What to Say When Asked: ‘Tell Me About Yourself’
- Employing Now
- May 14
- 2 min read
It’s the first question in most job interviews — and often the one that throws people off the most.
“Tell me about yourself.”
It sounds simple, but many jobseekers either ramble, freeze, or give a life story that doesn’t relate to the job at all. The good news? With the right structure, this question becomes a powerful chance to make a strong first impression.
Why Do Interviewers Ask This?
They want to:
Ease into the conversation.
Hear how you present yourself professionally.
Understand your background, skills, and what brings you to the role.
This isn’t the time for your full life history or personal hobbies (unless they directly relate to the job). Think of it as a highlight reel, not a documentary.
A Simple Structure That Works
Use the Present – Past – Future method:
Present: What are you doing now professionally?
“I’m currently a customer service advisor at XYZ Ltd, where I manage client queries and help improve customer satisfaction scores.”
Past: How did you get there? Mention relevant experiences or achievements.
“Before that, I worked in retail and hospitality, where I developed strong communication and problem-solving skills.”
Future: Why are you here today? What do you want next?
“Now I’m looking to grow in a role that offers more responsibility and a chance to work closely with customers in a more technical environment — which is what drew me to this position.”
Example Answer (Admin Role)
“I’m currently working as a school administrator where I manage scheduling, communications, and daily operations for a team of 40 staff. Before this, I spent five years in a corporate office environment, gaining experience with document management and customer support. I’m now looking for a new challenge where I can combine my organisational skills with a team that values attention to detail and smooth systems.”
Top Tips
Keep it under 2 minutes.
Practice out loud, but don’t memorise — keep it natural.
Focus on relevance to the job you’re applying for.
Avoid personal details unless they clearly support your professional story.
