It’s probably the most common question. It’s very simple to answer this question, but a decent answer requires you to keep few things in mind before coming up with your version of the answer. Answer to this question should be concise and precise. Normally this is the first question in any interview and an effective answer to this question will boost your confidence for the entire interview. As we all know that first impression is of utmost importance, so it may be better for you to work on the answer to this question in advance instead of giving an instant reply. All the interviewers know that the candidates already know this question, so the answer you give in the interview is normally supposed to be the best you can give. Beware of it :-)
Try to cover your name, place you’re from, the highest degree you hold, years of experience (if applicable) in one-two lines. After that, you should present your qualification in the best possible way to align the acquired skills with those needed for the job you’re applying for. Don’t let the panel know that you’re not even aware of the major skills required for the job. If you feel that only a subset of skills required can be aligned with the skills you’ve acquired by your qualification, work exp, etc. then try to present yourself well aware of the gap and do mention the path you’ll follow the imbibe rest of the skills not only to make yourself fit into the profile, but to excel in that. Your learning skills, analytical skills, problem solving skills, and most importantly your attitude will come handy in such a situation. Figure out the instances in your life where you really proved something similar by using any of these (or may be some other skill). The interviewers may ask an example. You should be ready with that. But, don’t rush into the example straightaway. You may prefer to take a pause (few seconds) before explaining that example. Always keep in mind that the more interactive the session is, the better it may be for you. If you’re about to speak at length about something, present only the gist first and then seek their approval before explaining the whole idea. In the end, don’t forget to ask them if you really answered everything they wanted. For example, you may ask “Is there anything specific you wanted to know and I didn’t cover so far?”
Avoid including your percentage, CPI, honors/awards, etc., which you’ve already mentioned in your resume. You may lose their attention by doing so. They already know, so no point repeating the same. They’ll anyway ask you to elaborate on something they really want.
If you’re applying for a profile, you’ve already been into somewhere (or maybe in current employment) then try to include a reference to that in your answer. They’ll probably ask you to explain or elaborate on that. The point I’m trying to make here is that every sentence you speak while answering this question should either reflect or give you a chance to present one or more of the reasons why they should consider you a better candidate for the profile.
Sample answer:- (As I've already said that the complete answer to this question will result from the interaction you would have with the panel. This sample answer is just a starter. They may intervene in the middle. You’ll anyway end your answer by asking them if they want you to cover anything else.)
“My name is <…> (this is also there in your resume, but it’s normally included :-)). I’m from <place … city and state should suffice>, have completed my schooling from <place>, from <institute> (prefer using the name of the university only, if you think your college/institute is not among the very well known colleges/institutes). I’m currently working (if applicable) with <company> for <years> as a <profile>. I’m handling/managing/doing <mention whatever you do>. I’m quite friendly with my friends/colleagues and like to work in a team. I’m looking for <the position you're looking for> and I believe my skills and abilities are rightly suitable for that. I like to play <the sports you like>... Anything specific you wanted me to cover and I didn’t do so far?”
Try to cover your name, place you’re from, the highest degree you hold, years of experience (if applicable) in one-two lines. After that, you should present your qualification in the best possible way to align the acquired skills with those needed for the job you’re applying for. Don’t let the panel know that you’re not even aware of the major skills required for the job. If you feel that only a subset of skills required can be aligned with the skills you’ve acquired by your qualification, work exp, etc. then try to present yourself well aware of the gap and do mention the path you’ll follow the imbibe rest of the skills not only to make yourself fit into the profile, but to excel in that. Your learning skills, analytical skills, problem solving skills, and most importantly your attitude will come handy in such a situation. Figure out the instances in your life where you really proved something similar by using any of these (or may be some other skill). The interviewers may ask an example. You should be ready with that. But, don’t rush into the example straightaway. You may prefer to take a pause (few seconds) before explaining that example. Always keep in mind that the more interactive the session is, the better it may be for you. If you’re about to speak at length about something, present only the gist first and then seek their approval before explaining the whole idea. In the end, don’t forget to ask them if you really answered everything they wanted. For example, you may ask “Is there anything specific you wanted to know and I didn’t cover so far?”
Avoid including your percentage, CPI, honors/awards, etc., which you’ve already mentioned in your resume. You may lose their attention by doing so. They already know, so no point repeating the same. They’ll anyway ask you to elaborate on something they really want.
If you’re applying for a profile, you’ve already been into somewhere (or maybe in current employment) then try to include a reference to that in your answer. They’ll probably ask you to explain or elaborate on that. The point I’m trying to make here is that every sentence you speak while answering this question should either reflect or give you a chance to present one or more of the reasons why they should consider you a better candidate for the profile.
Sample answer:- (As I've already said that the complete answer to this question will result from the interaction you would have with the panel. This sample answer is just a starter. They may intervene in the middle. You’ll anyway end your answer by asking them if they want you to cover anything else.)
“My name is <…> (this is also there in your resume, but it’s normally included :-)). I’m from <place … city and state should suffice>, have completed my schooling from <place>, from <institute> (prefer using the name of the university only, if you think your college/institute is not among the very well known colleges/institutes). I’m currently working (if applicable) with <company> for <years> as a <profile>. I’m handling/managing/doing <mention whatever you do>. I’m quite friendly with my friends/colleagues and like to work in a team. I’m looking for <the position you're looking for> and I believe my skills and abilities are rightly suitable for that. I like to play <the sports you like>... Anything specific you wanted me to cover and I didn’t do so far?”
