Tell Me About Yourself: How To Answer This Common Interview Question

"Tell me about yourself." If you’re asked this question in a job interview, you may assume it’s a straightforward, friendly way to kick off the meeting and launch into your life story. Or you might freeze because you don’t know what to say. Neither approach leaves a good impression nor shows that you’re an excellent fit for the job.

So, how do you answer this common interview question in a way that makes you stand out for all the right reasons?

Prepare For The Interview

You don’t know what you’ll be asked during your job interview, but you can guess by preparing answers for the most common and relevant questions.

Common interview questions include:

• Why do you want to work for this company?
• What are your weaknesses?
• Why are you leaving your current job?

Relevant questions are specific to the vacancy, employer, and industry. You may be questioned on suitable skills and qualifications, for instance. Do your research. Look at the requirements for the job so you know how good a fit you are and how any gaps can be overcome. Research the employer, their culture, values, and news, and look into any recent developments in the industry. Arm yourself with an awareness of what you can bring to the company as an employee.

One way to answer “tell me about yourself” is to use a present-past-future structure:

• Starting with your current status, for instance, a recent maths graduate interested in a career in data analysis or a customer service team leader working for a utilities company (present).
• Move on to the roles and experiences that led you to your current status, including skills and experience relevant to the job you’ve applied for (past).
• Finish with why you’re interested in the job and where you’d like your career path to lead (future).

Finally, practice your answers. This helps avoid hesitation and reduces nerves on the day.

Consider Why The Interviewer Might Ask This Question

Put yourself in the interviewer’s shoes. Why are they asking this question? It might be:

• to open the interview and ease you into answering questions
• to find out how you cope with open-ended questions
• to get to know the person behind the CV

While all of the above may be true, the main reason to ask this question is to find out your suitability for the role. Take this opportunity to show that you have the desired technical and soft skills, experience, and qualifications.

Make Sure Your Answer Is Relevant

While you might think that talking about your hobbies and family build a bigger picture of who you are, the key to answering any interview question is to keep it relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Before you answer any question, including “tell me about yourself”, decide how you can answer in a way that demonstrates your suitability for the job and the company.

Keep Your Answer Concise And Positive

One interview mistake that you might fall into is saying too much or too little in response to the question. You’re nervous so you talk at such length that the interviewer’s eyes glaze over. Or you have no idea how to answer the question, so give a curt reply that doesn’t show who you are. Instead, keep your answer concise. That means to the point, relevant, and focussed on showing your suitability for the job.

Employers want candidates who show enthusiasm for the job and for the company. Enthusiastic employees are more likely to contribute to the company, perform well in their role, and stay with the employer. When you answer “tell me about yourself”, keep it positive and upbeat. Don’t criticise past or current employers. Instead focus on what you have learned and how you have the right skills and experience for the job.

Wrapping it up

Like any interview question, the key to answering "Tell me about yourself." is to use it to show that you’re a great fit for the job. Prepare your answer before the interview to improve your confidence. Consider what information the interviewer wants to hear. Make sure your answer is relevant, to the point, and positive. You know why you’re perfect for the job. Now use this question to explain that to the employer. Good luck.