Speaking Situation: 'Tell Me About Yourself' in a Job Interview

The Situation

Almost every job interview in English starts with: "So, tell me about yourself." It sounds easy, but many people talk for too long, tell their life story or say only one sentence. A good answer is about one minute long and focuses on work.

The Structure: Present → Past → Future

Keep out: your date of birth, your marital status, your full life story, your problems with your last boss.

Sample Answer 1: Customer Service

"Sure. I'm a customer service representative, and I currently work at a telecom company, where I help customers with billing and technical problems by phone and chat.

Before that, I worked for four years in a hotel in Kyiv, first at the front desk and later as a shift supervisor. I'm proud that our team had some of the highest guest ratings in the city.

Now I'm looking for a role with more responsibility, and I'm interested in this position because it includes training new staff, which I really enjoy."

Sample Answer 2: A Career Change

"I'm an accountant by training, with six years of experience in my home country. Since I moved to Canada two years ago, I've been working in a warehouse while I completed a bookkeeping certificate and improved my English.

In my previous job, I managed the monthly accounts for a company of 50 people, so I'm very comfortable with numbers and deadlines.

Now I'd like to return to finance, and this junior bookkeeper position is a great fit because it uses both my experience and my new Canadian qualification."

Other Common First Questions

"Why do you want to work here?"

• I've read a lot about your company, and I really like that you...
• Your focus on... matches my experience in...
• I'm looking for a company where I can grow, and...

"What are your strengths?"

• I'm very organized. For example, in my last job I...
• I'm good with people. Customers often...
• Always add a short example.

"Why are you looking for a new job?"

Stay positive:

• I'm looking for more responsibility / a new challenge.
• I'd like to work closer to my field.
• My contract is ending.

Dialogue: The First Two Minutes

Interviewer: Thanks for coming in. Did you find us OK? Samir: Yes, thank you. The directions were very clear. Interviewer: Great. So, tell me a little about yourself. Samir: Sure. I'm a warehouse team lead at a logistics company in Mississauga. I've been there for three years. I manage a team of eight people and I'm responsible for shipping schedules. Before that, I worked as a forklift operator, and I got promoted after one year. Now I'm looking for a role in logistics planning, and I'm really interested in this position because it combines planning with working with people. Interviewer: That's great. And why did you choose our company? Samir: I know you're growing quickly — you opened two new warehouses last year — and I'd like to be part of that growth.

Tips

• Practise, but don't memorize word for word. Learn the structure and key phrases so you sound natural.
• Time yourself: 45–90 seconds is ideal.
• Look at the interviewer and smile. On video calls, look at the camera sometimes.
• Prepare one number or result (team of eight, promoted after one year, highest ratings). Numbers make you memorable.

Common Mistakes

• Starting with "I was born in..." → start with your current job or situation.
• "I have 5 years experience." → I have 5 years of experience. / 5 years' experience.
• "I am working here since 2021." → I have been working here since 2021.
• Speaking badly about your old job or boss.

Your Turn: Practise Speaking

1. Write your own answer with three parts: present, past, future. Then say it without reading.
2. Record yourself and check: Is it under 90 seconds? Did you give one example or number?
3. Prepare short answers to: Why do you want to work here? What are your strengths?