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To answer “tell me about yourself” in an interview, give a 60 to 90-second summary of who you are professionally, what you’ve done that’s relevant, and why you want this role. Skip your life story and your hometown. Prepare it in advance, practise it out loud and tailor the ending to each employer. Done well, it sets up the rest of the interview in your favour.
Why the Question Is Asked
It’s usually the first question, and it isn’t small talk. Interviewers use it to:
- Hear how you communicate. Can you organise your thoughts and speak clearly?
- See what you think matters. What do you lead with?
- Find a starting point. Whatever you mention, they may ask about next.
- Check your fit. Does your story point towards this role?
That third point is your opportunity. You get to choose what the panel asks you about next. Mention the achievement you most want to discuss.
The 90-Second Rule
Aim for 60 to 90 seconds, roughly 150 to 220 spoken words.
- Under 30 seconds feels unprepared.
- Over two minutes and the panel starts to drift.
Record yourself on your phone and time it. Then cut until it fits. It feels awkward the first time and natural by the fifth.
What to cover
- Who you are now: your current role, qualification or focus
- What you’ve done: one or two relevant achievements
- Why you’re here: why this role, at this employer, makes sense next
Three Structures That Work
Pick the one that fits your situation.
1. Present – Past – Future. Best for most people with some work experience. “I’m currently a… Before that, I… I’m now looking to…, which is why this role appeals to me.”
2. Skill – Proof – Fit. Best for career changers. “My strength is… For example, at… I… That’s what your ad describes, which is why I applied.”
3. Education – Experience – Ambition. Best for fresh graduates and TVET graduates. “I recently completed… During my attachment, I… I’m looking to start my career in…, and this role fits because…”
Tell Me About Yourself Sample Answers: Kenyan Examples by Career Stage
Adapt these. Don’t memorise them word for word. Employers are described, not named.
Fresh graduate
“I recently graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in marketing. During my three-month attachment at a Nairobi FMCG distributor, I supported the trade marketing team with shop audits and built weekly sales reports in Excel. I also ran social media for my university’s business club. I’d like to start my career in trade marketing, and this graduate role stood out because it rotates across sales and brand.”
TVET graduate
“I hold a Diploma in Electrical Installation. For the past year I’ve worked with a contractor on residential wiring projects in Kiambu, mostly installations and fault-finding. I take safety seriously and I enjoy solving problems on site. I’m now looking to move into commercial projects with a larger firm, which is why I applied here.”
Mid-career professional
“I’m a senior accountant at a logistics company, where I manage monthly reporting and the annual audit. Before that I spent four years in audit, which gave me a strong grounding in controls. Last year I led our move from manual reconciliations to the accounting system, which shortened our month-end close. I’m ready to step into a finance manager role, and your growth across East Africa is the kind of challenge I want next.”
Career changer
“My strength is explaining things clearly and staying calm under pressure. I taught secondary school for six years, managing large classes and working closely with parents. Over the past year I’ve completed a customer experience course and handled customer queries part-time for an online shop. Your customer success role needs exactly those skills, just in a different setting.”
What Not to Say When You Answer “Tell Me About Yourself”
- Your whole life story. Start with your career, not primary school.
- Personal details like age, marital status, religion or ethnicity. They’re irrelevant and can invite bias.
- “It’s all on my CV.” They know. They want to hear you.
- Criticism of a current or past employer.
- Clichés without proof. “Hardworking team player” means nothing alone.
- Money as your main reason. Lead with the work.
- Anything you can’t back up. Expect a follow-up on everything you mention.
Hobbies only belong if they show a relevant skill. Treasurer of your chama? That shows trust and organisation. Worth a mention.
