How to Answer, ‘Tell Me About Yourself,’ in a Job Interview

When an interviewer asks, “Tell me about yourself,” they are essentially asking you to provide a brief summary of your professional background, skills, and experience. Here are some tips to help you answer this question effectively. Remember to practice your response beforehand, so you can confidently and effectively answer this common interview question

Table of contents

Keep it professional
Highlight your skills and experience
Be concise
Focus on what sets you apart
Be positive
Example of answers
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Keep it professional

The interviewer wants to know about your professional experience, so focus on that. Avoid discussing personal details that are not relevant to the job

Highlight your skills and experience

Start by highlighting your most relevant experience and skills that relate to the job you’re applying for. This could include your education, past work experience, or specific skills and achievements

Be concise

While you want to provide enough detail to give the interviewer a sense of your background and qualifications, you don’t want to ramble on for too long. Aim to keep your response to around 2-3 minutes

Focus on what sets you apart

Highlight what makes you unique and different from other candidates. This could be a special skill or experience that you have that would be beneficial for the job.

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Be positive

Avoid any negative comments about your previous employers or colleagues. Instead, focus on your achievements and what you have learned from your experiences

Example of answers

I am a highly motivated and experienced professional with over 5 years of experience in project management. In my previous role at XYZ company, I successfully managed several large-scale projects and consistently met or exceeded project goals. I am skilled in developing project plans, timelines, and budgets, and I have experience collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve project objectives. I believe my strong communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to work well under pressure make me a great fit for this role

In my current role, I have developed and executed successful social media campaigns that have increased engagement and conversions by 20%

Sure, I’d be happy to tell you about myself. I have [X years of experience] in [industry/field], where I have developed strong skills in [specific skills or areas of expertise]. I’m particularly excited about this opportunity at [company], because I’m drawn to the company’s mission and values [provide examples]. In my previous role at [company], I was able to [provide an example of a specific accomplishment or project]. I’m confident that my experience and skills will enable me to contribute to [company’s] success in [specific ways].

Conclusion

It’s important to remember that the interviewer is not asking for your life story, but rather wants to know why you are a good fit for the position and the company. Remember that this is your chance to make a good impression, so make sure to speak clearly, confidently, and with enthusiasm.