How to answer the question, “Tell me about yourself”

The dreaded “Tell me about yourself” interview question can leave even the most seasoned professionals flustered. This open-ended question breaks the ice, gauges your confidence, and assesses your communication skills. A good response is critical for leaving a great first impression and demonstrating your preparedness. Conveying your skills, qualifications, and personality effectively is truly an art form.

If you’re worried about what to say in an interview when this question comes up, we’re here to help. We’ll provide insights and advice to help you tailor your “Tell me about yourself” interview answer to cater to the role, industry, and company culture.

The “Tell me about yourself” question is used in job interviews across different industries and experience levels, from entry-level positions to executive roles. Interviewers frequently use it to set the tone and let candidates introduce themselves in their own words. While it’s most commonly asked in job interviews, it can also come up in other professional contexts, like networking events, informational interviews, or meeting new colleagues or clients.

The phrasing of this question can look different, but the essence of the question stays the same. Here are some examples of “Tell me about yourself” in other words.

• “Walk me through your resume.”
• “Tell me more about your background.”
• “Give me a brief overview of your experience and interests.”
• “Describe your career journey so far.”

Preparing a thought-out response can help you make a lasting impression. Below are some tips for what to say in an interview.

Find the right balance between highlighting your professional achievements and providing insights into your personality. Share relevant details about your work experience, education, and skills, but also share a bit about your values, interests, and what motivates you.

Talk about your technical abilities (hard skills) and interpersonal skills (soft skills) related to the job position and industry. Employers want a well-rounded employee with the necessary knowledge and ability to work with others effectively.

Keep in mind who you’re talking to. Research the interviewer’s background to respond appropriately. For example, if you’re interviewing with an HR manager, you may want to offer more generic answers than you would if you were interviewing with the head of the department. Identify critical areas your skills and experience can address and emphasize those in your introduction.

The format of your responses can vary depending on the type of interview. You have limited space for written responses, so focus on clarity and keep things concise. Video interviews should balance engaging body language and a well-structured answer. Live interviews allow for a more conversational approach, where you can adapt and expand on specific points based on the interviewer’s reaction.

Use your interview as an opportunity to make a good impression. Create a compelling answer highlighting your unique strengths, accomplishments, and passion for the role or industry. Share specific examples that showcase your skills and achievements in action, making your introduction more engaging and impactful.

Customize your response to the position and industry you’re interviewing for. Research the role’s responsibilities and requirements, and discuss your most relevant experience, skills, and qualities. Demonstrate your understanding of the industry’s challenges and trends and how your background has prepared you to contribute meaningfully.

In addition to the role and industry, it’s crucial to tailor your answer to the company you’re interviewing with. Research the company’s values, culture, mission, and recent successes. Your introduction should demonstrate how your goals and values align with their company’s and how your skills can make a difference.

While providing enough detail is important, try to keep your answer brief and focused. A well-structured, one- to two-minute response is generally best for most interviews. Practice your introduction beforehand so you can be confident and stay within a shorter time frame.

Keep a positive and professional tone throughout your answer to “Tell me about yourself.” Avoid criticizing past employees, colleagues, or situations, as this can reflect poorly on your judgment and attitude. Instead, highlight the valuable lessons and experiences you gained.

If the position involves client interactions or working with external stakeholders, demonstrate an understanding of the client base and how your skills and experience can contribute to their success. Discuss your ability to build strong relationships, understand different perspectives, and provide exceptional service.

To help you develop an effective response, we’ll explore a few examples of how to answer “Tell me about yourself” in different scenarios.

“To give you a brief overview of my background, I graduated from [university] with a degree in [major]. I’ve spent the last few years at [company] as a [role], developing skills in [2-3 relevant skills]. I’m passionate about [industry] and have had success with projects like [achievement] that allowed me to grow abilities such as [soft skills].

What draws me to this role is the chance to apply my experience to the company’s mission and goals. My background has prepared me with [relevant qualities] needed to tackle complex challenges head-on. Outside of work, I enjoy [hobby/interest], which has helped improve skills like [transferable skills].”

“While my background is primarily in [previous industry], I’ve developed transferable skills that make me a strong fit for this position. My experience in [relevant skills] has prepared me to adapt to new environments quickly. I also love learning and am passionate about [industry or company mission]. Outside of work, I enjoy [hobby/interest], which has improved my [relevant soft skill].”

“I’ve been passionate about [industry] since I began [relevant experience/education]. I’ve consistently sought growth opportunities throughout my career, leading to [accomplishments]. What excites me most about this role is the opportunity to [align with company goals], where I can use my relevant skills, like [skills], to drive meaningful results.

For example, in my previous role at [company], I led [specific project/initiative] that resulted in [achievement]. This experience demonstrates my abilities with [hard skill] and [soft skill]. I’m confident that my unique combination of skills and passion for [industry] make me a great candidate for this position.”

“While I’m [recent graduate/transitioning from another career], I’ve always had a strong interest in [relevant industry]. During my [education or previous experience], I gained valuable skills like [relevant skills] that have prepared me for this role. I’m excited to apply [relevant soft skills] and a fresh perspective to contribute to the company’s goals. Outside of work, I enjoy [hobby/interest], which has taught me [relevant transferable skill].”

YouScience^® Aptitude & Career Discovery helps individuals discover their strengths and how they impact their work and daily life.

The results provide personalized descriptions of how you work, tackle projects, make decisions, and the types of environments you will likely thrive in. All of this information can be used when applying for college scholarships, as they typically ask you to describe yourself and name your strengths.

Whether preparing for job interviews, applying for scholarships, or exploring career options, YouScience^® provides the tools and insights to help you present your best self and find the best-fit opportunities. Discover how YouScience can help you find your pathway.