Sample Answers to the "Tell Me About Yourself" Interview Question

The ‘Tell me about yourself’ question in an interview can be challenging for candidates. Unless you've got a lot of interviewing experience, this question will stump you if you don't know how to respond.

As a recent graduate or an experienced professional, you will be asked questions like this in various formats as the interviewer seeks to learn more about you, your talents and experience, and your work history.

In this article, you will learn how to answer this question and see different sample answers based on your job level.

Tips for Answering Interview Questions

For everyone who has ever attended an interview, or a one-on-one conversation with a stranger, the ‘Tell me about yourself’ question in an interview often serves as the icebreaker. It sets the tone for the rest of the interview, and it's crucial to make a positive first impression. This question gives you the opportunity to highlight your strengths, achievements, and relevance to the job. We wrote an article to prepare you for remote interviews, you should read it here.

Relate Your Responses to the Job at Hand

Always tailor your answer to align with the job you're applying for. Highlight skills and experiences that are relevant to the role.

Keep Your Answers Brief

While it's important to provide enough detail to be informative, you should also keep your response concise and to the point. Typically, aim for a response that lasts around two to three minutes.

Practice Your Answers Beforehand

Practicing your answers will help you feel more confident during the interview. Rehearse with a friend or in front of a mirror to refine your response and delivery.

Sample Answers for Different Job Levels

Recent Graduates

Sample Answer for Recent Graduates

I recently graduated from the University of Lagos with a degree in business administration. As a university student, I developed an interest in technology and took up internship roles in the field. As an intern at Google, in the business technology department, I learned about the business side of the technology industry. Aside from my academics, I was active in organizing campus exhibit fairs, which helped me develop my leadership and collaborative abilities. I am delighted to contribute my skills in business administration and technology to a vibrant team like yours at Remote4Africa.

Key Points to Highlight:

• Educational background
• Relevant internships or experiences
• Extracurricular activities and leadership roles
• Enthusiasm for the role and the company

Mid-Level Professionals

Sample Answer for Mid-Level Professionals

I'm a business analyst with five years of expertise in finance. I started as an assistant business analyst at AUX Finance, where I was in charge of requirements gathering and fact-checking. From there, I moved to Marco Holdings, where I had the opportunity to head a team that increased the company's stakes. This work refined my problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and I was able to prove myself as a value to the organization. What excites me about this position in your company is the chance to leverage my background in statistics and contribute to the progress of the company. I am impressed by your company's innovations in fintech, and I’m eager to be part of such a pacesetting team.

Key Points to Highlight:

• Relevant work experience and roles
• Achievements and contributions to previous employers
• Skills pertinent to the new role
• Interest in the company and its innovations

Experienced Professionals

Sample Answer for Experienced Professionals

I have more than 15 years of experience in finance and I have had the privilege of working in different capacities, from junior business analyst at RightZone to my most recent role as Chief Business Analyst at Axiom. My most recent position had me lead a team of junior business analysts whose roles included planning and implementing operational plans, managing annual business projections, and tracking each team member's individual goals. One of my biggest accomplishments was establishing an international alliance for my present firm, which required a deep understanding of international business law and excellent data analytic skills. What draws me to XopperWare is your commitment to being ahead in combining finance and technology, and I believe my experience in finance and technology can contribute significantly to your team.

Key Points to Highlight:

• Extensive experience and career progression
• Leadership roles and team management
• Major achievements and projects
• Alignment with the company's vision and goals

Career Changers

Sample Answer for Career Changers

My career began in advertising, and I worked 5 years as a junior media planner. In this period, I gained substantial experience in making data-driven decisions. However, I've always been interested in the real estate industry, which is the reason I took training in real estate management. I recently completed the Licensing Certificate course in Real Estate Management, which taught me the fundamentals of the real estate profession. As a volunteer at Bloomfield Homes, I also worked on a project to find clients for properties, this allowed me to put my new skills to use. I'm enthusiastic about the opportunity in your company because it completely fits my background and enthusiasm for real estate. I am confident that my skills can benefit your team.

Key Points to Highlight:

• Previous career and transferable skills
• Reasons for the career change
• Relevant new qualifications and training
• Practical experience in the new field

FAQs on Answering Interview Questions

How long should my answer be?

Your answer should be around two to three minutes long. This is enough time to provide detail without losing the interviewer's attention.

Should I mention personal information?

Focus on professional achievements and experiences. Personal information should only be included if it is relevant to the job.

How can I relate my answer to the job?

Research the job description and company. Highlight skills and experiences that match the job requirements.

What if I don't have much experience?

Emphasize your education, relevant coursework, internships, and any volunteer work that provided you with transferable skills.

How should I practice my answer?

Practice with a friend, record yourself, or use a mirror. Focus on clarity, confidence, and relevance.

How to stay calm during the interview?

Take deep breaths, practice mindfulness, and remember that the interviewer wants to get to know you. Preparation is key to confidence.

Conclusion

In most interviews, the 'tell me about yourself' question comes first, and it is important that your response is enthusiastic; this demonstrates interest in the position and sets the tone for the rest of the interview. The sample responses provided above are appropriate for a recent graduate, a mid-level professional, an expert, or someone changing careers. Use this structure to respond to your 'tell me about yourself' question; however, make sure to practice the response ahead and be generous in including your own unique details. Here are some ideas on question you should ask in a remote interview.