How to Answer "Tell Me About Yourself" in English (Simple Sample Answers)

This is often the first question in a job interview. A good answer is short, about 45–60 seconds. It has three parts: now (your job), past (your experience) and future (why this job).

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Your goal

I can introduce myself in a job interview in 3–5 sentences: my current job, my experience and why I want this job. (CEFR A2–B1 speaking: describing experience and plans)

Sample dialogue

Interviewer

Thanks for coming in. Tell me about yourself.

You

Thank you. My name is Thabo. I work as a cashier at a supermarket.

You

I have worked there for three years. I help customers and I count the money at the end of the day.

You

I want this job because I want to work in an office and learn new things.

Interviewer

Great, thank you.

Key phrases

Now
I currently work as a…
I currently work as a sales assistant.
Now
At the moment, I'm responsible for…
At the moment, I'm responsible for stock control.
Past
I have worked in… for … years.
I have worked in customer service for four years.
Past
Before that, I…
Before that, I worked in a restaurant.
Example
One thing I'm proud of is…
One thing I'm proud of is training two new staff.
Future
I'm applying for this job because…
I'm applying for this job because I want to grow.
Future
I'd like to…
I'd like to learn more about planning.
Close
That's a short summary of me.

Use it to…	Phrase	Example
Now	I currently work as a…	I currently work as a sales assistant.
Now	At the moment, I'm responsible for…	At the moment, I'm responsible for stock control.
Past	I have worked in… for … years.	I have worked in customer service for four years.
Past	Before that, I…	Before that, I worked in a restaurant.
Example	One thing I'm proud of is…	One thing I'm proud of is training two new staff.
Future	I'm applying for this job because…	I'm applying for this job because I want to grow.
Future	I'd like to…	I'd like to learn more about planning.
Close	That's a short summary of me.	—

Common mistakes

I am working here since 2021.
I have worked here since 2021.
Use have + past participle with since/for for something that is still true.
My name is Ana, I was born in 1995, I have two brothers…
My name is Ana. I work as a nurse's aide…
Talk about work, not your whole life story.
I am a hard worker, honest, punctual, friendly…
I'm reliable. For example, I haven't missed a shift in two years.
One quality + one example is stronger than a long list.
I want this job because I need money.
I want this job because I'd like to grow in customer service.
Talk about growth and the company, not only salary.

Speak it: your turn

Repeat: Read the B1 answer above out loud once. Pay attention to the pauses.
Adapt: Change the job, the years and the example so they are true for you.
Your answer: Answer "Tell me about yourself" in 45–60 seconds without reading.

Practise this question

“Tell me about yourself”

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Self-check

Did I say my current job in the first sentence?
Did I give one real example (a number if possible)?
Did I finish with why this job, and stop?

FAQ

How long should my answer to 'Tell me about yourself' be?

About 45 to 60 seconds, which is 4 to 6 sentences. Stop after you say why you want the job.

Should I talk about my family or hobbies?

Usually no. Talk about your work, your experience and why you want this job. A hobby is fine only if it connects to the job.

What if I have no work experience?

Talk about your studies, volunteer work or responsibilities at home, for example: 'I finished a course in…' or 'I help run my family's shop.'

Is it OK to memorise my answer?

Learn the three parts and key phrases, not every word. Then your answer sounds natural, even if you are nervous.