Answering “Tell Me About Yourself” in an Interview 

“Tell me about yourself” is often the first question asked at the start of an interview. It can even come up during various phases of the hiring process — from the initial screening with a recruiter to the final round with the hiring manager. 

Interviewers use this to learn more about your personality and career trajectory and see how well you can articulate your professional journey. That said, how you answer the “Tell me about yourself” question can make a huge difference in whether you get the job or not. 

For candidates, it’s a golden opportunity to set the tone for the rest of the conversation and make a strong first impression. 

This article will teach you how to put together your answer to the “Tell me about yourself” question. It also provides example answers as well as important dos and don’ts when answering this question during an interview.

How To Structure Your Answer

Creating a well-structured response to “Tell me about yourself” is crucial because it helps you deliver a clear, engaging and professional response. A structured answer ensures your thoughts flow logically, making it easier for the interviewer to follow your story and understand why you’re the right fit for the role.

To do this, you can rely on a straightforward and proven formula: the past-present-future approach. 

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what this formula entails:

1. Start with the present: This means providing a brief introduction to who you are professionally and any current role or recent accomplishments relevant to the position you’re applying for. Then, expand by sharing key skills or experiences that align with the job requirements.
2. Move to the past: Provide a summary of your previous experience and the relevant soft and technical skills you’ve picked up. Focus on highlighting skills and experiences that align with the job description.
3. Conclude with the future: End by explaining what excites you about this role or company and what you aim to bring to the team. When talking about the future, make sure it’s somewhat connected to the present and past; tie your current (or most recent) role, past experiences and key skills to how they prepare you to contribute meaningfully to this position.

This structure ensures your answer is clear, organized and memorable. Now, let’s dive into specific example answers that apply this structure we’ve discussed.

Example Answers to “Tell Me About Yourself”

Below are multiple examples for how to answer the “Tell me about yourself” question. We’ve included examples across various role levels along with some specifically tailored to hospitality roles.

Example Set A: For candidates with no previous experience

For individuals without any work experience yet, it’s essential to focus on transferrable skills, a willingness to learn and personal interests that align with the role. 

Such candidates should highlight their motivation, any relevant volunteer work, academic achievements or personal projects that reflect a proactive approach. 

Demonstrating a strong work ethic and enthusiasm for the position will show interviewers that despite a lack of formal experience, they have a strong potential to grow within the company.

General example answer:

I’m someone who loves learning new things and finding ways to significantly contribute to a team. Recently, I’ve been dedicating time to building skills that align with this role, like [two– three relevant skills]. These experiences have helped me develop a proactive mindset and a willingness to take on challenges.

Looking back, I’ve always enjoyed roles where I can be hands-on and collaborate with others, whether that was leading a group project at school or organizing a community event that required problem-solving and adaptability. These experiences taught me the value of reliability, creativity and making an impact — no matter how small the task. 

What excites me most about this opportunity is the chance to grow within a company that values [two–three things about the company’s mission and/or core values]. I’m eager to bring my work ethic and fresh perspective to the team, learn from others and help the company achieve its goals while I develop professionally.

Example answer for hospitality roles:

I’m a people-oriented individual who thrives in creating welcoming and comfortable environments for others. While I don’t have formal experience yet, I’ve been actively developing skills that align with hospitality through volunteering at community and school events. 

These experiences have taught me how to stay organized, adapt to changing situations and communicate effectively with diverse groups, which I believe are essential qualities for this role. One of my favorite experiences was helping with a community fundraiser, where I assisted with logistics, interacted with guests and ensured everyone had a positive experience. 

Moments like these confirmed my passion for creating memorable interactions and solving problems with a smile. That’s why I’m looking forward to working at [Company Name]. I believe this is a great opportunity for me to grow within a company that values exceptional service. I’m eager to learn from experienced coworkers and develop my skills while helping your team continue to exceed customer expectations.

See also: How To Get a Job at a Restaurant With Little or No Experience

Example Set B: For entry-level positions in a hotel 

For entry-level hotel positions such as Housekeepers and Receptionists, it’s important to focus your answer on reliability, attention to detail and a strong work ethic. These roles often form the backbone of a well-functioning hospitality environment, ensuring cleanliness, organization and a welcoming atmosphere for guests. 

That said, candidates should emphasize their dedication to meeting high standards, ability to follow protocols and any customer service experience they may have, even in informal settings.

Note: Entry-level positions are not always the same as no-experience roles. Some entry-level jobs may require candidates to have some foundational skills and/or formal training.

Example “Tell me about yourself” answer for Housekeepers:

I’m a reliable and detail-oriented individual with six months of experience in housekeeping at [Previous Hotel]. I enjoy the satisfaction of seeing a job done well and knowing that my efforts contribute to a clean and comfortable environment for others. 

In my previous experiences, I’ve learned the importance of time management, consistency and teamwork. For instance, during [one example from a previous job or volunteer work], I ensured tasks were completed efficiently while maintaining high standards of cleanliness. 

This is why I’m excited about the opportunity to work at [Establishment Name] and contribute my work ethic and eye for detail as part of the housekeeping team. I’ve heard great things about the establishment consistently going above and beyond when it comes to ensuring guest satisfaction.

Example “Tell me about yourself” answer for Concierge:

I’ve always had a passion for travel and exploring new places, which makes me genuinely excited about helping others create memorable experiences during their stay. My enthusiasm for sharing local insights has been a key driver in my role as a Concierge.

In my previous position at [Name of Previous Workplace], I often worked closely with guests to curate personalized itineraries, offering recommendations for restaurants, attractions and hidden gems that suited their preferences. Seeing guests enjoy their trips based on my suggestions has been incredibly rewarding.

I’m eager to bring my knowledge, creativity and dedication to exceptional guest service to [Establishment Name], ensuring every visitor has an unforgettable experience.

Example Set C: For front-of-house positions 

For front-of-house staff such as Waitress/Waiters and Bartenders, the priority is to demonstrate exceptional customer service skills, adaptability and a personable demeanor. 

These roles may also be considered entry-level (though not always), making them a great starting point for individuals passionate about hospitality or customer service.

Front-of-house positions are about creating a welcoming and enjoyable dining experience. So, highlighting qualities like patience, efficiency and teamwork is crucial. 

Emphasizing a passion for service and the ability to handle varied customer needs can help interviewers see you as a strong asset to their team.

Example “Tell me about yourself” answer for Waiter/Waitress:

I’ve been working in customer-facing roles for three years, with experience as a [Waiter/Waitress] in high-volume restaurants downtown. My focus has been on providing friendly and efficient service to ensure a memorable dining experience. 

In my last position at [Previous Restaurant], I consistently received positive feedback from guests and played a key role in team training. I’ve also learned to handle challenging situations with patience and professionalism, ensuring that guests always feel valued and well cared for.

I’m eager to continue growing in the restaurant industry through this opportunity to work at [Company/Establishment Name]. I’m thrilled to bring my people skills and dedication to customer satisfaction and help your restaurant maintain its reputation for excellent service.

Note: You can also become a Waiter/Waitress without prior work experience. If so, refer to our No Experience sample answer in the previous section.

Example “Tell me about yourself” answer for Bartenders:

I’ve been working in hospitality for about three years now, with experience as a Bartender in high-volume bar and restaurant settings. I’m all about crafting quality beverages — especially cocktails — while providing friendly and attentive service to guests.

In my last position at [Previous Bar/Restaurant], I built strong relationships with regular patrons and introduced a signature cocktail that became a menu favorite. I have also taken several mixology classes to refine my skills, learn innovative techniques and stay updated on emerging trends in the industry.

I’m excited to bring my creativity, efficiency and passion for mixology and customer satisfaction to [Company/Establishment Name]. Also, I look forward to learning more about your establishment’s unique style and continuing to build on my skills to create memorable experiences for your guests while contributing to the success of the bar.

Example Set D: For kitchen staff candidates

When responding to “Tell me about yourself,” kitchen staff like Chefs and Cooks should highlight their experience, commitment to quality and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. 

Focus on relevant skills, such as culinary expertise, adaptability and contributions to the kitchen’s success. 

Mentioning specific achievements such as improving menu offerings, enhancing customer satisfaction or maintaining rigorous kitchen standards can demonstrate impact and dedication. 

Tailor responses to the restaurant’s values, such as sustainable sourcing or local ingredients, to show genuine interest in the role and alignment with the company’s mission.

Some Cook and Chef roles may also be considered entry-level, offering opportunities for individuals passionate about cooking to grow their skills and establish themselves in the culinary industry.

Example “Tell me about yourself” answer for Chefs:

I’m a Chef with over five years of experience in fine dining establishments, where I’ve honed my skills in high-quality food preparation and presentation. I enjoy coming up with dishes that not only taste great but also tell a story. 

My first culinary job was at a small bistro, where I quickly developed a strong foundation in kitchen operations. Later on, I moved into working for fine dining restaurants, where I learned to focus on high-quality ingredients and innovative presentation. At [Name of Previous Restaurant] I helped revamp our seasonal menu, which resulted in increasing customer satisfaction scores by 20%. 

I’m now looking forward to applying my culinary skills and creativity at [Company/Establishment Name], especially since I admire your emphasis on local ingredients and sustainable sourcing.

Example “Tell me about yourself” answer for Cooks:

I’m a dedicated Cook constantly honing my skills in preparing high-quality meals in fast-paced kitchen environments. Also, I’m someone who is easily able to stay calm and focused even during busy shifts and other high-stress situations. 

My passion for cooking started at an early age, inspired by helping my family prepare meals and experimenting with different recipes in our kitchen. What began as a hobby quickly grew into a love for creating dishes that bring people together.

After graduating [high school/college], I spent two years working at [Name of Previous Restaurant]. There, I’ve gained hands-on experience preparing a variety of dishes and ensuring top-notch kitchen cleanliness. 

I’m excited about the opportunity to grow with [Company/Establishment Name] and continue delivering quality food that keeps customers coming back. Of course, I’m also eager to learn more from your experienced culinary staff in order to progress in my career.

Example Set E: For management roles (general and hospitality-specific)

For management roles in general, the focus should be on strong leadership abilities, a commitment to delivering exceptional results and a proven track record of improving team performance and operational efficiency. 

Effective managers are expected to inspire their teams, drive growth and ensure smooth operations. That said, highlighting examples of successful initiatives, such as boosting profit margins, reducing employee turnover or streamlining processes can demonstrate a candidate’s ability to lead and positively impact the business. 

For management roles in hospitality, like Hotel Manager and Restaurant Manager, the focus should also be on leadership abilities. Additionally, make sure to mention things like commitment to exceptional customer service and a proven record of improving team performance and operational efficiency. 

Emphasizing adaptability and a passion for creating memorable guest experiences will help candidates present themselves as strong leaders suited to the demands of the role.

General example answer:

I’m a Business Operations Manager with over seven years of experience streamlining processes and improving team performance across diverse industries. I pride myself on fostering collaboration and driving efficiency to achieve organizational goals.

In my previous role at [Company], I led a process optimization project that reduced operational costs by 15% while increasing productivity by 20%. I also implemented a mentorship program that enhanced employee engagement and reduced turnover by 10%.

I’m excited to bring my leadership skills and commitment to operational excellence to [Company], where I aim to contribute to strategic initiatives and help the team achieve exceptional results.

Example “Tell me about yourself” answer for Hotel Managers:

I’m a Hotel Manager with a decade of experience leading teams to deliver outstanding guest experiences. I consider myself a dedicated and results-driven professional which is why I have stayed in the hospitality industry for this long.

My journey in hospitality began with my first job as a Receptionist, where I discovered my passion for creating memorable stays and ensuring guest satisfaction.

Then in my most recent role at [Name of Previous Hotel], I successfully implemented new guest feedback protocols. This resulted in a 15% increase in satisfaction scores and a 10% decrease in turnover rates. 

I’m excited to bring my passion for hospitality and my expertise in team management to [Company Name], where I’m eager to foster a welcoming and efficient environment for both guests and staff.

Example “Tell me about yourself” answer for Restaurant Managers:

With a total of seven years of restaurant industry experience, I have a strong track record of increasing efficiency and profitability. What I find most fulfilling about restaurant work is the opportunity to motivate my team, optimize operations and drive customer satisfaction. 

In my previous managerial role at [Name of Previous Restaurant], I introduced a new training program that improved staff retention and elevated service quality, contributing to positive guest feedback. This experience has helped me build a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to run a successful restaurant, from fostering teamwork to streamlining processes.

I’m looking forward to bringing my skills and commitment to [Company] and making a meaningful impact on both the team and our guests.

Common Variations of “Tell Me About Yourself”

Sometimes, interviewers won’t directly say “Tell me about yourself.” Instead, they might use alternative questions or prompts to gain insights into your personality, experience and motivations. 

These variations are designed to extract similar information but framed in a slightly different way. So, it’s important to recognize these variations for what they are — and prepare accordingly.

Each “Tell me about yourself” alternative gives you a unique angle to highlight your strengths. Preparing your answers for these can help you tackle whatever form the question may take. 

Below are detailed common examples and insights you should know, so you’ll be well-prepared to adapt your answer and show off your best qualities.

1. “Describe yourself in three words”

This prompt is designed to make you sum up your personality or professional strengths quickly and concisely. When answering, choose adjectives that reflect both your unique character and align with the job requirements. Here are a few examples of how to approach it:

Examples of three adjectives:

• Hard-working, collaborative and driven: Great for roles in dynamic, team-oriented environments (like hotels and restaurants) where hard work, flexibility and motivation are valued
• Detail-oriented, responsible and efficient: Ideal for roles that require precision and reliability, like culinary and event managing positions
• Creative, strategic and resilient: Perfect for roles in event planning or any other field where problem-solving and innovation are important

Why these work: Choosing the right three adjectives shows that you understand both the role and your unique strengths. Be sure to give a brief explanation for each to add depth, such as:

“I would describe myself as adaptable, collaborative and driven. I adapt well to new challenges, work well in team settings and I’m motivated to meet my goals.”

2. “What five qualities best describe you?”

Here, the interviewer is looking for traits or characteristics that capture your approach to work and highlight how you’d fit within their team. Like the previous variation, align your choices with the job’s requirements.

Examples of five qualities:

• Dependability, strong work ethic, integrity, curiosity and communication skills: Good for roles like Concierge and Event Coordinator requiring reliability, continuous learning and frequent interaction with others
• Analytical mindset, creativity, attention to detail, open-mindedness and initiative: Suited for roles like Restaurant Manager, Hotel Manager and Event Planner that involve problem-solving and autonomy
• Empathy, positivity, patience, adaptability and goal-oriented: Ideal for customer service and healthcare roles, where patience, understanding and focus on outcomes are essential

Why these work: These examples show you’ve reflected on how your qualities match what’s important for the position and the company culture. When possible, follow up with examples of when you demonstrated these qualities, as this makes your response even more memorable. Here’s how to do that:

“I’d describe myself as having an analytical mindset, creativity, attention to detail, open-mindedness and initiative. 

For example, in my previous role, I noticed our restaurant’s sales during weekday lunches were declining. Using my analytical mindset, I reviewed sales data and customer feedback to identify patterns. 

I then used my creativity to develop a new lunch promotion that included customizable meal options, which appealed to our target audience. 

My attention to detail ensured the campaign ran smoothly, from menu design to staff training. Being open-minded, I collaborated with the team and incorporated their suggestions to refine the initiative. 

Finally, my initiative helped drive the campaign’s success, resulting in a 20% increase in weekday sales within three months.“

3. “Walk me through your CV/resume”

This is essentially a chronological take on “Tell me about yourself.” Here, the interviewer wants you to highlight relevant experience on your CV or resume. Below are steps on how to navigate it effectively.

How to approach it:

• Summarize your professional background: Start by giving a very brief overview of your background, like, “I began my career in [industry/field] and quickly developed skills in [relevant skills].”
• Emphasize key roles: Focus on the jobs or experiences most relevant to the position, such as, “In my role at [Company], I managed [specific projects or teams] which honed my ability to [relevant skill].”
• Conclude with recent experience: Finish by mentioning your current or most recent role, emphasizing your achievements and what drew you to this interview.

Example answer:

“I began my career in hospitality as a Server at [Name of First Restaurant], where I quickly developed customer service and multitasking skills. From there, I moved into a role as a shift supervisor at [Another Restaurant], where I was responsible for staff management and daily operations, which taught me leadership and time management. 

In my most recent position as a Restaurant Manager at [Name of Current/Previous Workplace], I increased customer satisfaction scores on Google reviews and streamlined our scheduling process. Now, I’m looking forward to bringing my experience and dedication to [Company Name].“

Why it works: This answer shows you’re organized, aware of what’s relevant to share and capable of connecting your experience to the new role.

4. “Why did you choose this career path?”

Here, the interviewer wants to know what brought you to the industry or role. Show genuine interest and alignment with the field.

How to answer:

• Mention a defining moment: Describe an experience or realization that inspired your career choice, like “I initially studied business but found my passion in hospitality after working seasonally in a restaurant, where I loved the energy and interaction.”
• Discuss a skill or interest: Explain how a skill or interest led you to the industry. For instance, you can say, “The fast pace, guest interactions and joy of creating memorable experiences showed me that hospitality was where I wanted to be.”
• Link it to long-term goals: Show how this career fits into your aspirations, like “I chose hospitality because it aligns perfectly with my goal to create memorable guest experiences and eventually lead my own team in a dynamic setting.”

Why it works: These example answers add depth to your background, illustrating that you’re intentional about your career and genuinely interested in your chosen field.

5. “What are you passionate about?”

This question lets interviewers get a sense of who you are beyond your resume. When possible, choose passions that are relevant to the job or display qualities useful in the role.

Example answers:

• Customer satisfaction (for customer service roles): “I’m passionate about providing people with memorable experience, which is why I enjoy working as a [Position].”
• Learning and growth (perfect for any role): “I’m passionate about continuous learning, whether it’s through reading, training or hands-on experience and I’m excited to bring that to [Company].”

Why it works: Discussing your passions brings authenticity to your answer and gives a glimpse into what excites you, showing the interviewer you’re both motivated and human.

Tips for Answering “Tell Me About Yourself”: Dos and Don’ts

As we’ve mentioned, a well-thought-out response to this common interview question can go a long way. After all, you want to drastically reduce the chances of possibly not getting the job.

When crafting your answer, follow these essential tips for creating a memorable and professional response:

Dos:

• Keep your answer concise, ideally under two minutes. An answer that’s brief and to the point makes it easier for the interviewer to remember your key strengths and achievements.
• Use positive language and focus on accomplishments. Highlighting your achievements with confident, upbeat language shows that you’re a results-driven candidate who brings value.
• Personalize your response based on the job description. Tailoring your answer to the specific skills and qualities required for the role demonstrates your understanding of the job and why you’re a strong fit.

Don’ts:

• Don’t ramble or overshare — stay focused on relevant information. Stick to professional highlights that match the job; avoid details that don’t add value, as they can dilute your message. In fact, hiring managers find that “the longer a candidate rambles about a topic, the less they likely understand it.”
• Avoid mentioning personal life details that don’t connect to the role. Personal anecdotes that aren’t job-related can distract from your professional image and the specific qualifications you bring.
• Don’t simply recite your resume. The interviewer has most likely already gone through it in detail. Instead of just listing previous roles, share specific achievements or stories that aren’t on your resume. Doing so will help make your answer memorable and engaging.

See also: 9 Reasons You’re Getting Interviews but No Offers (+ Strategies for Success)

Key Takeaways

Mastering how to answer the “Tell me about yourself” question is essential for making a positive first impression in interviews. This question, often the interview opener, offers you a great opportunity to highlight your strengths, personality and alignment with the role. 

To ace this question, you should:

• Structure your answer properly.
• Go through our example answers to get an idea of what to say.
• Adapt your answer to the common possible variations of this question.
• Keep in mind the dos and don’ts. 

By following these guidelines, you’ll be in a strong position to land the role you’re applying for.

For those applying specifically for hospitality industry jobs, here’s a final piece of advice from one of OysterLink’s experts:

“This is your unique opportunity to show to the hiring manager what you are made of. Try to align your answer to the general mission of the establishment. 

Now remember — our industry is all about customer service. So, try to remember a situation that talks about how successful you are in delivering exceptional customer service. 

As a hiring manager, my personal favorites are answers that include a story about turning an angry or frustrated customer into a happy one. It doesn’t necessarily have to be something groundbreaking; it just has to be something that proves your dedication to the industry’s ultimate goal.” 

Adnana Pidro, Marketing Director at OysterLink

Find More Job Hunting Advice With OysterLink

Need help preparing for other aspects of the hiring process? Whether it’s crafting the perfect resume, negotiating a job offer or acing your next interview, OysterLink has you covered! 

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