Tell Me About Yourself: How to Answer This Classic Interview Question
"Tell me about yourself" is almost always the first question in a job interview. It's your chance to set the tone, showcase your communication skills, and make a memorable first impression. But how do you answer it in a way that's both authentic and strategic?
Why Do Interviewers Ask This Question?
Interviewers use this question to:
- Break the ice and start the conversation
- Assess your ability to organize and present information
- Evaluate your self-awareness and confidence
- See how you prioritize what's most relevant about your background
What Are They Really Assessing?
When you answer, interviewers are looking for:
- Professional maturity and self-awareness
- Ability to prioritize relevant information
- Career progression and growth mindset
- Alignment between your experience and the role
- Clarity, conciseness, and storytelling ability
How to Structure Your Answer
A strong answer follows a simple structure:
1. Present
Start with your current role and 1-2 key achievements.
2. Past
Briefly mention relevant past experiences that shaped your career.
3. Future
Connect your background to why you are interested in this role and company.
Example Answer
"I'm currently a product manager at Acme Corp, where I led the launch of our new mobile app, increasing user retention by 30%. Previously, I worked at Beta Inc, where I developed my skills in cross-functional leadership. I'm excited about this opportunity at Revarta because I'm passionate about building products that help people grow in their careers."
Tips for a Great Response
- Keep your answer professional and focused on work experience
- Aim for 1-2 minutes (about 200-300 words)
- Practice your delivery to sound natural, not rehearsed
- End with why you're excited about this opportunity
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Starting with personal details or childhood stories
- Reciting your entire resume chronologically
- Including too many irrelevant details
- Speaking for too long (over 2 minutes)
- Not connecting your experience to the role