One of the most common and important questions in any job interview is:
“Tell me about yourself.”
This seems simple, but often this decides the tone of the entire interview. Whether you are a student, a fresher or an experienced employee, your answer should be clear, confident and well structured.
In this blog, we will explain step-by-step how to answer this question correctly, with examples from different situations.
Why Is This Question Asked?
Interviewers ask this to:
- Know about your background in your own words
- Understand your communication skills.
- See how relevant your experience is to the job.
It’s your first chance to make a great impression.
What to Include in Your Answer?
Here’s a simple formula you can follow:
Present → Past → Future
Present:
Start with what you’re doing now.
“I am currently working as a customer support executive in XYZ company, where I handle client queries and manage CRM systems.”
Past:
Mention your education or previous experience.
“Before this, I completed my BBA from Delhi University and did an internship in digital marketing.”
Future:
Tell them what you’re looking for.
“Now I’m looking for a role where I can use my communication and problem-solving skills to help customers and grow in a challenging environment.”
For Students / Freshers – Example Answer
“I am a final-year B.Com student from Mumbai University. During my course, I developed a strong interest in finance and accounting. I have completed online certifications in Excel and Tally, and have also worked on a project on budgeting. I am a fast learner, excited to apply my skills in a real-world environment, and am currently looking for an internship in the finance sector.”
For Experienced Employees – Example Answer
“I have more than 5 years of experience in sales and business development. Presently, I am working as a sales team lead at ABC Ltd., where I have consistently achieved targets and improved client retention by 30%. I started my career as a sales executive and got promoted in just 2 years. Now I want to join such a company that gives me big challenges and opportunities to grow in a leadership role.”
Key Tips to Remember
- Keep it under 1–2 minutes
- Practice but don’t memorise
- Sounds natural and confident.
- Avoid personal details like family or hobbies unless asked.
- Customise it for each job.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Giving your full life story
- Speaking too fast or too slow
- Using slang or filler words (“umm”, “like”)
- Being too casual or too formal
Bonus Tip: Prepare a Short Version Too
Sometimes, interviewers ask, “Walk me through your resume.”
You can use the same structure, but keep it shorter and sharper.
Conclusion
The “Tell me about yourself” question is your first opportunity to shine in any interview. Prepare your answer well, using the structure given above. Practising your answer in front of a mirror or with a friend can be very helpful.
With a strong and confident introduction, you’ll already be one step ahead!
