It was quick and to the point. It took only 20 minutes. The manager was easygoing. It was a good conversation. I wore slacks and a button-up shirt and some flats.

Tell Me About Yourself. This question seems simple, so many people fail to prepare for it, but it’s crucial. Here's the deal: Don’t give your complete employment (or personal) history. Instead, give a pitch—one that’s concise and compelling and that shows exactly why you’re the right fit for the job. Muse writer and MIT career counselor Lily Zhang recommends using a present, past, future formula. Talk a little bit about your current role (including the scope and perhaps one big accomplishment), then give some background as to how you got there and the experience you have that’s relevant. Finally, segue into why you want—and would be perfect for—this role.