It is tempting to answer these questions with a stream of consciousness account of the events in chronological order. But in most cases, providing a detailed chronological history especially, is not the best way to answer questions as, how are you?
What are you trying to achieve in an interview? Usually there are two objectives. One, to demonstrate the advantages to the position, and two, build a personal relationship with the interviewer. The latter is important not only for success in the interview itself but also for success in the position once hired because the interviewer is usually a potential boss or at least an important component that will interact with the future.
There is a ghost of a chance that a chronological history, but delivered, could help establish a relationship, but there is little reason to believe is the best way to demonstrate in the limited amount of time you have in an interview, the strengths you would bring to the job.
Instead, it is useful to think of progress in several key areas of strengths you possess that are relevant to the job you are seeking creativity, drive, interpersonal skills, and so on. Then think about how each of his previous work and experience could help you demonstrate one or more of these issues. When asked, you are ready to relate not only experience but also to tie the big question of why you are a great candidate for the position.
Of course, you still need to cover the highlights of the experience we are discussing. The point is not to respond with a list of the strengths concept is, it is to weave a story between the facts of the situation and the key points you want the interviewer to take away from the experience.
As with all interview questions, keep honest there is no need to try to show all relevant issues with all story and not stretching the truth.
Equally important, this rule is not absolute. In some cases, the interviewer may be just asking for a brief explanation of the facts of a situation-in, which case the linking of its response to how well they fit into the desired position sounds evasive or pompous. You should be able to tell from context whether a terse response is sufficient, and if in doubt, it is okay to explicitly ask the interviewer what kind of response would be helpful.
See the following articles for more information:
- 21 Major Interview Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs
- The Best Way to Prepare for a Job Search and Interviews
- How to Talk About Other Interviews in Your Interviews
- How to Answer the Tell Me About Yourself Interview Question
- How to Answer the Do You Have Any Questions for Me Interview Question
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