Handling 'Tell Me About Yourself' in 90 Seconds

Tell Me About Yourself in 90 Seconds

"Tell me about yourself" is almost always the first question in an interview, and yet it trips up a remarkable number of candidates. Some ramble for five minutes, reciting their entire resume. Others give a one-sentence answer that tells the interviewer nothing. The ideal answer is 60 to 90 seconds long, follows a clear structure, and leaves the interviewer wanting to know more.

Why This Question Matters More Than You Think

This question sets the tone for the entire interview. It is not small talk — it is a strategic opening that serves multiple purposes:

• First impressions are formed in the first 30 seconds. Your answer establishes whether the interviewer sees you as confiden...