COLLEGE CONNECTION: What to say when asked, “Tell me about yourself”

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A Harvard university junior gained a lot of attention for being offered internships with some of the most sought after companies:  Facebook, Google, Apple, Microsoft, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley.  When asked the secrets of her success, she claimed that being prepared for interview questions was very important.
To one of the most common questions, “What would you like to tell me about yourself,” she offered some guidelines.  She recommended that students start off with a brief introduction including their name, college, and field of study. Next, students should mention a few of their accomplishments of which they are most proud.  Lastly, students should state the reasons they want to work at the particular company and share the talents and skills they possess that would be relevant for the position they are seeking. Basically, the interviewee should let the interviewer know how the company would benefit from having him/her onboard.
Students should always plan exactly what they will say when asked the most common interview questions.  This is vital, whether interviewing with a prospective college, or with a company for an internship or full time job. What are some of the most frequently asked questions?
According to Glassdoor.com, a popular jobs and recruiting site, interviewees should be prepared to answer: What are your strengths and weaknesses?  Why are you interested in working here? Where do you see yourself in five or ten years? What can you offer us that someone else cannot? Tell me about an accomplishment you are most proud of.  Tell me about a time you made a mistake. What is your dream job?
At an interview with a college admissions officer, a students might likely be asked why they think the college is a “good fit” and what attributes they would bring to the campus.
By preparing their answers well in advance, and practicing their delivery skills – either in front of a mirror or to a friend or family member – students will enter their interviews feeling well prepared and confident and have the best chance of a successful outcome.
Susan Alaimo is the founder and director of SAT Smart in Hillsborough that has been offering PSAT, SAT, and ACT preparation courses, as well as private tutoring by IVY-League educated instructors, for more than 20 years. Visit www.SATsmart.com