When searching for a job, the number one thing on your mind is securing that interview. You have probably taken several steps in producing your CV, cover letter and online applications, to make sure you make the rankings. But when creating these documents and filling out the online applications, you need to make sure you keep a summary of all you have accomplished.

A one-minute question that is very popular with recruiters and employers is, "Tell me a little about yourself."

The wrong way to answer

This is not a new behavioral question that we are seeing these days in interviewing, but strangely, it is one that can often take people by surprise. What do most people do when telling someone about themselves in an interview setting? They commence by telling them a story, sugar-coating most of the results and eventually ending on some high note. Well, ending on a high note, or some fluffed description of who you are, can sometimes leave a sour taste in the interviewer's mouth. Other individuals commence by telling them about their characteristics, their moods, which are not even relevant to the question, and going on and on for ages about themselves without being asked to elaborate. All this does is bore your interviewer to tears.

The right way to answer

The first thing you want to start with, when answering the 30-second question, is to tell the interviewer where you are originally from, the college or university or school you have attended and with what degree you have attained.

You can then share your work experience. Finally, you should tell them about your objective (you can take this out of the top section on your CV). By doing this, it shows interviewers that you are optimistic, you have goals and you have some direction in your mind careerwise. Although this seems as though you are repeating your CV all over again, you want to condense it without going into great details of the job positions you've held. Touch lightly on everything as if it were a verbal outline.

The bottom line

The trick is to sum up everything you can about yourself in an attractive package within 30 seconds or less. Doing this will keep the interviewer from getting annoyed by your ranting on about yourself. It's just like creating a commercial. Think about how much companies can get into 30 seconds or less about a product that will grab your attention instantly.

Remember, you're promoting yourself in the 30 seconds, almost like a brand. So plan what you're going to say in advance and make sure it is both believable and informative.