So, tell me about yourself ?

This is the most often the lead-off question in any initial interview. Of the thousands of job seekers I have interviewed, it is almost unanimous in that people have found this to be the most difficult question to answer. In baseball, there is a number 1 batting (lead-off) position and the player in the lead off spot is expected to at least get on base, any base. While the "so tell me about yourself "question is typically viewed by some job seekers as a mere formality; an icebreaker if you will, you better at least hit a single or you'll be relegated to the bench and sent packing in short order. It's that important !Seasoned hiring authorities will always ask this question almost immediately. Making a good first impression with an organized, smooth, well scripted and concise answer will set the tone for a positive interview experience. The should be answered in a minute and a half to two minutes maximum. The interviewer is not looking for dissertation but rather a thumbnail sketch of your experience and education. Unless you are a recent college grad, what is the interviewer looking for here ?• A brief introduction. Your education, where your work history and your job titles at each employer (even though your resume already states those facts do it anyway) and what led you into your profession would be a good opening.• Major accomplishments that would be of interest to that particular employer.• Prominent strengths as confirmed by those major accomplishments.• How you see yourself progressing within that organization assuming of course you are not knowingly applying for a dead in job.Remember, a "maximum" of two minutes ! If you do keep it succinct but interesting from the employers point of view, you'll leave the interviewer just salivating to ask you to get into more detail on the points you've momentarily touched on. You'll notice I did not mention anything about openly discussing your personal life. I did that on purpose. Suggestion: Thoroughly plan out your point-by-point answer. Now, record and listen to your response focusing in on relevant content, tone of voice and over all delivery. Practice, practice, practice until you get it just right ! Don't hit a single; the bases are loaded, there are two outs and you're in a clutch game situation here. You'll hit a homerun if you have invested the time.