The job interview is a decisive moment, and one of the first questions is usually also one of the most feared: “Tell me about yourself.”
Although it may seem simple, this question is strategic and can open doors — or close them — depending on how you answer.
In this article, we will show you how to structure an intelligent, objective and captivating response to increase your chances of getting the job.
🎯 Why do recruiters ask this question?
First of all, it is important to understand the reason behind the question.
“Tell me about yourself” is not an invitation to tell your life story, talk about your childhood, or vent about your latest layoff. The goal is to assess:
- How do you communicate?
- How much do you know yourself professionally?
- If your profile is aligned with the vacancy
- Your ability to summarize the essentials
I.e, it's an opportunity to show your worth right at the beginning of the interview.
✅ How to write a good answer
To answer this question well, you can follow the structure known as PAP — Professional, Current, and Why it’s there:
1. Professional – Who are you in the market?
Start with a brief summary of your career or most relevant experiences.
“I have a degree in Administration and 5 years of experience in customer service, working mainly in companies in the retail sector.”
2. Current – Where are you now?
Talk about your current position or what you are doing at the moment, even if you are unemployed.
“I am currently looking for new challenges after completing a temporary project at a large supermarket chain, where I led a team of 10 people.”
3. Why – What brought you to this position?
Finish by briefly explaining why you are interested in the opportunity.
“I have been following the company’s trajectory and I believe that my experience in customer service and leadership can add a lot to the team. That’s why I was very interested in the position.”
❌ What to avoid when responding
- Talking too much about your personal life
- Being too vague, without professional direction
- Repeating information that is already on the resume
- Long and confusing answers
- Show insecurity or unpreparedness
Remember: less is more, as long as you deliver clarity and value in your speech.
💡 Extra tip: rehearse, but don't memorize
A good answer requires preparation, but it shouldn't sound robotic. Ideally, you should train before the interview, make a script with your main points and practice out loud, alone or with someone you trust.
You can even record your response to listen to later and adjust tone, clarity, and pace.
The “Tell me about yourself” question is a golden opportunity to show the recruiter that you are focused, self-aware and prepared for the challenge.
With a well-structured answer, you will already be ahead in the first few minutes of the interview.
Be clear, professional and connect your story with the company's interests. Believe: This answer could change the course of your career.