If you’re heading to a job interview or attending a career fair, chances are you’ll hear this classic opening line: “So, tell me about yourself.”
It may sound simple, but it’s one of the most important questions you’ll answer. In just 30–60 seconds, you have the chance to make a memorable first impression and connect your background to the role or industry.
Here’s how to craft a strong response, with examples you can adapt for your field of interest.
1. Use a simple framework: Present, past, future
This structure helps keep your answer focused and relevant:
Present: Who you are and what you’re doing now, whether it’s a job, school, a volunteer role or a hobby
Past: A quick highlight of past work experience or education
Future: What you’re looking for in an employer and why you’re interested in the opportunity you’re interviewing for
2. Keep it short and targeted
Your answer should be one or two minutes long, max. You don’t need to tell your life story. Focus on what matters to the person in front of you: your skills, goals and alignment with their company or industry.
3. Show enthusiasm and confidence
You don’t need to memorize a script, but practicing out loud definitely helps. Aim for conversational, not robotic. Employers want to hear your energy and positivity.
4. Examples by industry
Business or marketing: “I’m a senior marketing major with an interest in brand strategy and digital campaigns. Last summer, during my internship at a consumer goods company, I helped run a social media campaign that grew engagement by 40%. I’m now looking for a full-time role where I can combine creativity with data to drive results.”
Health care: “I’m a recent biology graduate with hands-on experience in a research lab and a strong foundation in patient care. I’m passionate about improving patient outcomes and exploring roles in healthcare administration or medical research.”
Engineering or tech: “I’m finishing my engineering degree, where I’ve worked on several design projects. I’m looking for an opportunity to apply those skills in manufacturing or product design.”
Education or nonprofit: “I’m currently student teaching at a local elementary school and working toward my certification. I’m committed to student-centered learning and would love to work with a school or nonprofit.”
Creative arts or communications: “I’m a recent grad with a degree in communications and a passion for storytelling and visual design. I’ve led multiple student media projects during my internship. I’m now looking for a creative role where I can contribute to a compelling brand.”
5. Customize
At a career fair, you will likely speak to many different types of employers. Before each conversation:
•Glance at their job postings or company values
•Adjust your answer slightly to show you’ve done your homework
•End with a question to engage them such as: “Does that sound like a fit for what your team is looking for?”
6. Final tips
•Smile and make eye contact
•Have a printed resume ready to hand over
•Practice with a friend or record yourself for feedback
•You’ve got this!
Bottom line: Your answer to “Tell me about yourself” should feel confident and purposeful. With a little preparation, you’ll walk into your next interview or career fair conversation ready to connect, impress and move one step closer to your next opportunity.
Kelly Gust is the CEO of HR Full Circle, a Springfield-based consulting firm that provides talent management and human resources consulting to organizations of all sizes and stages.
This article appears in CC Jobs Fall 2025.
