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Dated March 14, 2007

(Questions answered on career concerns)

What is the best and most impressive answer to the question : tell me something about yourself or describe yourself?

Abhinash Gupta

Via e-mail

Though one could answer this open-ended question in a number of ways, the key to answering this particular question or any other interview question is to offer a response that supports your career objective.

This means you shouldn't start off with details about your hobbies, your family or extra curricular activities, as the interviewer is not really bothered about all this.

You can provide a brief introduction. Introduce attributes that are key to the open position like career summary of your most recent work history.

Your career summary is the "key" of your response, so it must support your job objective and must be compelling. It is your responsibility as the interviewee to make sure the interviewer understands how your experiences are transferable to the position they are seeking to fill. Support the responses with suitable examples.

Answering this question effectively gives you the opportunity to talk about your strengths, achievements, and qualifications for the position.

How do I choose an interesting career?

Praveen

Bangalore

Find out what you are passionate about. If you can't, take time to do a thorough self-assessment. This doesn't have to be elaborate, just sincere. Knowing yourself and what interests you will produce the key to unlock your future. Ask yourself when doing what you lose track of time, and concentrate on the skills you're using while doing that task.. These can be pointers to choose the right career for yourself..

Create a vocation. Explore occupational titles and descriptions. If you have difficulty integrating your passion with an existing career, invent one. The key here is to be true to yourself.

Network to find people who will support you. Contact would-be mentors who are enjoying similar vocations and let them know your plans.

Be open to their suggestions. The assistance you gain will take you towards your goal.

Avoid excuses and ignore negative feedback. This may be the most difficult task in your quest to do what you love. Making excuses for not pursuing your desire and listening to negative feedback from others will have you second-guessing your choice. Work persistently until you get there. Stay focused and ready to take on whatever is necessary to survive in your vocation of choice. This may mean securing an internship, enrolling in a graduate school, learning a new skill or developing a talent. If you're working toward what you love, it will be fun and well worth it. When you're having fun for a living, share your story with others. This may seem trivial, but it's an important way to maintain fulfillment. Don't brag, inspire. You'll be enthusiastic, energetic and thrilled about what you're doing on a daily basis. People will notice and inevitably have questions for you. Be open to sharing your experience. Be willing to serve as a mentor to someone. And, remember to thank those who have encouraged you along the way.

[The FAQ column deals with career concerns addressed to the C&K Management Ltd. P.O. Box 2178, Secunderabad 500003 or emailed to faqs@cnkonline.com]

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