In this episode of Promoted, Merit America Career Coach Anne-Marcelle Kouame breaks down one of the most common—and most important—interview questions: “Tell me about yourself.”
Often asked in the very first minutes of an interview, this question sets the tone for everything that follows. Anne-Marcelle explains why your answer matters so much, how interviewers use it to assess fit, and how to craft a response that highlights your personality, transferable skills, and career goals—especially if you’re changing careers.
Rather than reciting your resume, this episode shows you how to turn your introduction into a compelling narrative that helps interviewers remember you.
Key Takeaways
The “tell me about yourself” question isn’t a throwaway—it’s a strategic moment.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why first impressions matter more than you think
- How to structure your answer using a present–past–future format
- Why starting with your personality, not your job title, helps you stand out
- How to create a strong “I am” statement that reflects who you are
- How to highlight transferable skills when transitioning careers
- Why practice matters—but memorization doesn’t
As Anne-Marcelle puts it: “You want it to be ear-grabbing.”
Tune in to learn:
- How interviewers use this question to assess fit and potential
- How to move beyond “I’m a [job title]” and break interview patterns
- How retail, caregiving, or other nontraditional backgrounds translate into in-demand skills
- How to tailor your answer to the role you’re applying for
- How career coaching can help you refine and practice your story
Listen to full episode!
Join Anne-Marcelle Kouame for a practical, confidence-building guide to answering the interview question that opens the door to everything else.
Podcast Transcript:
Anne-Marcelle:
Hello, my name is Anne-Marcelle, and I’m a career coach at Merit America—a national nonprofit organization that provides pathways for workers out of low-wage jobs and into well-paying careers with upward mobility.
In today’s mini-episode of Promoted, we’re talking about an interview question that can set the tone for your entire interview: “Tell me about yourself.”
This question is often asked at the very beginning of an interview. It may sound like “Walk me through your resume” or “Tell me about your career.” Because it comes so early, this is your opportunity to get the interviewer invested in you, your story, and your potential.
According to Quartz, 30% of interviewers make a hiring decision within the first five minutes, and nearly 60% within the first 15 minutes. Think of this like writing an essay—you need a hook. Or like watching a video on social media—those first few seconds determine whether someone keeps watching.
That’s why how you answer this question matters so much.
Interviewers ask “tell me about yourself” to understand who you are, how you communicate, and whether you’re a good fit for the role and the team. This is especially important for career changers, whose past experience may look very different from where they want to go next—and that’s okay.
For example, if you’re applying for a data analytics role and coming from retail, your answer shouldn’t just describe retail duties. It should highlight transferable skills—like organization, problem-solving, and turning messy information into something clear and useful.
So how do you answer this question?
Think of your response as an elevator pitch, not a resume summary. You want to explain:
- What you’re doing now
- How you got here
- Where you’re headed
I recommend using a present–past–future structure.
Start with the present—but don’t start with a job title. Interviewers hear “I’m a retail associate” or “I’m a data analyst” all day long. Instead, break the pattern with an “I am” statement—a combination of adjectives and a noun that reflects your personality.
For example:
- “I am a data-oriented coordinator.”
- “I am a creative problem solver.”
- “I am a resilient household manager.”
This makes your introduction more engaging and memorable.
From there, move into the past—how your career started and what experiences built your skills. Then finish with the future—how you want to grow and why this role fits your goals.
Here’s a full example:
“I am a data-oriented coordinator, and I currently work in a role where I enjoy finding patterns others might miss. I have over five years of experience in retail, where I developed strong organizational skills by managing inventory and creating systems that made it easier for customers to find what they needed. In the past, I also worked as a data entry intern, which sparked my interest in analytics. Looking ahead, I want to use data to help small businesses make informed decisions and collaborate with compassionate teams.”
When crafting your answer:
- Practice, but don’t memorize
- Use bullet points as prompts
- Tailor your response to the role
- Let your personality shine
Ultimately, interviewers want to know: Do I want to keep listening to this person? Do I see them on my team?
At Merit America, we know this question can feel overwhelming. That’s why our programs include personalized career coaching. Coaches help you:
- Clarify your story
- Build confidence
- Set realistic goals
- Stay accountable through interview prep
Because career success isn’t just about landing a job—it’s about building the career you deserve.
Thank you for tuning in. If you’re ready to take the next step, visit www.meritamerica.org to learn more.