Tell me about yourself” is one of the most common opening requests in an interview. In order to make a positive first impression and start the interview right, come prepared. If you’re pressed for time, this should be the one question you think about before the big day.
First, consider what the interviewer is really trying to get at with this question. Yes, she wants to hear about you, but let’s dissect this inquiry for a moment. Dependent upon your answer to this all-important question, the interview could go in different directions. What does the interviewer really want to hear in response when she asks this question?
Here’s what’s going through an interviewer’s head as she’s listening:
“Should I continue this interview?” You need to attract the interviewer’s interest right away. That said, your answer should be relevant and interesting enough to peak the interviewer’s curiosity. Just like on a date, the other person should want to learn more about you after the initial introduction. Basically, you’ll want to come across as positive and approachable.
via How to Answer ‘Tell Me About Yourself’ in an Interview – US News.
Sadly this question is often indicative of lazy interviewers or poorly prepared ones, if you are on first thing Monday and you get this question coupled with paper shuffling and looking around the room, then likely the interviewer hasn’t got their essential first cup of coffee. You will have to work hard to shine. Take charge of these situations by throwing in questions of your own too. Dealing with a lazy or unengaged interviewer should be a topic all of its own