What should I say when asked, “Tell me about yourself” in an interview?

When answering the question, “Tell me about yourself,” it’s important to deliver a confident and concise response that sets the tone for the interview.

This is your opportunity to make a strong first impression by showcasing your professional background, key achievements, and enthusiasm for the role.

By structuring your answer thoughtfully, you can demonstrate how your experiences and goals align with the company’s needs. Here’s how to craft an effective response:

Start with your professional background

  • Briefly describe your current or most recent role, including your title, key responsibilities, and industry.

  • Mention how long you’ve been working in the field and highlight any relevant experience.

Explain your career progression

  • Mention how your past roles have prepared you for this opportunity.

  • Connect your skills and growth to the requirements of the role you’re interviewing for.

Highlight key achievements

  • Share one or two accomplishments that demonstrate your expertise or value.

  • Use metrics or specific examples if possible (e.g., “In my previous role, I increased sales by 20% in six months”).

Show enthusiasm for the role

  • Express why you’re excited about this specific job or company.

  • Focus on how your goals align with the organization’s mission or values.