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June 7, 2022
When it comes to interviews, there are a few questions that are guaranteed to crop up. One of the most common (and often tricky) is “tell me about yourself”
Your answer to this question will give the interviewer a snapshot of who you are and what kind of worker you are likely to be. It’s important to strike the right balance – you don’t want to sound too rehearsed or like you’re reciting your resume, but at the same time, you don’t want to waffle on aimlessly.
With a bit of practice and preparation, you can answer this question with confidence and clarity and still make it sound like it’s the first time you’ve ever said it. In this guide, we’ll explore why interviewers ask this question, what they want to hear, and how you can answer it with confidence. We’ll also share some examples to get you started.
The first step in preparing to answer this question is understanding why interviewers ask it. There are a few reasons:
Now that we know why interviewers ask “tell me about yourself,” let’s look at what they actually want to hear. Your answer should give the interviewer a snapshot of who you are and what kind of worker you are likely to be.
When preparing your answer, make sure to keep the following in mind:
Your answer should be concise, so aim for around one minute to 90 seconds. When you have finished answering the question, you can ask, “would you like me to elaborate on anything?” This gives them the opportunity to ask further questions about specific things you have mentioned.
Your answer should be relevant to the role you’re interviewing for. This means that you should tailor the information to the job description, and include everything that is relevant to the job. You should focus on highlighting the skills and experience that are most relevant to the role.
Try to avoid repeating information from your CV word-for-word. They already have your CV and cover letter, so try to flesh out this information by sharing your motivations, your goals and where you see your career going.
You can mention some personal things at the end and this can help you to create a connection with those interviewing you. For example, you might be an avid sports fan, follow a particular team or have an unusual hobby. Don’t dwell on the details, but feel free to mention this briefly.
Let’s break down the question so we can understand it better. Tell me about yourself sounds quite broad, so instead try to think of your answer in different parts:
When you break it down in this way, it becomes a lot easier to come up with a highly focused answer.
Now let’s look at some examples of how you might answer this question. Remember, your answer should be concise and tailored to the role you are applying for.
“I’m currently studying for a Master’s degree in Marketing at XYX University. I chose to study marketing because I’m passionate about understanding consumer behaviour and finding creative ways to communicate with customers. In my previous role, I worked as a sales assistant in a high-end fashion retail store. This involved working closely with customers, so I developed strong interpersonal skills. I’m interested in this role because it will allow me to use my creativity and knowledge of the latest trends to contribute to marketing campaigns with real-world impact. In my spare time, I like to spend a lot of time outdoors and stay active.”
“I studied computer science at university where I was also the leader of a charity initiative bringing STEM projects into deprived communities. I’ve been working as a web developer for the past three years. I started my career as a junior developer and quickly progressed to a more senior role. In my current job, I manage a team of developers and we work on a variety of projects. I’m interested in this role because it will allow me to use my experience to lead a team and work on interesting projects. When I’m not working, I like to stay active by playing tennis and going for runs.”
“I studied communications and university but didn’t manage to complete the final year of my degree due to family commitments. I’ve worked in customer service for the past five years. I started out in a call centre and then progressed to a management position. In my current job, I manage a team of customer service representatives. I’m interested in this role because it would give me the flexibility to study while I work so I can finish my final year of university part-time and achieve my degree. Outside of work, I’m an avid music fan and like to attend a few gigs per month.”
“I studied accounting at university in The Netherlands. I’ve worked as an accountant for the past five years. I started my career in a small accounting firm and then progressed to a more senior role in a larger organization. In my current job, I manage a team of accountants and we work on a variety of projects. I’m interested in this role because it will allow me to use my experience to lead a team and work on interesting projects. When I’m not working, I like to spend time with my family and friends. I recently built a brick pizza oven in my garden so I’ve been perfecting my sourdough pizza base recipe.”
“I’m currently studying for a Master’s degree in PR. I chose to study PR because I’m passionate about understanding the latest trends in the industry. In my previous role, I worked as a research assistant for a big data project. This helped me to gain a solid understanding of statistical analysis which is surprisingly versatile. This paved the way for me to train as a big data analyst for a top market research firm in Bristol. I’m now looking to expand my knowledge and expertise in the field.”
“I studied engineering at university and then landed my first role as an engineering assistant for a local council. This allowed me to shape my career in the direction of civil engineering. I’m now keen to explore this field further by working for a company with more experience in delivering large projects. I’m also interested in this role because it will give me the opportunity to learn more about the construction process and how to manage a team effectively.”
These are just a few examples of how you can answer this question with confidence and clarity.
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