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You may have heard the saying ‘you never get a second chance to make a first impression’. This is particularly true when answering ‘Tell me about yourself’ in a job interview. Here’s how to nail it:

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1. Don’t tell them your life story

We’re sure you’ve had many interesting experiences, but in the interview keep it short, professional and brief. Give enough information that they get an idea of who you are without going into every detail. You want to have some material left for other questions.

If you notice the interviewer getting distracted, it’s best to start wrapping up.

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2. Plan your answer

Prior to the interview think about what you want to say. This should consist of work, academic and personal. The majority should be work related and roughly 10% should be personal but trying to keep it relevant to the company or position.

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3. Practice what you’re going to say

Definitely practice, whether it’s in front a mirror, to a friend or in the shower. But don’t memorise. You want your answer to be organic and natural, rather than rigid and rehearsed. As you’ll have planned what you’re going to cover, it should be easier to come across as natural while including what you want.

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Telling an interviewer about yourself should be a brief introduction to who you are and what your experiences have been. It’s not anything to dread, especially knowing these tips.