It’s often the first question in an interview – and it can set the tone for everything that follows. Yet so many candidates find themselves stumbling through it. “Tell me about yourself” sounds simple, but it can feel oddly complex. What should you say? What should you leave out?
At Platinum Resourcing, we’ve helped thousands of candidates prepare for interviews across a wide range of industries, and we know how important first impressions are. So here’s how to master this question and make sure your answer works in your favour.
This question isn’t about your life story. Employers want:
A snapshot of your professional background
Insight into your career path
A sense of how well you communicate
A preview of your relevance to the role
We recommend using the Present–Past–Future formula:
1. Present:
Start with where you are now in your career.
Example:
“I’m currently working as a Marketing Assistant for a mid-sized tech company, focusing on digital campaigns and content creation.”
2. Past:
Highlight relevant previous experience or achievements.
Example:
“Before that, I studied Marketing at university and completed an internship at a PR agency where I developed a strong interest in brand strategy.”
3. Future:
Wrap up with what you’re looking for and why this role interests you.
Example:
“Now I’m looking to take on more responsibility in a role where I can combine creative strategy with data analysis, which is why this opportunity really stood out to me.”
Tailor it to the role: Reference the job description or company culture where possible.
Keep it concise: Aim for one to two minutes.
Be confident, not rehearsed: Practice until it sounds natural.
Focus on your strengths: Lead with your value, not just your duties.
Going into personal details (save those for later in the conversation)
Rambling or going off-topic
Reciting your CV word-for-word
Downplaying your experience or achievements
Think of “Tell me about yourself” as your personal elevator pitch. It’s your opportunity to show the interviewer that you’re self-aware, focused, and a strong match for the role.
Still unsure how to nail your delivery? If you’re working with Platinum Resourcing, we’re always happy to help you prepare. Just get in touch – we’re here to support your success.