How to Answer One of the Hardest Job Interview Questions

Here is another valuable Management Tip of the Day from Harvard Business Review. To sign up for a free subscription to any/all HBR newsletters, please click here.

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Although this job interview question seems simple, answering it is anything but. Should you share your life story? Your job history? It’s tempting to turn your LinkedIn page into a monologue, but don’t — the interviewer already has your résumé. Instead, talk about what the company really needs from the role you’re vying for.

o Before the interview, scrutinize the job description for phrases like “required,” “must have,” and “highly desired.”

o Go to the About Us section of the company’s website and read up on the corporate culture and core values. Then think about how to connect your background and interests to what the company is looking for.

o Practice your response so that you’re ready when you walk into the interview room.

You want to sound like your career has been building to this role and you are the best person to fill it.

This tip is adapted from How to Respond to ‘So, Tell Me About Yourself’ in a Job Interview,” by Joel Schwartzberg

Here’s a direct link to dozens of other Management Tips.

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