How to Answer "Tell Me About Yourself" in English

1 Example dialogue

Read the conversation. Then read it out loud. Try both parts.

Min-jun has an online interview for a job at an international engineering company. The interviewer is Helen.

Helen Thanks for joining us, Min-jun. To start, could you tell me a bit about yourself?
Min-jun Sure. I'm a civil engineer, and at the moment I work on bridge projects for a construction company in Seoul.
Min-jun I've been there for six years. Before that, I did my master's degree in structural engineering.
Min-jun One project I'm really proud of is a bridge we finished last year. I led the testing team, and we finished two months early.
Min-jun Now I'm looking for a role with more international projects, and that's why this position really interests me.
Helen Great, thank you. Can you tell me more about leading the testing team?

These are the most useful phrases from the dialogue, with what they mean and when to use them.

“Sure. / Of course.”
A short, relaxed way to start. You don't need to say "Thank you for this question".
“At the moment, I work as... / I'm currently...”
Start with the PRESENT: who you are now and what you do.
“I've been there for... / Before that, I...”
Then the PAST: one or two relevant points from your experience.
“One thing I'm really proud of is...”
Give one specific achievement. A real example is more memorable than a list of skills.
“Now I'm looking for... and that's why...”
Finish with the FUTURE: what you want next and why this job fits.
“I did my master's degree in...”
We "do" or "take" a degree. You can also say "I studied... at...".

UK / US: In British English we say "at university". Americans usually say "in college" or "in school".

Answer each question out loud, not in your head. Use the key phrases. If you can, record yourself on your phone and listen back.

Answer "Tell me about yourself" using present, past, future. Keep it under one minute.
Describe one achievement you are proud of in two or three sentences.
Explain why you want your next job, starting with "Now I'm looking for...".
Record your answer on your phone. Listen. Is it clear? Is it too long?
The interviewer says, "Can you tell me more about that?" Give more detail about your achievement.

Many learners make these mistakes in this situation. Here is the natural version.

Not: I was born in 1990 in Busan. I went to primary school...

Say: I'm a civil engineer, and at the moment I work on bridge projects.

Don't tell your life story. Start with your professional life today. The interviewer wants to know who you are at work.
Not: Sorry, my English is not very good.

Say: (Just start your answer confidently.)

Don't apologise for your English. It makes the interviewer focus on your language, not your experience.
Not: I have worked there since six years.

Say: I've worked there for six years. / I've been there for six years.

Use "for" with a period of time (six years). Use "since" with a starting point (since 2019).
Not: (Speaking for three or four minutes)

Say: (About 60 to 90 seconds, then stop.)

A short answer invites follow-up questions. That turns the interview into a conversation.

Lesson created with PlanwiseESL.