How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself” in Interviews [17 Samples]
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These “tell me about yourself” sample answers and expert interview tips can help you showcase your professional strengths. Learn how to leave the best impression and, hopefully, land the job offer.
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Why Do Hiring Managers Ask This Question?
“Tell me about yourself” is an icebreaker interview question — hiring managers use it to determine your drive, interests, career goals and personality.
Your responses can also set the tone for the interview; it gives topics for the interviewer to focus on and expand on. For example:
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How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself” Interview Questions
“Tell me about yourself” is an open-ended question, but your answers should be professional and focused on the job. You can talk about yourself, but remember that this interview has two specific goals — to impress your interviewer and get the job offer.
1. Highlight relevant experience or achievements
This strategic answer focuses on the immediate needs of an employer — you actively frame yourself as the solution to their hiring needs. To do this, emphasize specific accomplishments related to the daily job responsibilities, highlight your knowledge of job-specific tools or skills, and explain how your work history can help you do well.
Good sample answer:
“As a former administrative assistant for Mountain Valley Community College’s financial aid office, I honed my organization, scheduling and record-keeping skills. In my previous role, I managed student records, coordinated events, and facilitated communication between students and financial aid advisers — I’m excited to convert these skills to a corporate office setting and streamline your department meetings and file management.”
2. Rely on resume keywords
Resume keywords are specific responsibilities and phrases that recruiters and applicant tracking systems (ATS) use to filter out unqualified candidates and narrow the interview pool. You can spot these keywords in the job advertisement by looking for unique font treatments like bolded, underlined and highlighted phrases. You can also look at job responsibilities that are repeated or slightly rephrased.
When you identify and echo back these resume keywords in your interview, you signal to the hiring manager that you’re qualified for the job.
For example, this graphic designer noticed repeated requests for project management, collaboration and knowledge of Smartsheets in the job description. They identified these requested skills as resume keywords and prepared the following “tell me about yourself” example answer.
Good sample answer:
“I have time and project management skills as a freelance graphic designer. Using Smartsheets to track projects and deadlines, I collaborate to seamlessly incorporate my clients’ requests while creating unique visual identities and branding. I’m looking for the opportunity to incorporate these skills within a larger, collaborative group setting.”
3. Use data to point out wins
Would you trust someone to perform brain surgery on you without learning about their success rate or education? Hiring managers spend $4,700 to hire a new employee — they want to ensure that whoever they invest in can do the job.
Use evidence-backed examples of your accomplishments to help reassure hiring managers and persuade them to hire you. Let’s compare these two “tell me about yourself” answers for experienced marketing managers.
“Tell me about yourself” sample answer:
What sounds more persuasive? “I ran a marketing campaign that increased site traffic,” or “I ran a $120,000 email marketing campaign that generated a 46% increase in site traffic, 32% increase in sales, and $1.1 million estimated profit over four weeks.”
4. Be honest and accurate
It’s tempting to fudge numbers or misrepresent key wins to get an offer, but you should always be honest when answering, “Tell me about yourself.” Hiring managers see you as an investment for their team and company. Misrepresenting yourself to get the job, only to stumble when you can’t do the tasks, can hurt you in the long run.
Good “tell me about yourself” sample answer:
“With expertise in financial reporting and analysis, I bring a detail-oriented approach and proficiency in utilizing tools like Excel and Quickbooks. Although unfamiliar with Oracle NetSuite, I am a quick learner and proactively registered for an online certification program.”
5. Outline professional common interests
It’s one thing to explain how you’re qualified; it’s another to explain why you want a job. You can use the “tell me something about yourself” interview question to highlight a personal connection to a job, employer or mission statement.
For example, this “tell me something interesting about yourself” sample answer explains why someone pursued a career in library science.
Good “tell me about yourself” sample answer:
“I spent my summer volunteering with librarians to box and distribute books from closed locations to public utility spaces like laundromats, banks and schools. Despite losing their jobs, their dedication to sharing literature and service to the community inspired me to do the same.”
6. Make it personal
Although professional training skills and qualifications are important, hiring managers seek meaningful human connections. Sharing your motivations for a job can show off a bright aspect of your personality.
For example, this candidate uses a meaningful relationship with a mentor to explain their career path and create a “tell me something interesting about yourself” sample answer.
Good sample answer:
“I’m dyslexic. Growing up, I struggled to understand why reading was so difficult. A kind school librarian noticed my preference for picture books and aversion to text-heavy books. She worked with me to find audiobooks, helped me get a diagnosis, and helped me research learning techniques. Her kindness changed my life — I studied library science because this is the most effective learning environment I know.”
7. Trace your potential growth
If you’re a recent graduate with little experience, use this question to highlight your career goals. Your genuine ambition and a clear understanding of where and how to develop your skills demonstrate strong analytical, critical thinking and planning skills.
Good “Tell me about yourself” internship interview sample answer:
“I’m a dedicated finance student with a strong foundation in financial analysis, looking forward to applying my coursework knowledge to a real-world setting. I look forward to working with your skilled analyst on international markets, learning to track real-time consumer trends and markets.”
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10 “Tell Me About Yourself,” Sample Answers
1Marketing professional sample answer:
Hi, I’m a seasoned marketing professional with a proven track record in strategic campaigns and brand development. I thrive on translating ideas into impactful marketing solutions. Passionate about creating engaging content and driving brand success, I bring creativity and data-driven insights to every project.
2Software developer sample answer:
I’m a software developer. With expertise in Python, Ruby, HTML, and CSS, I focus on writing secure firewalls and effective security blockchains. I’m excited to contribute my coding and problem-solving skills to your impressive library of consumer protection software.
3Certified nurse sample answer:
I’m a compassionate nurse with over five years of experience on the surgical floor. Dedicated to patient care, I’ve honed my skills as a scrub nurse in general and trauma-related surgeries. Known for my empathy and attention to detail, I am committed to ensuring the well-being of patients and contributing to a positive healthcare environment.
4HR specialist sample answer:
Hi! I’m an HR professional with a focus on fostering positive workplace dynamics. I specialize in talent acquisition, employee relations, and performance management. With a commitment to cultivating a supportive work culture, I aim to leverage my expertise in enhancing your organization’s human capital.
5Teacher sample answer:
Hello, I’m a passionate educator committed to student growth. With a background in teaching natural sciences to fourth and fifth graders, I create engaging and inclusive learning environments. My hands-on teaching methods ensure that students immerse themselves in their environments, learning how to connect their studies to their world.
6Data analyst sample answer:
Hi, I’m a skilled data analyst with over five years of deriving actionable insights. Proficient in data manipulation and visualization tools like Excel, Qlik and Tableau, I contributed to data-driven decision-making. Excited about leveraging my analytical skills to drive efficiency and informed strategies in your organization.
7Sales associate sample answer:
Hello. I’m a results-driven sales professional. With a proven history of exceeding sales targets in agriculture equipment by an average of 12% per quarter, I thrive on building strong client relationships. My strategic approach and effective communication skills position me to drive revenue growth and contribute to your sales team’s success.
8Graphic designer sample answer:
Hi, I’m a creative graphic designer passionate about visual storytelling. I bring concepts to life through proficiency in design software like Figma and Rhinoceros 3D. My portfolio showcases various projects, highlighting my ability to convey compelling messages through traditional print media and 3D modeling.
9Accountant sample answer:
I consider myself a meticulous accountant with financial reporting and analysis expertise. Through my experience in government accounting, I ensured accuracy and compliance. Excited about applying my attention to detail, budgeting concerns and documentation experience to maintain your stellar reputation of strict compliance.
10Intern sample answer:
Hi! I’m a second-year literature student eager to embark on an editorial internship. My extracurricular experience with my high school journal and my position on the editorial board for the campus literary magazine taught me a solid knowledge of the AP and Chicago style guides. I’m enthusiastic to apply my knowledge to a hands-on experience with this renowned newspaper.
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3 Answers to Avoid
These tell me about yourself examples focus on work-related achievements or professional interests. They follow a formal structure that pitches job-relevant information. Your answer should never include the following topics.
1Unrelated experience:
Your work-life balance is important, but don’t mention personal interests like extracurricular sports or crafting unless you can tie them to the job responsibilities. For example, you can mention your kickball league if you apply for a P.E. teacher or personal trainer job.
2Share professional, not emotional, examples:
You can share personal information as long as it’s appropriate to a professional setting. For example, you can explain that you wish to relocate for family-related reasons, but you shouldn’t say you’re following a child to college because you don’t trust them. Save that for after you start and prove yourself.
3Expand, don’t repeat, your resume:
Your resume is a quick snapshot of your potential. Interviews, like cover letters, expand on your resume. Pick a key accomplishment you mentioned and elaborate. Describe the achievement from start to finish to demonstrate your thought process. This can help hiring managers analyze your work methods.
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Key Takeaways
Use these “Tell me about yourself” job interview sample answers and strategies to share meaningful insights about your professional skills and personal work drive. In summary:
Additional interview questions
1. How do you approach a problem?
Related Interview Questions FAQ
Why do you want to work here?
Hiring managers use this interview question to see how well you prepared for the interview. Study the job description and the company to help you understand the company’s values and culture. This can help you describe your potential place within the team.
Why are you looking for a new job?
Hiring managers use this question to learn about your career goals, job satisfaction, and potential personality clashes. Avoid insulting your current employer when you explain why you’re looking for a new job.
What motivates you at work?
Hiring managers use this question to assess your professional motivations with the responsibilities of the open job and company culture. Your answer could help prove that you’d be a seamless addition to the team.
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How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself” (With 17 Answers)
Last edited by: Amaury Gonzalez - June 13, 2024
