It’s almost always the first question you’ll be asked in an interview: “So, tell me about yourself.” It sounds simple, but it’s a make-or-break moment. A rambling, unfocused answer can sink your chances before the interview even really begins.
This isn’t an invitation to share your life story. It’s a test of your communication skills and your ability to present yourself as the solution to their problem.
The best way to structure your answer is the Present-Past-Future formula:
- Present: Start with your current role. Briefly describe what you do and mention a recent accomplishment that you’re proud of. (e.g., “Currently, I’m a Digital Marketing Manager at Company X, where I recently led a campaign that increased our web traffic by 30%.”)
- Past: Briefly connect the dots from your past experiences to your current role, showing how you got here. Focus only on the experiences that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. (e.g., “Before this, I worked at Company Y, where I developed my skills in SEO and content creation, which prepared me for my current leadership role.”)
- Future: End by explaining why you are excited about this specific opportunity. Connect your skills and goals to what the company needs. (e.g., “I’m really excited about this role at your company because it allows me to leverage my experience in campaign strategy to help you expand into new markets, which I know is a key priority.”)
Keep your answer concise—aim for 90 seconds to two minutes. Practice it out loud until it sounds confident and natural. Nailing this first question sets a positive tone for the rest of the interview.