Few phrases strike people dumb more readily than "Tell me about yourself.”

Still, it is possible to respond concisely, clearly and intelligently and above all, efficiently.

You can do this by creating your own commercial, one that you can offer when needed to let people know who you are and what you're capable of doing.

30 Second Commercials include:

Pertinent information: An overview of your work history, strengths, training, education as well as information you feel others need to form an impression of you.

A significant achievement: A short vignette or story that shows how you function in action.

Your strengths or goals: Wrap up the commercial with one of your strongest selling features.

Here's an example.

I've been building my experience and training in customer service since I was 15 when I began working for a small parts manufacturer in the shipping department. I'm especially good at diffusing anger in difficult clients. I think mostly because I listen carefully and as I repeat back to these people what I'm hearing, the solution often becomes clear.

Once an order for one of our major clients got lost enroute, and the president of the firm called in a terrible flap. I commiserated and I listened carefully and discovered that the items in question were needed within the next day or so, not immediately. I promised to track the shipment and if we couldn't find it, ship the order again by overnight courier. That calmed her down. We did find the shipment and got it there the next day.

I shifted from actually doing customer service to training customer service representatives when I discovered that what I did instinctively could be taught to others. I certainly found my niche. I get great satisfaction from teaching people the secrets of strong interpersonal relationships. Maybe because it has such a strong impact on their work but also on their lives.

“30 Second Commercials” like this one can be written, edited and practiced often. Use a tape recorder, talk to a good friend. Make several versions. But keep in mind that a sales pitch, a commercial, when concise and sincere, will open doors for you.