refuse to work with? Do not be trivial. It would take disloyalty to the organization, violence or lawbreaking to get you to object. Minor objections will label you as a whiner. 27. What is more important to you: the money or the work? Money is always important, but the work is the most important. There is no better answer. 28. What would your previous supervisor say your strongest point is? There are numerous good possibilities: Loyalty, Energy, Positive attitude, Leadership, Team player, Expertise, Initiative, Patience, Hard work, Creativity, Problem solver 29. Tell me about a problem you had with a supervisor Biggest trap of all. This is a test to see if you will speak ill of your boss. If you fall for it and tell about a problem with a former boss, you may well below the interview right there. Stay positive and develop a poor memory about any trouble with a supervisor. 30. What has disappointed you about a job? Dont get trivial or negative. Safe areas are few but can include: Not enough of a challenge. You were laid off in a reduction Company did not win a contract, which would have given you more responsibility. 31. Tell me about your ability to work under pressure. You may say that you thrive under certain types of pressure. Give an example that relates to the type of position applied for.

32. Do your skills match this job or another job more closely? Probably this one. Do not give fuel to the suspicion that you may want another job more than this one. 33. What motivates you to do your best on the job? This is a personal trait that only you can say, but good examples are: Challenge, Achievement, Recognition 34. Are you willing to work overtime? Nights? Weekends? This is up to you. Be totally honest. 35. How would you know you were successful on this job? Several ways are good measures: You set high standards for yourself and meet them. Your outcomes are a success.Your boss tell you that you are successful 36. Would you be willing to relocate if required? You should be clear on this with your family prior to the interview if you think there is a chance it may come up. Do not say yes just to get the job if the real answer is no. This can create a lot of problems later on in your career. Be honest at this point and save yourself future grief. 37. Are you willing to put the interests of the organization ahead ofyour own? This is a straight loyalty and dedication question. Do not worry about the deep ethical and philosophical implications. Just say yes. 38. Describe your management style. Try to avoid labels. Some of the more common labels, like progressive, salesman or consensus, can have several meanings or descriptions depending on which management expert you listen to. The situational style is safe, because it says you will manage according to the situation, instead of one size fits all. 39. What have you learned from mistakes on the job? Here you have to come up with something or you strain credibility. Make it small, well intentioned mistake with a positive lesson learned. An example would be working too far ahead of colleagues on a project and thus throwing coordination off. 40. Do you have any blind spots? Trick question. If you know about blind spots, they are no longer blind spots. Do not reveal any personal areas of concern here. Let them do their own discovery on your bad points. Do not hand it to them. 41. If you were hiring a person for this job, what would you look for? Be careful to mention traits that are needed and that you have.

42. Do you think you are overqualified for this position? Regardless of your qualifications, state that you are very well qualified for the position. 43. How do you propose to compensate for your lack of experience? First, if you have experience that the interviewer does not know about, bring that up: Then, point out (if true) that you are a hard working quick learner. 44. What qualities do you look for in a boss? Be generic and positive. Safe qualities are knowledgeable, a sense of humor, fair, loyal to subordinates and holder of high standards. All bosses think they have these traits. 45. Tell me about a time when you helped resolve a dispute betweenothers. Pick a specific incident. Concentrate on your problem solving technique and not the dispute you settled. 46. What position do you prefer on a team working on a project? Be honest. If you are comfortable in different roles, point that out. 47. Describe your work ethic. Emphasize benefits to the organization. Things like, determination to get the job done and work hard but enjoy your work are good. 48. What has been your biggest professional disappointment? Be sure that you refer to something that was beyond your control. Show acceptance and no negative feelings. 49. Tell me about the most fun you have had on the job. Talk about having fun by accomplishing something for the organization. 50. Do you have any questions for me? Always have some questions prepared. Questions prepared where you will be an asset to the organization are good. How soon will I be able to be productive? and What type of projects will I be able to assist on? are examples.
Dan Johnston from PPR Career shared the following list of frequently asked questions on a job interview, as well as advice on what to be prepared for.

1.

Tell me about yourself. Use Picture Frame Approach

Answer in about two minutes. Avoid details, dont ramble. Touch on these four areas:

How many years, doing what function Education credentials Major responsibility and accomplishments Personal summary of work style (plus career goals if applicable)

Prepare in advance using this formula: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. My name is Ive worked for X years as a [title] Currently, Im a [title] at [company] Before that, I was a [title] at [company] I love the challenge of my work, especially the major strengths it allows me to offer, including [A, B, and C]. Second, help the interviewer by focusing the question with a question of your own: What about me would be most relevant to you and what this company needs?

2.

Did you bring your resume?

Yes. Be prepared with two or three extra copies. Do not offer them unless youre asked for one.

3.

What do you know about our organization?

Research the target company before the interview. Basic research is the only way to prepare for this question. Do your homework, and youll score big on this question. Talk about products, services, history and people, especially any friends that work there. But I would love to know more, particularly from your point of view. Do we have time to cover that now?

4.

What experience do you have?

Pre-interview research and PPR Career will help you here. Try to cite experience relevant to the companys concerns. Also, try answering this questions with a question: Are you looking for overall experience or experience in some specific area of special interest to you? Let the interviewers response guide your answer.

5.

According to your definition of Be prepared to define success, and then respond (consistent record of success, how successful have you been so far? responsibility)

(Is this person mature and self aware?) 6. In your current or last position, what were your most significant accomplishments? In your career so far? Give one or two accomplishment statements

7.

Had you thought of leaving your present position before? If yes, what do you think held you there?

Refer to positive aspects of the job, advancement opportunities, and what you learned.

8.

Would you describe a few situations in which your work was criticized?

Give only one, and tell how you have corrected or plan to correct your work.

9.

If I spoke with your previous boss, what would he or she say are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

Be consistent with what you think the boss would say. Position the weakness in a positive way (refer to #12)

10. How would you describe your personality?

Keep your answer short and relevant to the job and the organizations culture.

11.

What are your strong points?

Present three. Relate them to that particular company and job opening.

12. What are your weak points?

Dont say you have one, but give one that is really a positive in disguise. I am sometimes impatient and do to much work myself when we are working against tight deadlines. Or I compliment and praise my staff, but feel I can improve.

13. How did you do in school? (Is the person motivated? What are his/her values, attitudes? Is there a fit?) 14. In your current or last like most? Least?

Emphasize your best and favorite subjects. If grades were average, talk about leadership or jobs you took to finance your education. Talk about extracurricular activities (clubs, sports, volunteer work)

Refer to your satisfiers for likes. Be careful with dislikes, give only one (if any) everything about my current position and have acquired and developed a great many skills, but Im now ready for a new set of challenges and greater responsibilities.

position, what features did you and make it brief. Refuse to answer negatively. Respond that you like

15.

What do you look for in a job?

Flip this one over. Despite the question, the employer isnt really interested in what you are looking for. Hes interested in what he is looking for. Address his interests, rather than yours. Use words like contribute, enhance, improve, and team environment. Fit your answer to their needs Relate your preferences and satisfiers/dissatisfiers to the job opening.

16. How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our firm?

Not long, because of my experience, transferable skills and ability to learn.

17.

How long would you stay with us?

As long as I feel that Im contributing, and that my contribution is recognized. Im looking to make a long term commitment.

18. If you have never supervised, how do you feel about assuming those responsibilities?

If you want to supervise, say so, and be enthusiastic.

19. Why do you want to become a supervisor?

To grow and develop professionally, to help others develop, to build a team and to share what I have learned.

20. What do you see as the most difficult task in being a supervisor?

Getting things planned and done through others and dealing with different personalities. Show how you have done this in the past.

21. Youve been with your current employer quite a while. Why havent

Lets assume the interviewer has a point here. That doesnt mean you have to agree with the negative terms of the question. Answer: What I like about my present position is that its both stable and challenging.

you advanced with him?

But its true that Ive grown about as much as I can in my current position. (This response also turns the issue of salary on its head, transforming it from What more can I get? to What more can I offer?)

22. Why are you leaving your present position?

Never answer with negative reasons, even if they are true. However, some companies have financial problems which may preclude you from staying with them. Frame your answer positively by answering why you want to move to the target company instead of why you left or want to leave your most recent job. For example, instead of answering, I dont get enough challenges at [company], respond, I am eager to take on more challenges, and I believe I will find them at [hiring company]. Im not unhappy (at my present employer). However, this opportunity seems to be particularly interesting and I am interested in pursuing it further. Never personalize or be negative. Keep it short, give a group answer (e.g. our office is closing, the whole organization is being reduced in size). Stick to one response; dont change answers during the interview. When applicable; best response is: I was not on the market when PPR Career contacted me and explained what you are doing, it peaked my interest.

23. Describe what would be an ideal working environment?

Team work is the key.

24. How would you evaluate your present firm?

Be positive. Refer to the valuable experience you have gained. Dont mention negatives.

25. Do you prefer working with figures, or with words?

Be aware of what the job requires and position your answer in that context. In many cases it would be both.

26. What kinds of people do you find difficult to work with?

Use this question as a chance to show that you are a team player: The only people I have trouble with are those who arent team players, who just dont perform, who complain constantly, and who fail to respond to any efforts to motivate them. The interviewer is expecting a response focused on personality and personal dislikes. Surprise her by delivering an answer that reflects company values.

27. How would your co-workers describe you?

Refer to your strengths and skills.

28. What do you think of your boss?

If you like him or her, say so and tell why. If you dont like him or her, find something positive to say.

29. Why do you want to work in a company of this size. Or this type?

Explain how this size or type of company works well for you, using examples from the past if possible.

30. If you had your choice of jobs and companies, where would you go?

Refer to job preferences. Say that this job and this company are very close to what best suits you.

31. Why do you want to work for

You feel you can help achieve the companies objectives, especially in the short

us?

run. You like what youve learned about the company, its policies, goals and management: Ive researched the company and people tell me its a good place to work.

32. What was the last book you read? Movie you saw? Sporting event you attended?

Think this through. Your answer should be compatible with accepted norms.

33. What are you doing, or what have you done to reach your career objectives?

Talk about formal courses and training programs.

34. What was wrong with your last Again, choose your words carefully. Dont be negative. Say that no company? company is perfect, it had both strengths and weaknesses.

35. What kind of hours are you used to working?

( DOES THE PERSON MAT CH J OB AND CRITERI A?)

As many hours as it takes to get the job done.

36. What would you do for us?

Relate past success in accomplishing the objectives which are similar to those of the prospective employer.

37. What has your experience been in supervising people?

Give examples from accomplishments.

38. Are you a good supervisor?

Draw from your successes. Yes, my people like and respect me personally and professionally. They often comment on how much they learn and develop under my supervision.

39. Did you ever fire anyone? If so, If you havent, say so, but add that you could do it, if necessary. what were the reasons and how did you handle it?

40. How have you helped your company?

Refer to accomplishments.

41. What is the most money you ever accounted for? Largest budget responsibility?

Refer to accomplishments. If you havent had budget responsibility, say so, but refer to an accomplishment that demonstrates the same skill.

42. Whats the most difficult situation you ever faced on the job?

Remember, youre talking to a prospective employer, not your best friend. Dont dredge up a catastrophe that resulted in a personal or corporate failure. Be ready for this question by thinking of a story that has a happy ending happy for you and your company. Never digress into personal or family difficulties, and dont talk about problems youve had with supervisors or peers. You might discuss a difficult situation with a subordinate, provided that the issues were resolved inventively

and to everyones satisfaction. 43. Describe some situations in which you have worked under pressure or met deadlines? Refer to accomplishments. Everyone has had a few of these pressure situations in a career. Behavior-related questions aim at assessing a candidates character, attitude, and personality traits by asking for an account of how the candidate handled certain challenging situations. Plan for such questions by making a list of the desirable traits relevant to the needs of the industry or prospective employer and by preparing some job-related stories about your experience that demonstrate a range of those traits and habits of conduct. Before answering the questions, listen carefully and ask any clarifying questions you think necessary. Tell your story and conclude by explaining what you intended your story to illustrate. Finally, ask for feedback: Does this tell you what you need to know? 44. How do you handle rejection? Rejection is part of business. People dont always buy what you sell. The tick here is to separate rejection of your product from rejection of yourself: I see rejection as an opportunity. I learn from it. When a customer takes a pass, I ask him what we could do to the product, price or service to make it possible for him to say yes. Dont get me wrong: Youve got to makes sales. But rejection is valuable, too. Its a good teacher. 45. In your present position, what problems have you identified that had previously been overlooked? Refer to accomplishments

46. Give an example of your creativity.

Refer to accomplishments.

47. Give examples of your leadership abilities.

Draw examples from accomplishments.

48. What are your career goals?

Talk first about doing the job for which you are applying. Your career goals should mesh with the hiring company goals.

49. What position do you expect to Just say you wish to exceed objectives so well that you will be on a promotable have in two years? track.

50. What are your objectives? (How does the person handle stress? What is their confidence level?) 51. Why should we hire you?

Refer back to question #48 on goals.

This may sound suspicious, negative, or just plain harsh. Actually, its a call for help. The employer wants you to help him/her hire you. Keep your response brief. Recap any job requirements the interviewer may have mentioned earlier in the interview, then, point by point, match your skills, abilities and qualifications to those items. Relate a past experience which represents success in achieving objectives which may be similar to those of the prospective employer.

52. You may be over-qualified or

A strong company needs a strong person. An employer will get faster return

too experienced for the position we have to offer.

on investment because you have more experience than required.

53. Why havent you found a new position before now?

Finding the right job takes time. Im not looking for just any job.

54. If you could start again, what would you do differently?

No need to be self-revealing. Hindsight is 20/20; everyone would make some changes, but Ive learned and grown from all my decisions.

55. How much do you expect if we offer this position to you?

Be careful. If you dont know the market value, return the question by saying that you would expect a fair salary based on the job responsibilities, your experience and skills and the market value of the job. Express your interest in the job because it fits your career goals Receptive to a reasonable and competitive offer dont talk $s. Its always best to put off discussing salary and let PPR Career handle that. ANSWER: Im open to a competitive offer. Id prefer to discuss the opportunity and allow my recruiter to handle any salary questions.