"I’m a good problem solver"

It might be a good idea to share something about yourself that is doesn't relate directly to your career. 

For example, interests like running might represent that you are healthy and energetic. Pursuits like being an avid reader might showcase your intellectual leaning. Volunteer work will demonstrate your commitment to the welfare of your community.

This is a simple formula to construct your response.

• Start with a short overview of where you are now (which could include your current job along with a reference to a personal hobby or passion).
• Reference how you got to where you are (you could mention education, or an important experience, internship or volunteer experience).
• Finish by describing a probable goal for the future.

These folks are visionaries who get energy and solve problems by asking and answering the question, ‘where do we intend to go and why?’ It is common to find these strengths with strategists, marketers, and CEOs.

• Thinking strategically: The ability to see past today’s issues and focus on a longer term destination.
• Setting a visionary destination: The ability to establish a positive future in the minds of others that doesn’t exist today.
• Thinking inventively: The ability to conceptualize a working solution that can ultimately convert into a tangible product-service offering.
• Generating imaginative ideas: The ability to see and articulate possibilities that are not purely grounded in experience.
• Thinking creatively: The ability to offer new thoughts on subject areas that others have not considered.
• Pioneering new ideas: The ability to create a new line of thought that has not yet been proven in practice.
• Brainstorming new ideas: The ability to work with others to co-create new ideas and new solutions.

• Spend some time reviewing the job description in the recruitment ad for the position and research the company.
• Prepare a short script that highlights the skills, strengths and expertise you have that make you especially qualified for this particular position. 
• Explain the reasons you’re applying for this particular job. Focus on career-related motivations.

Your purpose to the question "tell me about yourself" is to give just enough details of yourself to spark the interest of the interviewer.

Answering this question gives you a great opportunity to spotlight the skills and experience that make you the ideal candidate for the job.

• Communication: explain what the task is, what the expectations are, and listen to any questions and concerns.
• Giving Feedback: provide clear feedback on what they did well, what they struggled with, and why.
• Training and Assessment of Tasks:  make sure your staff has the skills and abilities necessary to perform the task. This might require some training.
• Trust: Lay out clear expectations, and provide feedback, but do not micromanage while the employee works on the task.

• Prepare a brief summary of the high points of each of your past positions, but do not turn it into a very long monologue that makes the interviewer glaze over with information overload.
• You do not have to brag, but don't rely on the interviewer to see past your humble exterior and figure out how great you are. Find a way to present yourself to your full advantage.
• This is not the time to talk about all your personal details. Focus on who you are as a professional.
• Because this question can be interpreted in many ways, do not be overwhelmed by it. Delve right in with your prepared answers.

• Address what your primary selling points are for this job. The number of years of experience or special skill.  Focus on the qualifications in the job description and how you meet and exceed it.
• Explain why you are interested in this position. 

The interviewer is likely looking for someone who can solve problems, has good interpersonal skills and the ability to get things done using good judgment and effectiveness. 

Not every question lets you show skills easily, so reframing a question to get to the answer you want to communicate might be the best way to do so.

• Present: Talk a little bit about what your current role is, the scope of it, and possibly a recent achievement.
• Past: Tell the interviewer how you got there and/or mention a past experience that’s relevant to the job and company you’re applying for.
• Future: Continue with what you’re looking to do next and why you’re interested in this job.

Interviewers want to know how your answer about yourself is relevant to the position and company you’re applying for.

This is an opportunity to articulate why you’re interested and how your objective fulfills their goals. In order to do that, spend some time researching the company. If your answers resonate with them, it shows that you really understand the role.

A resume that stands out has been tailored specifically to each job and company you're pursuing.

If you have a job description, rewrite your resume to ensure you're highlighting the necessary skills and achievements the hiring manager is seeking. Use your keywords to write a story of why you're the best candidate for the job.

Hiring managers want to see that you can make a positive difference. That means you have to do your homework. Consider how the needs of the company intersect with your greatest wins and be prepared to talk about them.

Make it easy for them to understand what you can do for the team.

Your resume should start with a "headline summary." It is a very brief summary of what you have to offer as a job candidate. It should be less than two sentences:

• It should advertise your abilities.
• Be broad enough that you can elaborate on them in the rest of the resume.
• Mention anything specific that you know the employer is looking for or any substantial life achievement relevant to the job that will make you stand out as a candidate.

• Describe your work experience in a series of lists. Lists are easier to view than written sentences.
• Describe how, in the past, your contributions in a company have led to marked improvements. Be relevant.
• Make sure you address all relevant gaps and time frames when you describe your work experience, for example, self-employment, or school or family obligations. It can be a big red flag for employers when they notice a significant gap in your employment history.