This phrase falls in almost 90% of job interviews. Although it sounds like a casual invitation to talk, in reality it is the strategic moment of the meeting. It is here that the recruiter forms his or her first opinion of you and decides whether he or she wants to continue listening attentively or begins to drift away with his or her thoughts.

Instead of improvising, it’s a good idea to prepare a structure that shows you as a professional. Here is a complete guide on how to get through this question successfully.

Why do recruiters ask this?

Before we get into technique, you need to understand the intent. The recruiter does not want to know your biography. He wants to check:

• Are you able to communicate concisely and logically,
• Does your experience match the job profile,
• Can you extract the most important information.

Formula: Present-Past-Future

The best way to avoid chaos is to use a proven timing scheme. It allows you to maintain the narrative and move smoothly to the point.

1. Present

Start from where you are now. State your current role and one key success or major responsibility.

Example: “I am currently working as a Marketing Specialist at Company X. I am in charge of social media campaigns, and in the last quarter I was able to increase engagement on our profile by 40%.”

2. Past

Mention what led you to your current position. Focus only on experiences that are directly relevant to the job offer you are applying for.

Example: “My path began with an internship at a creative agency, where I learned the basics of data analysis. Over the past three years, I’ve been developing these skills, managing larger and larger advertising budgets.”

3. Future

This is the most important element. Explain why your goals align with those of the company. Why do you want this particular job?

Example: “While I love my current role, I feel I’m ready for more challenges in the area of international strategies. That’s why your offering interested me so much – I see great potential here for brand development in foreign markets.”

Traps you need to avoid

Even the best structure can fly if you fall into one of these three traps:

• Reciting your resume: the recruiter has your resume in front of his eyes. Don’t read it point by point. Tell a story that can’t be seen in dry facts.
• Speaking too long: the ideal response lasts between 90 seconds and 2 minutes. If you speak longer than that, you run the risk that the listener will stop following you.
• Private details: avoid telling too private information, e.g., those about family, dogs or difficult life situations (unless they have a direct, positive impact on your work). Maintain professionalism. Saying something about yourself is not a bad thing, but remember – this is just an interview.

Bonus: Body language matters

How you speak is as important as what you say.

• Maintain eye contact: This builds trust and shows confidence.
• Smile: The first question is the moment to break the ice. Positive energy makes you a “likable candidate.”
• Control your pace: When stressed, speak faster. Be mindful of your breathing and take short pauses after the most important points of your speech.

Summary

The question “Tell about yourself” is your chance to take the initiative. If you prepare a scenario for yourself based on the Present-Past-Future method, you will not only control your nerves, but from the threshold you will present yourself as an organized and concrete person.

If you would like to learn more about negotiation and body language check out our most popular training!

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