"Tell me about yourself"

1. This is similar to the “elevator pitch” that you learn about during your co-op class. The first and most important question is posed to you by a recruiter, hiring manager, or technical interviewers at multiple stages of the conversation with a company. Prepare a draft script, edit it multiple times to make it contain only the most important details about yourself, memorize it, and practice reading it out.

2. There is no shame in memorizing this script, but while talking to an interviewer, don’t make it sound like you are reading a script. It needs to sound like a normal conversation with a confident voice and a proper cadence. You can do this if you have enough practice. You should practice in front of a mirror and watch your body language or better, take the help of a friend and ask him/her to watch you deliver it.

3. Be sure to include details like who you are, what you are currently doing, your core competencies, your career interests, a brief summary of your past experiences, some important technical skills, what’s your motivation to apply for this job. Your answer would follow a coherent sequence, and should not take more than 60 seconds to deliver. Target 30-60 seconds.

4. Some recruiters may pause you during your answer and ask tangential questions. Be prepared for these kinds of questions and remember where you left off, in case you have to resume your answer.

5. Remember, the purpose of this answer is not only to introduce yourself to the interviewer but also to captivate their interest till the end of the interview and leave a lasting impression after the interview. So prepare well and sound enthusiastic. You can overcome your nervousness with enough practice.