“Tell me about yourself.” It sounds simple, right? But this common interview opener can be surprisingly tricky, especially if you’re uncomfortable talking about yourself or haven’t thought through what you want to say. This basic question is your chance to set the tone for the interview and give a snapshot of who you are professionally and personally.
We’ll discuss what hiring managers want to hear and share some sample scripts you can use when an interview asks this open-ended question.
Why do interviewers ask you to talk about yourself?
This question is the perfect icebreaker, transitioning from casual small talk to the nitty-gritty of the interview. It’s also a chance for interviewers to get a sense of your personality, gauge how you organize your thoughts, and understand what you deem important about your background.
This opener isn’t just about warming up; it strategically sets up the conversation for deeper questions down the line. It also allows the interviewer to see how your experiences align with the job at hand.
What hiring managers are looking for
In addition to “Tell me about yourself,” there are other ways an interviewer might phrase this question, like “Tell me about your background” or “Walk me through your resume.” The goal is the same: to hear you describe yourself and your career in your own words. They are looking for a concise, engaging story that maps your journey up to this point. Hiring managers want to see:
- Confidence: How comfortably you talk about your experiences and skills.
- Relevance: How your past experiences have prepared you for this specific role.
- Enthusiasm: How passionate you are about your career and the potential job.
It’s also an opportunity to touch on any unique aspects of your career, like a gap year or a significant career shift, framing them in a positive light.
How to answer “Tell me about yourself”
Craft your story
Think of your career as a story with a beginning, middle, and end. Start by describing how you got started, the stops you made along the way, where you stand today, and where you hope to go next.
Highlight your passions
Link your professional narrative to what drives you. Whether it was a formative experience that led you to your current career or a specific aspect of your job that excites you, let your enthusiasm shine through. This makes your story more engaging and memorable.
Add a personal touch
While keeping it professional, weave in a hobby or interest that might resonate or stand out to your interviewer, such as a unique hobby or a volunteer commitment. This can help make you more relatable and memorable.
How not to answer
Don’t overwhelm them
Remember, this is the first question of many and is meant to help get things off the ground. Your answer shouldn’t be your entire life story; it should take only a few minutes.
Avoid controversial topics
Unless you’re interviewing for a job where these things are directly relevant, it’s best to leave potentially divisive topics like religion and politics out of your answer.
Skip the family details
While your two kids or the older relative you care for are undoubtedly a huge part of your life, sharing details about your family during the hiring process can lead to bias. Intentional or not, it could be grounds for a discrimination claim if you don’t get the job. As a result, most employers would prefer that candidates refrain from sharing familial details. On your end, it’ll help ensure you’re assessed as objectively as possible.
Steer clear of your side hustle
While having side hustles that also help you earn money is fine, leaving them out of your interview is best. If you mention having a side hustle, you risk the hiring manager worrying that it’ll distract you from your full-time job or that you might leave suddenly if your outside venture takes off.
Sample answers to “Tell me about yourself”
Example #1
“I’ve always been passionate about environmental conservation, which led me to study environmental science in college. During my internships, I worked on several conservation projects, which solidified my desire to work in this field. After graduating, I joined a nonprofit focused on global reforestation efforts, managing projects from conception to execution. Seeing your organization’s commitment to sustainable practices, I am excited about the opportunity to bring my project management skills and environmental passion to your team.”
Example #2
“I’ve been riding horses since I was a kid. I used to spend the summers at my aunt and uncle’s farm, where I learned to ride and even gave lessons to younger children when I was older. I’ve done everything from cleaning stables to ordering supplies–no job is off-limits if something needs to get done. When I saw your ad for a new ranch manager, I was thrilled because it fits my background perfectly.”
Be honest in your answer—ideally, you don’t want just any job, but one that fits you well. Tie your response to the job you’re applying for, and think about how it might set you up for a follow-up question that allows you to further expand on your qualifications.