- Author
- Abi Talbot
- Published
- 27th August, 2025
If you’ve ever sat down for a job interview in the UK, you’ll know that one of the most common interview questions is: “Tell me about yourself.”
It sounds like a simple question to ask, but it is also one of the questions that many candidates dread getting asked. Why? Because it’s open-ended and can easily lead to nervous rambling or discussing details that may not be relevant.
However, if handled well, this question is your chance to make a strong first impression, showcase your suitability, and set the tone for the rest of the interview. In this article, we’ll break down how to answer this question with confidence, structure your response, and avoid the common mistakes that many candidates make.
Why Do Employers Ask This Question?
Employers often ask “Tell me about yourself” to:
- Warm up the conversation – It helps break the ice before moving into more precise questions.
- Understand your career story – They want a snapshot of your background, skills, and motivations.
- See how you communicate – Nearly 60% of global employers say communication is one of the top skills they look for. This question tests it right from the start.
How to Structure Your Answer
The key is to keep your answer short, relevant, and professional — around 90 seconds would be appropriate.
You can also use the past, present, future method:
- Present – Start with your current role, experience, or studies.
“I’m currently a support worker with three years’ experience in adult social care, working mainly with service users with complex needs.”
- Past – Briefly mention how you got there (education, key roles, or transferable experience).
“Before this, I completed a degree in Psychology and worked in a voluntary role supporting young people, which really sparked my interest in care work.”
- Future – Wrap up by linking your background to the role you’re applying for.
“Now I’m looking to develop further in the sector and take on more responsibility, which is why this opportunity really excites me.”
Tips for a Strong Answer
Tailor it to the job – Focus on experiences and skills that match the role description.
Show enthusiasm – Employers want to see passion as well as capability.
Practice, but don’t memorise – Rehearse your structure so it feels natural, not robotic. This way, you will be able to make sure your answer is engaging.
Mistakes to Avoid
Going off-topic – Rambling about unrelated jobs or life history can weaken your answer. Being too vague – “I’m hardworking and a people person” these are notable characteristics, but they don’t tell the interviewer much.
Starting with your CV word-for-word – They’ve already read it; they want you to bring it to life.
Example Answer
Here’s how a polished version could sound:
“I’m currently working as a healthcare assistant in an NHS trust, where I support patients across different wards and work closely with multidisciplinary teams. Before that, I completed a Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care and gained experience in residential care homes. What I’ve really enjoyed is developing strong relationships with patients and learning how to handle challenging situations with empathy. I’m now keen to progress into a more specialist role where I can continue to build my skills and contribute to patient care at a higher level.”
This answer is clear, concise, and directly linked to the type of job being applied for.
Final Thoughts
“Tell me about yourself” may be one of the most common interview questions, but it’s also one of the best opportunities you will get to sell yourself. By using a clear structure, tailoring your response to the role, and practising until it feels natural, you’ll turn an open-ended question into a strong first impression. 1 in 2 employers know their thoughts on a candidate in the first 5 minutes, highlighting the importance of starting strong and positioning yourself as the right fit from the very beginning.”
Ready to put these tips into practice? Explore our latest job opportunities and let us help you prepare for your next interview.
