How to Answer the “Tell Me About Yourself” Question to Crush Your Interview

We all know how nerve-wracking it can be when you log onto your video call or step into an office for an interview. Regardless of the resume you memorized or the internship you had, the classic “tell me about yourself” question stumps almost all of us.

Despite the anxiety you may be feeling, you can give a flawless response to this question. With just a few simple tips to remember, your interviewer will be impressed with your professionalism and experience.

Why Do Employees Ask This Question?

While you may not believe it, asking this broad question gives you an opportunity to share your background as it relates to the role you’re interviewing for. This will also set the tone for the rest of the interview and open up a conversation about your previous roles and skills.

In other words, employers are looking to see if you can pitch yourself and describe yourself in terms of your experiences, skills, and how you would contribute to the company. They are also asking to see how your past involvements and knowledge may coincide with the role that you have applied for.

How to Answer this Question in 3 Steps

Start with your current or most recent position: Describe your position, title at your company, and details that set you apart from other applicants.
Express how you have gotten to where you are: Emphasize all of the things that you have learned through hands-on environments, education, and experiences.
Outline your goals and plans for the future: Share what you are looking for in a future role and what you would bring to the table if you were to be hired.

No matter what background you may or may not have in a given industry, you can blow your interviewer away with these simple steps. Using these tips, you will feel confident and accomplished after your interview and in finding your next career move.

Resources

Get the entire “Tell Me About Yourself” worksheet.