"Can you tell me about yourself?"
This is an open ended experience question that comes up all too often. Because it is often worded non-specifically, some peoplefind it challengingto narrow down an appropriate answer.
In this article, we'll walk you through how to give the kind of answer your interviewer is looking for.
Variations on this question
This question can be formulated in several ways. Here are some of them:
- Talk about you.
- Tell me about your past.
- How do you describe yourself?
- What would you like to share about yourself?
- Follow me through your resume.
- Tell me about your trip here.
What the interviewer really wants to know
This question is about whether you would be agood combination for workin terms of their experience, qualifications andcareer goals.
This is important because employers spend a lot of time, effort, and money on-boarding new employees to ensure that the person they hire is the best.best person for the role.
They may also be looking for anytransferable skills, meaningskills that can be usefulin a variety of industries or functions.
If you can bring something of value to the department, team or company as a whole, that is an attractive proposition to the employer and will helpdifferentiate yourself from other candidates.
How to respond: "Can you tell me about yourself?"
1. Give a basic description of yourself.
The first step is to talk about where you are currently in your life and career.
This is important because it serves as an introduction and also gives the interviewer direction for follow-up questions.
Keep this part of your answer short and focus on the basics. Remember to share professional, not too personal, details about yourself.
These normally include:
- Your name
- How old are you (if you feel comfortable sharing)
- Where did you go to college (if any)?
- What do you specialize in (if you have a trade)
- What do you like to do (professionally)
- Where you currently work (if employed)
Here's an example:
“My name is Susan Jones and I am a graduate of the University of Alaska. I specialize in public relations and my favorite part of my current job is working with clients and designing public relations strategies with them. I have been with Smith Consulting for five years.”
2. Talk about your relevant experiences and skills
During this phase, share the skills and experiences you bring to the table.
This is important because it tells the interviewer exactly why you're the best fit for the job in terms they can quantify.
Before the interview, read the job description carefully to find out what the company is looking for, then focus on the credentials that match the qualifications required for the position.
It's also a good idea to use an anecdote or example that highlights the skill or experience you want to convey.
If you are looking for someone who:
- You work well in a team-based environment, talk about that time you led a great team on a difficult project or that your strengths lie in good communication and organization.
- You could manage a department, describe your delegation skills, or how you've created internal processes that have streamlined the way your current employer manages tasks.
- Provide great customer service, share the story of how you turned a complaining customer into a repeat customer, or focus on your strong problem-solving skills.
Here's an example:
“I also have excellent communication skills. I recently met with a client to discuss why she had so many negative reviews. It was a touchy subject, but I handled it gracefully and focused on the positive. He took my suggestions well and they worked to increase his reputation.”
3. Describe what you plan to do next
Discuss where you would like to go from here and relate it to how this opportunity relates to your goals.
This is important because it shows the interviewer that you will be happy and productive in this new role, as it will help you achieve your goals.
Please refer to the job description to learn about the opportunities available in the position and explain why the position would be a good fit for you.
These objectives may include:
- gaining new experience
- learning a new skill
- Make Industry Connections
- Reach a senior position
- Working to resolve ethical issues
Here's an example:
“I've done a lot of social media work and written press releases, but my goal is to further hone my speechwriting skills. This client relationship role, with an emphasis on speechwriting, is an excellent opportunity for me to become an expert in this niche industry."
Putting It All Together (Sample Answers)
Sample Answer #1: Employee at a retail store
“I'm James Smith, nice to meet you. He has been working as a cashier at Bay Hardware for a year. I work in the gardening department and I really like it.interacting with customersand help them find what they are looking for before reviewing their orders.
Regarding my skills, I think I have greatmoney management skills. We don't have a computer system in the garden area, so I have a lot of experience counting change. I always manage to get my drawer out quickly and accurately.
One of my goals is to work in a larger and more modern store where I will have the opportunity to go up to aposition of supervisor. This is a solid company with a great reputation and I know you promote deserving employees. I am looking forward to working here!”
Sample Answer #2: Nurse Manager
“I'm Melina Lopez and I'm currently a nurse at Creekside Nursing Home, where I've been for almost three years. I love working with seniors and their families, and I also enjoy supervising nursing assistants.
I haveexcellent time managementand delegation skills. When one of our residents had a medical emergency, I was the only nurse scheduled. I still dispensed all the medicines on time and asked two trusted assistants torelay informationto the paramedics.
I am ready to expand my career as a senior nurse, which is why this position appealed to me. I know it's a fast paced office so my skills will come in handy. I also read that his practice has a high percentage of geriatric patients, so I know he would be a great fit for me."
Sample answer #3: Museum teacher
“I'm Bill Taylor, a current student at the University of Colorado. I will be graduating in a few weeks with my BA in history with a focus on Native American history. My passion is to make history come alive for children and adults alike.
I understand that this position requires excellent teamwork skills. For himlast five yearsI was once part of a theater group. I've worked as a cast and crew member on various shows and learned how to build teams, how to work together cohesively, and how to communicate effectively.
(Video) Tell Me About Yourself | Best Answer (from former CEO)I am excited to be a part of the team here at the museum. My goal is to use my title to get other people excited about the story, and this seems like the perfect opportunity for me. I could see myself spending many years using and developing my skills while working for this amazing community resource.”
How NOT to respond
don't get too personal
Avoid sharing too much personal information about yourself.
Some things just don'tsay in a job interview, such as the last vacation you took, what religion you follow, or where you are on the political spectrum, unless they are in some way relevant to the job.
Instead, focus your answer on your professional experience, your current employment situation, and your career goals.
Don't give your whole backstory
A way ofkill the vibe in an interviewThere's a lot to talk about, so stick to the basics.
This question usually comes up at the beginning of the interview and you don't want to waste too much time on details that don't matter. It may take some time for more important matters.
Please provide a brief overview after the three-step process outlined above and keep it to a minute or two.
Don't Just Sum Up Your Resume
Resist the urge to recite a list of your accomplishments or your entire employment history.
The interviewer will have already seen your resume, so by summarizing everything, you're better wasting time introducing new information.
Instead, use an example from your professional life to bring to life a skill or experience you mentioned on your resume.
Summary
- Recognize Question Variations
- Briefly explain your current professional situation
- Share an example of your experience or skill
- Explain your career goals related to this opportunity.
- Avoid sharing too much personal information
- Don't take too long to answer the question.
- Share more of what's on your resume
FAQs
Interview Question: Can you tell me something about yourself? ›
Present: Talk a little bit about what your current role is, the scope of it, and perhaps a big recent accomplishment. Past: Tell the interviewer how you got there and/or mention previous experience that's relevant to the job and company you're applying for.
How to answer a Tell me about yourself question in an interview? ›Your answer to the "tell me about yourself" question should describe your current situation, your past job experience, the reason you're a good fit for the role, and how you align with the company values. Tell the interviewer about your current position and a recent big accomplishment or positive feedback you received.
How do you introduce yourself in an interview example? ›"Good day, I am [Name], and I am delighted to be here today. I appreciate the opportunity to discuss my qualifications for the [Position/Job Title] role." "Having [Number] years of experience in [Field], I was able to develop a strong skill set that comes in line with the requirements of this position.
How do I sell myself in an interview? ›- Be the Solution. ...
- Be Specific. ...
- Prepare Sound Bites. ...
- Prepare to Talk About Your Resume. ...
- Be Aware of Nonverbal Communication. ...
- Be Positive.
“I should be hired for this role because of my relevant skills, experience, and passion for the industry. I've researched the company and can add value to its growth. My positive attitude, work ethics, and long-term goals align with the job requirements, making me a committed and valuable asset to the company.”
What are good examples of Tell me about yourself answers? ›“I'm known for being a detail-oriented, well-organized team player. I never miss deadlines, I'm a good communicator and I can juggle multiple tasks at once. In my performance reviews, my supervisor always notes that he appreciates my professionalism and enthusiasm for the job.
How do I describe myself in an interview? ›- Exhibit Your Skills and Abilities Clearly. ...
- Summarize Yourself in a Few Meaningful Words. ...
- Present Yourself as a Self-motivated Person. ...
- Emphasize Your Expertise with Results or Numbers. ...
- Present Yourself With Conviction. ...
- Use Examples From Past Jobs or Education.
Sample answers:
I am a hard-working and driven individual who isn't afraid to face a challenge. I'm passionate about my work and I know how to get the job done. I would describe myself as an open and honest person who doesn't believe in misleading other people and tries to be fair in everything I do.
Phrases to use when introducing yourself professionally
“Hi, my name is __, and I'm a [job title] at [company]” “Let me introduce myself, I'm…” “Nice to meet you, my name is…” “I don't think we've met before — I'm…”
- Ask specific and well-thought-out questions about the position and company. ...
- Reiterate your qualifications for the job. ...
- Inquire if the interviewer needs any additional information or documentation. ...
- Address any issues. ...
- Restate your interest in the position.
Why are you interested in this position? ›
“I see this opportunity as a way to contribute to an exciting/forward-thinking/fast-moving company/industry, and I feel I can do so by/with my …” “I feel my skills are particularly well-suited to this position because …” “I believe I have the type of knowledge to succeed in this role and at the company because …”
Why would you want this opportunity? ›Talk about specific examples of how you can help this company achieve their goals and highlight any relevant transferrable skills that will make you stand out as the right candidate. Write down any recent achievements you can talk about or any challenges you've faced recently that might be related to this new job.
Can you tell us why we should hire you? ›Your skills and qualifications. If you can prove that you've got all the skills that the company is looking for in a candidate, you'll have effectively answered the question. Your passion and motivation. You can highlight how good of a company fit you'd be and how much you love working in your field or industry.
How do you handle stress and pressure? ›- Track your stressors. Keep a journal for a week or two to identify which situations create the most stress and how you respond to them. ...
- Develop healthy responses. ...
- Establish boundaries. ...
- Take time to recharge. ...
- Learn how to relax. ...
- Talk to your supervisor. ...
- Get some support.
- your enthusiasm for the profession and the employer and your desire to make your mark.
- your personal qualities, such as your drive and willingness to learn.
- the skills the employer seeks and how you have demonstrated them in the past – your answer should show why you would be competent in the job.
In general, your strengths should be skills that can be supported through experience. For example, if you list communication as a strength, you may want to recall a situation in which you used communication to reach a goal or resolve a problem.
How would you describe yourself in 3 words interview? ›“I would describe myself as RESOURCEFUL, RESPONSIBLE, and ENERGETIC. I am resourceful which means I will find quick and smart ways to overcome difficulties. Because I responsible I will take ownership of my ongoing development to ensure I am always valuable to the organization and my skills relevant.
What's your greatest weakness? ›Answer “what is your greatest weakness” by choosing a skill that is not essential to the job you're applying to and by stressing exactly how you're practically addressing your weakness. Some skills that you can use as weaknesses include impatience, multitasking, self-criticism, and procrastination.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? ›Answer for “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” “In five years, I see myself as an integral part of the company who has helped contribute to the growth and success of the organization. I would like to continue developing my skills and knowledge in order to be able to take on more responsibility within the company.
How do you describe yourself in one sentence examples? ›- "I am passionate about my work." ...
- "I am ambitious and driven." ...
- "I am highly organized." ...
- "I'm a people person." ...
- "I'm a natural leader." ...
- "I am results-oriented." ...
- "I am an excellent communicator."
Can you introduce yourself examples? ›
Greeting: Hello, my name is (name). I am a (year in school) studying (major) at Western Michigan University. Goal: I am looking for (internship/full-time position) at (employer name). Interest/passion: I am interested in (interests related to the company/industry).
What are the 3 sentences that go in an introduction? ›The three parts of an introduction are typically the hook, the background information or topical sentence, and the thesis statement.
How do you introduce yourself at work? ›Include a greeting, such as "Hi!" or "Hello!" Explain your role, such as "I'm your new coworker on the graphics team and I'm excited to work with you." Ask them to join you for a virtual chat, such as "When you have time, I'd like to get to know you better."
What is the coolest way to introduce yourself? ›- Use a name tag. ...
- Share a unique fact about yourself. ...
- Express yourself through your clothing. ...
- Use a custom-made business card. ...
- Consider your surroundings. ...
- Uncover similarities. ...
- Identify a mutual friend or acquaintance. ...
- Offer your help.
If you're wondering how to start an introduction about yourself, the best thing to do is keep it simple. Greet your conversation partner or audience, state your name, and mention why you're there, if relevant.
What are common interview mistakes? ›- Arriving late or too early.
- Inappropriate attire.
- Using your cellphone.
- Not doing company research.
- Losing your focus.
- Unsure of resume facts.
- Talking too much.
- Speaking poorly of previous employers.
- "I am grateful for interviewing with you today. You have given me a clear overview of the position. ...
- "Thank you for making time to interview me for the open role. I am thrilled about the prospect of working in this position and being a part of a highly reputable team."
At the end of most job interviews, the interviewer will say, “Feel free to email me if you have any more questions.” It's easy to brush off this statement as a mere formality, but in reality, it provides an opportunity to make a lasting impression on your potential employer.
What makes you a good fit for this job? ›You need to highlight why you're the best match for the role by explaining the accomplishments, skills, or personality traits that set you apart. However, don't criticize other candidates while you do so. Maintain a positive tone and keep the response focused on what you can offer, rather than what others can't.
What skills will you bring to the job? ›- Communication. Effective communication is essential in any role. ...
- Organisation and planning. ...
- Motivation and enthusiasm. ...
- Initiative. ...
- Teamwork. ...
- Leadership skills. ...
- Problem solving. ...
- Flexibility.
How do you answer what motivates you? ›
- learning new things.
- acquiring new skills.
- meeting deadlines, goals and targets.
- coaching others.
- improving processes, finding ways to solving problems.
- leading a team or being a part of a team.
- completing a difficult project.
- overcoming challenges.
Here are some examples of short term goals: Improving time management to become more productive at work. Becoming more organized in your work routine. Delivering projects on time to improve work efficiency and ensure customer satisfaction.
What do you hope to add to our team? ›- Consider your unique attributes or skills. ...
- Explain how your unique skills apply to the position. ...
- Explain your experience with similar teams. ...
- Express your enthusiasm for working in teams. ...
- Remain humble and provide honest answers.
I was motivated to take on this challenge because it would benefit the company and help me improve my skills and grow as a professional. I am eager to bring that same drive and motivation to this role, and I am excited about the potential for growth and development opportunities in your company.
What is your biggest accomplishment? ›- Giving a great presentation at work.
- Beating sales targets.
- Training for and completing a marathon.
- Organizing a successful charity event.
- Mentoring a coworker or fellow student.
“Over the years, I have acquired relevant skills and experience, which I shall bring to your organization. I have also worked tirelessly on my communication abilities and teamwork skills, which I will put to use in my future career, which would be in your organization if I am selected for the position.
What makes you stand out from other candidates? ›These can be professional skills, areas of expertise, personal qualities, or any relevant experience. Also, consider any impressive accomplishments from your past or career goals that speak to your commitment to the field. Think of ways to out-do the other candidates.
How do you handle stress in difficult situations? ›- Pause and take a breath. ...
- Move your body. ...
- Reframe your perspective. ...
- Make time for you. ...
- Take it one stressor at a time. ...
- Eat a balanced diet. ...
- Get enough sleep. ...
- More tips.
- Provide examples of your planning skills.
- Explain why you work well under pressure, and how pressure helps you to do your work more efficiently.
- Describe your experience working under pressure and how you learn to work well during deadlines.
- Breathe. Take a few slow, deep breaths. ...
- Count to 10. In the time it takes you to do so, you may be able to look at your situation with a fresh pair of eyes.
- Take a walk. ...
- Try a 3-Minute Meditation. ...
- Practice gratitude. ...
- Eat well. ...
- Get moving. ...
- Let it go.
What are your 5 weaknesses? ›
- Self-criticism. I can be quite critical of myself, which can lead to negative self-talk and eventual burnout. ...
- Fear of public speaking. I am a naturally shy person. ...
- Procrastination. ...
- Issues with delegating tasks. ...
- Lack of experience with skill or software.
"I have served as both a team leader and a team contributor, so I'm extremely comfortable working in a team environment. Regardless of the role I'm put in, I utilize my reliability, communication skills, positive attitude and outgoing personality so that I can become a key contributor."
How did you hear about this position? ›In your answer, share why the company caught your interest. You could talk about things like their employee growth opportunities and positive work culture. Mentioning the work that they do shows that you did some research before your interview.
How do you introduce yourself professionally? ›- Greeting: Hello, my name is (name). ...
- Goal: I am looking for (internship/full-time position) at (employer name).
- Interest/passion: I am interested in (interests related to the company/industry).
- Strengths: I have many skills to contribute including (strengths) and (skills).
“I see this opportunity as a way to contribute to an exciting/forward-thinking/fast-moving company/industry, and I feel I can do so by/with my …” “I feel my skills are particularly well-suited to this position because …” “I believe I have the type of knowledge to succeed in this role and at the company because …”
How do you introduce yourself? ›A self-introduction should include your name and occupation (or desired occupation) and key facts that will help you make an impression on the person you're communicating with. In a few sentences, cover the most important things others need to know about you.
What is the best introduction for a interview? ›Speak slowly and clearly when introducing yourself in the interview. Begin by giving your brief background details such as your name, where you live, and your education. You can also add your family details and their occupation. And then keep on sharing your work experience, if any, and your interests and hobbies.
What do you say before introducing yourself? ›- I don't think we've met (before).
- I think we've already met.
- My name is ...
- I'm ...
- Nice to meet you; I'm ...
- Pleased to meet you; I'm ...
- Let me introduce myself; I'm ...
- I'd like to introduce myself; I'm ...
- Go beyond your title. ...
- Think about the problems that only you can solve. ...
- Ask your friends and colleagues for input. ...
- Flash back to your childhood. ...
- Show a little vulnerability. ...
- Gather some feedback on your introduction. ...
- Blame it on someone else. ...
- Resist going back to the same-old intro.
- Flexibility. ...
- Honesty. ...
- Loyalty. ...
- Positivity. ...
- Problem-solving. ...
- Self-reliance. ...
- Teamwork. ...
- Work ethic. Another top quality that employers look for is a good work ethic.
How do you introduce yourself in 4 sentences? ›
- Sentence1: Greeting. A simple Good morning, Hello or something similar is okay. ...
- Sentence 2: Your name. "I'm Garba Akpabio" ...
- Sentence 3: Point of Connection. ...
- Sentence 4: Call to action (or conclusion) ...
- Wrapping up.
- Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including those on social media. ...
- Take care of yourself. ...
- Take care of your body. ...
- Make time to unwind. ...
- Talk to others. ...
- Connect with your community- or faith-based organizations.
- Avoid drugs and alcohol.
- Understand your pressures. Think about all of the pressures you have. ...
- Get organised. Organising your time can help you feel more in control. ...
- Take it slowly. ...
- Vary your tasks. ...
- Accept things you cannot change.