How to answer "tell me about yourself"

In this newsletter, I give explain how to answer "tell me about yourself". But first...

Comprehensive application deadline database

We've just launched a TOTALLY FREE comprehensive application deadline tracker.

The spreadsheet can be filtered by date, and includes:

• Information about TCs, vac schemes and solicitor apprenticeships
• Eligibility and grade requirements
• Dates applications open/close
• Whether apps are reviewed on a rolling basis
• Application portal links
• Additional relevant information
• Links to helpful resources

FREE WEBINAR - Introduction to commercial law

Check out this link for more information about the free webinar we'll be running next week with trainee Camilla Uppal from The Student Lawyer and associate Holly Moore (That Law Blog) to help aspiring lawyers better understand the profession. You can sign up here.

How should you approach the question "tell me about yourself"?

Lots of people struggle to answer “tell me about yourself”, but it’s not a trick question. This is all about a firm wanting to get to know you. Who you are, where you’re at, what you’ve done, and what you’re interested in.

Don’t assume that a firm only wants to hear about your career motivation and professional experiences, and don’t try to make your answer wholly focused on the commercial world. Doing so may well come across as you deviating from the question.

Although it’s fine to discuss your interest in commercial work, I would be inclined to treat this question a little more like you would if you were asked it by an acquaintance - or a friend of a friend - in a social setting. Albeit a fairly formal social setting.

• Consider talking through your life and interests chronologically, perhaps starting with something to the effect of “I was born and raised in x”, then take it from there. 
• Talk about which university you go (or went) to and what you study (or studied). If you were educated in various countries, mention this and explain why you moved. 
• You could briefly summarise your work experience to date and how you’ve learned about the career. Although if you’re career changing, perhaps explain what you’ve been doing in a little more detail, as well as why you’re looking to change careers. 
• Discuss your positions of responsibility. If you’ve launched a side hustle, volunteered for a charitable cause or set up a university society, let the firm know. 

And don’t forget to mention your wider interests, regardless of whether they relate to the profession. After all, it’s often your wider interests that help you to come across as interesting and well-rounded.

To summarise, you want to give a high level insight into the various life experiences that have cumulatively helped to make you who you are.

And if you do this, you may well come out with something that aligns with the interests or experiences of the person reading your application or interviewing you, which could then form the basis of a more in-depth discussion later on.

Complete our Writing successful applications and Preparing for interviews and assessment centres courses and check out our Application, Interview & Internship Handbook to gain an in-depth understanding of how to make your application and interview answers highly specific and personal. We also offer application feedback during subscriber-only Q&As.

As a reminder, Commercial Law Academy offers 22 in-depth courses, covering: insights into legal careers, firm profiles and interview insights, expert advice on writing applications and tackling psychometric tests, dozens of example (verified) successful cover letters and applications, resources to help you prepare for interviews and internships, example interview case studies, practical content to help you understand and confidently discuss commercial concepts and current affairs, plus tips on how to network, negotiate, deliver presentations and write professionally. Check out this animated explainer video for more information.