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Confidence / Confidence at Work / Lesson 02
LESSON 02 · CONFIDENCE AT WORK

Answer "Tell Me About Yourself" Well

Thirty-two easy ways to answer “Tell me about yourself” well, with a short story that makes people want to hire you.

This is your opening gift. Keep it short, warm and on topic.

40 tipsEasy things to say7-day plan
Start with tip 1
Jump to the 7-day plan

40 tips that really help

These ideas come from Lean In (Sheryl Sandberg), The Confidence Code (Katty Kay and Claire Shipman), Never Split the Difference (Chris Voss), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.

Photo for the tip: Answer "Tell me about yourself" well
TIP 1

Answer "Tell me about yourself" well

This opening question sets the tone. A good answer is a short story of who you are professionally: where you are now, how you got here and where you want to go. Aim for about a minute and a half. A simple pattern is present, past, future.

TRY THIS
Write a 90-second answer in three parts: present, past, future.
Photo for the tip: Present: what you do now
TIP 2

Present: what you do now

One or two lines.

TRY THIS
Write.
Photo for the tip: Past: how you got here
TIP 3

Past: how you got here

Key steps.

TRY THIS
Write.
Photo for the tip: Future: why this role
TIP 4

Future: why this role

Link to them.

TRY THIS
Write.
Photo for the tip: Keep it professional
TIP 5

Keep it professional

Skip life stories.

TRY THIS
Edit.
Photo for the tip: Add one human detail
TIP 6

Add one human detail

A hobby or value.

TRY THIS
Add.
Photo for the tip: Use plain words
TIP 7

Use plain words

No jargon.

TRY THIS
Simplify.
Photo for the tip: Start strong
TIP 8

Start strong

First sentence matters.

TRY THIS
Craft it.
Photo for the tip: End with a bridge
TIP 9

End with a bridge

“That’s why I’m excited about this role.”

TRY THIS
Add.
Photo for the tip: Practise until natural
TIP 10

Practise until natural

Not memorised.

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Say it ten times.
Photo for the tip: Time it
TIP 11

Time it

90 seconds.

TRY THIS
Use a timer.
Photo for the tip: Smile while you start
TIP 12

Smile while you start

Warm.

TRY THIS
Practise.
Photo for the tip: Scene: an entry-level role
TIP 13

Scene: an entry-level role

Study, projects, interest.

TRY THIS
Write.
Photo for the tip: Scene: a mid-career role
TIP 14

Scene: a mid-career role

Achievements, scope.

TRY THIS
Write.
Photo for the tip: Scene: a leadership role
TIP 15

Scene: a leadership role

Team results, vision.

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Write.
Photo for the tip: Scene: a career change
TIP 16

Scene: a career change

Skills that transfer.

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Write.
Photo for the tip: Scene: after a break
TIP 17

Scene: after a break

Briefly explain, then focus on now.

TRY THIS
Write.
Photo for the tip: Scene: an internal interview
TIP 18

Scene: an internal interview

Highlight contributions.

TRY THIS
Write.
Photo for the tip: Scene: a networking chat
TIP 19

Scene: a networking chat

Shorter version, 30 seconds.

TRY THIS
Write.
Photo for the tip: Scene: a video call
TIP 20

Scene: a video call

Concise.

TRY THIS
Practise.
Photo for the tip: Avoid reciting your CV
TIP 21

Avoid reciting your CV

They have it.

TRY THIS
Highlight.
Photo for the tip: Avoid negativity
TIP 22

Avoid negativity

About past jobs.

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Reframe.
Photo for the tip: Avoid over-apologising
TIP 23

Avoid over-apologising

Own your path.

TRY THIS
Stand tall.
Photo for the tip: Avoid rambling
TIP 24

Avoid rambling

Practise.

TRY THIS
Trim.
Photo for the tip: Avoid too much personal detail
TIP 25

Avoid too much personal detail

Keep it professional.

TRY THIS
Edit.
Photo for the tip: Show enthusiasm
TIP 26

Show enthusiasm

Voice and face.

TRY THIS
Smile.
Photo for the tip: Show results
TIP 27

Show results

Numbers help.

TRY THIS
Add one.
Photo for the tip: Show curiosity
TIP 28

Show curiosity

Ask a question at the end.

TRY THIS
Add.
Photo for the tip: Show fit
TIP 29

Show fit

Link to their needs.

TRY THIS
Research.
Photo for the tip: Show growth
TIP 30

Show growth

What you’re learning.

TRY THIS
Add.
Photo for the tip: Make three versions
TIP 31

Make three versions

30 seconds, 90 seconds, 3 minutes.

TRY THIS
Write.
Photo for the tip: Use it in other places
TIP 32

Use it in other places

Networking, calls.

TRY THIS
Adapt.
Photo for the tip: Ask for feedback
TIP 33

Ask for feedback

From a friend.

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Ask.
Photo for the tip: Update it often
TIP 34

Update it often

As you grow.

TRY THIS
Review.
Photo for the tip: Stay flexible
TIP 35

Stay flexible

Adapt to the room.

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Listen first.
Photo for the tip: Breathe
TIP 36

Breathe

Before you start.

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Exhale.
Photo for the tip: Be patient
TIP 37

Be patient

It takes practice.

TRY THIS
Keep going.
Photo for the tip: Seek help
TIP 38

Seek help

Career coaches.

TRY THIS
Consider it.
Photo for the tip: Celebrate
TIP 39

Celebrate

You can introduce yourself.

TRY THIS
Mark it.
Photo for the tip: Close with confidence
TIP 40

Close with confidence

Say, “I know my story.”

TRY THIS
Write it.

Easy things to say

When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many everyday situations.

OPEN

“Thank you for having me.”

NOW

“Currently I work as a customer support lead.”

PAST

“Before that, I learned how to solve problems fast.”

WHY

“I am excited about this role because of your mission.”

CLOSE

“I would love to tell you more.”

ASK

“What would you like to hear about?”

Your first week

One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.

DAY 1
Think present, past, future
DAY 2
Keep it to ninety seconds
DAY 3
Pick job-related facts
DAY 4
Add one strength
DAY 5
Explain why this job
DAY 6
Smile and speak slowly
DAY 7
Stop and listen

Further reading

  • Lean In (Sheryl Sandberg)
  • The Confidence Code (Katty Kay and Claire Shipman)
  • Never Split the Difference (Chris Voss)

The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.

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Next lesson: Handle the Question You Fear →

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These lessons share general learning and everyday ideas. They are not medical or mental health advice. If you feel very anxious, low or unwell, please talk to a doctor or a qualified professional.

More lessons in “Confidence at Work”

Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.

← Previous: Prepare Your Three StoriesNext: Handle the Question You Fear →

  1. Prepare Your Three Stories
  2. Answer "Tell Me About Yourself" Well
  3. Handle the Question You Fear
  4. Ask Great Questions Back
  5. Talk About Your Strengths Without Bragging
  6. Recover From a Bad Answer
  7. Follow Up With a Winning Note
  8. Speak in the First Ten Minutes
  9. Prepare One Point Before Every Meeting
  10. Disagree With a Colleague Kindly
  11. Handle Being Interrupted
  12. Share Credit and Claim Yours
  13. Speak Up in a Big Group
  14. Look Confident in Video Meetings
  15. Ask for Feedback Regularly
  16. Receive Criticism Without Crumbling
  17. Ask for a Raise With Evidence
  18. Share Ideas Without Fear
  19. Say No to Extra Work Politely
  20. Report Problems Early
  21. Show Your Value Every Month
  22. Introduce Yourself in a New Team
  23. Make Friends at Work
  24. Ask for Help Without Shame
  25. Handle a Difficult Colleague
  26. Stop Being the Office Pushover
  27. Celebrate Others and Be Celebrated
  28. Build Your Reputation Quietly
  29. Take on a Stretch Project
  30. Overcome Impostor Syndrome
  31. Lead Without a Title
  32. Give Your First Presentation
  33. Mentor Someone Newer
  34. Handle a Mistake at Work
  35. Set a Career Goal You Believe In
  36. Learn One New Skill Every Quarter
  37. Network Without Feeling Fake
  38. Say Yes to Opportunities That Scare You
  39. Protect Your Energy and Balance
  40. Your Confidence at Work Plan
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