There are some questions your interviewer has no business asking, and this is one.  But while you may feel like answering, "none of your business, "  naturally you can't. Some interviewers ask this question on the chance you admit to something, but if not, at least they'll see how you think on your  feet. 

Some unprepared candidates, flustered by this question,  unburden themselves of guilt from their personal life or career, perhaps expressing regrets regarding a parent, spouse, child, etc. All such answers can be disastrous.

BEST ANSWER:  As with faults and weaknesses,  never confess a regret.  But don't seem as if you're stonewalling either.

Best strategy:  Say you harbor no regrets, then add a principle or habit you practice regularly for healthy human relations.

Example:  Pause for reflection, as if the question never occurred to you.   Then say, "You know, I really can't think of anything."  (Pause again, then add): "I would add that as a general management principle, I've found that the best way to avoid regrets is to avoid causing them in the first place.  I practice one habit that helps me a great deal in this regard.  At the end of each day, I mentally review the day's events and conversations to take a second look at the people and developments I'm involved with and do a doublecheck of what they're likely to be feeling.  Sometimes I'll see things that do need more follow-up, whether a pat on the back, or maybe a five minute chat in someone's office to make sure we're clear on things.whatever."

Your answer should be relevant to the job for which you are being interviews. Do not start going into your personal life. Keep your self-introduction PROFESSIONAL.

A person is defined in three ways: (1) who he is right now, (2) what he has done in the past, and (3) what he will become in the future.

So, here is how you answer: (1) I am a [the job title for which you are applying or something very close.] (2) I have [how many years of experience] in [what field, what subject]. (3) I want to be [a job title that is a couple or a few levels above the current position for which you are applying in 5 to 10 years.]

Close your answer with an affirmative question: "Is there anything else you want to know?"

Here are more suggestions for answering this very common interview question.

• You should be very straight forward and honest in replying to this question. The interviewer wants to check if what you have mentioned in your resume is correct or not.

• I would answer the question based on who is interviewing me? If it's a sales manager/Technical Manager/Human resources manager? Depending on the person's field I'll have to mend the answer to please him...I feel that everyone's goals are different...so anlayse that and then answer.

• Answer this question with your 30 second "elevator speach" about yourself. The standard format for this speech is... "I am a (BLANK), who does (WHAT)." In my case... I am a PROJECT MANAGER, who PROVIDES QUALITY MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS, Blah, Blah, Blah. (you get the idea).

• The Answer can Start like this: "I have 10 years' sales rep experience, working in a variety of industries, from retail to advertising. For the past two years I have been working in the food industry. In addition to my successful sales techniques, I have a great record for forming long-standing relationships with customers. I'm a team player who thrives on challenge."

• Let me share what my recruiting office tells its candidates as they head out for that crucial face-to-face interview. When asked to "tell me about yourself," say, "I will gladly answer that question, but may I first ask you a question? (They ALWAYS say yes) So that I may better focus my answer, what are the issues you want me to address should you hire me? Once they share with you what they need to have you do, then proceed to address how your training, education, skills, and experience can best resolve these issues. By answering in this fashion, you have proven that you know how to focus ... and that you have what's needed to fix the issues they need to have fixed. It's always a winner ... and beats the heck out of, "Well, let's see, I was born on a small farm in Idaho ..."

• I am a self-starter dedicated, hard-working person who works well with other, punctual, detail oriented a team player, great organizational and interpersonal skills.