Many people say “Tell me about yourself” is the most difficult interview question. That’s wrong on two counts.

First, it’s not actually a question; it’s a request.

Second, it gives you complete freedom to say whatever you want. If you’re prepared, it’s the best single question you can be asked.

In the three videos below, Denham Resources offers an example of a GOOD response to “Tell me about yourself,” a BAD one, and an UGLY one.

Here’s the good response:

Here’s the bad one:

And here’s the ugly one:

My thoughts on the videos above is that the points made in all three are well-said. I would argue, however, that the GOOD answer could be much better. I’m a firm believer that interviewers tune out of long answers during interviews, and this is a long answer. It goes in too many directions. I think it’s better to stop after making a couple of points, and to do so in a way that an interviewer will naturally want to ask you a follow-up question.

Brian Krueger of CollegeGrad.com has some good general advice on “Tell me about yourself” here:

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