Tell me about yourself

How to answer “Tell me about yourself” in an interview

“Tell me about yourself” sounds simple but it’s one of the most important questions in any interview.

It’s often the very first thing they ask and how you answer can shape the tone for everything that follows.

This isn’t just an icebreaker. It’s a positioning opportunity.

Handled well, it shows clarity, confidence, and self-awareness. Handled poorly, it can derail your momentum before you even begin.

Why interviewers ask this question

They want to see how well you can:

• 🧭 Tell a cohesive story about your background
• 🎯 Focus on what’s relevant to the role
• 🧠 Think and speak strategically, not just list your résumé

They’re not looking for your life story. They’re looking for a confident, professional summary of who you are and why you’re here.

How to structure your answer (the 3-Part Formula)

Here’s a simple but powerful way to answer:

1. Present: What are you doing now?
2. Past: How did you get here?
3. Future: Why this role and this company?

Example answer (mid-career)

“Sure! I’m currently a project manager at [Company], where I lead cross-functional teams on digital transformation projects. I’ve been in this role for about 3 years, and one of my proudest moments was launching a system-wide update that improved delivery speed by 25%.

Before that, I was in operations, which gave me a strong foundation in workflows and process design. Over the years, I’ve grown passionate about building systems that scale and supporting the people behind them.

What drew me to this opportunity is the chance to work on higher-impact, customer-facing products, and to be part of a team that’s really shaping the user experience from the ground up.”

Example answer (early-career or recent grad)

“Absolutely. I recently graduated from [University] with a degree in communications, where I focused on digital media and content strategy. During school, I interned at [Company], where I helped launch a campaign that grew their Instagram following by 40%.

I’ve always been drawn to storytelling and user psychology and after that internship, I knew I wanted to work in a team that combines creativity with data.

This role feels like a great fit because it’s a chance to build on that foundation and grow inside a team that values both voice and impact.”

Tips for making your answer great

• 🧩 Tailor your answer to the role, highlight the most relevant parts
• 🧠 Think “positioning,” not just chronology, what’s the through-line?
• 🕐 Keep it concise: around 1–2 minutes
• 🗣️ Practice out loud, clarity comes with repetition

What to avoid

❌ Going too personal

This isn’t the time to talk about your pets, hobbies, or where you grew up, unless it directly ties to your professional path.

❌ Listing your résumé word for word

They already have it. Tell a story, don’t read a bullet list.

❌ Being vague or rambling

If you start with “Well, that’s a tough question…” or talk in circles, it signals unpreparedness.

Bonus: How to adjust based on experience level

• Senior-level: Emphasize leadership, impact, and strategy
• Mid-career: Highlight growth, versatility, and business outcomes
• Entry-level: Focus on transferable skills, education, and curiosity

Final thought: Start strong, stay grounded

“Tell me about yourself” sets the tone for the whole interview. Done well, it builds connection, trust, and curiosity and shows you’re someone who knows who you are and what you’re here to do.