How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself” in a Job Interview
- Alexis McDonell
- May 6
- 2 min read
It’s one of the most common interview questions—and one of the hardest to answer well. “Tell me about yourself” is often the first real question in any interview. It sets the tone and gives interviewers a lens through which to understand your background.
When a hiring manager says, “Tell me about yourself,” what they really want is a concise, confident overview of your experience, strengths, and direction. Not your life story. Not your resume read aloud.
Use This Structure to Craft a Strong Elevator Pitch
If you’re not sure how to structure your answer, try this clear, three-part approach. It works across industries and seniority levels.
Give them a TL;DR - Start off by summarizing your experience in one sentence.
Highlight the Progress - Mention two or three milestones, roles, or skills that show growth or relevance.
Connect to the Present - Close with why you’re interested in this job at this company.
Keep it under 90 seconds. Focus on what’s most relevant to the job at hand.
What to Avoid in Your Interview Answer
Even good candidates fall into a few traps. Avoid:
Chronological recaps of your resume
Vague clichés like “I’m a hard worker” or “I wear many hats”
Apologies or justifications for past decisions (like layoffs or pivots)
Overly personal stories that don’t connect to the role
The best answers are specific, forward-looking, and tied directly to what the company is hiring for.
What Makes a Strong Elevator Pitch in Interviews?
Think of your answer as a strategic introduction. It should do three things:
Position yourself clearly — so they know what you do
Differentiate yourself — so they remember you
Build momentum — so the rest of the conversation flows from it
This is one of the most valuable pieces of interview prep you can do.
Need Help Crafting Your Answer?
Most people find it hard to talk about themselves. That’s normal. If your elevator pitch still feels fuzzy—or you’re struggling to connect your story to the job you want—InterRoom can help.
We offer personalized job search support, including interview prep and storytelling that helps you stand out for the right reasons.
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