Tell me about yourself

How it is used

Usually the first question in an interview, said in different ways: 'Tell me about yourself', 'Talk me through your CV', 'Could you introduce yourself?' Interviewers expect a focused professional answer of one or two minutes, not a life story.

Example sentences

1. So, to start with, tell me about yourself.

2. When they said 'Tell me about yourself', I talked about my last two jobs and why I was applying.

Common collocations

• tell me a bit about yourself
• talk me through your CV
• introduce yourself

Related terms

• elevator pitchA short, clear summary of who you are and what you offer, short enough to say during an elevator ride, about 30 to 60 seconds.
• why do you want to work hereA standard interview question that checks how much you know about the company and whether your reasons for applying are genuine.
• job interviewA formal meeting in which an employer asks a candidate questions to decide whether they are right for a job.
• professional summaryA short paragraph at the top of a CV that sums up who you are professionally, your main experience and what you can offer.

More terms: Interview Questions & Answers

• where do you see yourself in five years
• behavioral question
• STAR method
• do you have any questions for us