What You’re Doing Wrong in Your Interview (Hint: It’s Not Your STAR Story)

Interviews can feel like a minefield of tricky questions, but there’s one that often catches people off guard—not because it’s difficult, but because it’s deceptively simple.

“Tell me about yourself.”

It’s an underrated question, one that many candidates overlook when preparing for an interview. Yet, it’s one of the most important questions to get right. Why? Because it sets the tone for the entire conversation.

Let’s break it down.

Why “Tell Me About Yourself” Matters

By the time you’re sitting in that interview chair, the interviewer already knows you’re qualified. They’ve seen your CV, maybe even had a chat with a recruiter. Now, they’re asking themselves:

“Are you our kind of person?”

This question isn’t about your technical skills or professional experience—it’s about who you are as a person. It’s your chance to show your personality, values, and what makes you memorable.

But here’s the mistake many people make: they use this question to summarise their CV.

The Problem with Summarising Your CV

Imagine this: you’re in an interview, and the first thing you say is a dry recap of what the interviewer already knows.

“I’ve worked at Company X for three years, then moved to Company Y where I managed projects, and now I’m here.”

BORING. 🥱

You’re not adding anything new or exciting to the conversation. Instead, you’re wasting a golden opportunity to make a strong first impression.

How to Nail the “Tell Me About Yourself” Question

If you want to stand out, you need to approach this question differently. Here’s how:

1. Think About What People Say About You

What do people—colleagues, friends, family—say about you? Think of strengths, values, and even quirks that make you unique. For example:

• Are you known for staying calm under pressure?

• Do people admire your creativity or problem-solving skills?

• Are you the person who always brings people together?

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2. Include Personal Touches

Remember, this is about you. Share something that gives insight into your personality, like hobbies or passions outside of work. For example:“I’m a project manager who thrives on solving complex problems, but outside of work, you’ll usually find me hiking or experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.”

3. Create a Memorable Pitch

Combine your strengths, values, and personal touches into a concise, engaging pitch. Make it authentic and memorable.

4. Rehearse, Rehearse, Rehearse

Practice your pitch until it feels natural. You don’t want to sound like you’re reading from a script, but you do want to feel confident and prepared.

Example Answer: “Tell Me About Yourself”

Here’s an example of how to approach this question:

“I’m a project manager with a knack for bringing order to chaos. My colleagues often say I’m the calm in the storm, whether it’s managing tight deadlines or solving unexpected challenges. Outside of work, I’m passionate about hiking and cooking, which I think reflects my love for both adventure and creativity. I’m excited to bring that same energy and problem-solving mindset to your team.”

Why Preparation Is Key

“Tell me about yourself” might seem like a casual question, but it’s a powerful opportunity to set the tone for your interview. A well-prepared answer shows confidence, self-awareness, and authenticity—all qualities that make you stand out.

I help professionals craft memorable elevator pitches, refine their interview skills, and build confidence. If you’re struggling with this question or any other aspect of your interviews, let’s work together to create a strategy that works for you.

Ready to Perfect Your Pitch?

Practise your answer by sending me a DM or commenting below. Or, if you’re ready to take your interview skills to the next level, book a free discovery call today.

Let’s make sure your next interview starts with a bang, not a yawn.