The Tell-Me-About-Yourself Formula That Instantly Sets You Apart

I was interviewing candidates for a new role and, unfortunately, one interviewee completely lost me within the first 30 seconds.

He answered “Tell me about yourself” by listing his entire resume like he was leaving a voicemail.

I’ve been there too. Early in my career, I thought that question meant “walk me through your LinkedIn.”

It doesn’t.

If you’ve ever panicked, rambled, or blacked out while answering it, you’re not alone. I’ve been on both sides of the table, first as the nervous candidate, then as the person in charge of hiring, and I can tell you this question is a golden opportunity to stand out and move one step closer to job offers.

3 Steps for Answering, "Tell Me About Yourself"

Step 1: Start with a Theme

Most people start their answer by listing their resume. But your resume is already on the table. They don’t need a read-aloud.

What they do need is a clear thread. A reason your experience and interests tie together. A theme.

Try something like:

“I’ve always loved solving problems that help people communicate better. That’s what drew me to marketing.”

From there, build your story around that theme. Let it guide how you talk about what you’ve done and where you’re headed.

Step 2: Connect the Dots

This is your chance to show intentionality, not randomness. The best candidates don’t just list roles or degrees. They connect their past to the present with clarity.

Instead of:

“I majored in communications, then did an internship at a PR firm, and then worked part-time at a retail job…”

Try:

“I studied communications in college, where I got hands-on experience writing press releases and pitching stories. That led to an internship at a PR firm, and I realized I loved helping brands tell their stories.”

Tell a story, not a timeline. You’re not listing facts. You’re inviting the interviewer into your journey.

Step 3: End with Excitement

Don’t trail off. Don’t say something safe and vague like “...and that’s pretty much it.”

Instead, end strong with what excites you and what you’re looking for next.

Try:

“Right now, I’m looking for a role where I can grow, contribute, and continue learning in a collaborative team.”

It shows ambition without arrogance. And it sets the tone for the rest of the conversation.

Because here’s the thing: you don’t need a script, you need a story.

Get Hired Faster 

If you’re navigating job interviews, awkward networking convos, or trying to land more job offers in your inbox, you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Each week in The Independence Lab newsletter, I share practical strategies to help you:

• Land interviews and job offers with confidence
• Build your career story (and tell it well)
• Grow emotional intelligence and resilience
• Handle tough workplace situations with clarity and confidence

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