Interview preparation tips

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 3 views

Why do many people find the question "Tell me about yourself" challenging to answer in interviews?

The question "Tell me about yourself" is one of the most common interview questions, yet it often leaves many job seekers feeling perplexed and uncertain. This question is often asked at the beginning of an interview, and it's meant to be an icebreaker, allowing the interviewer to get to know the candidate better. However, many people struggle to answer this question effectively, and it's not uncommon for them to feel anxious or uncomfortable. In this article, we'll explore the reasons behind this challenge and provide some tips on how to answer this question confidently.

A. They are uncomfortable talking about themselves

One of the primary reasons people struggle to answer the question "Tell me about yourself" is that they are uncomfortable talking about themselves. This is a common phenomenon known as "self-consciousness." Many people are not used to talking about their personal lives, skills, and experiences, especially in a professional setting. They might feel that it's too personal or that they're being too boastful. As a result, they might stumble over their words, struggle to find the right words, or even freeze up altogether.

B. They were not expecting to be asked that question

Another reason people struggle to answer this question is that they were not expecting to be asked it. Many job seekers are so focused on preparing for technical questions related to the job that they forget to prepare for more general questions like "Tell me about yourself." As a result, they might feel caught off guard and unsure of how to respond. This is especially true for people who are new to the job market or who are changing careers.

C. They do not have the proper qualifications

While having the proper qualifications is essential for getting hired, it's not directly related to answering the question "Tell me about yourself." However, some people might feel that they don't have the right qualifications or experience to answer this question confidently. This can be due to a lack of self-confidence or a fear of being judged. As a result, they might downplay their skills and experiences or fail to highlight their achievements.

The importance of self-presentation

Self-presentation is a crucial aspect of any job interview. It's not just about showcasing your skills and qualifications; it's also about presenting yourself as a confident, capable, and enthusiastic individual. When you're asked to "Tell me about yourself," you're being given the opportunity to showcase your personality, values, and goals. This is your chance to make a good impression and stand out from the competition.

Tips for answering the question "Tell me about yourself"

So, how can you answer the question "Tell me about yourself" confidently? Here are some tips to help you:

Prepare in advance: Think about your skills, qualifications, and experiences. Make a list of your achievements and be prepared to talk about them.
Keep it concise: Keep your answer brief and to the point. Aim for 1-2 minutes at most.
Focus on your strengths: Highlight your strengths and achievements, rather than dwelling on your weaknesses.
Use the STAR method: Use the Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) method to structure your answer. This will help you to provide a clear and concise answer.
Practice, practice, practice: Practice answering this question with a friend or family member. This will help you to feel more confident and prepared.

Example answers

Here are some example answers to the question "Tell me about yourself":

Example 1: "I'm a highly motivated and organized individual with 5 years of experience in marketing. I've worked with several clients to develop and implement successful marketing campaigns, resulting in significant increases in sales and brand awareness. I'm passionate about staying up-to-date with the latest marketing trends and technologies, and I'm excited to bring my skills and experience to a new role."
Example 2: "I'm a creative and analytical individual with a background in graphic design. I've worked on several projects, including branding and logo design, and I've developed a strong understanding of color theory and typography. I'm excited to bring my skills and experience to a new role and contribute to a team that values creativity and innovation."
Example 3: "I'm a results-driven and customer-focused individual with 10 years of experience in sales. I've consistently exceeded sales targets and have developed a strong understanding of customer needs and preferences. I'm passionate about building strong relationships with customers and colleagues, and I'm excited to bring my skills and experience to a new role."

Conclusion

The question "Tell me about yourself" is a common interview question that can be challenging to answer. However, with preparation and practice, you can answer this question confidently and effectively. Remember to focus on your strengths, use the STAR method, and practice your answer in advance. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to acing this question and landing your dream job.

Additional resources

Interview preparation tips: Check out our article on interview preparation tips for more advice on how to prepare for a job interview.
Resume building tips: Check out our article on resume building tips for more advice on how to build a strong resume.
Job search strategies: Check out our article on job search strategies for more advice on how to find and land your dream job.
Q&A: Answering the Question "Tell Me About Yourself" in Interviews

In our previous article, we explored the challenges of answering the question "Tell me about yourself" in interviews. We also provided some tips on how to answer this question confidently and effectively. In this article, we'll answer some frequently asked questions about this topic.

Q: What is the purpose of the question "Tell me about yourself"?

A: The purpose of the question "Tell me about yourself" is to give the interviewer an opportunity to get to know you better, understand your background, and assess your fit for the role. It's a chance for you to showcase your personality, values, and goals, and to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position.

Q: Why is it so hard to answer this question?

A: It's hard to answer this question because it's a very open-ended question that requires you to talk about yourself in a way that's both personal and professional. Many people struggle to balance their personal and professional lives, and it can be difficult to know how to present themselves in a way that's authentic and appealing to the interviewer.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when answering this question?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when answering this question include:

Talking too much or too little
Focusing too much on your weaknesses or failures
Being too negative or critical
Not being specific or concrete in your answer
Not showing enthusiasm or passion for the role

Q: How can I make my answer stand out?

A: To make your answer stand out, try to be specific and concrete in your response. Use examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points, and try to show how your skills and experiences align with the requirements of the role. Also, try to be authentic and genuine in your answer, and don't be afraid to show your personality and enthusiasm.

Q: What if I'm not sure what to say?

A: If you're not sure what to say, try to take a deep breath and relax. Remember that it's okay to take a moment to collect your thoughts before responding. You can also try to ask the interviewer for clarification or guidance on what they're looking for in your answer.

Q: Can I use a template or script to answer this question?

A: While it's okay to have a general idea of what you want to say, it's not recommended to use a template or script to answer this question. The interviewer wants to hear your authentic voice and perspective, and a template or script can come across as insincere or rehearsed.

Q: How long should my answer be?

A: Your answer should be brief and to the point. Aim for 1-2 minutes at most, and try to focus on the most important and relevant information.

Q: Can I answer this question in a different way?

A: While it's okay to be creative and flexible in your answer, it's generally best to stick to a traditional format. This will help you to stay focused and on track, and will give the interviewer a clear and concise understanding of who you are and what you can bring to the role.

Q: What if I'm asked to answer this question in a group setting?

A: If you're asked to answer this question in a group setting, try to be mindful of your body language and tone of voice. Make eye contact with the interviewer, and try to speak clearly and confidently. Also, be aware of your fellow group members and try to avoid interrupting or dominating the conversation.

Q: Can I ask for clarification or guidance on this question?

A: Yes, it's perfectly fine to ask for clarification or guidance on this question. You can say something like, "Can you help me understand what you're looking for in this answer?" or "Can you give me an example of what you mean by 'Tell me about yourself'?"

Conclusion

Answering the question "Tell me about yourself" in interviews can be challenging, but with practice and preparation, you can feel more confident and prepared. Remember to be specific and concrete in your answer, show enthusiasm and passion for the role, and be authentic and genuine in your response. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to acing this question and landing your dream job.

Additional resources

Interview preparation tips: Check out our article on interview preparation tips for more advice on how to prepare for a job interview.
Resume building tips: Check out our article on resume building tips for more advice on how to build a strong resume.
Job search strategies: Check out our article on job search strategies for more advice on how to find and land your dream job.