What to Say (and Not Say) When Asked “Tell Me About Yourself”
What to Say (and Not Say) When Asked “Tell Me About Yourself”
It’s the question that kicks off almost every job interview—and yet, it’s the one that tends to make people freeze: “So... tell me about yourself.”
What seems like a casual opener is actually one of the most strategic moments in your interview.
Why? Because this is your chance to guide the conversation, set the tone, and leave a strong first impression.
But what exactly should you say? How personal is too personal? Should you mention your career break? And how do you avoid sounding like you’re reading your resume out loud?
Let’s break it down.
Why This Question Matters So Much
Interviewers ask this question to:
● Get a quick sense of who you are professionally
● Understand your career story and current goals
● See how well you communicate
● Figure out if you’re a good fit—not just on paper, but in person
In other words, this isn’t small talk. It’s a test of clarity, confidence, and self-awareness.
The Secret: Structure Your Answer Like a Mini Story
The most effective responses follow this simple structure:
1. Past — A brief overview of your relevant background
2. Present — What you’re doing now or what led you to this moment
3. Future — Why you’re excited about this job or company
Let’s call this the Past–Present–Future formula. It keeps your answer focused, friendly, and forward looking—without sounding rehearsed.
What to Say (Especially If You’ve Been Out of Work)
If you’ve taken time away from the workforce, you can still give a polished, confident answer. Don’t apologize or overexplain. Instead, frame your story with pride and clarity.
Example Answer for Someone Returning to Work:
“I started my career in logistics and worked my way up to managing supply chain operations for a mid-sized retailer. I took a few years off to focus on raising my family, and during that time, I stayed connected to the field through reading and part-time consulting. Now that I’m ready to return to full-time work, I’m excited to bring my leadership skills and industry experience to a team that values innovation and growth like yours.”
Notice how the focus stays on what they’ve done and what they’re ready to do — not on defending the gap.
What Not to Say
Here are a few common traps to avoid:
“Well, what do you want to know?”
This puts the pressure back on the interviewer and makes you seem unprepared.
Listing your entire resume
They already have your resume—what they want is your story, not just your job titles.
Getting too personal
It’s okay to mention your background or career break, but avoid going deep into unrelated life history.
Apologizing
You don’t need to justify your path. Own it with confidence and positivity.
Customize Your Answer to the Job
Here’s a simple trick: Look at the job description before the interview. Choose 2–3 keywords or phrases (like “team player,” “detail-oriented,” or “client-facing”) and work those into your answer.
Tailored Example:
“I’m someone who thrives in fast-paced, client-facing environments. Over the past few years, I’ve built a career in event planning, managing everything from small corporate lunches to large-scale conferences. I took a break during the pandemic, but now I’m ready to return, and I’m drawn to this role because it blends creative problem-solving with customer experience—both things I love.”
Need Help with the First Sentence? Try These Openers:
● “I’ve been working in [industry] for the past [X years], and I’ve always been passionate
about…”
● “I started out in [field] and eventually moved into [area], where I discovered…”
● “After spending time away from the workforce to [brief reason], I’m now excited to return to…”
● “I bring a background in [industry], with strengths in [2–3 relevant skills]. Most recently…”
These phrases buy you a few seconds of confidence—and help you sound polished and authentic from the start.
Final Tips for Nailing the “Tell Me About Yourself” Question
Practice out loud — but don’t memorize word-for-word
Keep it under 2 minutes — clear and concise wins
Smile when you say it — it sets a positive tone
Focus on the role you want — and why you’re a great fit
Be honest, not perfect—real stories connect more than buzzwords
You Don’t Need a Perfect Answer—Just a Genuine One
Remember, you’re not auditioning to be a robot. You’re a real person with a real journey. This question isn’t about getting everything “right.” It’s about showing up with self-awareness, energy, and intention.
So when the interviewer says, “Tell me about yourself,” take a breath, sit up tall, and share your story with pride.
You’ve got more to offer than you think.
Want help crafting a strong resume introduction that complements your story?
Use Royalty CV to create a customized, professional resume that highlights your strengths—even if you’ve taken a break. It’s your story. Let’s help you tell it well.
