How to answer ‘Tell me about yourself?’ in an interview?

When you’re in an interview, a networking scenario, or just meeting someone new in a business context — the question ‘Tell me about yourself’ needs to be met with your personal pitch.

A personal pitch, or elevator pitch, is a brief and compelling intro about yourself, your skills, experiences and goals. The term “elevator pitch” comes from having a short amount of time, typically around 30 seconds to 2 minutes (the time it takes to ride an elevator), to grab someone’s attention and leave a good impression about yourself.

A good personal pitch should be concise, clear, and memorable, highlighting your unique qualities and what you can offer. It’s often used in networking, job interviews, or anytime you need to quickly introduce yourself. A well-crafted pitch can help you stand out and make a strong impression on others.

What should you include in your pitch?

Introduction — Start with your name (even if you think you already mentioned it — people forget).
Background — Provide a concise summary of your background, where you currently work, what you’re studying, and relevant previous experience.
Passion and motivation — Express your enthusiasm for what you do and why you’re passionate about it. This helps to convey authenticity and can make a memorable impression.
Relevance — Tailor your pitch to the context or the person you’re speaking to. Are you at an event? Why are you there? An interview? Why are you qualified?
Call to action — (Where appropriate) end with a call to action, what are you hoping to achieve? If you’re at an event is it to meet new people? If it’s an interview is it to make a more senior move?

When you’re in an interview remember to keep your response concise and focused on the most relevant aspects of your background. Avoid going into too much detail or discussing personal information that isn’t relevant to the job. Practice your response beforehand to ensure you’re comfortable and confident when answering this common question.