Let us have a closer look at one of the most frequently used openers interviewers like to pose to the interview candidate: "Can you tell me about yourself?"

Most of my learners groan at this, telling me how much they hate this question. We are generally not comfortable dealing with open-ended posers where you have to describe yourself at length. But, what if you could turn it to your advantage?

First, let us agree on what this question does not need you to provide, which is, your name, age and other demographic details. Detail neither your personal likes and dislikes nor facts more suited as bio-data entries submitted to a social page.

Unless these details directly support your ability to contribute to the organisation, there is no need to focus on them. Instead, use this opportunity to highlight qualities that make you the right fit for the role.

So, what qualities should you highlight? Here are some suggestions:

Characteristic strengths

Without stating it specifically, you can describe a strength you possess. Look at the following example:

"I believe in the qualities of being focused and hardworking. In a new role especially, there is much to learn. I recognise it is important to master them fast so I can be independent. It means I will put in my own time to research, observe and learn from more experienced and knowledgeable colleagues or other resources that are available. I aim to be a contributing and reliable member of my unit in the shortest time possible. In that way, I hope to be available for continuing job expansion opportunities."

Instead of only saying you are focused and hardworking, you describe the things you will do to that effect. In the process, you relate it back to the position you applied for i.e. how your qualities will benefit the company.

In selecting a quality to talk about, consider the following:

• Be genuine. Do not claim to be something that you are not, especially if you cannot live up to it.
• Use words that are simple and consistent with your style of speaking.
• Be humble.
• Speak slowly. Do not memorise any small speech you may have prepared and regurgitate them to the interviewer. Pause and collect your thoughts. Give the interviewer opportunities to comment and ask questions. Remember that you are having an interactive conversation.
• You can even weave personal anecdotes, giving an element of story-telling. This can be charming and most certainly engaging.

Of course it is possible that interviewers will ask you to describe a quality or two of your strengths during the course of the conversation. There is certainly no harm in your choosing to talk about a particular strength when asked to describe yourself. I would suggest that you attend to the later question in a similar way.

Here are other topics you can use to approach the question of talking about yourself:

What were the things that motivated you at work?

For example:

• Animated discussions with team members when resolving work issues
• Satisfaction of helping a client find a solution
• Satisfaction of doing a particular assignment or task well
• Training new team members at work
• Being involved in project work that was subject to tight deadlines
• An award or recognition you received working in a team or individually that you can share

What did you learn from your current responsibilities?

For example:

• That practising empathy goes a long way in resolving work differences
• Benefits of meticulous planning and execution; yet how important it is to be flexible at the same time