How to Answer "Tell Me About Yourself" Interview Question - 5 Key Tips and Example Response | Indeed

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Employers often kick-off an interview by saying "tell me about yourself." It's typical to respond with a summary of your professional journey, but - depending on how you frame your answer - you can also show how your experience uniquely qualifies you for the role. Jen, a certified career coach at Indeed, shares her recommended strategy for approaching this common interview question.
0:00 Intro
1:00 What do recruiters want to hear when they ask "Tell me about yourself?"
2:06 How to structure an answer when asked "Tell me about yourself?"
2:48 Example answers to "Tell me about yourself"
8:25 What should to include and avoid when answering "Tell me about yourself?"
11:23 Recap of top tips for answering "Tell me about yourself"
Note: Nonverbal communication is one of many tools that can help you make a good impression in interviews and in your professional life. However, candidate assessments should be based on skills and qualifications, and workplaces should strive to be inclusive and understanding of individual differences in communication styles.
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• How to Answer "Tell Me...
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On our KZbin channel, you’ll find tips and personal stories to help you take the next step in your job search.
The information in this video is provided as a courtesy. Indeed is not a legal advisor and does not guarantee job interviews or offers.
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#indeed #tellmeaboutyourself #interviewing

[@harrybanda]

Interviewer: Why do you want to work for us? Me: To pay the bills

[@FaheemKhan-xc6kd]

Hahahaha

[@byangkeesvlogph4343]

Me: To live

[@ShadowKstr]

Because it fits my schedule. Also - WFH. Also - pay decent, and looks like you are interesting. Otherwise, nope. I am not CIO, COO or something that I need to "research" your company other than - you are not going bankrupt. Passion in your field is sufficient. Even more than sufficient.

[@HenriqueJunior]

I never liked interviews because I always thought It was like acting and I felt very uncomfortable. However, this tips showed me some different perspective: Be human, keep it as a conversation, a professional and pleasant one.

[@messageus4203]

INBOX US

[@carolinedomonaa-ngmendari2610]

​@@messageus4203p0ppp0ppppppppppppppp0pp00000pllll

[@carolinedomonaa-ngmendari2610]

​@@messageus4203p0ppp0ppppppppppppppp0pp00000pllll

[@AMadd3RHatt3R]

What about those of us that don't HAVE previous experiences?? 😐😑😒

[@Domic462]

This is literally the best video I've seen on interview prep and I've been searching for 30 minutes. It provides enough structure and an outline on what to do.

[@Indeed]

Glad it was so helpful, Thomas! -CC

[@yan5699]

Thanks for these tips Jenn, it all make sense and these are really great tips!

[@hannahrobinson1765]

Thank you for making such a concise guide to this question. It was previously a stumbling block in a job interview, and now I feel better prepared going into my next interview. Best of luck to others who are preparing for interviews. It can be stressful, but with a bit of preparation we can do it!

[@Indeed]

You're so welcome! If you still need anymore help check out our playlist here: kzbin.info/aero/PL6qIzGkkiXFFoDodWVxipXbAf6sdN7RFV

[@MANZOIL]

Very interesting. Can you believe until today I’ve thought for decades the answer to this question was all about my personal life and hobbies 🤣.

[@OneMoreYoutubeAccountForYou]

I mean, that works too. Showing you have passion for something isnt a bad thing. Culture is important

[@leahm9044]

omg the same lol

[@joyceschrank8337]

oh my gosh, yes. I have done that so many times. Could be why at 33 i'm trying to find a different job and haven't landed any of the postions I interviewed for in the past lol have a great weekend.

[@TFCCalways]

Me too!! I think the interviewers should be more clearer with their question.

[@saram.m.8472]

This was super helpful. Thank you so much for the details and examples of what to say. I have to create a 60 video introduction and was nervous about it but feel well equipped after watching your video.

[@Malexa32001]

Thanks for your tips, especially about the format, I will keep in mind!

[@joyceschrank8337]

This question stumps me every time. I find myself rambling on. Even though I know it is coming, I always feel like it catches me off guard. Thank you for putting this up, I am currently trying to land a new role. I was able to write down and craft my answers in the format she suggested. Thank you, again! I appreciate it very much.

[@brownbabecc]

I love how straightforward & interesting this answer was to tell me about yourself.

[@Indeed]

Thanks Cayla! -CC

[@FaheemKhan-xc6kd]

Yes short time or minimum time get a question answer

[@omera.eltinai2563]

Excellent! Thank you so much. It's really great help

[@SenatorJellyBeans]

I was laid off last year due to *pandemic*, trying to brush up on my interview skills after a whole year just trying not to go crazy. This just seems so ehh~~. I just wanna work, I hope they just ask me "When can you start, sunny?"

[@hiddencyborggaming5226]

Really you bring a smile of confidence just before my interview as a teacher.. thank you

[@Indeed]

That's wonderful! -CC

[@dianefoster2938]

Both my 23 year old son and my 64 year young self are both in the position for looking for new jobs. For both of us the process can be very stressful and your video has been very helpful, so thank you so much for breaking the Interview process down and explaining it clearly. I took notes for both of us and this should help us be more prepared.

[@Indeed]

You're welcome! Wishing you the best.

[@Malexa32001]

same here!

[@nirmalmaniyar8941]

this was quite interesting and helpful. the quote from Maya Angelou at the end really nailed it ! I felt that so much connected to myself. good Tips ! Thanks !

[@Indeed]

Glad it was helpful! -CC

[@dotunsanni812]

i give you your flowers as a coach watching this video till 9:28; you mentioned a rule and confessed when you broke it. that's some high level coaching stunts.

[@borninlismore]

This is the most helpful answer I have heard (present, past, future) THANK YOU

[@Indeed]

So glad we could help, Sharon!

[@georgefakhrymegalaa1960]

Thanks that you added more for my Experience

[@susanwalker9094]

Fantastic content! Thank you!

[@karinivethgaraycubas3961]

You are awesome, thanks for your help by doing these videos :)

[@xqg9938]

Thank you, this is quite helpful

[@princessleah8872]

🙌 Thank you, was great advice.

[@Indeed]

You're so welcome! -CC

[@lovemadeja6263]

This is great! Thanks so much for sharing

[@federicomendez557]

I am learning how to show out a good interview for a job and learning english at the same time! Thank you so much!! :)

[@Indeed]

You're very welcome, Federico! -CC

[@Moms87]

Thank you for this, have not properly interviewed in years.

[@toshimehtadev9697]

Thank you for your amazing tips for addressing g an interview. Great video.

[@Indeed]

You're so welcome! If you want additional interview help, check out our playlist here: kzbin.info/aero/PL6qIzGkkiXFEnk5z4yNFgz4CrLyOeHH7s

[@mariannepomarejos8805]

Thank you mam..I think this would help me with my online interview later...

[@hannevieira1952]

Thank you for your videos! Great info!

[@Indeed]

Glad you like them! -CC

[@Tchimika]

Thank you for the Video , I find it more helpful

[@sayangchen9924]

Thanks so much for your sharing. with your guardian I restructure my "tell me about yourself" and manage to pass interview and get a offer.

[@Indeed]

Wonderful! -CC

[@harshavardhan7265]

Good Explanation could you please make a video relating it to freshers(college graduates)

[@dianakayira1457]

Hi jenn as am preparing for my interviews am so grateful and this video have really helped me

[@Indeed]

Glad it was helpful! Best of luck to you. If you want additional help, check out our playlist here: kzbin.info/aero/PL6qIzGkkiXFEnk5z4yNFgz4CrLyOeHH7s

[@91flacopa]

Hello, I want to thank you for your help. I was able to feel comfortable with my interview using your Present,Pass and future setup. Your right about what you say in your video. I took it upon myself to study and prep for this interview. I had failed the first time with the same job and got a different response this time around.

[@Indeed]

That is amazing, Jose! We are so happy that the tips in this video helped you in your interview. We have another series that breaks down the art + science of interviewing & so much more. Check it out here: kzbin.info/aero/PL6qIzGkkiXFHkTiHUjgZO6bJJcoSW1n0e

[@biancamendezmendez766]

After watching this video I totally feel more comfortable for my upcoming interview.

[@DesireUba]

Thank you so much, Jen!

[@thefeelingofunfair4052]

Why do all these video assume we all lead projects and have 10 years of experience

[@kimberlystaley1337]

Right???? Every single article, blog post, video about resume, cover letter and interview tips uses some type of manager leading a team/project as an example!!

[@-ANT-69]

jobs that require little to no experience dont give a fuck about the answers they just look at your personality and confidence and communication skills.

[@user-st6is9ml4x]

@@-ANT-69 well atleast a video on them would help many!

[@user-tv9dy3vc1u]

Some people really been in the business even longer but their interviews go poorly. But I also wish they would do videos for no experience as much as they do experience

[@vimlasingh7843]

​@@kimberlystaley13370ⁿp..8😊lvv🎉❤

[@knightthompson2938]

This is deep. Thank you so much.

[@Indeed]

Thanks for your feedback - we appreciate it!

[@federicosagun4615]

Reason I end up to your channel is because I have a Gov job interview. Thanks for the tips

[@thomaskong5806]

thanks for the sharing skill how to introduce although I have failed many interview previously, hahhaha. after watching this video, beside my work experience can meet the JD require, I think this will become my another success key.

[@user-ur6vy2sx4z]

Thanks for the great tips!

[@enayatranjbar2511]

It was very helpful, I learned a lot and appreciate

[@Indeed]

Glad to hear that Enayat!

[@CarmenWest-lh5qf]

Great tips, thanks.

[@HamidurRahman]

outstanding solution

[@conniecompos1617]

Thank you for this video. It puts structure around a question that I am dreading answering in an interview I have coming up. The interview is not a software position. After a career in software I decided to stay home and care for my family and have not worked a full time job in over 20+ years. I did a few small software projects over the years and tons of volunteering. But how would someone like me answer the question "Tell me about yourself? " and not dive too much into the personal info arena when there isn't a lot of present job experience to speak about?

[@manviverma5173]

Perfect 💯 thank you so much.

[@Indeed]

You’re welcome! -CC

[@lindalucia6334]

I would appreciate having a conversation about the best way to ask to move around in the company without sounding like you’ve tried the job and it’s nothing like it was presented and you’d want to find a professional way to say you’d like to move into another position that would better suit you and the company without sounding ungrateful or that you made a mistake in accepting the position. Thank you

[@rekhamh1]

Great video! How would someone answer if they are unemployed all the time after their degree and getting the interview for the paid professional development to underserved, motivated adults ....have a complete employment gap.. would the format be just past and future?

[@rochellejanebejer8346]

Thank you miss ma'am! I didn't stutter and worked well around the question. I guess I just need to learn more on my "mm, ahh" pause comments, haha. Either way, you really helped me in the confidence through the interview I just took earlier.

[@Indeed]

So glad this video was helpful If you need anymore advice on interviewing, check out our full interview tips playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PL6qIzGkkiXFEnk5z4yNFgz4CrLyOeHH7s

[@josphinegitonga8809]

very insightful

[@willieward7419]

Great information.

[@ronaldkimball-bp6zo]

This was so helpful thankyou

[@Indeed]

Happy to hear that we could be of help, Ronald! If you need more interview help, check out our interview tips playlist here: kzbin.info/aero/PL6qIzGkkiXFEnk5z4yNFgz4CrLyOeHH7s

[@anjalipes]

Hi Jenn, Thank you for this video, the video has really helped me to structure my answer. But I have a query, I have just completed my MBA and now looking for a job, so in my intro section, the present should be highlighting what specialisation I have done in MBA and the projects or something else? could you please help me with this.

[@Indeed]

Yes, if relevant to the job you are interviewing for, speak about your MBA and relevant projects you worked on, focusing on your specific contributions to the project. -CC

[@eulamanning4892]

These are great tips, however what about if you are older and looking to change careers? or older and finishing school?

[@Indeed]

Hi Eula, here is an article that you may find useful - indeedhi.re/2FTv3MG. -CC

[@lightone23]

Thank you for all your tips. A tip for you is to not read from the screen and keep the camera at a level where we dont see your eye moving. It gets a bit distracting after a while

[@nicolehernandez2837]

Thank you!!

[@thejourneywithola9342]

thank you so much indeed..:)

[@duze88]

Thank you for this! Do you have thoughts on whether it's okay to say you were laid off from the previous job (due to the pandemic)?

[@tuleberdiev]

It is, had to go through that about a year ago, no issues.

[@carensalazar]

Starts in 1:57 Precarious work everywhere and I must smile like a senior top professional. I don't like the way I suppose to act like an unemployee genius

[@mayahdunham314]

Great video! How would someone answer this if they are unemployed at the time of their interview and have a small employment gap? would the format be just past and future?

[@ClaudiaGonzalez-kc1xs]

This is me, I have a gap in my employment history 🥺

[@terrihench3524]

I also have a gap in my work history.

[@gadzmustbecrazy]

same question

[@christinesylvester6555]

With Covid I would guess that many of us do. Also, I agree that this video is very well done. I recently had a video interview where I had to record my responses.

[@heartgajo6351]

Thank u 💗

[@andresfelipecorreagil9885]

I have experience in my country, but right now I just finished my studies in another country and I want to find a new in that country. What is the best way to talk about " where I am right now"?

[@jodz327]

great tips

[@Indeed]

Glad you think so! -CC

[@lidiia_s]

Thank you! )

[@Indeed]

Our pleasure! -CC

[@user-rq7zp6jh3b]

Hi Jenn, I love to use the opportunity to thank you and indeed for the wonderful articles and content you post online, it has really helped me in time past but I'd like you to give a sample or scenario of a UX designer role "Tell us about yourself". I'd appreciate your response thanks

[@tazeenrafiq9321]

hey thank you soooooooooooo much

[@TeukuArdo]

great tips!

[@Indeed]

Glad you think so! You can find tons of more resume tips on our playlist here: kzbin.info/aero/PL6qIzGkkiXFH4FM09PFM6nal8RFuDmS90

[@TheSaravanan999]

Thank you :)

[@Indeed]

You're welcome! -CC

[@edgarssimanis7267]

Super ,its good advaes for meny pipls

[@bevislau1813]

love it

[@annhart1453]

Indeed says there's a button on the interview page which i couldnt find so lost the job , thanks indeed!!

[@racheltang2646]

I feel like I am learning a lot

[@azlanbasri8656]

i hope it will more like one full introduction and then break it one by one instead of break it one by one first and then make me more confuse and lost track than understand how to prepare

[@rajukundara]

Yes

[@jaydeejourdin4137]

You fixed the camera angle!

[@Indeed]

Thanks for noticing! -CC

[@sonjam2455]

Most of us are followers, and not leaders. We need a "how to" interview segment for the peons.

[@sandysafwat239]

What if I only had one job and applying for a 2nd job so I only have my current job, (no past can be used ) as a 1st one

[@pillsie]

I like that I was blown off for a phone interview yesterday. If us unemployed do that God forbid but an employer can do it and it's acceptable. I spent half of my day preparing and waiting for the phone call.

[@Indeed]

Jill, we are so sorry to hear of your experience. Was it a job that you applied to on Indeed? -CL

[@pillsie]

@@Indeed No, it wasn't on Indeed.

[@yasirsema3899]

Need help to get job ! since im student it seems like nobody want to give a job, i guess they think i would quit soon after finishing my school to get another job, please help to what to say when they ask me about my school.

[@AlejandraGomez-pz1pg]

How can I contact Jenn, the career coach hosting this video?

[@cherieoconnor68]

The opening statement works if you still have a job, what would you say if you are not currently employed?

[@Ma-kt1jz]

my approach is to just say the past

[@shailendrakushwahedutech6451]

I've saved this video to my private playlist naming "Interview"

[@maxpain1071]

keep it up.

[@bhargavn6429]

How can a fresher or new grad answer this question? What all can he include?

[@Indeed]

Great question! You can still use the Present-Past-Future format mentioned in the video, but you may draw from relevant academic experience, such as internships, leadership opportunities, and academic projects, for content. Check out this article from our Career Guide for even more tips for new graduates - indeedhi.re/2DHhS0D. -CC

[@meini2463]

If you drive through the door, it will notify you? How far the car be? Does it work with contact number as well?

[@ericeychis]

girl r u good honey?

[@orjval]

wait, how long it takes to manage to answer all of this in just one question?

[@TheRoxieRose]

I'm so sick of the performativity of the professional sphere. The fake smiles, stuffy outfits, and rehearsed greetings and questions. It just feels so hollow. You want to know about me? I need a job. Do I have questions about the business? Not really. I couldn't care less about the company mission statements that were conceived by a committee of out of touch Execs. You want to know the truth about me? You don't want truth. You want a sleekly constructed fabrication of a person that gestures towards vague notions of "professionalism." I look at the recommended video section, and all I see are smiling talking heads, starring blankly forward with nothing of real importance to say. This is all just a little song and dance to put the master at ease, to let him know that we're their kind of people. It reeks of two faced intention, and a lack of any meaningful human connection. I'm just so tired of this.

[@Elegantiks]

You got that out of my mind

[@azharsalamat7745]

You're right and majority of people don't really dream of labor me neither. But I need a job to survive so I have no choice but follow the rules

[@AllAboutShannon]

spot on!

[@orjval]

I also feel like this. I started to reach out to different companies because I need a job anyways, companies that have some social component or anything valuable to add, those kind of interviews may be different since they'll be looking at you from another perspective rather than just someone who is capable of bringing more profit. Idk, just my thoughts, what do you people think?

[@twistedbabydoll85]

You said all that needed to be said. 🙌🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@flower-the-earth]

Starts @1:05

[@terrihench3524]

Unfortunately, sample videos like this can be frustrating. She expresses valuable points; but this is not for everyone. The application process and actually getting interviews has changed so much over the years! Having an intangible means for processing applications such as ATS is ridiculous! Maybe this is why there are so many unemployed people out there! Possibly this is why people 50 and over are having a challenging time finding work or being able to make a career change!

[@p.m.caffeine7910]

Not sure how to answer these sorts of questions about cibflicts with co workers, when the truth is ive been terminated for them.

[@kaykaysan]

Should we mention about the lay off due to pandemic .?

[@tahaabdullah8833]

You can safely assume everyone knows this so I think you need to mention this

[@priscillacarter9112]

Tingz fi de tip

[@starrduhh2731]

How do I stop saying Um when I’m nervous

[@mattturner8556]

try pausing or replacing it with another word when you sense it coming on.

[@RavindeRKarwasra-pj5ut]

👍👍

[@mixmatchchannel959]

What about like me ma'am without any experience related in industry? This i sooooooooooo hard omg thats why I self study and do research to be able to fit the job I want. Am I doing it right?

[@Indeed]

You'll want to focus on transferable skills and experience. This resource may help you further - indeedhi.re/3f5WaDc. -CC

[@gone.golfing]

How do you tell an interviewer you hate dealing with people and that’s why you prefer working in a corporate office instead of a retail environment?

[@shehzaadshaik6036]

have an interview on wednesday - IT Support Engineer - Really stressed, been a while sinec I have been in an interview - HELP

[@Jonathan01233]

I hate the question so tell me about yourself. I just need a job where I can make money and pay bills.

[@pillsie]

This doesn't apply to entry level administrative roles especially during the pandemic.

[@pen8002]

Jo