Answer "Tell Me About Yourself"
Eighteen easy tips to answer Tell me about yourself, so the first question becomes your strongest moment.
Short and warm. Past, present, future.
26 tips that really help
These ideas come from Knock ’Em Dead (Martin Yate), Power Questions (Andrew Sobel and Jerold Panas), Never Split the Difference (Chris Voss), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.
Why they ask this question
Almost every interview starts with, Tell me about yourself. It sounds casual, but it is a real question with a real purpose. The interviewer wants a short picture of who you are as a professional.
Write down in one line what you want the interviewer to remember about you. Keep that line in mind as the heart of your answer.
Present, past, future
A simple pattern works well. Start with your present, then your past, then your future. Present is what you do now. Past is how you got here. Future is what you want next and why this job fits.
Write one sentence for each part: present, past and future. Join them with simple words. Say it aloud and time it.
Keep it to about a minute
A good answer to this question lasts about sixty to ninety seconds. That is long enough to share something real and short enough to keep attention. Aim for about a hundred and fifty words. You can add more if they ask.
Write your answer, count the words, and trim to about one hundred and fifty. Practise saying it with a timer.
Start with who you are now
Begin with your current role or situation, in one short sentence. For example, I am a nurse with five years of experience in busy hospitals. If you are a student or between jobs, say so honestly and positively.
Write one opening line with your role, your field and your experience. Say it without any extra words.
Choose two or three highlights
You cannot say everything. Pick two or three highlights from your past that fit the job. Choose achievements, skills or experiences that show you can do this work. Each highlight needs only a sentence or two.
Write everything you are proud of on paper. Circle the three that best fit the job advert. Turn each into one short sentence.
Link your past to this job
Show how your past experience prepared you for this role. Use a phrase like, That experience taught me to…, and connect it to the job. The link is what turns a story into a reason to hire you. Keep it short.
Read the job advert and note three needs. For each, write one past experience that matches. Use one or two in your answer.
End with why you are here
Finish your answer with your reason for wanting this job. A sentence like, I am excited about this role because…, works well. Make it specific to the company and the role. It closes your answer with energy.
Research one specific thing about the company that you like. Mention it in your closing sentence. Practise saying it with a smile.
Write it, then speak it
Write your answer on paper first. Then practise saying it aloud until it flows. Written words and spoken words are different, so shape the script to sound natural. Use short sentences and simple words.
Write your answer. Read it aloud three times, each time making it simpler. Record yourself and listen once.
Do not recite your CV
The interviewer already has your CV. Do not read it back to them. Add something that the paper does not show, such as what you enjoy, what you learned or what drives you. Give the story behind the facts.
Look at your CV and find the story that connects your jobs. Tell that story in a few sentences.
Do not start at birth
Begin with your recent professional life, not your childhood or school. Unless early experiences are important for the job, skip them. If you do mention the past, keep it to a single sentence. Start where it is useful.
Cross out any sentence in your answer that takes place more than five years ago, unless it adds value. Keep only what fits the job.
Add one human detail
Include one personal touch that makes you memorable. It could be a hobby, a value or a short moment of motivation. Keep it brief and positive. It helps the interviewer see a person, not just a candidate.
Choose one hobby or value that links to your work style, such as patience, teamwork or curiosity. Say it in one sentence.
Fit it to the role
Change your answer to match each job. Use words from the advert and highlight what the company needs. The same person can tell different stories for different jobs. A tailored answer feels more relevant.
Make a short list of the top three things each job asks for. Rewrite your answer with those in mind. Keep a base version and adjust it.
If you are changing careers
Explain your change with a positive story. Say what you learned before, what drew you to the new field and how your skills carry across. Show that the move is a choice, not an escape. Keep it hopeful and clear.
Write your change story in three sentences: what I did, what drew me, and what I bring. Include one proof, like a course or project.
If you are a recent graduate
If you are new to work, talk about your studies, projects, part-time jobs and volunteer work. These all show skills. Highlight what you learned and how you handled tasks. Show eagerness to learn.
List your three best experiences from study, work or volunteering. Choose the one that best fits the job. Add one sentence on what you learned.
If you are returning after a break
If you took time away, for family, health, study or travel, say it simply and honestly. Then move on to what you bring now. You do not need to explain every detail. Show that you are ready.
Write one short, honest sentence about your break. Add one thing you did to stay active or learn. Practise saying it calmly.
If you have a long career
With many years of experience, choose the most relevant highlights. Do not try to cover every role. Show growth, results and a love of learning. Also show that you are keen to keep growing.
Pick your three best achievements from the last five years. Add one recent skill you have learned. Share them with warmth.
If you feel shy about achievements
Many people find it hard to talk about their strengths. Think of it as sharing facts, not boasting. Say what you did, and what happened, in plain words. You can also credit others.
Write three facts about your work that you are proud of. Practise saying them to a friend. Ask your friend to tell you if it sounds too boastful.
Use a hook to begin
A good opening sentence can catch attention. It could be a short question, a surprising fact or a moment from your work. Follow it with your role and story. Keep the hook short and honest.
Write three possible opening sentences. Choose the one that feels most like you. Test it on a friend.
Make it sound natural
Your answer should sound like you, not like a recording. Use your own words and a friendly tone. Practise until you know the points, but let the words move a little each time. Smile and breathe as you speak.
Practise your answer with different people. Let it change a little each time. Record the last version and listen once.
Match the company tone
Notice how the company speaks. Is it formal or friendly, serious or playful? Match your tone a little. Read its website, posts and job advert. Keep your own style, but fit the room.
Read three pieces of the company's writing and note the tone. Adjust the words in your answer a little. Keep your answer honest.
Use one clear number
Add one number or fact to your answer. Years of experience, size of your team, a result you reached. It makes your story feel solid. Choose the number that shows your strength.
Find one number that shows your experience or result. Check that it is true. Place it in your answer.
On a phone or video call
On a call, your voice and face carry the answer. Smile, sit up and speak clearly. Keep your notes nearby, but look at the camera or speak into the phone with energy. A warm tone makes up for the missing handshake.
Practise your answer on camera or on a phone call with a friend. Check sound and light. Ask whether it sounds natural.
When they say: walk me through your CV
This is a longer version of the same question. Use the present, past, future shape, but with a little more detail. Move in time order, and explain why you made each move. Stay under three minutes.
Write one reason for each move in your career. Link them in a flow. Practise it in under three minutes.
Prepare three versions
Have three versions ready: a thirty-second one, a sixty-second one and a two-minute one. Use the right one for each moment. The short one is for networking or a quick start. The long one is for when they ask for more.
Write the short version first. Then add details for the longer versions. Practise all three until they feel natural.
Finish and pass the conversation back
When you end your answer, pause and let the interviewer respond. You can add, I would be happy to share more about any of this. Do not trail off or keep talking. A friendly stop invites the next question.
Write your last line. Practise saying it and then being silent for two seconds. Notice how comfortable the pause feels.
Drill: practise with a friend
Say it twice and ask for tips.
Practise.
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many networking and career moments.
“Thank you for asking.”
“I started in this field.”
“Right now I do this.”
“Next I would like to grow in this.”
“That is why I am here.”
“I would love to hear more.”
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
Write three parts
Keep it short
Link to the job
Practise aloud
Smile
End with a question
Update
Further reading
- Knock ’Em Dead (Martin Yate)
- Power Questions (Andrew Sobel and Jerold Panas)
- 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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Start freeThese 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 “Acing Job Interviews”
Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.
← Previous: Answer Clearly and KindlyNext: Answer Weakness and Failure Questions →
- Research the Company
- Prepare Three Stories
- Practise Common Questions
- Calm Your Nerves Before You Go In
- Make a Strong First Impression
- Answer Clearly and Kindly
- Answer "Tell Me About Yourself"
- Answer Weakness and Failure Questions
- Answer Salary Questions Calmly
- Ask Smart Questions
- Send a Thank-You Note
- Learn From Every Interview
