... or some version of that is one of the most fundamental and common questions asked in any first round of a Job Interview.

Hiring managers usually like to ask this question, because it allows them to assess your communication skills, hear your narrative about the highlights of your career, and lay the foundation for follow-up questions. 

• A longer answer to "Tell me about yourself" allows you to provide a useful narrative beyond the résumé.
• It lets you reveal key motivations that drove your career path.
• You can shape the interview in your direction.
• It's an opportunity to stand out from th...