When you go for a job interview, one of the first things the employer might say is, “Tell me about yourself.” It sounds simple, but it's a very important question. This is your chance to introduce yourself in a way that shows you're the right person for the job.
Why Do Employers Ask This Question?
- They want to get to know you better
- They want to see if your experience fits the job
- It helps break the ice and start the conversation
Some interviewers might continue asking follow-up questions, while others might jump straight into technical questions after this.
Different Ways They Might Ask This Question:
- “Tell me a bit more about you.”
- “Walk me through your CV.”
- “Let’s talk about your background.”
- “What should I know about you that’s not on your resume?”
How To Answer "Tell Me About Yourself"
Here’s how to prepare a strong answer:
Talk About Your Experience That Matches the Job
Look at the job description and focus on what they’re looking for. Then, mention your past work, volunteer roles, or projects that show you have those skills.
Link Your Current Job to the One You’re Applying For
Explain what you’re doing now, and how it connects to the job you want. If you're aiming for a higher role or switching careers, show how your current skills still apply.
Share Your Strengths with Real Examples
Don’t just say “I’m good at customer service.” Say something like, “I helped reduce customer complaints by 20% by improving our response time.” If you don’t have exact numbers, use your best estimate.
Show a Bit of Your Personality
Mention a hobby or passion that reflects who you are, like reading, cooking, volunteering, or playing sports. It helps the interviewer see the human side of you.
Use a Simple Format
Organize your answer in one of these ways:
- Present → Past → Future (Start with what you’re doing now, then go back, then talk about your goals)
- Past → Present → Future (Start from your past experience, then what you're doing now, and your future plans)
Example Answers
Accountant
"I'm currently working as an accountant at ABC Finance Ltd. I’ve been in this role for three years where I handle budgeting, preparing financial reports, and managing audits. Before that, I worked at a small accounting firm where I gained strong experience in tax preparation and bookkeeping. One of my achievements was helping reduce late payments by 30% by improving our invoicing system. I’m now looking for a new challenge where I can grow and contribute to a larger organization like yours. Outside of work, I enjoy learning new things about personal finance and reading financial blogs."
Procurement Officer
"I started my career as a procurement assistant five years ago and now I’m a procurement officer at XYZ Industries. I manage supplier relationships, negotiate contracts, and make sure purchases are cost-effective. Last year, I helped my team save 15% on raw materials by introducing new vendors. I’m very organized and always aim to get the best value for my company. I’m now interested in working for a company like yours with a larger procurement operation where I can grow further. Outside work, I enjoy attending business networking events and volunteering at local clean-up projects."
Teacher
"I’ve been a secondary school teacher for six years now, specializing in English and Literature. I started at a government school in Dodoma and now I’m teaching at a private school in Dar es Salaam. Over the years, I’ve helped students improve their national exam results by using more interactive and engaging teaching methods. I also organize after-school reading clubs to support students who need extra help. I’m passionate about education and I’m now looking to join a school that values innovation and student-centered learning. In my free time, I enjoy creative writing and mentoring students."
Final Tips
- Keep it short: 1–2 minutes
- Speak clearly and confidently
- Practice, but don’t sound memorized
- Stay professional but be yourself
"Tell me about yourself" may seem like a simple question, but it's a valuable opportunity to make a strong first impression. By following the steps in this guide, you can craft an answer that showcases your most relevant qualifications and sets a positive tone for the rest of your interview.