Tell me about yourself · Free South African guide
How to answer 'Tell me about yourself'.
Use present, past, future: what you do now, what you've done that's relevant, and why this job is next.
- Present-past-future formula
- Examples for different situations
- What not to say
- Practice script in the toolkit
First job
"I finished matric in 2025 with good marks in Maths Literacy and Accounting. I've helped at my aunt's tuck shop, so I'm used to handling cash and serving customers. I'm looking for my first retail job where I can learn and grow."
Graduate
"I've just completed a BCom in Accounting at UJ. My final-year project involved reconciling a small NGO's books, which I enjoyed. I'm applying for your graduate programme because of its rotation through audit and tax."
Avoid
- Your life story or family details
- Reading your CV word for word
- Speaking for more than two minutes
Free guides for this
Job hunting
Common interview questions in South Africa and how to prepare
CV writing
How to write a CV with no work experience (matric and graduates)
Job hunting