Tell Me About Yourself: Best Answer to Start Your Interview Strong

Why This Question Matters More Than You Think

“Tell me about yourself.”

It’s the first question in almost every job interview — and it can make or break the rest of the conversation. Yet, it’s one of the most misunderstood.

Most candidates either freeze, ramble, or give a word-for-word reading of their resume. This is a missed opportunity.

Why? Because this is your chance to:

Build a strong first impression (most hiring decisions are made in the first minute)
Show that you’ve prepared and can communicate clearly
Position yourself as the right fit for this role from the very start

What Interviewers Are Really Asking

They’re not asking for your life story. What they really want to know is:

Can you explain your professional background concisely?
Are you confident, self-aware, and easy to communicate with?
Do you understand how to link your experience to this role?

They’re essentially thinking: “Do I want to spend the rest of this interview — and potentially the rest of my workdays — with this person?”

The Simple Formula That Works Every Time

The easiest and most effective way to answer is the Past – Present – Future formula.

This structure keeps you focused, makes you sound confident, and ensures you cover exactly what matters.

Past – A quick summary of your relevant background or achievements.
Present – What you’re doing now: your current role, studies, or projects.
Future – What you’re looking for next — and why this specific role excites you.

Why It Works

This structure gives interviewers the “overview picture” they’re looking for without overwhelming them with details. It also makes your answer easy to remember and deliver — even if nerves hit.

Example Answer (International Graduate – Marketing)

“I recently completed my Master’s in Marketing at Monash University, where I led a student campaign that increased event sign-ups by 35%. Before that, I worked part-time as a content assistant, helping a local startup grow their social media reach. Right now, I’m looking for an entry-level marketing role where I can apply both my academic and hands-on experience. I’m especially interested in this role because of your focus on digital campaigns and data-led strategy.”

Two Rules You Must Follow

1. Build a Great First Impression

Your answer to this question sets the tone for the rest of the interview. It’s often within these first 60 seconds that hiring managers decide — consciously or not — whether you’re a strong contender.

How to do it:

Prepare — They expect it. This isn’t a “surprise” question.
Show enthusiasm — Let your tone and energy reflect genuine interest in the role.
Stay relevant — Link your experience to the job description right away.

2. Keep It Succinct

As tempting as it is to tell your full career story, resist the urge. Long, meandering answers can bore interviewers and make you seem unfocused.

Aim for: 60–90 seconds, maximum 2 minutes.

Why brevity matters:

It shows you can communicate clearly — a skill every employer values.
It leaves room for follow-up questions where you can elaborate.
It keeps the interviewer engaged and wanting to know more.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Listing every job you’ve had — Your resume already does that.
Sharing irrelevant personal details — Keep hobbies out unless they directly relate to the job.
Making it all about what you want — Focus on how you can add value to them.
Winging it — Unprepared answers sound unfocused and unconvincing.

How to Practise Your Answer

Write it down — Start with a script using the Past – Present – Future formula.
Edit for clarity — Remove anything irrelevant to the role.
Time yourself — Keep it under 2 minutes.
Practise out loud — Aim for a natural, conversational tone.
Get feedback — Practise with a friend or coach to refine your delivery.

Why This Question Is an Opportunity — Not a Trap

You might be nervous about “Tell me about yourself” because you don’t know what the interviewer wants. But here’s the advantage: unlike most other questions, you know this one is coming. That gives you time to prepare a standout answer that:

Highlights your most relevant skills and achievements
Frames your career story in a compelling, concise way
Makes the interviewer excited to learn more about you

Treat it as your opening pitch — the part that grabs attention and sets you apart from other candidates.

Next Steps to Nail the Rest of the Interview

Your answer to “Tell me about yourself” is just the start. The rest of the interview will explore your resume in more depth, so having a strong foundation matters.

That’s why I recommend downloading my Skilled Job Starter Kit — designed specifically for international students and migrants.

Inside, you’ll get:

Sample interview answers that actually work
Resume templates tailored for applicant tracking systems (ATS)
A LinkedIn profile checklist to boost visibility

👉 Get it free here: theaho.co/free

FAQs

How do you answer 'Tell me about yourself' in an interview?
Use the Past – Present – Future formula. Highlight relevant experience, current focus, and why you’re excited about the role.

What’s a good length for this answer?
60–90 seconds is ideal. Two minutes maximum.

Can I mention personal life or hobbies?
Only if directly relevant to the job or company culture. Otherwise, keep it professional.