Answering 'Tell Me About Yourself'
Key Vocabulary
| Word / Phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| job interview | A formal meeting where an employer asks questions to decide if someone is right for a job. | She prepared for three days before her job interview. |
| work experience | The jobs and tasks you have done in the past. | His work experience includes two years in customer service. |
| relevant | Connected to the subject or situation you are talking about. | Only mention skills that are relevant to the position. |
| confident | Feeling sure about yourself and your abilities. | Practising your answers helps you feel more confident. |
| follow-up | Something that comes after and continues from an earlier action or question. | The interviewer asked a follow-up question about her last job. |
Article
'Tell me about yourself' is one of the most common questions in a job interview. Many people find it difficult because it is very open. But there are simple ways to give a good answer.
The interviewer does not want your whole life story. They want to know about your work experience and your skills. A good answer usually takes about one or two minutes.
One helpful method is called 'present, past, future.' First, say what you do now. Then, talk about something important you did before. Finally, explain what you want to do next. [1]
For example, you could say: 'Right now I work as a receptionist at a hotel. Before that, I studied hospitality at a community college. I would like to move into hotel management.' This gives a clear picture in a short time.
It is important to keep your answer connected to the job. If you are applying for a teaching position, talk about your experience with students. Do not spend time on things that are not relevant.
Practice your answer before the interview. Say it out loud a few times. This helps you feel more confident and sound more natural. You do not need to memorize every word, but knowing your main points makes a big difference. [2]
Remember, this question is usually the first one. A strong answer helps you start the interview with confidence. It also gives the interviewer a reason to ask follow-up questions about your best experiences.
Discussion Questions
- What is the hardest part about talking about yourself to someone you do not know?
- Have you ever used the 'present, past, future' method, or something similar, to describe yourself?
- How do you usually prepare for something important, like an interview or a test?
- What kind of first impression do you want to give in a job interview?
- In your culture, is it normal to talk about your achievements, or is that considered impolite?
References
- Yale University Office of Career Strategy, "Interviewing Skills and Techniques."
- International Labour Organization, "Career Guidance: A Resource Handbook."
- British Council, "English for Work: Interviews."