Tell me about yourself

The question that makes everyone freeze

"Tell me about yourself."

You know that sinking feeling at the start of a zoom call when someone suggests everyone introduce themselves?

Next time it happens, watch what happens next. Some people launch into their entire life story, rambling on about their job, their weekend plans, what their cat had for breakfast. Others mumble their name and go silent. Very few manage to combine being interesting without dominating the virtual room.

I was reflecting on how the same thing happens in job interviews. Except the stakes are higher.

I've interviewed dozens of candidates for jobs over the years and I thought it might be helpful to explain what's really happening when interviewers ask this question.

We're not making small talk. Your CV is right there in front of us. What we want to hear - in your own words - is why you're motivated to apply for this role and how your experience makes you the right person for it.

It may not feel like it when you're in the hot seat but this question is actually a gift. It's an opportunity for an elevator pitch. You know the answer better than anyone, and it's your chance to set the tone for the entire interview.

Three ways people get this wrong

• Some people run through their entire CV and somehow end up talking about their university dissertation from 1997.
• Others stray far too much into personal information and irrelevant details.
• And some try to wing it. They make it up on the spot, stumbling through random career highlights with no clear thread.

Here's a simple formula

Present: Start with your current role and one key achievement.

Past: Briefly explain how you got here, highlighting the most relevant experience.

Future: Connect everything to why you're excited about this specific opportunity. Too many people forget, in their nerves, to sound motivated and excited about the role.

Try to keep it to 90 seconds, or two minutes maximum. Think of it like a good Zoom introduction. It should be informative and engaging, but not a TED talk.

Why this matters

Just like on that Zoom call, how you handle this moment tells the interview panel a lot about your self-awareness and communication skills.

A strong answer builds confidence, both yours and theirs. A rambling or mumbled one makes everything harder for the rest of the interview.

The best answers feel conversational but stay focused. Practice without memorising. And don't forget that the people on the other side of the desk do want you to succeed. This question is your chance to help them see why.

I've made versions of all these mistakes over the years and wish I'd had some advice to help which is why I'm writing about this today. It's also part of my plan to focus more on career and work life support to individuals, alongside my work with organisations. I'm starting my coaching course to become an accredited coach next month 😀

If you're preparing for interviews and you want to talk through your interview prep, just reply to this email. I'm always happy to help.

Useful links 🔗

Fascinating article by my friend Ruth about the Chocolate Scorecard's work to address slavery, child labour and sustainability in the chocolate supply chain.

I'm joining the board of the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust early next year. I'm very interested to support their ongoing work on reparations.

Day of the Week 📆

200 years of trains in the UK!

The Stockton & Darlington Railway opened on September 27, 1825

What am I reading? 📚

Back into fiction now for a little light relief with Susie Dent's Guilty by Definition. Amateur sleuthing and dictionaries.

What am I watching? 👀

Slow Horses is back. I enjoy the London location spotting.

What am I listening to?👂

As I was writing the bit above about the interview questions, this track came on and I had to dance round the office. Defy you to stay seated.

Joy-giving things 😍

We've had such a beautiful autumnal week.

I had a lovely walk in Brompton Cemetery the other day. Join me!

Have a great weekend

Lucy x

If it’s your first time reading this newsletter, find out more about me here.

I write this newsletter because I believe in sharing ideas that help us work towards a truly equal world, particularly in the workplace.

Share it with your friends so they can read it too 📣

ChangeOut is created by Lucy Caldicott. You can find more about my work at ChangeOut.org. If you’re looking to have a chat about culture, leadership, purpose, equity, or a facilitated team discussion about any of those things, get in touch. You can also find me on Bluesky, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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