"So, What's Your Story?"

Somewhat a version of one of the worst interview questions -- "tell me about yourself," -- the current newsletter from Your Success Network (http://www.ysn.com/) provides responses for "Answering Loaded Questions." Unfortunately, for a source that typically provides outstanding information, the three suggestions are weak, and I would contend, in one case flat out bad advice.

The first suggested response to "So, what's your story?" is "You first, Tell me about you." While I hope this might work with some interviewers, I know a lot of more interviewers who are the type where this response would be an instant "turn off." Unfortunately, with that first impression, the rest of the interview is unlikely to go well. In addition to being a poor strategy, the "you first" response is potentially too aggressive.

The second suggested response is "Personal? Professional?" Perhaps this was given in such an abbreviated form to conform to today's preference for short messages. The response is OK from a content standpoint, but somewhat unprofessional in its brevity. The better version of this would be: "Do you want me to focus on the professional or would you like more of my personal background?"

The third suggested response is "What do you want to know?" Again not that bad from a content viewpoint, but potentially too "abrupt" to some. Another opportunity for a more professional version.

I think that the response I've suggested to the "Tell me about yourself" is still the best response for "Tell me your story." Its shows preparation and professionalism. The response is: I'm a (profession, major if in school, etc.), my goal is... and in the last year, one of the important things that I've accomplished is...