Let’s to be honest — “Tell Me About Yourself” is the one question almost every fresher afraid in interviews. It sounds simple, but the moment someone asks it, your mind goes blank. What are they actually expecting? Should you start from school days? Talk about your hobbies? Recite your resume? Don’t worry. You’re not alone. The good news is — once you understand what they’re looking for, you can nail this question confidently.
Why Do Interviewers Ask “Tell Me About Yourself” Question?
Before jumping into what to say, let’s understand why they ask this in the first place.
It’s not a trick. Interviewers use this question as a warm-up to get to know you beyond your resume. They want to see:
- How you communicate your story
- What you’ve done so far and what you’re aiming for
- And honestly… if you’re the kind of person they’d like to work with
So do not overthink it. Think it as a quick introduction — like you are introducing yourself to someone on your first day at work.
What You Should Say (Keep it Simple And Real)
1. Start With Your Name + Education
Keep it casual and crisp.
“Hi, I am Rahul( whatever you name ). I recently completed my B.Tech in Computer Science from ABC University or College.”
2. Mention Your Skills
Only the top 2–3 skills you are actually confident in.
“I have mostly worked with Python and Django, and I have just started learnig React.”
3. Highlight a Project or Internship
Even small personal or college projects count — if they show initiative.
“During academics, I develope a simple blog app using Django. It is hosted on Heroku and help me to learn a lot about building real web apps.”
4. Share What You are Looking For
End with a target — which kind of role are you looking at?
“Currently, I am looking for a backend development role where I can learn from experienced developers and grow faster.
What You Should Not Say in Your Intro
Here’s where a lot of freshers unintentionally go off-track. Keep these in mind while preparing your answer:
Too Much Personal Backstory
You don’t need to start with where you were born or how curious you were as a child. That stuff can come later if it fits into the conversation. Keep your intro focused on your skills and goals.
Generic Words Everyone Uses
Saying “I’m hardworking, sincere, and honest” sounds nice — but everyone says that. Instead of using buzzwords, talk about what you’ve actually done. Show your qualities through your projects or experience.
Negative or Apologetic Statements
Avoid phrases like “I didn’t get placed” or “I’m not very good at coding.” That sets the wrong tone. Even if you’re still learning, talk about what you’re doing to improve — keep it positive.
Tech Terms You Can’t Explain
Don’t throw in words like “Machine Learning” or “DevOps” just because they sound cool. If you mention something, be ready to talk about it. Stick to what you really know and are comfortable with.
Unrelated Hobbies
Mentioning that you love cricket or watching Netflix is fine — but only if it connects to skills like teamwork or creativity. Otherwise, it’s better to leave it out of your intro and save it for the “tell me about your hobbies” part.
Easy Structure to Follow (If You are Still Unsure)
Here’s a simple way to frame your answer:
- Who you are
- What you’ve done (skills, projects, internships)
- What you want (goal or type of role)
Real Examples Of Tell Me About Yourself (In Different Styles)
1. Simple & Straightforward
“Hi, I’m Neha. I’ve just completed my BE in IT. Over the last year, I’ve learned front-end development and built a weather app and a portfolio website using HTML, CSS, and React. I also interned at a startup for two months where I helped fix UI bugs. Right now, I’m looking for a junior front-end developer role.”
2. With Focus on Learning
“Hey, I’m Sneha, a recent BCA grad. I’ve been learning web development for the past few months and built a blog site using Django. I also completed a JavaScript course online and enjoy building small projects. I’m now looking for a team where I can learn faster through real-world work.”
3. For Non-CS Background
“I’m Ayush. I studied Mechanical Engineering, but I’ve been learning app development for the last year. I created a to-do app using Flutter and Firebase and even contributed to an open-source tool. I’m looking for a junior developer role where I can get hands-on experience and grow.”
What to Add and What to Skip (Simplified)
What Works
- Your name + degree
- Top 2-3 skills you’re comfortable with
- A project or small internship
- A clear goal — what kind of role you’re aiming for
What Doesn’t
- Your childhood story
- Generic phrases like “I’m sincere and honest”
- Negative stuff about failure or placements
- Skills you can’t explain properly
- Hobbies unless they support teamwork or communication
Conclusion
You do not need to sound “perfect.” You just need to sound genuine and clear.
- Practice out loud — so it feels like your own voice
- Keep it under 60-90 seconds — short and sweet
- Update it as you gain new skills or build new projects
Pro Tip: Make It Your Story
Don’t copy anyone’s script. Use these examples as a base, but write your own version in your tone. Speak like you. That’s what interviewers connect with — not buzzwords, not flashy intros, but you being real.
Aslo read: How to Build a Portfolio That Gets You Hired
