How to Choose the Right Examples for Your Job Interview. Job Interview Stories (Part 2)

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 In Part 1 of this series, we focused on clarity before confidence - why being clear about your role and value matters more than sounding impressive. If you prefer to listen rather than read, this topic is also discussed in the Business English Talks podcast, where we break down real interview answers and explain why some of them work better than others. In this article, we move to the next step: choosing the right examples. Even professionals with strong experience often struggle in interviews because they talk about the wrong situations - or they choose examples that are too complex, too vague, or not clearly connected to the question. This article will help you choose examples that are: easy to explain, relevant to the role, and effective in real interview situations. Along the way, you’ll find ready-to-use Business English phrases you can apply immediately. Why examples matter more than job titles Interviewers don’t hire job titles. They hire people who can solve problems and ...
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53: How to Answer "Tell Me About Yourself" in a Job Interview – A Practical Guide

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Welcome to Business English Talks – your go-to blog for practical English in the professional world. Today’s post continues our interview preparation series and focuses on one of the most important and frequently asked questions: “Tell me about yourself.”



It may sound easy, but many people struggle with this question – they either say too little or go into irrelevant personal stories. Let’s break it down so you can answer clearly, confidently, and professionally.


Why do interviewers ask this question?


This question helps the interviewer:


Get a quick overview of your background


See how you present yourself


Understand your career path


Evaluate your communication skills



This is not the time to talk about your childhood or hobbies. It’s your chance to present yourself as the right person for the role.


🧩 The Simple Formula: Present – Past – Future


1. Present: What do you do now? What is your current job or focus?



2. Past: What relevant experience do you have?



3. Future: What are you looking for and why are you applying for this role?




This structure keeps your answer focused and professional.


🌐 Useful Phrases


Talking about your current situation:


I currently work as a...


I’m currently studying [subject] at [university].


At the moment, I’m working on...


Right now, I’m focused on...



Describing your past experience:


I’ve been working in [industry] for [X years].


My background is in...


I started my career in...


In my previous role, I was responsible for...


I gained valuable experience in...



Highlighting your skills and strengths:


One of my key strengths is...


I’m known for being...


I’ve developed strong skills in...


I enjoy working with...



Talking about your goals:


I’m looking for a role where I can...


My goal is to...


I’m interested in joining a company that...


This position is a great fit for me because...



💼 Example Answer 1 – Office Assistant


"I currently work as an office assistant at a logistics firm, where I support daily operations and client communication. I’ve worked in administrative roles for over three years. In my last job, I helped manage schedules and handled internal reporting. I’m now looking for a role where I can grow professionally and work in an international environment like yours."


📊 Example Answer 2 – Sales Representative


"I have over five years of experience in sales, mainly in the retail and electronics sectors. I started as a sales associate and was later promoted to a team leader position. I enjoy helping customers and finding the right solutions for their needs. Currently, I’m looking for a new opportunity in B2B sales where I can use my relationship-building skills to support business clients."


🧠 Example Answer 3 – Career Change


"I recently completed a certification in project management after working in education for several years. As a teacher, I developed strong organizational and communication skills. Now I’m transitioning into project coordination roles where I can apply my planning abilities and attention to detail. I’m excited to contribute to cross-functional teams and learn more about agile methodologies."


🎓 Example Answer 4 – Student / Graduate


"I recently graduated with a degree in business management. During my studies, I completed two internships – one in HR and one in marketing. I also worked part-time as a customer service assistant, which taught me how to deal with different types of people and stay calm under pressure. I’m eager to start my career and I believe this position will allow me to grow and learn quickly."



✅ Final Tips


Keep your answer between 1–2 minutes.


Focus on your professional story, not your personal life.


Don’t memorise a script – speak naturally.


Practise out loud and get feedback from a friend or coach.


Adapt your answer to the job and company you are applying for.


You can also prepare a short version (30 seconds) and a longer one (2 minutes), depending on how much time you’re given.


This is part two of our Job Interview Series. In part one, we discussed how to describe your previous responsibilities clearly and professionally.


In the next article, we’ll guide you through how to answer: “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”


For more real-life examples, pronunciation tips and practical phrases, tune in to the podcast Business English Talks on Spotify.


Learn how to answer the common interview question "Tell me about yourself" with confidence. Includes structure, useful phrases, and example answers.

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