Can You Handle the Toughest Interview Question?

When you are campaigning for a job, it is unlikely tough interview questions will trick you; the easy ones are the greatest threats to winning interviews. They are troublesome to the job seeker because they seem harmless and simple. And there is one inquiry among all others that appears to be a warm-and-fuzzy attempt to get to know you. It is a cleverly veiled probing statement and can be lethal to your chances, if you are unprepared for it.

"So tell me a little about yourself."

At least 85% of all job interviews begin with this request. In seven-words, this seemingly innocent query places you squarely on the hot seat. This is one of those open-ended, "soft ball" questions interviewers love to serve-up in the hopes of getting a huge bang-for-their-buck. It is not intended to be a disqualifying request, but can be when you don't handle it well.

Your reply tells the interviewer how prepared you are and also establishes your level of understanding about what the company expects from you. As a prerequisite for many positions, they are able to get a quick assessment about how personable, intelligent and articulate you are. Their interest is keen regarding anything that serves to substantiate your qualifications.

The Wrong Ways
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The most common interpretation of this question may have you convinced the interviewer wants to know about you as a person. Wrong. This isn't the time for you to get into a lengthy monologue about your childhood on the farm or Aunt Gladys. It also isn't time to talk about the antics of your pet goldfish, Ziggy.

Another mistaken understanding is that the toughest interview question is best handled by asking the interviewer how they would like for you to respond. This is viewed as an indication that you aren't prepared.
One other misconception is that you need to be able to process all of the mental data on-the-spot and serve-up a bright reply.

Unfortunately, you would be wrong again. If you put yourself in this position and go through all of those mental gymnastics, you aren't primed for this important exchange. Most people simply don't think and react well enough under pressure to deal with the toughest interview question this way.

The best way to think about any interview is to view the potential employer as a buyer and you the seller. The interviewer is the employer's agent and the point-of-contact that needs convincing first. You are selling the most valuable things you possess, which are your skills, talents and abilities. If they like what you have to sell, they will buy what you are offering.

The Right Way

There is only one way to handle the toughest interview question and it is achieved by simply being prepared with the right information to answer it. Research the company and the job on the internet or at your local library. Company information is easily found and, if you cannot find information about the specific job, you can always find one similar. Know as much as possible about the company and what you will be doing in your new job.

Prepare thirty- to sixty-second personal commercials that blend your accomplishments and work history in ways that illustrate what you can do for them. Benefit statements like these aren't just for sales types and you've got something you want them to buy - you.

Another commonly held belief is that an interview is a time to shout about how good you are. It is a good time to do this - if you frame the shouting and convert it to how and why your skills benefit the company specifically.

Show value in how your knowledge and accomplishments can improve specific areas or will directly improve their business. This about what you bring to them and the benefits seen as a result of you becoming one of their team.

Preparation and planning remove any need for fear of the toughest interview question. When, you combine research about the position and company with solid planning and an arsenal of personal commercials, you will get more follow-up interview requests and subsequent job offers.