Are you prepared to answer the common question: ‘Tell me about yourself’?

Question

That question may seem simple, but it’s one of the most important—and most misunderstood—questions in any interview. It sets the tone and allows you to guide the conversation in your favor. If you’re not prepared, it’s easy to ramble or miss the chance to make a strong first impression.

Answer 1

Hi! Harvard interviewer and college consultant here.

Great question—the answer depends a bit on the context. Are we talking about an essay format (like the "tell us about your background or identity" first question of the Common App) or an interview setting?

In an interview, "tell me about yourself" tends to be more holistic in nature. Think of it as a short elevator pitch highlighting your best features—your academic interests, a defining experience or two, and what drives you. You want to give the interviewer a memorable snapshot they can use to guide the rest of the conversation. Keep it focused (60-90 seconds max) and end with something that invites follow-up questions.

In the Common App essay (or similar prompts), the approach is more targeted. Rather than trying to cover everything about yourself, think of one common theme that runs through several activities or a particular life story. For example, maybe creativity shows up in how you approach math competitions, or how your passion for impact compelled you to volunteer more in your community and school. Or perhaps a formative challenge and how it shaped multiple aspects of who you are today. The goal is depth over breadth—use specific stories and details to illustrate that theme rather than listing accomplishments.

In both cases, avoid the chronological autobiography trap ("I was born in..."). Lead with what makes you interesting and distinct, then let the details follow naturally.

Answer 2

The “tell me about yourself” question is both an opportunity and a test. Yes, it can be considered the most important question because it sets the tone for the entire conversation. Your answer gives the interviewer their first impression of who you are beyond your résumé. If you respond with random facts about yourself or colloquialisms, slang or with a lack of formality, this could signal to the person asking the question, you may not be the right candidate.

You should always have an quick elevator pitch and your value proposition at the ready. A mechanical response could seem forced. A natural and human style while keeping your response professional is important. Don't ramble. Be precise. Be honest.

This is your opportunity to connect your background, skills, and values to the company’s needs and show that you understand what makes you a strong fit for the role.

I have asked and been asked this question many times.

Really what your interviewer is looking for is can you do the job and do they want to work with you.

Answer 3

As a former HR manager at a staffing company, I would always ask this question. There was never a correct or expected response. I used it so that the interviewee could use their own words to tell me who they are, what they can do, and what they want to do.

For instance, if a person came in looking for work and their response to this question was to tell me their life story or to say, "I don't know, I just want a job". The chances for that person to be successful in getting placed or staying placed in a job would be low.

Whereas, the one that comes in and says "I started out working with my dad on construction sites, and I have really enjoyed that and would like to continue to do construction. I have multiple heavy equipment operation certifications, along with training in multiple areas of a standard site. My dream is to become a foreman or even own my own company one day." This person would be more successful in getting and staying employed.

The trick is to remember that it is not about what you answer, it's how you answer. How do you "sell" yourself. How do you present yourself in a way to makes the company/institution want you?

Now, your answer doesn't need to be super detailed or long. But detailed enough and exact that you relay all the needed information.

Main points you will want to address:

Professional background

Abilities and achievements

Goals

Why you're excited about the opportunity

Have an answer before you go. This way, you're not stuck sitting there thinking. Being prepared is always best, it always helps build confidence as well.

Answer 4

Absolutely — and I always encourage my students to be ready for this one, because it really can make or break the rest of the interview. The key is to treat it like your personal “highlight reel” instead of a full autobiography.

I usually structure it into three quick parts:

1. Who you are professionally – a short sentence about your background.
2. Your key strengths or achievements – the things that make you stand out for this role.
3. Why you’re excited about this opportunity – tying your story back to the company or position.

For example, instead of diving into where you went to high school or every job you’ve ever had, you might say something like: “I’m a marketing professional with five years’ experience helping small businesses grow their online presence. I’ve led campaigns that increased engagement by over 40%, and I’m passionate about helping brands tell their story. That’s why I’m excited about this role with your company.”

The goal is to be concise, confident, and to leave them curious to learn more. Practice it until it feels natural, but not robotic — that balance makes all the difference.

Answer 5

As a former hiring manager this was almost always the first question I asked someone in an interview. This question is an opportunity to sell yourself in any way that you see fit with no wrong answer. Candidates who most impressed me are those who came to an interview with a concise, polished elevator pitch. If you simply ramble on about where you grew up or how you like bananas, I know that you did not prepare adequately. I am judging not only what you are saying but how you are saying it. It is a gauge of your communication skills.

Note that even if you are not asked this specific question, you want to have that elevator pitch ready to use either in the beginning of the interview or at the end as a way to summarize why you are the best candidate for the job.

Another related question that I like to ask is so what do you know about our company? You would be surprised at the number of people who don't bother to do a simple search to find out anything at all about where they may be spending years of their life working.