How to answer the ‘tell me about yourself’ interview question like a professional

Picture this: you’ve prepped for days, memorised all the technical details, and researched the company inside out. You sit down in the interview, your nerves are on edge and here comes the first big question: “So, tell me about yourself.” You blink. Suddenly, all the brilliant things you imagined saying the night before disappear, and you’re left wondering: “Where do I even begin?” But fear not. We’re here to show you how to nail this tricky interview opener without breaking into a cold sweat.

Whether you’re applying for your first internship, switching careers, or eyeing that executive role, you’re not facing danger alone. This guide will help you master the art of the perfect response, so you can avoid overthinking and replaying every detail after the interview.

In this article, we cover:

• What do hiring managers actually mean by this question

• Mistakes to avoid when giving your response 

• Tips to give the best answers 

• Examples according to different job types and experience levels.

The Best CV Builder

• Effortlessly create a professional CV

• Easy to use on any device

• Integrated spelling and grammar check

• Customisable job-specific CV examples

Create my CV

Why do employers ask the ‘tell me about yourself’ question? 

First of all, let’s break down this common interview ice-breaker and see what recruiters actually mean when asking the ‘tell me about yourself’ question. They don’t want to know your whole life story or hear a Hollywood-style monologue. Since the beginning of an interview is often when nerves are highest, this question is used to help candidates ease into the conversation and find their flow. It is also a way of seeing how well you can communicate your strengths, fit for the job, and show your personality. The interviewer is listening to pick up on details to ask about later or potentially understand where the gaps are. 

So if you are still hesitant about how much to share, just think that what they are really asking is:

• How do you see yourself professionally?

• What’s relevant about your background for this role?

• What strengths and experiences do you bring to the table?

• Can you summarise your career and make it interesting?

• Will your personality and approach align well with the company?

What is the best answer for a ‘tell me about yourself’ interview question?

When it comes to these types of interview questions, we cannot say that there are no right or wrong answers. The truth is, there are some better ways to reply to it and others that can hinder your application. For that reason, we want to share with you a few expert tips, so you make a great first impression. 

The answer to the ‘tell me about yourself’ question should always hit 3 points:

• Focus on the big picture of your background. 

• Highlight your strengths and achievements that align with the job description.

• Show why you are excited about this role.

Do you want to know what a good answer should look like? Check out the following example.

Tips to answer this question according to different interview techniques 

If you are unsure how to approach the ‘tell me about yourself’ question, these frameworks might help you organise your thoughts. When you are not fully prepared, it’s easy to ramble, undersell yourself, or forget key points. That’s why these methods give you a clear roadmap for your answer, helping you stay on track and communicate confidently. With these tricks, in your next interview, instead of guessing what to say, you can focus on delivering a response that’s relevant and tailored to the job. And if you are an introvert prepping for a job interview, these communication tools can help you reduce nerves and hit the right points in a logical and more structured way.

STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result)

The STAR interview technique is popular and great for highlighting achievements and problem-solving skills. You just need to follow these easy steps:

• Situation: Briefly set the scene and give context. 

  • Example: I have a background in marketing, with about 6 years of experience. After earning my marketing degree, I started in an agency role, which gave me great exposure to different industries and really sharpened my skills in campaign management and client communication. 

• Task: Highlight a key responsibility or goal you’ve had.

  • Example: Later, I moved in-house to GreenWave, where one of my main challenges was addressing a decline in audience engagement. 

• Action: Describe what you did and how you approached challenges.

  • Example: I led a team project to revamp our content strategy, testing new formats and refining our messaging. 

• Result: Share what you achieved, focusing on measurable outcomes.

  • Example: As a result, we boosted engagement by 40% over six months, which also helped increase lead generation. I’ve realised I really enjoy using both creative thinking and data analysis to solve problems, and I’m excited about this role because it offers the chance to work on even larger campaigns and expand into international markets.

WEP (Work, Education, Personal)

This method is perfect for school leavers, juniors or career changers because it mainly focuses on the following concepts:

• Work: Summarise your most relevant job or internship experience.

  • Example: I've been working in marketing for 6 years now. I started my career in a creative agency, where I gained solid experience managing campaigns across different industries and really developed my skills in client communication and strategy. After that, I moved in-house to GreenWave, where one of my proudest achievements was leading a project to overhaul our content strategy.

• Education: Highlight degrees, courses and certificates related to the role.

  • Example: Before that, I completed my marketing degree, which gave me a strong foundation in both creative and analytical approaches.

• Personal: Add a touch of personality, hobbies, or soft skills.

  • Example: Outside of work, I’m passionate about keeping up with digital trends and love experimenting with new platforms and tools, which helps me stay innovative in my campaigns. I’m really excited about this opportunity because it’s a chance to apply that mix of creativity, strategy, and curiosity to larger, global projects.

What not to say in ‘tell me about yourself’ questions 

Many candidates slip up when answering classic interview questions, and the reason is that they lose focus or tend to repeat every single CV line. We always advise to practise out loud with a friend or a mentor, so you can spot the best approach for your context and personality. The first thing is to feel comfortable with what you are saying, but also you need to avoid some not-so-good answers to leave recruiters with a lasting impression. 

Avoid these three common mistakes:

• Oversharing.

• Speaking negatively about past jobs or employers. 

• Sounding robotic.

Good interview answers for different job titles

‘Tell me about yourself’ example answers for freshers and experienced professionals

Key takeaways

• Keep your answer concise, focused, and relevant.

• Use proven frameworks to shape your story.

• Show enthusiasm for the role and company without being overwhelming.

• Practise, but keep it natural and conversational.

Next steps?

Now that you’ve mastered this question, we want to help you showcase your best self on paper and in the interview room for future opportunities. For that, explore our cover letter examples, matching CV templates, and follow-up tips after the interview. Plus, our CV Builder and CV Writing Services are here to help you create a polished, tailored CV and cover letter that highlights your achievements and boosts your chances in future applications. 

FAQs

How long should my ‘tell me about yourself’ answer be?

Aim for 1-2 minutes. Keep it concise, relevant, and focused on your professional story, not your entire life history. 

Can I talk about personal hobbies or interests?

Briefly, yes. But only if they’re relevant or highlight qualities valuable for the job, such as teamwork, creativity, or dedication.

What if I have little or no work experience?

Focus on your CV education section, internships, volunteer work, transferable skills, and enthusiasm for the role. The WEP method works especially well here.

How do I know if I’ve answered well?

If your answer connects your background to the role, highlights relevant achievements, and leaves the interviewer interested to hear more, you’re on the right track. And if you really want to succeed in your application process, explore our article on smart questions to ask in an interview to show interest in the position.