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How do I answer "Tell me about yourself" as a high schooler?
I have no professional work experience, so what do interviewers want to know when they ask, "Tell me about yourself?"
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4 answers
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Rafael’s Answer
Hi CK,
Answering "Tell me about yourself" as a high schooler can be a great chance to showcase your personality, interests, and experiences. Start by introducing yourself with your name, grade, and school. Share your passions, especially those related to the opportunity, like community service for a volunteer position. Talk about extracurricular activities, clubs, or volunteer work that highlight your skills, dedication, and teamwork. Mention any projects or assignments you're proud of that relate to the position. Include personal qualities that make you a good fit, such as being hardworking, eager to learn, or a good communicator, with examples. Finally, briefly mention your goals or what you hope to achieve through the program or job. Hope this helps!
Answering "Tell me about yourself" as a high schooler can be a great chance to showcase your personality, interests, and experiences. Start by introducing yourself with your name, grade, and school. Share your passions, especially those related to the opportunity, like community service for a volunteer position. Talk about extracurricular activities, clubs, or volunteer work that highlight your skills, dedication, and teamwork. Mention any projects or assignments you're proud of that relate to the position. Include personal qualities that make you a good fit, such as being hardworking, eager to learn, or a good communicator, with examples. Finally, briefly mention your goals or what you hope to achieve through the program or job. Hope this helps!
Thank you, Rafael for the advice.
CK
Updated
Lucas’s Answer
When an interviewer asks you to talk about yourself, focus on the job you're applying for. They want to know what kind of employee you'll be. Think about whether you're usually on time, finish tasks, handle stress well, learn quickly, take pride in your work, work well in a team or alone, and if you're more interested in the job itself or just the money or title. Identify the qualities the employer wants for the role and highlight those in yourself. For example, if you're applying for a bank job, mention that you ensure your work is accurate, enjoy working with numbers, or like helping people with their finances.
Updated
David’s Answer
Hi CK!
First of all, kudos to you for thinking about this question—it’s one of the most common (and tricky!) interview prompts, even for people with years of experience. The fact that you’re putting thought into it now shows how prepared and thoughtful you are. And don’t worry—just because you’re a high schooler without professional work experience doesn’t mean you don’t have plenty to talk about. Interviewers aren’t expecting you to rattle off a list of jobs or degrees; they want to get to know you as a person and see what makes you unique. Let’s break this down step by step so you can craft an answer that feels authentic and impressive.
1. Start with the Basics: Who Are You?
When interviewers ask, “Tell me about yourself,” they’re not looking for your life story—they want a snapshot of who you are and why you’re sitting in front of them. Think of it as your chance to introduce yourself in a way that highlights your strengths, passions, and goals. Here’s a simple structure to follow:
A. Start with Your Background
Keep it brief: Mention where you’re from, your school, and maybe one fun fact about yourself.
Example: “I’m a junior at [Your High School] in California, and I’m really passionate about [insert interest]. Outside of school, I love [hobby or activity].”
B. Highlight Your Interests & Strengths
Focus on things that show your personality and potential. Even if you don’t have work experience, you’ve likely been involved in clubs, sports, volunteering, or personal projects. Tie these to skills that matter—like leadership, teamwork, creativity, or problem-solving.
Example: “I’m part of the debate team, which has helped me develop strong communication and critical thinking skills. I also enjoy coding and recently built a small app for my school’s science fair.”
C. Connect to the Opportunity
Tailor your response to the role or program you’re applying for. If it’s a summer internship, focus on why you’re excited about learning and contributing. If it’s a leadership camp, emphasize your passion for teamwork and growth.
Example: “I’m really interested in [program/internship] because I want to deepen my skills in [specific area] and learn more about [industry/field]. I think this opportunity will help me grow both personally and professionally.”
2. Use Your Non-Work Experiences to Shine
Even without formal work experience, you’ve probably done tons of things that demonstrate responsibility, initiative, and character. Here’s how to frame them:
Academics:
Talk about subjects you excel in or projects you’ve enjoyed.
Example: “I’ve always loved math and problem-solving, so last semester I joined the Math Club and helped organize our annual competition.”
Extracurriculars:
Highlight leadership roles, teamwork, or dedication.
Example: “As captain of the volleyball team, I’ve learned how to motivate others and stay calm under pressure during tough matches.”
Volunteering/Community Service:
Share how you’ve contributed to your community.
Example: “I volunteer at the local library, where I help organize events for kids and assist with reading programs—it’s taught me patience and organization.”
Hobbies & Personal Projects:
Don’t underestimate the power of side projects! Whether it’s art, coding, writing, or building something, these show creativity and initiative.
Example: “In my free time, I design stickers and sell them online. It’s been a great way to learn about digital art and marketing.”
3. Show Enthusiasm & Curiosity
Interviewers love candidates who are eager to learn and grow. Even if you’re not sure exactly what career path you want yet, that’s okay! What matters is showing that you’re curious, open-minded, and willing to put in the effort.
Example: “I’m still exploring different fields, but I’m especially drawn to technology and design because I love solving problems creatively. This internship seems like an amazing chance to gain hands-on experience and figure out what I enjoy most.”
4. Practice Makes Perfect
Now that you know what to include, practice delivering your answer until it feels natural. Aim for 30–60 seconds—long enough to share meaningful details but short enough to keep their attention.
Here’s an example of a full response:
“Hi, I’m CK, a junior at [Your High School] in California. I’ve always been passionate about technology and problem-solving, so I joined our school’s robotics club last year. As part of the team, I helped design and program our robot for regional competitions, which taught me a lot about collaboration and perseverance. Outside of school, I enjoy photography and run a small Instagram account where I share my photos—it’s been a fun way to connect with other creatives. I’m really excited about this opportunity because I want to learn more about [specific field] and see how I can contribute while growing my skills.”
5. Address Common Worries
You might feel nervous about not having “enough” to say, but here’s the truth: interviewers aren’t judging you based on what you’ve already done—they’re looking for potential. They want to see that you’re motivated, self-aware, and ready to take on challenges. So instead of focusing on what you lack, celebrate what you bring to the table.
CK, you’re doing all the right things by preparing thoughtfully and seeking advice. Remember, “Tell me about yourself” isn’t a test—it’s an invitation to share your story and let your personality shine. You’ve got so much to offer, whether it’s through your academics, extracurriculars, or personal projects.
Take a deep breath, practice your response, and trust that your enthusiasm and authenticity will leave a lasting impression. You’ve got this, and I know you’ll crush your future interviews!
First of all, kudos to you for thinking about this question—it’s one of the most common (and tricky!) interview prompts, even for people with years of experience. The fact that you’re putting thought into it now shows how prepared and thoughtful you are. And don’t worry—just because you’re a high schooler without professional work experience doesn’t mean you don’t have plenty to talk about. Interviewers aren’t expecting you to rattle off a list of jobs or degrees; they want to get to know you as a person and see what makes you unique. Let’s break this down step by step so you can craft an answer that feels authentic and impressive.
1. Start with the Basics: Who Are You?
When interviewers ask, “Tell me about yourself,” they’re not looking for your life story—they want a snapshot of who you are and why you’re sitting in front of them. Think of it as your chance to introduce yourself in a way that highlights your strengths, passions, and goals. Here’s a simple structure to follow:
A. Start with Your Background
Keep it brief: Mention where you’re from, your school, and maybe one fun fact about yourself.
Example: “I’m a junior at [Your High School] in California, and I’m really passionate about [insert interest]. Outside of school, I love [hobby or activity].”
B. Highlight Your Interests & Strengths
Focus on things that show your personality and potential. Even if you don’t have work experience, you’ve likely been involved in clubs, sports, volunteering, or personal projects. Tie these to skills that matter—like leadership, teamwork, creativity, or problem-solving.
Example: “I’m part of the debate team, which has helped me develop strong communication and critical thinking skills. I also enjoy coding and recently built a small app for my school’s science fair.”
C. Connect to the Opportunity
Tailor your response to the role or program you’re applying for. If it’s a summer internship, focus on why you’re excited about learning and contributing. If it’s a leadership camp, emphasize your passion for teamwork and growth.
Example: “I’m really interested in [program/internship] because I want to deepen my skills in [specific area] and learn more about [industry/field]. I think this opportunity will help me grow both personally and professionally.”
2. Use Your Non-Work Experiences to Shine
Even without formal work experience, you’ve probably done tons of things that demonstrate responsibility, initiative, and character. Here’s how to frame them:
Academics:
Talk about subjects you excel in or projects you’ve enjoyed.
Example: “I’ve always loved math and problem-solving, so last semester I joined the Math Club and helped organize our annual competition.”
Extracurriculars:
Highlight leadership roles, teamwork, or dedication.
Example: “As captain of the volleyball team, I’ve learned how to motivate others and stay calm under pressure during tough matches.”
Volunteering/Community Service:
Share how you’ve contributed to your community.
Example: “I volunteer at the local library, where I help organize events for kids and assist with reading programs—it’s taught me patience and organization.”
Hobbies & Personal Projects:
Don’t underestimate the power of side projects! Whether it’s art, coding, writing, or building something, these show creativity and initiative.
Example: “In my free time, I design stickers and sell them online. It’s been a great way to learn about digital art and marketing.”
3. Show Enthusiasm & Curiosity
Interviewers love candidates who are eager to learn and grow. Even if you’re not sure exactly what career path you want yet, that’s okay! What matters is showing that you’re curious, open-minded, and willing to put in the effort.
Example: “I’m still exploring different fields, but I’m especially drawn to technology and design because I love solving problems creatively. This internship seems like an amazing chance to gain hands-on experience and figure out what I enjoy most.”
4. Practice Makes Perfect
Now that you know what to include, practice delivering your answer until it feels natural. Aim for 30–60 seconds—long enough to share meaningful details but short enough to keep their attention.
Here’s an example of a full response:
“Hi, I’m CK, a junior at [Your High School] in California. I’ve always been passionate about technology and problem-solving, so I joined our school’s robotics club last year. As part of the team, I helped design and program our robot for regional competitions, which taught me a lot about collaboration and perseverance. Outside of school, I enjoy photography and run a small Instagram account where I share my photos—it’s been a fun way to connect with other creatives. I’m really excited about this opportunity because I want to learn more about [specific field] and see how I can contribute while growing my skills.”
5. Address Common Worries
You might feel nervous about not having “enough” to say, but here’s the truth: interviewers aren’t judging you based on what you’ve already done—they’re looking for potential. They want to see that you’re motivated, self-aware, and ready to take on challenges. So instead of focusing on what you lack, celebrate what you bring to the table.
CK, you’re doing all the right things by preparing thoughtfully and seeking advice. Remember, “Tell me about yourself” isn’t a test—it’s an invitation to share your story and let your personality shine. You’ve got so much to offer, whether it’s through your academics, extracurriculars, or personal projects.
Take a deep breath, practice your response, and trust that your enthusiasm and authenticity will leave a lasting impression. You’ve got this, and I know you’ll crush your future interviews!
Updated
Eric Scott’s Answer
Have you ever visited Grandma and met one of her friends who speaks to you in such a sweet voice that you just want to give her a big hug? She greets you with a warm "Hi honey, how are you?" and genuinely asks about your day and your interests. Imagine an 85-year-old woman showing real interest in how you're doing and what you enjoy. When someone asks you about a job, try to see them like this caring grandma. You'll feel much more at ease, and sharing your thoughts will become so much easier.