You know you're going to be asked this question first up, and you think you should be able to handle it but when the nerves kick in you fumble with the response and know you could've done better!

Why employers/recruiters ask it:

Hey they've got your resume and know all about you, right? So why bother asking it in the first instance? There are a number of reasons and as with every interview question there is always a question behind the question.

Employers want to hear you articulate yourself: They can tell a lot from the way you express yourself. For example, the tone of your voice as well as your body language can reveal your belief in yourself and your abilities, and whether or not you have a positive or negative attitude. Your response can also indicate if you've come prepared or are just winging it.

What they want to hear: It doesn't matter what question you're asked during the interview, employers and recruiters want to know 3 things:

1. Can you do the job i.e. do you have the skills, training and experience?
2. Will you do the job i.e. are you motivated to want to do this type of work?
3. Will you fit in the organisation i.e. will you get on with other employees?

So every response should include at least one of these points.

What to say: Basically you restate more or less what's in the career summary on your resume. Don't have a career summary? Get writing and include your skills, experience and personal qualities.

When responding to the question as well as giving them a career summary you can include some of your career accomplishments and let them know what attracts you to the role you're being interviewed for.

Lastly: Don't ramble - keep your response to 1-2 minutes max and practise, practise, practise!