Tell me about yourself.
The question "Tell me about yourself." is often the first question in an English-language interview. It's more than a simple introduction — it's your chance to show how your background, skills, and interests match the role.
Below are sample answers that highlight different styles. Use them as inspiration to develop your own version.
Answer 1: Career-focused with strong storytelling
English
Sure! I’m a backend developer with about five years of experience, mainly working with Node.js and TypeScript. I started out building small APIs, but over time I moved into designing scalable systems for e-commerce and SaaS products.
In my last role, I led a migration project from a monolithic system to a microservices architecture, which improved deployment speed and system reliability. I enjoy solving complex problems and working with cross-functional teams.
Outside of work, I like mentoring junior developers and contributing to open-source projects, which helps me stay current and connected to the community. Now, I’m looking for an opportunity to grow further in a global environment where I can learn from diverse teams and tackle challenging problems at scale.
Key Expressions
- scalable systems: systems designed to handle growing amounts of traffic or data without performance loss
- microservices architecture: a design pattern where an application is broken into smaller, independently deployable services
- deployment speed: how fast new versions of software can be released to users
- cross-functional teams: teams made up of people from different departments (e.g., design, engineering, product) working together
- contribute to open-source projects: share code or improvements publicly in software projects anyone can use or build upon
Answer 2: Personality-driven with motivation and adaptability
I'm someone who really enjoys learning and adapting to new environments. I originally studied mechanical engineering, but I realized I was more passionate about solving problems with code. So I taught myself web development and eventually transitioned into software engineering full time.
Over the last few years, I’ve worked on both frontend and backend projects, and I’ve learned how important it is to stay flexible and open to feedback. One thing I’m proud of is my ability to pick things up quickly — in my last job, I had to learn GraphQL and Docker in a short amount of time to support a new project, and I was able to deliver on time.
I’m excited about this opportunity because I want to challenge myself in a global team, improve my communication in English, and grow as a developer by working on real-world products with impact.
Key Expressions
- self-taught: learned without formal education or training
- pick things up quickly: learn new skills or technologies fast
- stay flexible and open to feedback: adapt well to changes and listen actively to suggestions
- transitioned into software engineering: moved into the software field from another background
- work on real-world products: build software that is used by real customers or businesses
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