How to Respond to ‘Tell Me About Yourself’ in an Interview

In this article, job seekers will learn how to answer the common request “tell me about yourself.” We break down the reason why interviewers ask this question, as well as offer examples of different ways to properly answer it in a way that will impress the hiring manager or recruiter. We also offer a formula to make answering a breeze.

Socrates repeatedly told his students: “Know thyself.” And you do, right? But here’s a difficult question to answer on the spur of the moment: “Tell me about yourself.”

If you ask 10 people how to answer interview questions like “tell me about yourself,” you may receive 10 different answers. The worst part is that it is not a surprise question, because interviewers always ask. And it can be a make-or-break question during the interview.?

The question, which oftentimes makes interviewees nervous, is meant to put you at ease. But interviewers aren’t looking for your life story here. Prepare to give a brief, professional summary of your work, your accomplishments and your goals.

“Leave out the overview of every single role/thing you've done over your career,” said career coach at The Interview Beast, Will Rippetoe. “It's way too much info. They have your resume, they'll ask you about something if they're interested.”

Why Do Interviewers Ask It?

The question throws some candidates, but interviewers don’t ask to knock you off balance. It is an icebreaker, but from a more professional view, it offers you the chance to lead with your strengths and direct the conversation in a way most conducive to your preferences.

In short, the question sets the direction for the interview on the interviewee’s terms. But there is still a pop-quiz element to it. Recruiters want interviewees to show them that they can think on their feet. Creativity, abstract thinking and eagerness to take on problems are much-prized soft skills that a resume or cover letter can’t display reliably, and that no job can teach quickly or easily.?

“This question can cause a lot of anxiety, because it’s so open-ended and people don’t know where to start,” said certified career coach Anne Genduso. “Some candidates try winging it, but it’s important to prepare your response, because it can lay the groundwork for the rest of the interview.”

A Formula for Answering ‘Tell Me About Yourself’

Jessica Hernandez, LinkedIn executive resume writer, is succinct, “One of the biggest mistakes I see job seekers make when sharing their elevator pitch is they go all the way back to the beginning of their career history and they tell their whole bio. That’s not necessary and it’s not what the employer (or your network contact) is expecting when they ask ‘What do you do?’ or ‘Tell me about yourself.’”

Hernandez recommends creating a solid elevator pitch in three steps:

1. Give them your current position title.
2. Share three strengths or three areas where you add value.
3. Let them know what you want to do next.

In one sense, it couldn’t be simpler. But it is also a complex nexus of conditions you want to address in a brief and relevant manner. Your current position title may require some explanation; you may even have to explain a current period of non-employment.

In order to share the value you would add, it is important to research the company you’re applying to. It sounds obvious, but can make you stand out from the crowd, especially when listing strengths or areas that could be beneficial to the company.?

The final step is to discuss where you want to grow and your career goals. This could get a little tricky because you’re applying for a certain job, not the promotion you hope to get later. Make sure you balance how this position is a part of your long-term goals.?

After you answer questions, recruiters often ask if you have questions about the company or role. Even if you don’t, it is important to ask at least one question. Broadus Palmer, a career coach that specializes in helping people break into the tech field, says you should answer the question, “Do you have any questions?” with a question: “Always ask about the day-to-day. Ask about what does success mean in your role. Ask about the tech stack. Ask about challenges.”?

Or, as he sums it up, “Ask anything, basically.” Asking even simple questions lets interviewers know you’re involved in the process and interested in the position.??

Tips for Answering ‘Tell Me About Yourself’

First impressions matter, whether in person or digitally. Most interviewers can see the upper portion of your body as well as your background, so ensure you’re dressed professionally for an interview and your background is clean and free of clutter and distractions.?

Also, focus on the impression you give with your answer.

“This is not the time to launch into a 20-minute monologue about your life history,” Genduso said. “As a hiring manager, I once had a candidate talk nonstop after that initial question, which left very little time for other questions and discussion. That can send an unintended message about your communications skills by signaling you’re more interested in speaking than listening, interacting or learning about the company.”

Keep It Relevant to the Company You’re Applying to

Interviewers likely won’t ask detailed questions about the company, but you do want to understand what the position has in common with your current position.?

If the two positions aren’t obviously related, you’ll have to draw similarities and comparisons where you can. Lean heavily on relevant experience. Content writer and client liaison are not necessarily related positions, but they both work to make others’ visions come true. They also likely both have experience speaking with clients to determine project stipulations and requirements.

“If there are past experiences that demonstrate you are qualified for this job, speak to this when telling your ‘concise’ story,” said diversity recruitment trainer and career coach Jenn Tardy. “Leave out information that is irrelevant and distracting because it does not enhance your value. For example, it is OK to share your volunteer experience only if it positions you as more qualified for the role. Leave it out if it has nothing to do with the role.”

Be Earnest but Professional

You want your interviewer to know you want the job. But you don’t need to let them know quite how much you want it. Express sincere enthusiasm but remain professional and answer the question calmly. Don’t be devoid of emotion and make it clear you want the position, but don’t go on for several sentences about how much of a dream job it is. Interviewers may not find that sincere.

“If there's something you have in common that you know will drive significant rapport (i.e. you both went to Texas A&M or a school that has a ton of pride), then feel free to mention it,” Rippetoe said. “But if it's something surface level (i.e. you are both from Maryland), leave it out unless they ask.”

Don’t Be a Robo-Candidate

Don’t memorize and recite your CV—they already have that. It is a missed opportunity for you to express yourself and make a great impression. Instead, just focus on sharing your knowledge and experience and how it can relate to the position.

“If you have knowledge, skills and experience that positions you as more qualified for the role — even if it is volunteer or freelance, or a hobby — include this,” Tardy said. “It can be an added bonus.”

Stay Positive

You’re looking to leave your previous position because something about it doesn’t fit you anymore. However, interviewers are not looking for you to air your grievances with your current or last company while talking about your experience.?

Being negative about your day-to-day work, co-workers, or any element of your previous job doesn’t give a professional impression.?

Sample Answers

Here are some scripts that could help you build your own answer to the question, “Tell me about yourself.”

1. Currently I’m an importer-exporter at a mid-level Ohio-based firm, where I handle large-scale customer invoices. I’ve been with them for 10 years. But I’m looking for something with a greater reach; [your company] is just the kind of future-minded agency I’d fit right in with.
2. Thanks for asking! I’ve always been a writer, as well as a public speaker and, in my own way, a teacher and mentor, to both former classmates and to junior employees. This tracks all the way back to my university days: I was both a TA and editor of the school literary journal. After school, I got a job as a social media producer for the Human Fund. I found that I loved direct marketing, and after supplementing my work with additional classes and seminars, Human Fund promoted me to senior market analyst. That’s where my passion lies, all the more so if I’m aboard with a company whose mission I believe in. Pillsbury is just that company.?
3. I’ve been with SL Jackson for some time now. We do great, justice-oriented work, and I’ve been able to excel in my position as senior copywriter there. When I saw a notice for your company, I jumped. I’m ambitious and flexible. I see you’re based across the country from me. But given the chance to work alongside everyone, I’d gladly relocate.?

Other Common Questions Like ‘What is Your Weakness’ and How to Answer Them

Other interview questions often dreaded by job candidates include:?

• “What is your biggest weakness?” The “what is your weakness” question sounds like a trap. It isn’t, of course. It is yet another opportunity for you to bring your successes, character, and ambitions out into the light. You want to be honest, and not just give yourself a backhanded compliment such as, “I work too hard,” or, “I take direction too well.” Be genuine and focus on an area that you do well in but could improve. This shows that you’re aware of your weaknesses and are striving to improve. This can even lead to company-directed learning and development opportunities down the line, should you get hired.

“If someone asks what your weaknesses are, I recommend stating that you always try to assess what your weaknesses are (as they pertain to your role), and then try to improve them,” Rippetoe said. “Then give an example of a relevant example, how you discovered it was a weakness, what you did to improve it, and how it's no longer a weakness. Quantify it if possible, i.e. ‘I have no longer had this issue in the past two years since addressing it.’

“This shows a growth mindset and self-awareness, which is really what they're assessing with that question.”

• “What does your future look like with our company?” Again, this can sound like a trap but it’s not. It can be hard to answer, being that you have no inside information regarding how the company’s doing financially, but that’s not what the interviewer is asking. Answer this question in terms of the position that you’re applying to, and project what future-you sees: How will you have had a positive impact? What initiatives had you spearheaded during your time there? Companies want to grow; that takes place at every touchpoint.?
• “Show me how you’d teach a five-year-old to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.” Many interviewers throw in a curveball. These can sound silly or unrelated to professional work, but they use them to really get you to think on your feet, get a sense of your problem-solving abilities and address some of the underlying, job-relevant themes hidden in a seemingly randomized question.?

Knowing how to ace these questions can be the difference in moving on to the second round of interviews or receiving a job offer. These examples can help you craft an answer to these tricky questions so you are prepared for your next interview.?

(Reporting by Todd Dybas and NPD)