How to Answer 'Tell Me About Yourself' - Spoken English Lesson

This video lesson from Oxford Online English teaches how to answer the question 'tell me about yourself' in various contexts, such as job interviews, university interviews, English exams, and when meeting new colleagues. It provides general tips, sample answers, and language structures to help learners respond confidently and coherently. The lesson emphasizes the importance of context, brevity, and clarity in responses.

Why might the question 'Tell me about yourself' make people nervous?

• It is a very complex question.

• It can make people feel uncomfortable.

• It is often asked unexpectedly.

• It requires sharing personal secrets.

What is the first tip for answering 'Tell me about yourself'?

• Focus on your hobbies.

• Think about the context you're in.

• Discuss your future goals.

• Talk about your family background.

How long should your response to 'Tell me about yourself' ideally be?

• As long as possible.

• A detailed paragraph.

• One or two sentences.

• Three or four sentences.

What is the suggested structure for answering 'Tell me about yourself'?

• Past, future, present.

• Present, future, past.

• Future, present, past.

• Past, present, future.

In a job interview, what should you focus on when answering 'Tell me about yourself'?

• Your professional background.

• Your family history.

• Your favorite hobbies.

• Your travel experiences.

What is a key element in the university interview sample answer?

• Talking about your travel experiences.

• Mentioning your past experiences in drama.

• Discussing your favorite movies.

• Describing your family background.

What is a common theme in the general answers for English exams?

• Talking about future goals exclusively.

• Discussing only professional achievements.

• Describing your favorite books.

• Focusing on personal and general information.

In a new workplace, how should you introduce yourself?

• By discussing your family.

• With a focus on your hobbies.

• By listing all your previous jobs.

• Using a conversational tone.

What should you include in your introduction when starting a new job?

• Your travel experiences.

• Your childhood memories.

• Your professional background.

• Your favorite sports.

What is the main focus when introducing yourself to new colleagues?

• Your personal life.

• Your professional background.

• Your favorite movies.

• Your travel experiences.