Tell me about yourself.

How to Answer
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Answer Example
Community Answers

Frame your response using the Past, Present, Future method to keep your thoughts on track, allowing you to deliver a well-organized answer with impact. If it feels more natural to you, you can also frame your answer as Present, Past, Future.
Past: Provide a brief overview of your career journey.
Present: Discuss your current career situation as it relates to the job opportunity.
Future: Talk about your career aspirations and how this future opportunity is a fit.

The interviewer will use this question as an icebreaker. However, to the candidate, it may feel like being put in the hot seat. Many candidates accidentally go too in-depth into their personal lives or give an answer that is far too brief. Share a bit of your past education or job experience, your present circumstances, and your future goals and desires.

"I graduated from ABC University with a degree in Psychology in 2011. Since then, I have worked as a teacher's assistant and a guidance counselor in a high school. I've known for quite some time that helping students find their path is a passion of mine, and I am excited to continue. I am naturally caring, dedicated, and hospitable, and I love helping people solve problems and make big decisions. Outside of work, I am currently training for a marathon, and I enjoy trying new restaurants and playing board games with my family and friends."

Anonymous Answer

"I graduated from Strathclyde University with an honors degree in Marketing and Modern Languages. Since then I have worked in various sales and client relationship roles, mainly in the Geneva region. I am a positive and communicative person who gains trust easily and likes working in a team. I am an active listener and enjoy helping people to reach their goals through developing strong relationships. I feel this role would be perfect for me to put my skills to use and help parents come to the right decision for their children's education."

Marcie's Feedback

Excellent! You've done a wonderful job here of showing how your education, experience, and qualities will allow you to excel in this role. Perhaps consider adding a sentence or two that further emphasize why you're passionate about helping parents and students find the right educational fit. Beyond all the skills and experience you have to offer, why are you passionate about this role and its responsibilities? Adding this will make your answer more memorable to the interviewer. Great job!

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Anonymous Answer

"I have a positive attitude, hardworking, and am friendly, which I believe is a strong match for this role. Whilst at work, I take pride in delivering each task to a high standard, and I achieve this by working together with other people in the team.

I have read the Job description. I feel the experience and the skills I possess enable me to work consistently to a high standard.

I believe that I can contribute and make a positive impact within the organization because I always look to improve, and I gain my job satisfaction from seeing the team I am part of continually thrive and develop."

Stephanie's Feedback

You do an excellent job of highlighting your positive qualities here. Since this is really your opportunity to shine, I suggest removing the sentence about reading the job description and understanding the company's needs, and instead personalize your response by sharing more specific details about yourself and what makes you awesome! This would be a great time to highlight a significant project that you've owned or a major accomplishment that you've achieved professionally.