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🌍 Job Interview Training. Q1: “Tell Me a bit About Yourself.”

Updated: 11 hours ago




Welcome back to this blog series on answering job interview questions in English with confidence!


In Part 1, we looked at the 11 most common questions you might hear. Now, we’re going to explore each one in detail, starting with the classic:


💬 Question 1: Tell me about yourself


It sounds simple, but this is one of the most important moments in your interview. First impressions matter, and this is your chance to make a great one. So, let’s break it down.


🎯 What Is the Interviewer Looking For?


This question helps the interviewer understand:

  • Who you are professionally

  • What your background is

  • Why you might be a good fit for the job

They’re not asking about your personal life. Keep the focus on your work, studies, and skills.


✅ How to Structure Your Answer

Use a simple past–present–future structure:

  1. Past: Where you started, what you studied, or your first job

  2. Present: Your current role or situation

  3. Future: Why you're applying for this job or what you're looking for


    Keep it short, about 2 minutes. And smile!



💡 Top Tips

  • Tailor your answer to the job. Choose examples that match the role

  • Don’t memorise a script. Just practise speaking naturally and clearly

  • For online interviews: Look into the camera and sit in a quiet, well-lit place


✏️ Your Task

Now write some note to help you answer this this question using the structure above.👉 Practise saying it out loud, or record yourself. If you’re not sure what to include, make sure you answer these questions:


  • What did you study or train in?

  • What’s your most recent job or experience?

  • Try to use some of the helpful phrases below.

  • Read the Javier Ortega case study below if you need some inspiration.


Good luck.



  • 🔙 PAST – Where you started

    Use these to talk about your background, studies, or first job:

    • “I started my career as a…”

    • “I studied ___ at university / college.”

    • “My background is in ___.”

    • “I have a degree in ___.”

    • “My first job was in ___, where I learned…”

    • “Before this, I worked as a ___ for [X] years.”

    • “I originally trained as a ___.”


    📍 PRESENT – What you’re doing now

    These help you describe your current role, experience, or skills:

    • “At the moment, I’m working as a ___.”

    • “I’m currently responsible for ___.”

    • “I’ve been working in ___ for the last [X] years.”

    • “In my current job, I mainly deal with ___.”

    • “I’ve gained a lot of experience in ___.”

    • “Right now, I’m focusing on ___.”

    • “I work closely with ___ teams / clients / projects.”


    🚀 FUTURE – What you’re looking for

    Use these to show why you want the job and what you’re aiming for next:

    • “I’m looking for a new challenge in ___.”

    • “I’d like to grow my skills in ___.”

    • “This role seems like a great match for my experience.”

    • “I’m very interested in working for a company like yours.”

    • “I want to continue developing in ___.”

    • “I’m ready to take the next step in my career.”

    • “That’s why I’m excited about this opportunity.”


Case Study:

Javier Ortega – “Tell Me About Yourself”



👤 Meet Javier Ortega

Javier Ortega is a 28-year-old IT systems analyst from Valencia, Spain. After completing his degree in Computer Engineering at the Polytechnic University of Valencia, he began his career in a fast-paced startup environment and quickly moved into more specialised roles in cloud infrastructure and cybersecurity. He’s passionate about international collaboration, automation, and finding smart tech solutions to business problems. He’s now looking for a role where he can grow into project leadership and contribute on a global scale.


💼 Job Interview Role Play – “Tell Me About Yourself”


Interviewer:

Thanks for joining us today, Javier. Let’s start with something simple — can you tell me a bit about yourself?


Javier:

Sure. I studied computer engineering at university, at the Polytechnic University of Valencia, where I built a strong foundation in software development, networks, and systems.


My working background is in software development, and I started my career as a junior developer at a Valencia-based startup called AppNest, where I focused on front-end features for mobile apps. Before this, I worked as a freelance web developer for about a year, helping small businesses set up online booking and payment systems. My first job was in a very agile team, where I learned to collaborate closely with designers and adapt quickly to client feedback.


At the moment, I’m working as a systems analyst at NetFocus, a mid-sized IT firm headquartered in Barcelona with offices across Europe. I’ve been working in this role for the last three years, and I’m currently responsible for maintaining cloud infrastructure using Azure, improving internal security systems, and responding to escalated technical issues.


In my current job, I mainly deal with automation tools and network performance, and I work closely with infrastructure and DevOps teams in Germany and the UK. I’ve gained a lot of experience in cross-border collaboration, process optimisation, and technical documentation.


Right now, I’m focusing on developing my leadership skills, especially in terms of coordinating small projects and mentoring newer colleagues. I’m looking for a new challenge in an international tech environment, where I can keep growing and take on more strategic responsibility.


I’d like to grow my skills in cloud architecture and client-facing project work, and eventually move toward IT consultancy or team leadership. This role seems like a great match for my experience, and I’m ready to take the next step in my career.


That’s why I’m excited about this opportunity. It offers the kind of growth and collaboration I’m looking for.



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