The right way to answer: "Tell me about yourself"

First impressions last a life time. For this reason, they matter—and while it might not be as important as the impression you make on your in-laws, if you are applying for a job, what comes out of your mouth may play a very big role in the hiring process. So, what seems like a very simple question—Tell me about yourself—is actually a lot difficult to answer.

You can start with telling them that funny anecdote about yourself, but unless the job you are applying for involves stand-up comedy, it might be wise to skip trying to be funny. What they want to find out is how you are suitable for the job. So another way to go about it would be to give them your life story, at which point they might be yawning—they didn't call you over to watch a performance recital of your resume.

What you need to understand is that they are basically asking you to brag about yourself. And bragging about oneself without sounding absolutely cocky is very difficult. So be careful about your first word. No umms and wells. Don't start off flustered. If you are not confident that you should get the job, then neither are they.

It might be helpful to remember a simple formula to guide what you say. Think of three sentences, one each from the past, present and future. A brief account about what you have done in the past and why it makes you awesome. A one liner summing up what you are doing now and why that's awesome too. End with how you plan to combine those powers together and be Captain Planet.

Here's an example. "Since graduation I have worked as a vet's assistant, volunteered at the local zoo and studied up all I could about giraffes. Currently, I work as the lion tamer at the circus which has given me great insight into animal behaviour. I believe that the medical and behavioural knowledge about animals that I have gained over the years will make me a perfect candidate for the position of zookeeper."

Remember, you are already halfway there when they have called you in for the interview. All you need to do is confirm their budding belief in your awesomeness.

The writer is a senior at the Institute of Business Administration, University of Dhaka.