How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself” in an Irish Interview

The very first question in most interviews is: “Tell me about yourself.”

It sounds simple, but many candidates either ramble or don’t know where to start. In Ireland, employers use this question to see how well you present yourself and whether your background matches the role.

Here’s how to structure your answer, plus strong examples you can adapt.

Why Employers Ask This Question

• To break the ice and start the conversation.
• To see how clearly you can talk about your experience.
• To check if your career path makes sense for the job.
• To learn what motivates you.

How to Structure Your Answer

1. Start with your background – a quick summary of your work or study history.
2. Highlight relevant experience – focus on skills that match the role.
3. End with your motivation – explain why you’re excited about this opportunity.

Keep it short — about 1–2 minutes is ideal.

Example Answers

For a graduate interview:
I recently graduated from [University] with a degree in Business. During my studies I completed an internship where I gained experience in project management and teamwork. I’m now looking to apply those skills in a professional environment, and I’m especially interested in [Company Name] because of your strong reputation for developing graduates.

For an experienced professional:
I’ve worked in customer support for over five years, starting as a call centre agent and progressing to a team leader role. I’ve developed strong skills in communication, problem-solving, and mentoring staff. I’m now interested in bringing that experience to a company like [Company Name], where I can take on new challenges and continue growing my career.

For a career change:
My background is in retail management, where I gained skills in leadership, organisation, and customer service. Over the past year I’ve been retraining in digital marketing, completing a professional certificate. I’m excited to combine my experience with these new skills, which I believe make me a good fit for this role at [Company Name].

Mistakes to Avoid

• Telling your life story — focus only on relevant experience.
• Speaking for too long without structure.
• Being too vague (e.g., “I’ve worked in different jobs”).
• Forgetting to mention why you’re interested in this role.

FAQs

How long should my answer be?
Around 60–90 seconds. Enough detail to show your value, but not too long.

Should I include personal hobbies?
Only if they’re relevant (e.g., leadership in sports, volunteering). Otherwise, stick to professional experience.

What if I don’t have much experience?
Focus on transferable skills from education, internships, or part-time jobs.

Related Resources

• See Why Do You Want This Job? for another common interview question.
• Read Common Interview Questions in Ireland to practice your responses.
• Explore our Interview Tips Ireland Guide for a full overview of preparation.