The hiring expert says that the popular interview question often causes confusion for candidates.

"Tell me about yourself."

One of the most common and challenging questions you may encounter during a job interview is: "Can you tell me about yourself?"

Interviewers often use the question "Tell me about yourself" as an icebreaker, but answering such a broad prompt can be intimidating.

"Despite being the most frequently asked interview question, many candidates struggle with answering it, according to Julia Pollak, the chief economist at ZipRecruiter. This is often due to a "deer in headlights" reaction, causing them to recount their entire biography."

Your initial response to the "tell me about yourself" question during a job interview can establish the tone for the rest of the conversation.

"According to Jeff Hyman, an executive recruiter with 28 years of experience, a lengthy and uninteresting response can swiftly end an interview. It is crucial not to provide a detailed account of one's life story and resume."

He views the icebreaker as a chance to create a lasting first impression.

Can you provide me with the original sentence?

Hyman shares that he recently overcame a challenge in his career, which taught him valuable lessons.

"It may seem surprising, but few candidates will consider doing it, so it will impress the interviewer," he says. "When I inquire about a candidate's background, I'm searching for self-awareness and maturity, and discussing challenges with self-assurance demonstrates those qualities."

My first job out of college was a formative period in my professional development. Although my initial boss quit soon after I started, I learned to adapt and collaborate effectively through the experience.

To impress the interviewer if you're uncomfortable discussing a setback, Hyman recommends incorporating an example of your leadership skills in the workplace.

Recently, I discovered that I am passionate about leading teams and inspiring others to work towards a common goal. As a co-lead of an employee resource group at my previous company, I organized volunteer projects with my colleagues, which was a fulfilling experience.

William Vanderbloemen, CEO of Vanderbloemen Search Group, stated in a CNBC Make It interview last year that hiring managers utilize the "tell me about yourself" question to assess your self-assurance and gauge your objectives and priorities.

To tailor your response to the specific job you are interviewing for, it's important to focus on the skills and experience that are most relevant, as Vanderbloemen explained.

If you're applying for a job as a software developer at a rapidly expanding tech company, you could say:

"I thrive in fast-paced, agile environments and find it challenging to remain stationary for extended periods. Even outside of work, I am always eager to acquire new hobbies. Your company's current phase of rapid growth excites me, and I am eager to contribute to this growth, adapt quickly, and support other teams' work in any way possible."

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