Best Way to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself” in Interviews

The “Tell Me About Yourself” question often kicks off a job interview. While it may sound casual, hiring managers use it to evaluate your communication, experience, and interest in the role.

Interviewers are assessing:

• How clearly you present your background

• Whether your experience matches the job

• If your career path makes sense for the company

• Your motivation for joining the team

According to Glassdoor, 90% of hiring managers say a strong answer to this question shapes their first impression.

How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself” Using Past, Present, Future

The best way to respond is to follow a simple structure:

1. Present: What You Are Doing Now

Start with your current job and key accomplishments.

“I am a Marketing Manager at XYZ Company, where I lead five team members across digital campaigns. Our work increased engagement by 40% and revenue by 20%.”

2. Past: What Led You Here

Mention relevant past experience that prepared you for your current role.

“Before this, I was a Marketing Specialist at ABC Corporation, where I focused on analytics and segmentation. That foundation shaped the data-driven approach I use today.”

3. Future: Why You Are Excited About This Opportunity

Connect your career goals to the role and company.

“I am interested in your focus on sustainability marketing. It aligns with my passion for building purpose-driven campaigns that drive measurable results.”

What to Include in Your Answer

A strong response should stay focused, professional, and brief—ideally under two minutes.

• Highlight results, not just responsibilities

• Tailor your answer to the company’s mission and values

• Avoid personal stories unless asked

• Practice to sound natural, not rehearsed

What to Avoid

Even a well-structured answer can miss the mark if you fall into these traps:

• Repeating your resume: Add color with examples, not job titles.

• Giving unrelated details: Stick to roles relevant to the job.

• Speaking negatively: Keep the tone positive, even if you left a role under tough circumstances.

• Winging it: Rambling is a red flag. Preparation shows professionalism.

Sample Responses by Role

Marketing Manager

“I am currently a Marketing Manager at BlueCredit, managing campaigns that increased customer acquisition by 25% last year. Before that, I led a rebrand at PayAround that lifted brand awareness by 30%. Your focus on purpose-driven marketing aligns with my goals and experience.”

Software Developer

“I am a Software Developer at PaymentsGlobal, focused on scalable e-commerce solutions. I recently integrated a new gateway that cut transaction time by 15%. Previously, I worked at FISworld, building cloud-based architecture. I am excited about your work in AI-powered applications.”

Data That Backs It Up

• 60% of candidates fail interviews due to poor preparation (VisualCV)

• Employers form an impression within 90 seconds (Undercover Recruiter)

Wrap Up

A well-prepared answer to “Tell Me About Yourself” shows confidence, professionalism, and alignment with the role. Use the Past, Present, Future structure to stay focused. Keep it short, relevant, and engaging.

At Dexterous, we help payments and fintech professionals improve interview outcomes and land roles that match their skills and goals. Need more guidance? Explore our Get Hired page or read our latest blog post on recognizing your worth in the job market.