When an interviewer asks, “Tell me about yourself,” it may seem like a straightforward question. After all, who knows you better than yourself? However, despite its apparent simplicity, this question can be surprisingly tricky, often serving as the first hurdle in an interview—whether you’re in a preliminary phone screening, speaking with your potential boss, or in the final round with a company’s CEO.
You might be wondering: What exactly are they looking for? Should you give a brief history of your career, or dive into a detailed account of your professional journey?
Your interviewer doesn’t need to hear that you imagine yourself as the next Zendaya in a biopic of your life. Instead, this question is your chance to craft a compelling narrative that sets the tone for the rest of the interview. Preparing in advance will allow you to use this opportunity to highlight your strengths and align yourself with the role you’re aiming for.
Why Do Interviewers Ask This Question?
It’s no accident that this question is typically the first one asked. According to leadership coach Emma Rodriguez, founder of Elevate Coaching, it helps both the interviewer and the interviewee ease into the conversation. “Often, it’s a way to transition from small talk to the more serious part of the interview, especially for less experienced recruiters,” Rodriguez says. Both parties might be nervous, and this question offers a soft start.
This opener also sets the stage for the rest of the interview. According to career coach and executive consultant Jake Patel, “Your answer will often dictate the direction of the conversation, leading to follow-up questions and allowing the interviewer to get a deeper sense of who you are.”
Variations of “Tell Me About Yourself”
While you might hear the exact words, “Tell me about yourself,” interviewers often have their own versions of this prompt. Here are some common alternatives:
- “I have your resume here, but could you tell me more about yourself?”
- “Walk me through your resume.”
- “I’d love to hear more about your career journey.”
- “Can you give me some background on your experience?”
How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself”
To create a concise and compelling response, consider the following structure:
What to Include
Your answer should be tailored to the role and company, but in general, it should:
- Highlight why you’re the best candidate, emphasizing both hard and soft skills.
- Provide an overview of your professional history, current role, and future goals.
- Show that you’ve researched the company and see this role as a logical step in your career.
- Demonstrate your ability to communicate clearly and professionally.
A Simple Formula
Career coach Lily Zhang recommends a straightforward formula to structure your response:
- Present: Briefly discuss your current role, its scope, and a recent accomplishment.
- Past: Explain how you arrived at your current position, mentioning relevant experience.
- Future: Share what you’re looking to do next and why this role is a great fit.
You can adjust this formula based on your story. For example, if you have a compelling backstory that led you into your field, you might start with that before moving on to your present role.
Regardless of the order, always tie your answer back to the job and the company. As Patel advises, ensure your response concludes with why you’re interested in this role and how it makes perfect sense for you to be discussing it with the interviewer.
5 Bonus Tips for Crafting Your Answer
- First Impressions Matter “We only get one chance to make a first impression,” says career coach and recruiter Steven Davis. “Most hiring decisions are made in the first minute,” which includes your greeting, handshake, eye contact, and your answer to this question. Even if a decision isn’t made immediately, a strong start can positively influence the rest of the interview.
- Tailor Your Answer When an interviewer asks this question, they’re really asking, “Tell me about yourself as it relates to this position.” Take this opportunity to clearly articulate why you’re a strong candidate. Research the job and company so that your answer is tailored and shows why you’re a great fit.
- Know Your Audience Customize your answer depending on who you’re speaking to. A recruiter might appreciate a big-picture overview, while a potential manager might want more technical details. If you’re talking to a senior executive, focus on how you can help the company achieve its broader goals.
- Keep It Professional Stick to professional details unless you’re sure personal anecdotes are relevant. In the U.S., it’s typically best to avoid discussing family or hobbies at this point unless the company culture suggests otherwise.
- Speak With Passion While keeping it professional, don’t be afraid to show enthusiasm. If you’re passionate about your work or the company, let it shine through in your answer. A touch of passion can make you more memorable and help you stand out in a pool of candidates.
By carefully crafting your answer to “Tell me about yourself,” you can set a positive tone for the rest of the interview, making it clear why you’re the ideal candidate for the role.