How do you answer: “Tell me about yourself”

"Tell me about yourself" seems like quite an easy question. But in fact, it's more complex than you think. It's one of the most common – and intimidating – questions that is frequently asked in a job interview. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, mastering this interview question is essential for success.

Knowing how to introduce yourself succinctly takes careful thought. By structuring your response, you will cover all the relevant points and keep the interviewer engaged with your story.

What interviewers are looking for with this question

Interviewers ask open-ended questions for several key reasons. It allows them to gauge:

Professional background: They want to understand your career path – where you’ve been, what you’re doing in your current position, and what led you to this point in your professional life.
Relevant experience: Employers are interested in relevant skills and professional development that match the job description and job ad.
Cultural fit: While the focus should be on your work experience, interviewers may also be assessing whether your personal interests and achievements align with the company’s culture. This is why it’s important to be mindful of what personal details you choose to share.
Communication skills: Your response provides an early glimpse into your communication style, clarity of thought, and ability to stay on message — all of which are important signs of a successful interview.

Familiarise yourself with variations

There is more than one way that this question can be asked. Listen out for variations, which might include:

Could you provide us with a brief overview of your CV or resume?
What’s your background?
How would you describe yourself?
Please share something about yourself that isn’t included in your application.
We'd love to hear more about you.

Each variation gives you an opportunity to tailor your answer to the specifics of the job interview and the hiring process. The goal is to craft an answer that is professional, relevant to the job and leaves the interviewer wanting to learn more.

Even if the question gets asked in a different way from how you prepared, you're still equipped to provide an accurate answer. Plus, it shows you've done your research.

Tips for crafting your answer

1. Keep it professional, not personal

Keep your answer professional. Focus on your work experience and ambitions rather than sharing too many personal details. The key here is relevancy – in all likelihood, the paper route you had when you were 15 has no bearing on your ability to succeed in this role, so don’t share your entire life story. Employers are interested in your professional journey, key skills, and how your experience is relevant to the job. Only mention qualifications that support your job application.

Your answer should give the interviewer a platform to explore your personal achievements if they choose. For instance, you might briefly mention an award or a notable project. This strategy helps them decide if they want to ask additional culture-fit questions.

3. Structure your answer: present, past, and future

A highly effective method is to divide your answer into three parts:

Present: Start with your current role, highlighting your job title, skills and responsibilities. Keep your answer relevant and concise.
Past: Provide context by discussing your previous roles. Be mindful to avoid regurgitating your resume by explaining how your experience has prepared you for the next step.
Future: Conclude by sharing your aspirations and outlining why you’re looking for a new job.

4. Stay positive when explaining your job search

When discussing why you’re leaving your previous employer or seeking a new role, job seekers should avoid negative language. For example:

“I didn’t get along with my boss.”
“The work environment was toxic.”
“Management was unprofessional and disorganised.”
“I was frustrated with constant micromanagement.”

Instead, focus on:

“I am eager to take on new challenges.”
“I am committed to pursuing professional growth.”
“I am looking for a role that offers a better fit with the company’s culture.”

This approach demonstrates maturity and self-awareness, key qualities that any hiring manager looks for.

Three steps to answer the “Tell us about yourself” job interview question

1. Share relevant job qualifications and experiences

Don't get too personal, keep it professional at least until you've got a good read on the room. Start your answer by sharing your experiences and education that relate directly to the role you’re interviewing for. The key here is relevancy – in all likelihood, the paper-route you had when you were 15 has no bearing on your ability to succeed in this role, so don’t share your entire life story. Instead, keep your answer brief by providing your interviewer with what they want to hear – an overview of your professional background and years of experience. Only mention qualifications that support your job application.

By firstly outlining your relevant education and career history, you’re setting the scene for the interviewer by describing how you got to the position you are in today.

2. Highlight skills relevant to the position

Then review the key points of the job description and mention the relevant skills and behaviours you possess that would allow you to succeed in this particular role. Keep your answer relevant by supporting your skills and competencies with measurable examples and hard facts. This allows you to bring your skills to life with quantifiable evidence, such as the number of team members you’ve managed, the dollar value of contracts you’ve negotiated, the volume of tasks you’ve delivered in a set timeframe or the percentage of targets you’ve hit.

3. Describe how the role fits your career goals

Finally, you can share your career goals in a way that supports your application. But be careful – although it may be tempting to answer this interview question by talking about the reasons why you want to leave your current employer, this part of your answer should instead be centred around why you want the role within this new organisation. Avoid complaining about your current role and organisation at all costs. Have a positive rather than negative outlook.

By framing your answer in this context, you show your potential employer that you’re interested and enthusiastic in the role and that what you read in the job description aligns with your career plans and ambitions. Your interviewer can then understand exactly why you are sitting in front of them and are a suitable candidate for the role.

5. Include an anecdote

Incorporate a brief anecdote that highlights a specific experience or achievement relevant to the job description. This narrative can help illustrate your technical expertise, organisational skills, and problem-solving abilities in a practical context, making your answer more memorable.

6. Highlight strengths and address weaknesses

Keep your answer relevant by supporting your skills and competencies with measurable examples and hard facts. This allows you to bring your skills to life with quantifiable evidence, such as:

The number of team members you’ve managed
The dollar value of contracts you’ve negotiated
The volume of tasks you’ve delivered in a set timeframe
The percentage of targets you’ve hit

While the main focus should be on your strengths, it can be beneficial to briefly mention a weakness and the steps you’ve taken to improve. This shows your ability and desire to learn from experiences — qualities every career coach would commend.

7. Describe how the role fits your career goals

Share your career goals in a way that supports your application. Tailor your answer to align with the role and the company's specific needs. Identify the key skills and relevant experience mentioned in the job description and emphasise those in your response. This tailored approach demonstrates that you’ve done your research and understand the company's hiring process.

By framing your answer in this context, you show your potential employer that you’re enthusiastic about the role and that the position aligns with your career plans and ambitions. This approach allows the interviewer to clearly see why you applied for the job and more importantly, why you're the right candidate for the position.

8. Speak for about one minute

Aim to deliver your answer in approximately one minute. This forces you to be clear and concise. An overly long answer may dilute your message, while a too brief one might miss key points. Your goal is to provide a brief overview that sparks the interviewer’s interest and leads to follow-up questions.

9. Practice, but don’t memorise

Knowing how to introduce yourself in an interview takes preparation. After all, practice makes perfect. By preparing your answer in advance, you’ll help navigate any potential nerves and know exactly what to say to make a good first impression.

Rehearse your answer so that it flows naturally and confidently, yet avoid memorising it word-for-word. This helps ensure that you sound authentic and adaptable during the interview process. Practice with a friend, or an interview coach, or even record yourself to refine your delivery.

Sample answers for “Tell me about yourself”

Below are sample answers tailored to various interview scenarios.

Interviewing for a similar role at a new company

Sample answer:

“I am a business management graduate with a Masters in Digital Marketing. Since leaving university, I have pursued a marketing career in the sports industry.

“During my time in the industry, I’ve expanded my digital marketing skills, particularly my email marketing skills. I have a real strength in delivering emails that make people take action. I believe that these skills are best highlighted by my recent email marketing campaign, in which I increased our conversion rate by 10%.

“My previous organisation helped me develop the digital skills I have today. However, I believe that for the sake of progressing my expertise further, it’s time to move on. Therefore, I’ve commenced my job search to look for a more challenging role within a fast-paced global organisation, where there is plenty of room for me to grow as a marketing professional. That’s why I was so pleased to be invited to interview for this role.”

Why it works: This answer highlights the candidate’s background, relevant skills, and passion for growth, while also aligning with the company’s values and job requirements.

Interviewing for a similar role in a new industry

Sample answer:

“In my current role in the financial sector, I’ve developed strong analytical and problem-solving skills that I believe are highly transferable. I’ve always been fascinated by the tech industry, and I’m eager to apply my expertise in data analysis and risk management to a field that is rapidly evolving. I have taken extra courses in computer science to ensure that my technical skills are up to date. I’m enthusiastic about this opportunity because I see it as a chance to combine my solid analytical background with my passion for technology.”

Why it works: The answer effectively explains the candidate’s career path from one industry to another, emphasising a proactive approach to career advancement and acquiring new skills.

Transitioning from an agency role to an in-house

Sample answer:

“After several years working with a leading recruitment agency, where I managed diverse client portfolios and honed my skills in talent acquisition, I’m ready for a change. I’m looking to join an in-house team where I can contribute more directly to shaping the company’s workforce strategy. My experience has equipped me with a deep understanding of what both candidates and companies need for a successful match, and I’m excited to bring this expertise to your organisation. I’m particularly impressed with how your company invests in employee growth and fosters a collaborative environment.”

Why it works: The answer effectively explains the candidate’s career path from one industry to another, emphasising a proactive approach to career advancement and acquiring new skills.

Transitioning from an agency role to an in-house

Sample answer:

Why it works: This answer highlights the candidate’s professional journey, organisational skills, and understanding of company culture while addressing the positive reasons behind the career move.

Interviewing for a manager/leadership role

Sample answer:

“In my current position as a team lead, I have successfully managed a group of 10 professionals, driving projects that have significantly improved our operational efficiency. I’ve focused on developing strong organisational skills and strategic planning abilities throughout my career. I’m now seeking a managerial role where I can lead larger teams and drive strategic initiatives on a broader scale. I’m passionate about mentorship and fostering a collaborative environment, and I believe my leadership style aligns well with your company’s emphasis on innovation and team development.”

Why it works: The candidate provides a clear narrative of their professional development and leadership experience, making a strong case for their readiness to step into a higher-level role.

Interviewing as a recent graduate

Sample answer:

“I recently graduated with a degree in Computer Science, where I developed a strong foundation in software development, problem-solving, and data analysis. During my studies, I completed several internships that allowed me to apply my technical abilities in real-world settings and collaborate with diverse teams. I’m eager to start my career in an environment that values innovation and continuous learning, and I’m particularly excited about the opportunities your company offers for training and career development. I believe my academic background and internship experiences have prepared me well to contribute effectively to your team.”

Why it works: This response is tailored to a candidate with a limited career history, focusing on technical skills and the enthusiasm to learn and grow within a new role.

Interviewing for a career change

Sample answer:

“After a successful decade in marketing, I’m transitioning into project management because I’ve discovered a passion for process improvement and team leadership. Over the years, I’ve developed excellent organisational skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage cross-functional teams. I have taken additional courses to bolster my project management credentials, ensuring that my transition is smooth and informed. I’m excited about this opportunity because it represents the perfect blend of my previous experience and my future career aspirations, and I’m confident that my skills will bring significant value to your team.”

Why it works: This answer clearly outlines the reasons behind the career change while emphasising the candidate’s relevant expertise, professional background, and commitment to career progression.

For more interview advice download your copy of the Hays Interview Guide.