What to say when someone asks “Tell me about yourself”

Tend to forget everything you ever knew about yourself when someone asks the open ended question "Tell me about yourself"?

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You are not alone. It can be easy to freeze like a deer in headlights when you’re suddenly expected to speak about yourself. But this is a question that is going to follow you through life so you may as well try to get comfortable with it - try these tips to help prevent your mind from going blank:

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#1: Prepare some "go to" responses

Try sketching out at least 2 - 3 short “go to” sentences about yourself so that you don’t draw a blank. Or, take it a step further and write a short story about yourself, something you're proud of. You can keep it simple or go all out.

#2: Focus on telling a story versus trying to sell yourself

When people ask to learn more about you, they just want to connect and are not trying to catch you out - so share your story, not your elevator pitch.

#3: Say it out loud

Practice saying your go-to sentences or story out loud. Record a voice note or just say it in the mirror - it might make you cringe but it will definitely get you more comfortable talking about yourself! But try not to memorise it so that you end up sounding like a robot.

#4: Keep it upbeat

If you're meeting someone for the first time, either in a professional or more casual environment, stay positive, first impressions last and no one likes a moaning myrtle.

Avoid complaining or self-deprecation!

#5: Shift your focus to the other person

Lucky you, someone is genuinely curious to learn something about you - now it's your turn to return the favour, ask them about themselves, what would you genuinely like to learn about them?