“Tell me about yourself.” This job interview question seems simple, yet it’s one of the most common and important questions you’ll face. How you answer can set the tone for the rest of the interview and make a lasting impression. It’s your chance to showcase your experience, skills, and passion for the role.
Without a game plan, there can be endless possible answers roaming in our heads each time we have to face the “tell me about yourself” awkwardness. Prepare for your interview by following our help in this guide.
How to answer “tell me about yourself”
To craft a strong answer, use the Present-Past-Future formula. This approach helps you organize your thoughts and provide a clear, concise response. It ensures you cover all relevant parts of your background. This makes it easier for the interviewer to follow your story.
Here are a few ways you can showcase your qualifications.
- Present: Start by talking about your current role and major recent accomplishments. Describe your main responsibilities and highlight any significant achievements or projects. This sets the stage. It gives context about your current job and recent performance.
- Past: Explain how you got to where you are. Mention relevant past experiences. Discuss your education, past roles, and key skills you’ve developed over the years. Highlight any milestones. They show your growth. They also show your suitability for the position you’re seeking.
- Future: Wrap up by discussing what you’re looking to do next and why this role excites you. Explain how the position fits your career goals. Also, explain how you’ll contribute to the company. This part should show your excitement. It should show your readiness for new challenges in the role you’re applying for.
Examples for “tell me about yourself” best answer
Crafting a well-structured and tailored response to the “tell me about yourself” question can impress the interviewer. Even if you’re interview is over the phone, remembering your answers is going to help you when this question comes up.
Here are some “tell me about yourself” sample answers to guide you in creating your own. Use these examples as a foundation. Customize them to reflect your experiences and the job you’re applying for.
Here’s a couple of examples for candidates looking for a similar role at a new company:
“Sure! Currently, I’m a social media manager at XYZ Corp, where I handle all social media platforms and have increased engagement by 30% over the past year. Before that, I was at ABC Agency, where I managed several client accounts and developed successful campaigns. I’m passionate about making compelling content. I’m excited about the opportunity to bring my skills to your team. I want to help improve your social media presence.”
“Recently I was a project manager at XYZ Corp, where I managed multiple teams and increased productivity by 20% over the past two years. Before that, I was at 123 Agency, where I managed several client accounts and developed successful campaigns from start to finish. I’m passionate about managing people and I’m excited about the opportunity to bring my experience to your team and help enhance your presence in the industry.”
Here’s an example for a someone transitioning roles:
“I’m currently an account executive at Smith Agency. I handle our best client. Before that, I worked at an agency where I was on three different major national healthcare brands. While I enjoyed the work, I’m looking forward to focusing on a single healthcare company, which is why I’m excited about this opportunity with Metro Health Center.”
“I have over fifteen years of experience in the financial services industry, currently working as a senior financial analyst at ABC Financial. My role involves leading a team of analysts, developing financial models, and advising on investment strategies. One of my key achievements was spearheading a project that improved our forecasting accuracy by 20%. I’m now looking to take on a leadership role at your firm, where I can leverage my experience to drive strategic financial planning and mentor a new generation of analysts.”
Here’s two examples for a recent graduate:
“Absolutely! I graduated from Howard University in May with a degree in Computer Science. This summer, I interned at a theater nonprofit. I helped revamp their ticket sales page. This improved the user experience and increased sales by 20%. This internship reinforced my desire to merge my tech skills with my passion for the arts, and I’m excited about the opportunity to bring my skills to your team as a junior web developer.”
“I recently completed my PhD in XX at Stanford University, where I conducted extensive research on genetic markers in cancer. During my studies, I published several papers in top-tier journals and presented my findings at international conferences. I’m now eager to transition into the biotech industry, specifically in a research and development role at your company, where I can apply my expertise to develop innovative solutions for cancer treatment.”
Two examples for someone changing careers:
“I’ve spent the last decade in account management for SaaS startups, where I developed strong people management and training skills. Recently, I realized my passion lies in HR, particularly in training and development. I’ve led upskilling workshops that increased sales by 22% per quarter. I’m excited to move to HR to focus on training. I’m drawn to your company’s commitment to employee development.”
“For the past five years, I’ve been working as a high school English teacher, where I developed strong skills in communication, curriculum development, and classroom management. Recently, I completed a certification in web development and have been working on several freelance projects to build my portfolio. I’m passionate about technology and problem-solving, and I’m excited about the opportunity to bring my teaching skills and newfound coding abilities to your team as a junior web developer.”
And here are two examples for candidates looking for a higher position within the company:
“For the past five years, I’ve been working as a Marketing Manager here at XYZ Corp, where I’ve led a team of ten in executing successful campaigns that increased our brand’s market share by 25%. Prior to joining XYZ Corp, I was a Senior Marketing Specialist at ABC Inc., where I developed key strategies that boosted product sales by 30%. I’m excited about the opportunity to bring my leadership skills and strategic vision to the Director of Marketing role within our company, where I can further drive innovative marketing initiatives and contribute to our continued success.”
“Currently, I am the Team Lead for the software development team here at Tech Innovators, where I’ve overseen the successful launch of three major software products, improving our market position by 20%. Before joining Tech Innovators, I was a Senior Software Engineer at Dev Solutions, where I played a pivotal role in developing scalable solutions for clients. I’m eager to take on the role of Head of Software Development within our company, where I can leverage my technical expertise and leadership experience to drive impactful projects and mentor emerging talent.”
Did you know that you can actually track your interviews and keep notes on your prepared answers? Jobscan’s handy Job Tracker tool helps you stay organized and makes sure you’re always prepared for your next interview. Start using Job Tracker today to streamline your job search process!
Why interviewers ask this question
Interviewers often start with “tell me about yourself” to ease into the interview. It helps them get a snapshot of your background, soft skills, hard skills, and qualifications. This question sets the stage for deeper discussions. It helps them see why you’re a great fit for the role. By gauging your initial response, interviewers can tailor later questions. They will use them to explore your background in more detail.
Related: How to write your elevator pitch
Tips for crafting your answer
Crafting a good response to “tell me about yourself” takes careful thought. You must prepare. You want to present yourself in the best light while being concise and relevant. Here are some tips to help you create an engaging and effective answer.
- Be concise: Keep your answer brief and focused. Aim for a response that’s one to two minutes long. This ensures you maintain the interviewer’s attention without overloading them with information.
- Stay relevant: Tailor your answer to the job you’re applying for. Focus on experiences and skills that are most relevant. Avoid details about other jobs or personal stories. They don’t fit the position.
- Prepare before the interview: Practice your answer, but don’t memorize it word-for-word. Aim for a natural and conversational tone. This helps you sound more genuine and less rehearsed.
- Know your audience: Adjust your answer based on who you’re speaking to. It could be a recruiter, hiring manager, or team lead. Each may be looking for different aspects of your experience and skills.
- Keep it positive: Highlight your strengths and achievements. Avoid talking about negative experiences or personal issues. Focus on what you’ve learned and how you’ve grown from past roles.
Focus on what sets you apart
Imagine a hundred people applying for the same job as you. All of them meet the job requirements listed in the posting and are really good at what they do. And then there’s you.
What sets you apart from those hundred candidates? What gives you an edge? Those would be the things that define you in the eyes of someone who is meeting you for the first time.
Highlight what makes you unique. Share specific achievements and experiences that differentiate you from other candidates. Think about what unique perspective or skills you bring to the table. Use this opportunity to show how your qualities can help the company succeed.
Each one of us has something unique to offer. If you have no clue how to look for what sets you apart, ask someone who has worked with you: your leaders, colleagues or clients. How would they describe you? What do they remember you for? That’s a great place to start.
Related: How to answer “What are your salary expectations?”
Use your own voice
Imagine your interviewer sitting all day listening to candidates saying, “I’m a result-oriented XYZ professional with X number of years…” Get the picture?
The interviewer is there to have a human conversation and get to know who you are in real life. It’s a pretty tricky task on its own, considering a couple of relatively short interviews is all they have to do that. Stiff, robotic resume lingo doesn’t make it any easier for them to like you and understand what you have to offer.
Avoid clichés and jargon. Use language that feels natural to you. Your answer should sound like a conversation, not a rehearsed speech. Show enthusiasm and let your personality shine through. Being authentic can make your response more memorable and engaging. It helps you stand out as a genuine candidate. A job interview is, first and foremost, a conversation with an objective to get to know one another better.
Writing a thank you email after the interview is another great way use your own voice and stand out.
What’s in it for them?
Imagine that you’re an employer sitting across the table from you. Would you invest in you? Arer you prepared? Are you saying all the right things?
When asked a question, it’s best to relate your answer back to the company’s needs. Explain how your skills and experiences make you a perfect fit for the role. Also, explain how you can help the company achieve its goals. When you’re telling them about yourself, detail how that journey led you to this exciting opportunity. Showing this connection shows that you understand the company’s challenges. It also shows that you are ready to contribute well.
You don’t need to wait until you get asked “why should we hire you?” or “what makes you a great fit for the role?” It is the main reason why you’re having the interview in the first place. Telling them about yourself is your ultimate chance to convince them you’ got their phone call for the right reasons you’re the right person for the job.
Common variations of the “tell me about yourself” question
You might not always hear the exact words, “tell me about yourself.” Interviewers may use different phrasings and these variations all aim to gather the same basic information. Recognizing these forms can help you prepare. Understanding these other questions will also help you stay adaptable in your response.
- “Walk me through your resume.”
- “I’d love to hear more about your journey.”
- “Tell me a little bit more about your background.”
- “Describe yourself.”
- “Can you give me a brief overview of your background?”
- “What should I know about you?”
- “Walk me through your professional journey.”
Common mistakes to avoid
As you prepare for your interviews, it’s also vital to be aware of common pitfalls. They can weaken your response. Avoid these mistakes. It will help you seem confident and capable.
- Being too vague: Provide specific examples rather than general statements. This helps to clearly demonstrate your skills and achievements.
- Oversharing personal details: Keep your answer professional and relevant to the job. Personal details can sometimes detract from your professional qualifications.
- Rambling on and on: Stick to key points and avoid going off on tangents. A concise and focused response keeps the interviewer engaged.
- Using too much jargon: Avoid overloading your response with technical terms or industry jargon that the interviewer might not understand. Keep your language clear and accessible.
- Failing to connect with the role: Make sure your answer is tailored to the specific job you’re applying for. Highlight how your background and skills align with the responsibilities and goals of the position.
Interviews often cover more ground than just your background. Be ready for other common interview questions. Be ready for common behavioral questions so that you’re never surprised by anything. They help the interviewer see your qualifications and fit for the role. Remember that having great questions for your interviewer is also very important.
Preparing for these questions can boost your confidence. It can also boost your performance in the interview.
“Tell me about yourself” FAQ section
The best answer is concise, relevant, and tailored to the job you’re applying for. Use the Past-Present-Future formula. Start with your current role. Then, mention relevant past experiences. Finally, explain why you’re excited about the future opportunity.
If you lack professional experience, focus on your education. Highlight relevant projects, internships, and skills you can use in many jobs. Highlight your passion for the field and your eagerness to learn and contribute to the company.
To answer this question effectively, use the Present-Past-Future formula. Start with your current position and achievements. Then, summarize your past experiences. Finish by stating your future goals and how they match the job you’re applying for.
The interviewer wants to understand your background, skills, and how you fit into the role and company. They want insights into your career. Can you communicate well? Are you enthusiastic for the job?
Crafting sample answers helps you practice and refine your response. Ensure each answer is customized to reflect your experiences and the specific job you’re targeting. Use the Present-Past-Future formula to structure your response.
Interviewers ask this question to break the ice. They want to get an overview of your background and to understand why you are a good fit for the role. It helps them assess your communication skills, confidence, and relevance to the position.
