good things to write about yourself

87 Self-Reflective Prompts To Help You Write About Yourself

Having trouble deciding what to write about yourself ? 

Whether you’re writing for your journal, your memoir, or a class assignment, you have plenty of topics about yourself to choose from. 

You’re more interesting than you might think.

So are the people you live with, work with, and meet — if only for a moment. 

Once you look through the prompts listed below, the real challenge will be choosing which one to write about first. 

What Is a Unique Way to Write about Yourself? 

The point of writing about yourself is to grow in self-knowledge and understanding of where you are and where you want to be. 

With that in mind, it makes sense to write about what you’ve learned so far and how you learned it.

It also helps to explore what you’re good at as well as what areas need work. 

Consider the following categories of self-knowledge: 

• Mistakes you’ve learned from
• Changes to your beliefs and the catalysts behind them
• Painful experiences and what you’ve learned from them
• Favorite things and why you love them
• Things that make you angry or that motivate you to fight for change

Things to Write about Yourself: 87 Writing Prompts 

Enjoy these all about me writing prompts . Start with one that leads your mind to a specific, vivid memory. Then free-write to your heart’s content. 

1. Describe something you’re good at. 

2. What do you want to be when you grow up and why?

3. How do you want people to remember you?

4. What personal beliefs of yours have changed over the years?

5. What would you like to invent and why?

6. If you won $1 million, what would you do with it?

7. If you had all the money you needed to create a nonprofit organization, what would its mission be?

8. What would you change about school or your country’s education system if you could?

9. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go first and why?

10. Where do you want to live, and what kind of lifestyle would you like to afford easily?

11. What’s the biggest mistake you’ve ever learned from?

12. Would you rather get paid well for a job you can tolerate or paid little for work you love?

13. What is your favorite food and why? Do you make it yourself, or do you prefer paying others to do so?

14. What superstitions do you believe in or have you believed in, and why? 

15. Do you believe in luck (good or bad)? If so, do you think a higher power is pulling strings on your behalf — or working against you? How much control do you have over your life?

16. Describe your first job, what you learned from it, and whether (and why) you’d recommend it to anyone? 

17. What do you love about yourself? And who in your life sees that in you? Who doesn’t?

18. Describe your best friend and how you met. What keeps your friendship going?

19. Write about an animal with whom you’ve felt a close kinship and describe the relationship between you. 

 20. If you could design your own home, what would be its most important features?

21. What’s your favorite outfit (including footwear and accessories) and why? 

22. What’s your biggest dream for the future, and what are you doing to get closer to it?

23. What makes you angry? When was the last time something made you so mad you took action to change it? 

24. What’s your favorite holiday and why? What do you do to celebrate it? 

25. If you have a romantic partner, what do you love most about them and your relationship? What would you change if you could?

26. What do you most want to accomplish in your life and why? 

27. Have you ever gotten something you wanted, only to realize it wasn’t what you really wanted after all?

28. Do you want to be more like one of your parents or grandparents? Why or why not?

29. Describe one of your earliest childhood memories. 

30. Write about the benefits and challenges of having siblings — or of being an only child. 

31. How much of your body are you comfortable with people seeing? Has that changed?

32. What do you find gross that other people don’t — or vice-versa?

33. Are you interested in marriage, or would you prefer a romantic partnership without marriage? What are your reasons?

34. If you could design your own end, what manner of death would you choose and why?

35. How do you want your body dealt with after you die? Do you want your remains buried or scattered, and why?

36. Describe a favorite game from your young childhood (aged 0 to 10). 

37. Write about something you succeeded at because you did NOT GIVE UP. 

38. Write about a favorite elementary school classmate and what you liked about them. 

39. Write about an interesting high school classmate and what you liked about them. 

40. Write about the best coworker you’ve ever had and why you loved working with them. 

41. Write about the best job you’ve ever had and what you loved about it. 

42. How would you build the perfect sandwich (with or without bread)? 

43. Write about a death in your family and how it impacted you. 

44. Write about a birth in your family and how it affected you. 

45. Write about a marriage or divorce in your family and how it impacted you. 

46. Write about your intimate social circle, how it was formed, and how it influences you. 

47. Write about your chosen family — the people in your life who have become family to you — and how they have become so important. 

More Related Articles

63 Of The Best Memoir Writing Prompts To Stoke Your Ideas

101 Of The Best Mood Words To Use In Writing Fiction

3 Types Of Satire Every Writer Should Know

48. Is your living space usually neat and tidy or messy and disorganized? Are you comfortable with it as it is, or what steps are you taking to change it?

49. Write about a personality trait you inherited or picked up from a parent. 

50. Explain whether you think it’s ever morally acceptable to lie, and — if yes — in what situations?

51. Write about a way in which you’re different from a parent or both parents. 

52. Do you believe in astrology? And, if so, what do you love about your sign?

53. Do you find any value in tarot cards or rune stones? If yes, which is your favorite, and what have you learned from it? 

54. Do you collect anything? If yes, describe your collection, how it began, and what it means to you. 

55. What is one thing you’re most likely to splurge on — clothes, food, skincare, entertainment, etc. — and why?

56. What do you think of your hometown? Is it a good place to live, and would you live there again? Why or why not?

57. What’s one quality you think everyone should look for in a romantic partner? 

58. Write about what you wish more people knew about your chosen job/career. 

59. Write about an external struggle that’s been wearing on you lately. 

60. Write about an internal struggle that’s been distracting you and wearing you down. 

61. Describe something you love — or don’t love — about the people in your country. 

62. Would you ever consider leaving your country and changing your citizenship? Why or why not?

63. How do you define patriotism? Would you redefine it if you could, or do you consider the word more or less toxic? 

64. What do you think of dress codes for school? What do you see as their purpose, and what would you do if a student’s attire was a clear violation of that code? 

65. What do you think of hair codes for school? Should someone be excluded for having a non-white hairstyle that honors their culture?

66. When it comes to voting for a presidential candidate, what qualities and beliefs do you look for in a candidate? What are the dealbreakers or non-negotiables?

67. Tell a story about when you had your heart broken. Who did it, what happened between you, and what kind of relationship do you have with them now?

68. Tell a story about when you lost a friend. What happened, and have either of you reached out to the other since then? 

69. Describe the benefits and challenges of being an introvert, extrovert, or ambivert (whichever you are). 

70. Write about a habit or addiction you’ve been struggling with for years. What has helped you fight or change it? Who has helped? 

71. Write about a kind of physical exercise you enjoy? What do you love about it? Is this something you do (or would love to do) regularly?

72. Describe a time you spoke up for something you believed in. Do you still hold that belief? How do you feel when someone else stands up for it or a contrary view?

73. Describe — in vivid detail — your dream home.  How is it perfect for you?

74. Write about a teacher, coach, or mentor who inspired you. How has their influence shaped you and the life you’re living? What do you wish you could tell them?

75. Describe something you did in the past year (or past five) that made you proud. 

76. Write about someone you admired — until you learned something morally offensive they said or did (racist, sexist, homophobic, Islamophobic, antisemitic, etc.).

77. Write about someone you thought little of until you learned of something brave, heroic, or generous they said or did.  

78. Do you consider your adopted animals as pets, companions, or family members? Explain why and offer some history on your past relationships with animals. 

79. If you were to travel around the world, would you rather go alone or with company? If you’d like a traveling companion, who would that be?

80. Are you more likely to listen to sad music or happy music when you’re feeling low?

81. When was the last time you took a risk to show someone how you feel about them? 

82. When was the last time someone made a grand gesture to get your attention or show their regard for you? How did you respond, and why?

83. Tell a story about a time you got into trouble at work or school. Do you regret what you did, or does the memory make you proud? Who else was involved?

84. Write about something you believe that isn’t a widely-held belief. 

85. What terrified you most as a child? Does it still scare you? 

86. Has anyone ever made a snap judgment of you based on your appearance? What did they say? And how did you respond?

87. Describe your personal style (clothing, hair, nails, etc.) and how it’s changed over the years. 

Now that you’ve looked through these about me ideas for writing , which one will you write about first? 

You can even make a shorter list of your favorites and tackle one each day for your journal . Or use your favorites as chapter topics for your memoir. 

The important thing is to grow in self-knowledge and to forgive yourself for not being perfect. No one is. Just keep learning. 

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

BRYN DONOVAN

tell your stories, love your life

• Writing Inspiration
• Semi-Charmed Life
• Reading & Research
• Works In Progress.

Things to Write About Yourself: 100 Writing Prompts for Self-Discovery

Writing is a great tool for personal growth, but it can be challenging to think of things to write about yourself. That’s why I put together this list of creative writing prompts for adults or teens. These may be used as memoir writing prompts if you’re interested in telling the story of your life, or the could be idea starters for blog posts or journal prompts for self discovery.

[AdSense-B]

You may not be able to relate to all of them, but I tried to make them pretty general! These creative writing exercises can also help you develop the characters in your short story, novel, or screenplay — just imagine your character answering them instead of you.

If you like these prompts for writing about yourself, you might want to pin or bookmark them for future reference. Take a look!

• Describe one of your earliest childhood memories.
• Write about what you see as one of your best qualities.
• Do you have the same religious beliefs that you had as a child? If so, why? If not, how and why did they change?
• Write about the benefits of being an only child—or the advantages of having siblings.
• Write about how a person can tell if they’re really in love. If you don’t know, write about how you don’t know.
• Are you shy about your body, such as when you change clothes in a locker room? Or are you comfortable with it? Why?
• Write about one of the most admirable classmates or coworkers you’ve ever had.
• Write about one of the worst classmates or coworkers you’ve ever had.
• Tell your story about the time you succeeded at something because you just. Didn’t. Give. Up.
• Write about how you’re a typical resident of your city or town… or about how you’re different from most people there.
• Write about how you fit the stereotype of people from your country… or about how you don’t fit it at all.
• Describe your favorite toy or game when you were five years old.
• Write about one of your most useful talents.
• What superstitions do you believe in or follow? Do you do certain things to avoid bad luck, or make wishes in certain ways?
• Write about a death in your family.
• Write about a birth in your family.
• Tell your story about your first best friend as a child. How did you meet them? How did you play together?
• Describe a physical feature of yours that you really like.
• Is your home usually neat, or usually messy? Why is that? Do you think it matters? Why or why not?
• Describe a part of your job or everyday work that you love.
• Describe a part of your job or everyday work that you loathe.
• Tell your story about how you won something, like a contest, a game, or a raffle.
• Do you think your hometown is a good place to live? Why or why not?
• Do you fit your astrological sign? Why or why not?
• Write about when you think it’s morally acceptable to lie. If your answer is “never,” write about why you think that.
• Write about a trait you inherited or picked up from a parent.
• Write about a way in which you are very different from a parent.
• Discuss one of the most important qualities you think people should look for in a romantic partner.
• Discuss a quality that you think is overrated when choosing a romantic partner.
• Write about a kind of exercise or physical activity you enjoy.
• Describe the contents of a desk drawer or junk drawer in your home, and write about the thoughts or memories that the objects in there inspire.
• Write about what you wish people knew about your job, profession, or calling in life.
• Write about a habit or addiction that you’ve been struggling with for years.
• Discuss something you love about the people in your country.
• Discuss something you wish you could change about the people in your country.
• What was something you misunderstood as a child? It could be the definition of a word, or something about adult life.
• Describe the benefits of being an introvert or an extrovert (whichever one you are.)
• Describe the challenges of being an introvert or an extrovert (whichever one you are.)
• Tell your story about the time you spoke up for something you believed in. How did it feel? Were there any consequences?
• If you don’t have children – do you or did you want them? Why or why not?
• If you have children – what is one thing that surprised you about being a parent?
• Tell your story about when a friend (or a group of them) made your day.
• Tell your story about when a friend (or a group of them) broke your heart.
• Describe an experience at a doctor’s office, dentist’s office, or hospital.
• Describe your dream home in detail.
• Tell your story about how a teacher, coach, or boss supported or inspired you.
• Tell your story about how a teacher, coach, or boss was so awful, they didn’t deserve to have their job.
• Write about something you did in the past year that made you proud.
• Do you live in the city you grew up in? Why or why not?
• Tell your story about a trip or a visit you enjoyed when you were little.
• Discuss whether you think people should share their religious beliefs openly, or whether they should keep it private.
• Discuss why you do or don’t consider pets to be family members.
• Describe what you think would be a perfect romantic date.
• Write about a type or style of clothing that you feel uncomfortable wearing, or that you simply dislike.
• Describe your personal style in clothing and whether it’s changed over the years.
• Write about the worst house or apartment you’ve ever lived in.
• Tell your story about a time when, rightly or wrongly, you got in trouble at school or at work.
• Do you always vote in elections? Why or why not?
• Do you think people make snap judgments about you based on your appearance? Are they accurate or not?
• What’s something that people don’t learn about your personality unless they get to know you very well?
• Write about something that terrified you as a child.
• Write about a particular phobia or fear you have now. If you’re not scared of anything, write about that!
• Write about something you believe that isn’t a particularly popular belief.
• What’s something you wanted badly as a child? Did you get it? If so, was it everything you hoped? If not, did it matter?
• When you’re feeling sad or down, what are ways that you make yourself feel better?
• What is something that makes you almost irrationally angry?
• Write about an object you own that has religious, spiritual, or symbolic significance to you.
• Do you consider yourself hopeful or cynical about romance? Why?
• Write a note apologizing to a part of your body for insulting it in the past.
• Write a note thanking a part of your body for doing such a good job.
• Tell your story about when you had a delightful guest in your home.
• Tell your story about when you had an unwelcome visitor in your home.
• Describe the time you were a guest in an unusual home.
• What was the strangest course or class you ever took?
• Write about a time when you tried your best – and it didn’t pan out. How did you get over it?
• Write about a small thing you accomplished this week.
• Write about the ways that your hometown has changed over the years.
• Write about a way your country is changing for the better.
• Describe someone who bullied you as a child. Why do you think they did it?
• Do you believe that things happen for a reason, or do they just happen randomly? Why do you think this?
• Do you believe that you have a lot of control over your destiny or future? Why or why not?
• Write down a funny story that your family likes to tell again and again.
• Tell your story about a time you got injured or you were in an accident.
• Write about some of the things you do at home when you’re completely alone.
• Tell your story about how you learned a new skill.
• Describe the way you get to school or to work every day.
• Propose a frivolous or ridiculous law that you would like to implement, and explain your reasoning.
• Write about something you did (or didn’t do) that you’re proud of from a moral or religious standpoint.
• Tell your story about having a great time at a party.
• Tell your story about a party you wish you had never attended or hosted.
• Tell a story that has to do with your hair, or the lack of it.
• Write about a feud or rift in your family.

[spacer height=”20px”]

If you want to do more self-discovery and you could use a fresh start right about now, check out my journal, The Book Of Dreams Come True ! It’s a journal about goals and manifestation, and I’m really excited to share it with you. I’m even making a sample available—here’s the free PDF download of that.[spacer height=”20px”]

[spacer height=”20px”]Do you have more ideas of things to write about yourself, or advice on how to do it? Let us know in the comments! Thanks so much for reading, and happy writing!

Related Posts

Share this:

65 thoughts on “ things to write about yourself: 100 writing prompts for self-discovery ”.

Yet another really helpful list. Thanks, Bryn 🙂

Thanks Anne, and thanks for sharing! 🙂

WOO HOO! As usual, there’s a Ton of Great Stuff here. You’re totally awesome! When I grow up (I’m only 55 now) I wanna be like you! LOL 🙂

My answer to #100 – Sleep All Day!! Or at least stay in bed as much as I could bear.

Robin, you are too kind! Thank you. 🙂 Sounds like #100 is a pretty short writing prompt for you, though, haha!

Great post, Bryn. I shared on FB, Pinterest, and Tumblr.

“Write about when you think it’s morally acceptable to lie. If your answer is “never,” write about why you think that” (#27).

“Lie.” Facts, truth, and lies aren’t mutually exclusive. Knowledge, context, intent, source, speaker, and audience are factors.

For example, Disney’s Pinocchio is different than DreamWorks’ Pinocchio in the Shrek movies.

When it comes to “facts,” all of us cover more than any one point on the continuum: True, Mostly True, Half True, Mostly False, False, Pants On Fire (politifact.com’s scale).

“Let’s pretend” is okay for kids and adults, and it’s also okay to make-believe with Alzheimer’s patients who will physically attack you if they have all the information they demand. One could spend eternity debating “Little White Lies” (and their definition) and what to do in the face of death or danger.

Thanks so much for sharing, as always! I’m honored. 🙂 I like your thoughts about lies and facts!

Whoaa! What a Great helpful list?. You’re Awesome nd Helpful Bryn! I love the ideas.

Hey Sani, so glad you like it! Thanks for the kind words!

Thanks Bryn, this list is really comprehensive and a great starting point to bring more to a story. I’m writing my mother’s story and these questions will be good for prompting her thoughts. Thanks again, happy writing.

Suzanne, that is so cool that you’re writing your mother’s story! I’d love to think I could help even a little tiny bit 🙂 Thanks for reading, and for commenting!

I want to put it on pinterest but alas no button lives at Bryn’s blog?

OH that’s so nice of you! If you hover over the graphic a Pinterest pin should show up, and there should also be one at the bottom of the post?

It was a wordpress glich! Today you have pins visable. Thhank you.

Ah, thanks for taking the time to tell me, Ellen. I was a little worried about that! Very kind of you. 🙂

Okay they are visible today, silly wordpress… ?

A remarkable list. Did it take you long to write this? Thanks for the tips. Many would be useful for educators.

Hi Katharine! Haha, it did take me a while. I used to teach first-year composition at university, and I had that in mind for some of these. 🙂 Thanks so much for the kind words!

I found your blog via Mr. Ape (Chris Graham). Thank you for sharing these excellent writing prompts. 🙂

Hi, Tracy! Ahh, Chris is so kind to share 🙂 So glad you liked them!

I needed some “personal-essay” type journal entries, and this is a great list. Thanks for sharing.

Awesome, so glad it was helpful, Sarah!

I love this list!! Just reading through it was like watching a reel of “Coming Soon to a Pen and Paper Near You!” — little flashes of stories from my childhood and other memorable moments that I should really write down while my brain is still firing on all pistons (sort of :)). Thank you for posting this! XO

Thanks, Kerissa! Okay, and I have to say, this:

“Just reading through it was like watching a reel of “Coming Soon to a Pen and Paper Near You!” ”

is really clever writing! 🙂

• Pingback: About this space – Site Title
• Pingback: “Blog Post Ideas” Masterlist – A Day in a Yogi's Life

This is a really great list! I’m so happy to have found it. I’m working on writing a memoir and I’m certain that a number of these will be useful when trying to figure out what is missing from my pieces (as if I don’t have enough editing notes to work with….).

Thanks for sharing!

Hi Darya! How cool that you’re working on a memoir… I hope this does help. I bet editing a memoir is a challenge! Thanks so much for commenting!

Really love this post.. I’m happy I stumbled on your blog. I’ve been facing some issues writing.. I’m not sure if it’s laziness or writer’s block. Maybe a combination of both. I’m sure making use of those prompts will bring about a change. Thanks for sharing this ??

Hi Maryam, so glad you found it, too! It can be hard to establish a writing habit. The good news is, once you get into the habit, it’s easy to sit down and write. 🙂 Thanks for the kind words, and have a great week!

• Pingback: How to Write a Good Life Story

Love these prompts! I am planning to write these in a journal and try to do them daily! Thank you for sharing your creativity!!!

Hi, Alex! I’m so glad you like them. I hope they lead to lots of great writing for you 🙂

Hi Bryn, You’ve put together a great list of writing prompts. Thanks so much. I’ve committed them to my writer’s journal and will turn to it for inspiration whenever I get stuck !

Hi, Dominic! I’m so glad you like them. Hope they lead to some great writing!

• Pingback: Outside the Box | The Mind of Nox
• Pingback: Apple Pie | The Mind of Nox
• Pingback: In Love – The Mind of Nox
• Pingback: My Body – The Mind of Nox
• Pingback: Favorite Spot – The Mind of Nox
• Pingback: Worst Classmate? – The Mind of Nox
• Pingback: New York City Resident – The Mind of Nox
• Pingback: 5 Favorite Guides to Get Writing Again | Hopes and Dreams: My Writing and My Sons
• Pingback: I’ve made on every day foundation writing my New Years resolution and also you ought to too – Startupon.net
• Pingback: I’ve made daily writing my New Years resolution and you should too - Technology News, latest technology information, all about technology
• Pingback: I’ve made day-to-day writing my Recent Years resolution and likewise you ought to too - Global News Center
• Pingback: I’ve made day-to-day writing my New Years resolution and likewise it’s best to too | TMSS Magazine
• Pingback: I’ve made daily writing my New Years resolution and you should too - ANDROID7UPDATE.COM

hey bryn this list really helps me by giving me something to write about

this is makenzie oneal hey bryn this list really helps me by giving me something to write about

Hi, Makenzie! I’m so glad it was helpful. Have a great 2018!

Brilliant ideas Bryn Donovan. Thank you for sharing as I will definitely use them to ‘push’ my writing forward.

I enjoy reading your posts too. I’m trying to improve my writing and reading your articles is really helpful.

I just stumbled upon your site. Thanks for these writing suggestions. I am a retired English professor and have saved a number of prompts that I enjoyed sharing with students. Now, some friends and I, all retired community college educators, meet with some Turkish friends who are improving their English through informal conversations. The young ladies asked for writing assignments, so I am always looking for new ones. Everyone in the group participates in writing according to the prompts I give the members. We have fun sharing what we have written.

Hi, there! Oh, I am so glad you like them. It must be hard to learn English if you’re Turkish! How wonderful that you’re helping your friends.

Oh! And I should let you know that my book 5,000 Writing Prompts is on sale today and tomorrow, 99 cents for Kindle (usually $6.99 Kindle, $15.99 paperback.) Here’s the link if you want to check it out! https://amzn.to/2XELEuO

• Pingback: Lynnks #10: inspiratie, verwondering en kritiek
• Pingback: 100 Prompts for Writing About Yourself | Stephanie Tillman

Nice post !

Really nice post!! If you need your business to boost up with SEO or want to develop your business Website then visit our website for XLAR Technologies. XLAR Technologies is Website and Mobile App Company in Phoenix AZ, which offer SEO, Social Media Optimization, ORM, PPC services. For more details, visit our website: https://www.xlartech.com Address: 4848 E Cactus Rd Ste 505 Scottsdale, AZ-85254. Phone: +1 602 910 4337

Hey mike here i just want to say it was great

• Pingback: Interesting things are happening – Pyper the Piper Blog

Thank you so much for these brilliant asks. I am helping to teach an English class, and I am thoroughly inspired to incorporate some of these!

Hi there! Ah, that’s wonderful. So glad they were useful!

They helped me a little bit, but not much.

• Pingback: How I Improved My Rusty Italian in Just 8 Hours

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Discover more from BRYN DONOVAN

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

31 Positive And Motivating Things To Say About Yourself

If you took a snapshot of your thoughts about yourself on a given day, would most of them be positive or negative? 

We tend to focus on our negative qualities, letting them overshadow the good traits and behaviors we all possess.

The shaming voice in our heads can make us forget who we really are.

It’s high time, then, to find positive things to say about yourself.

You need some practice to change the way you see your true self.

We want to see you celebrating your wins because you have a right to be proud of yourself. 

So, how do you get there?

1. I treat people the way I want to be treated. 

2. i care about my health and prioritize good nutrition and exercise. , 3. i’m always learning. , 4. i care more about learning and growing than about being right. , 5. i know how it feels to be gut-wrenchingly, head-over-heels in love. , 6. i’m determined to be both independent and appreciative of others. , 7. i express gratitude every day and enjoy the beauty around me. , 8. i trust my instincts when something (or someone) doesn’t feel right. , 9. when someone needs my help, i’m there for them, and i do my best. , 10. i can always find something worthwhile to do or to explore. , 11. i don’t hesitate to stand up for the people i love. , 12. i also know how to correct beliefs that aren’t serving me. , 13. i take responsibility for my words and actions. , 14. i am loved by some of the best people in the world.  , 15. i’ve forgiven those who’ve hurt me. , 16. i am resilient (more than i thought i was)., 17. i love the way my mind works. , 18. when i feel like crying, i look for something to smile about. i can always find something. , 19. i give great hugs. , 20. i can handle anything—one step and one moment at a time. , 21. i have a vivid imagination. , 22. i forgive my younger self for not knowing what i know now. , 23. i can do hard (and scary) things. , 24. i know who my friends are. and i cherish them. , 25. i choose to focus on what i can control. , 26. i choose to see the good in others—and to want good things for them. , 27. i can make a positive difference wherever i go. , 28. my past doesn’t define me—or decide my future. , 29. i do my best in everything i do. , 30. i have the power to control my reactions to everything that happens. , 31. everything will work out. and i have my own part to play in that. , 31 positive things to say about yourself .

If you’re having difficulty identifying positive things about yourself (as we all sometimes do), look through the list below for ideas.

Make a shorter list of the ones that resonate with you. 

Everyone should be able to say this and mean it. But we’re a work in progress. For now, it’s enough that this is important to you—and that you do your best to honor it. 

You take good care of yourself, even when it’s hard. And that’s something to be proud of. In doing so, you can inspire others to take better care of themselves, too — examples matter. 

Every mistake is a learning opportunity, and you recognize that. You’re also motivated to learn more about things that matter to you. You’re teachable. And that’s a gift. 

You’re slow to assume you’re right — or more right — about something since you know you still have a lot to learn, and your perspective , while broadened, is still your own. You’d prefer to learn something useful than win an argument. 

It’s not quite the same as “better to have loved and lost,” but it’s close. You’ve been there, in the trenches, aching for someone who might never be yours. It’s excruciating, but they’re worth it. 

You’re not too proud to ask for help when you need it, but neither are you quick to ask for help when you can get something done yourself.

You value your independence and resourcefulness. 

You prioritize expressing gratitude for the people you love and for the good things in your life. You mindfully enjoy all the beauty you find and are happy to share it with others. 

You can’t explain it, but you don’t brush off those instincts simply because your conscious mind can’t keep up. You trust that inner voice, even if no one else does. 

When friends, families, or anyone you know needs your help with something, you do what you can for them without overextending yourself or sacrificing other commitments. 

You can always think of satisfying or beneficial ways to spend your time because you’re resourceful and open to trying new things. If you’re ever bored, it’s not for long. 

When someone you care about becomes a target for verbal abuse, and you know it’s uncalled for, you speak up, even at the risk of taking a few arrows yourself. 

When you learn better, you internalize the lesson and modify or discard beliefs holding you back or keeping you in the dark. You cherish those who challenge those beliefs. 

You don’t blame your mistakes or failures on other people. You own up to and make amends for your mistakes. And you learn from your failures so that you can do better next time.

None of us are perfect, but the people in your life bring you joy when you least expect it. The one you love most is the best person you’ve ever known. 

You’ve hurt people, too, and you’re quick to forgive those who’ve hurt you, especially when they ask your forgiveness. It’s tougher when someone doesn’t acknowledge the pain they’ve caused, but you try anyway. 

What you’ve been through has helped shape the person you are because you’ve learned to let go of the baggage you’ve been carrying—and to appreciate what you’ve learned. 

Your mind is unique, with its store of knowledge, its habits that influence your learning process, and its way of interpreting new discoveries.

It’s not perfect, but it’s come a long way, and you’re proud of it. 

You’ve found it helps to smile about something when you feel sad , lonely or overwhelmed. Being mindful of your surroundings makes it easier to find reasons to smile. 

You don’t give them indiscriminately (or without first gaining consent), but your hugs are first-rate—warm, comforting, and as long as they need to be. You’ve learned from the best.

You’re unsinkable. Nothing can keep you down for long. Whatever you’re struggling with, you trust that something good will come of it. So, you keep going. 

You can imagine scenes that have never happened — with enough detail, they fill your senses. It’s tempting to live in a world of your own making, but you’ve got enough to keep you anchored in reality. 

You’ve come a long way, but you know you still have a lot to learn. So, it makes no sense to beat yourself up for not being born with the knowledge you have now. 

More Related Articles

125 Questions To Ask Your Boyfriend To Test His Love

Why Am I So Unhappy? 15 Top Reasons You’re Miserable

Lying By Omission: What It Is And Why It Sabotages Relationships

You’re driven forward, unwilling to live either in the past or in a comforting fantasy world. You’ve got a life to build, and the tools are all outside the comfort zone. 

You’ve learned to recognize what true friendship is, and when you find a friend you can trust, you hold onto them and spend time and energy nurturing the relationship. 

You’re not interested in spinning your wheels or working yourself into a frenzy over the stuff you can’t control. You focus on what you can do, and you do it as well as you can. 

You want to see good in others, so you look for it. You know not everyone will be a friend, but you want good things for everyone you meet. Hope is your default setting .  

You want to leave the world better than you found it, so you do what you can with the corner of the world you occupy. You also enjoy visiting others and helping however you can. 

Your past does not limit you, and you know it. You see the good in the present and take action toward building the life you want, one day at a time. 

You’ve made it your aim to always do your best, even in little things. And while your track record may not be perfect, you keep working at it. You’re proud of a job well done. 

You choose to see every challenge as an opportunity to grow. Often the most painful experiences carry the most significant lessons , and you don’t want to waste a single one. 

You know you’re responsible for making good use of your strengths and resources. You don’t take anything for granted (or at least you try not to). And you trust your life is taking shape as it should, as long as you’re doing your part. 

Now that you’ve looked through all 31 positive things to tell people about yourself (or things to tell yourself),  which ones stood out for you? And how will you use these positive words to change your mindset going forward?

Gratitude - The Life Blog

Kayleigh's Story - Survivor

Destinee's Story - Heaven on Earth!🥹💓

Lameez's Story - What does friendship mean to you?

Sarah's Story - Just say thank you

Jade's Story - Root yourself in joy

Breanna's Story - My Life

11 Earnest Thank You Notes for Friends

30+ Meaningful Birthday Wishes for Coworkers

50+ Heartfelt Thank You for Being a Friend Messages

70+ Happy Father's Day Wishes for Your Ultimate Hero

50+ Heartfelt Happy Mother's Day Wishes & Messages

100+ Good Luck Wishes and Messages

110+ Abundance Affirmations for Limitless Possibilities

100+ Positive Affirmation for Depression

How to Make an Affirmation Jar + 150 Examples

150+ Words of Affirmation Examples for Happy Relationships

100+ Positive Mantras to Live By For a Good Life

100+ Morning Mantras to Start Your Day Positively

60+ Best Thanksgiving Quotes to Spread Gratitude Everywhere

45+ Inspiring Have a Great Day Quotes & Wishes

50+ International Women's Day Quotes & Wishes

40+ April Quotes for Motivation and Inspiration

70+ Mindfulness Quotes to Live Peacefully

30 Best March Quotes to Enjoy Your Time

60+ Thoughtful Get-Well Wishes for Your Loved Ones

7 Ways to Be Brave and Finally Overcome Your Fears

13 Ways to Practice Emotional Self-Care

7 Ways to Focus On Yourself As A People Pleaser

70+ Journal Prompts for Easing Anxiety

16 Poems About Self-Love to Celebrate Your Magic

60+ writing prompts to write about yourself.

Pick up your pen!

Writing about yourself can be a very fruitful exercise to help you learn more about yourself. Although it can be difficult sometimes to turn the lens on yourself, it gives us the skill to understand our feelings and reasons.

Self-reflection helps us really know what we want, why we want it, and hold our choices firmly because we did the work in building solid ground for them.

Benefits of writing about yourself

• Self-awareness: When we write about ourselves, we explore our thoughts outside of the chatter in our minds. It makes them more organized and easier to analyze. It also helps us discover more aspects of our personality.
• Stress relief: Being honest about how you feel and your opinions without the fear of judgment from others gives you the space to let loose. Often, I have scribbled my racing thoughts and uncomfortable feelings on paper to then feel more centered and capable.
• Clarity: By putting your thoughts into words, you can gain insights, identify patterns, and make connections that might otherwise remain hidden. This clarity can be invaluable when making important decisions or navigating through complex situations.
• Choosing your goals: Writing about yourself is also super helpful in finding and cementing what you want. If you keep seeing that there are patterns in your wants in life, it becomes quite certain what you need.
• Room for creativity: When you write freely about yourself, it gives you the space to explore ideas and think outside of the box.
• Memories of your life: Lastly, I find it really beautiful that I have journal entries written by a younger me that I can read anytime. It helps me reconnect to my childhood and also see how much I have grown. It truly is beautiful.

Tips for writing about yourself

• Make sure that you create a safe, no-judgment space within and outside yourself. When you write, don't judge yourself for your thoughts, feelings, and words, you can ponder on them later. Don't hold back because it doesn't really change your thoughts but only leaves an uncomfortable feeling.
• Forget about grammar, punctuation, beautiful handwriting, and anything else that creates hindrances in your free expression.
• Try to find a time in your routine when you know you'll be able to write and keep up with it. I write at the end of my day when I'm in bed and it's really been helpful to dedicate that time to it.
• Focus on your feelings, and express everything that goes within you. Be honest and try to go deep into your emotions.
• Use prompts to make it easier, that's already sorted with this post!
• Be kind to yourself and have patience. Some days it won't be so easy and wonderfully reflective, and it's okay, it's life.

Prompts to write about yourself

• What is something you're really good at doing?
• If you could pick one color to paint the world, which color would you choose?
• Is there a cool story behind your name? How did your parents decide on it?
• Imagine going on a dream vacation! Which country would you love to explore and what's so exciting about it?
• What's your favorite movie or TV show? What do you like about it?
• When you grow up, what do you want to be?
• Which is your favorite season? Why do you love it? Is it the weather, the holidays, or the activities you get to do?
• If you could invent something amazing, what would it be?
• When you were little, where did you dream of going on vacation? What made that place so magical in your imagination?
• What's your favorite book or story? How did it capture your heart and imagination?
• Imagine meeting someone famous from the past. Who would you choose and what questions or conversations would you have with them?
• What's your favorite thing to do for fun? How does it make you feel and why do you enjoy it so much?
• If you could solve any big problem in the world, what would it be? Why is it important to you?
• Share one of your favorite family traditions or rituals and explain why it's so special to you.
• If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
• What is something you love to do in your free time that always brings a smile to your face?
• If you could have any animal as a pet, which one would you choose?
• Imagine you have a magic wand that can make one wish come true. What would you wish for?
• What is your absolute favorite meal or snack?
• Write about someone you admire and why they inspire you.
• If you could have a special talent that you don't currently possess, what would it be? How would it make your life more exciting or interesting?
• Imagine you could live inside a video game for a day. Which game would you choose and what adventures would you embark on?
• Write about a comfort object or item that brings you joy. Describe it and why it holds a special place in your heart.
• Picture yourself as a character in a movie. What kind of movie would it be, and what role would you play?
• If you could have a magical treehouse, what would it look like? Describe your dream treehouse and all the amazing features it would have.
• Think about your best friend or a close friend. What makes them an incredible friend, and why are they so special to you?
• If you could spend a day with a fictional character from a book, who would you choose and why?
• Imagine you could create a brand new holiday. What would it be called, and how would you celebrate it? Share the fun and unique traditions!
• Picture your dream vacation destination. What makes it so appealing? Describe the sights, sounds, and experiences you would have there.
• We all have a favorite quote or saying that inspires us. What is yours, and why does it resonate with you?
• Imagine you have a time machine. Which era or time period would you travel to, and what would you do there?
• If you could be a character in a fairy tale, who would you be and why? Would you be a hero, a princess, or a mischievous trickster?
• What is your current favorite song, and why does it hold a special place in your heart?
• Imagine you had a magical ability to talk to animals. Which animal would you choose to have conversations with, and what would you ask them?
• We all have dreams for the future. What is one big dream or goal you have, and what steps can you take to make it a reality?
• What is your all-time favorite dish or meal? Describe it in delicious detail, from its tantalizing aroma to the flavors that make your taste buds dance.
• What is something you're scared of, and why does it make you feel uneasy or anxious?
• Describe your very best friend. What makes them special to you and why do you cherish your friendship?
• What is the color scheme of your favorite room? Paint a picture with words as you describe the objects and decorations that make it unique and cozy.
• Write about your beloved pet animal. Describe their appearance, personality, and the special bond you share with them.
• Think of a memorable day in your life and describe it in detail.
• What is your favorite dress or outfit? Describe it in detail, from the colors and patterns to how it makes you feel when you wear it.
• Reflect on your achievements and what sets them apart. Share the successes you're proud of and explain why they are meaningful to you.
• If you could change one habit about yourself, what would it be? Describe the habit and explain why you would like to change it and how it would benefit you.
• Describe a time when you didn't do something you really wanted to do. Reflect on whether it was the right or wrong choice and the impact it had on you.
• Write about a moment when you felt truly loved by someone else. Describe the circumstances, the emotions you experienced, and the significance of that love.
• Reflect on the greatest struggle you've faced in your relationships. Describe the challenges and conflicts you've encountered and how you navigate them.
• Describe a time when you learned something profound about yourself. Explain the circumstances that led to this self-discovery and how it has shaped your perspective.
• Share a memorable experience of trying something new or stepping out of your comfort zone.
• Write about a personal quality or trait that you like about yourself and why it brings you joy or makes you proud.
• Describe an activity or hobby that you thoroughly enjoy doing in your free time. What makes it special and why does it bring you happiness?
• Reflect on a strong life value or principle that you live by. Explain why it is important to you and how it shapes your decisions and actions.
• Share the story behind a prized possession that you cherish. Describe its significance to you and the memories or emotions attached to it.
• Recall a time when you helped someone out, big or small, and describe how it made you feel. Reflect on the impact of your actions and the satisfaction it brought.
• Are you an early bird or a night owl? Discuss your preference and what you enjoy about that particular time of day.
• Recall a specific moment when you felt proud of yourself. Describe the achievements or accomplishments that led to that pride and why it mattered to you.
• Reflect on a life lesson or piece of wisdom that has stuck with you. Explain its significance and how it has influenced your actions or decisions.
• Write about a life-changing experience that had a profound impact on you. Describe the event, the emotions involved, and how it transformed your perspective or outlook.
• Share three things that help you stay clean and fresh, whether they are personal hygiene products, rituals, or habits.
• Describe a favorite childhood memory that still brings a smile to your face. Paint a vivid picture of the sights, sounds, and emotions associated with that moment.
• Reflect on a time when you overcame a fear or faced a challenge. Describe the experience and how it taught you resilience and strength.
• Write about a place in nature that holds a special meaning for you.
• Share a piece of advice that has guided you through difficult times. Explain its importance and how it has helped you navigate challenges.
• Describe a memorable encounter with a stranger that left a lasting impact on you. Reflect on the connection, the lessons learned, or the perspective gained.
• Write about a small act of kindness or a random act of generosity that you witnessed or experienced. Describe the impact it had on you and how it inspired you to pay it forward.
• Reflect on a time when you learned a valuable lesson from a mistake or failure. Describe the experience and the wisdom gained from it.

And, that's all! I hope you have a lot of writing about yourself and get closer to the person you are.

If you found the prompts interesting, do share them with your friends and family. Take care!

Continue Reading: 100+ Self-Care Journal Prompts for Healing and Reflection

Aarushi Tewari

The writer and affirmations speaker at Gratitude, Aarushi believes that one of the most effective ways of feeling inner peace is by being grateful and having a loving self-relationship.

Free Weekly Gratitude Worksheet!

Discover more from gratitude blog.

Writing Prompts About Yourself: 27 Ideas to Spark Your Creativity

By: Author Paul Jenkins

Posted on August 3, 2023

Categories Writing , Journaling

Are you struggling to find inspiration for your writing? Look no further than yourself! Writing prompts about yourself can be a great way to explore personal identity, relive memories, examine relationships, and express gratitude. Whether you are journaling for self-reflection or working on a creative writing project, writing prompts about yourself can help you grow as a writer and as a person.

Exploring personal identity through writing prompts about yourself can help you gain a deeper understanding of who you are and what makes you unique. Reliving memories through writing can be a powerful exercise in self-reflection, allowing you to examine past experiences and learn from them. Examining relationships through writing prompts can help you understand the people in your life and how they have shaped you.

Writing prompts about yourself can also be a great way to set goals and explore your future aspirations. Whether you are focusing on personal growth or career development, writing about your goals and dreams can help you clarify your vision and take action towards achieving them. So why not give it a try? You might be surprised at what you discover about yourself.

Key Takeaways

• Writing prompts about yourself can help you explore personal identity, relive memories, examine relationships, and express gratitude.
• Writing about your goals and aspirations can help you clarify your vision and take action towards achieving them.
• Whether you are journaling for self-reflection or working on a creative writing project, writing prompts about yourself can help you grow as a writer and as a person.

27 Writing Prompts About Yourself

Here are 27 writing prompt ideas to help you write about yourself:

1. Describe your personality in 3 words. Explain why you chose those words.

2. Write about your biggest accomplishment so far in life. What did you do and why was it meaningful?

3. Describe a time you failed at something. What did you learn from that experience?

4. What are your strengths and weaknesses? Provide examples.

5. Who has had the biggest influence on your life so far? Describe how they have impacted you.

6. What are your goals and ambitions in life? Why are they important to you?

7. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? Why?

8. What is your favorite childhood memory? Describe it in detail and why it stands out.

9. Write about a time you felt truly happy. What made you feel that way?

10. Describe your ideal future. What does your life look like 10 years from now?

11. What is your biggest fear? Where does this fear come from and how has it impacted you?

12. What is your best and worst habit? How have they shaped your personality?

13. Describe your family background and how it has influenced you.

14. What is your most valued possession and why? What memories does it hold?

15. What is your favorite book, movie, or song? Explain why it resonates with you.

16. Who is your role model or hero? Why do they inspire you?

17. If you could live anywhere, where would you choose to live? Why?

18. What is one skill you would like to get better at? Why is this important to you?

19. Write about a time you felt courageous. What gave you courage in that situation?

20. Describe one of your quirks or eccentricities. How does this contribute to your personality?

21. What is your biggest regret so far in life? If you could, what would you do differently?

22. What are you most passionate about? How does this passion influence your life?

23. Describe your ideal day. Consider what you would do, who you would see, and how you would feel.

24. If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

25. What is one misconception others often have about you? What is the truth?

26. Describe a challenge you have overcome. How did you manage to do it?

27. What is a lesson you had to learn the hard way? What happened and what did you learn?

Understanding Self-Reflection

Self-reflection is a process of introspection that allows you to connect with yourself, gain clarity, and develop a deeper understanding of your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It is a powerful tool that can help you improve your self-awareness, mindfulness, and emotional intelligence.

Importance of Self-Reflection

Self-reflection is important because it helps you identify your strengths and weaknesses, and understand how your experiences have shaped you. By reflecting on your thoughts and emotions, you can gain a deeper understanding of your values, beliefs, and goals, and make more informed decisions.

Self-reflection can also help you develop a more positive outlook on life. By focusing on your strengths and accomplishments, you can build self-confidence and self-esteem, and feel more optimistic about your future.

Self-Reflection Through Writing

One of the most effective ways to engage in self-reflection is through writing. Writing allows you to capture your stream of consciousness and express your thoughts and emotions in a safe and private space.

To engage in self-reflection through writing, you can use writing prompts that encourage you to explore your thoughts and emotions. For example, you can write about a challenging experience you had and how it affected you, or reflect on your values and how they guide your decisions.

Writing prompts can also help you connect with yourself on a deeper level. By asking open-ended questions, prompts encourage you to explore your inner world and gain insight into your thoughts and emotions.

Overall, self-reflection is an important tool for personal growth and development. By engaging in self-reflection through writing, you can connect with yourself, gain clarity, and develop a deeper understanding of your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

Exploring Personal Identity

When it comes to writing prompts about yourself, exploring your personal identity can be a great starting point. Personal identity refers to the characteristics, traits, and beliefs that make you who you are. By reflecting on these aspects of yourself, you can gain a deeper understanding of your own identity and values.

Traits and Personality

Your traits and personality are a fundamental part of your personal identity. Take some time to reflect on your character traits, such as whether you are an introvert or extrovert, and what values and beliefs guide your actions. Think about your strengths and weaknesses and how they contribute to your personality. You can use prompts like “What are your top five strengths, and how do they contribute to your identity?” or “What is a character trait that you admire in others, and why?”

Appearance and Style

Your appearance and personal style can also be a reflection of your personal identity. Consider the clothes you wear, the way you style your hair, and any accessories you use. Think about how your appearance and style contribute to your sense of self. You can use prompts like “What is your favorite outfit, and why?” or “What is a physical feature that you love about yourself?”

Personal Beliefs and Values

Your personal beliefs and values can shape your identity and guide your actions. Think about what you believe in, whether it’s a religious or spiritual belief, a political ideology, or a personal philosophy. Consider how your beliefs and values impact your decisions and interactions with others. You can use prompts like “What is a personal belief that you hold dear, and why?” or “What is a value that you try to live by, and how does it impact your life?”

Reflecting on these aspects of your personal identity can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and personal growth. By gaining a deeper understanding of who you are, you can become more confident and knowledgeable about yourself.

Reliving Memories

Reliving memories is a great way to get to know yourself better and explore your past experiences. Writing about your memories can be a powerful tool for self-discovery, and it can help you gain insight into your personality, values, and beliefs. In this section, we will explore some writing prompts that can help you relive your memories.

Childhood Recollections

Childhood memories are some of the most vivid and powerful memories we have. They can shape our personality and our beliefs, and they can influence the way we see the world. Writing about your childhood memories can help you understand how your past experiences have influenced your present self.

Here are a few writing prompts to help you relive your childhood memories:

• What was your hometown like? Describe the sights, sounds, and smells that you remember.
• Who were your grandparents? What memories do you have of them?
• What was your favorite childhood memory? Why was it so special to you?

Memorable Life Events

Memorable life events are those events that stand out in our lives. They can be positive or negative, but they are always significant. Writing about these events can help you gain insight into your personality, values, and beliefs.

Here are a few writing prompts to help you relive your memorable life events:

• What was the most significant event in your life? How did it change you?
• What was the happiest moment of your life? Why was it so special to you?
• What was the most difficult moment of your life? How did you overcome it?

By exploring your childhood memories and memorable life events, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your past experiences. Use these writing prompts as a starting point to explore your memories and gain insight into your personality, values, and beliefs.

Examining Relationships

When it comes to writing prompts about yourself, examining your relationships with others can be a powerful exercise. Relationships play a significant role in shaping our lives, and reflecting on them can help us gain a better understanding of ourselves.

Family Dynamics

Your family is often your first introduction to relationships, and the dynamics within your family can have a lasting impact on your life. Consider the following prompts to explore your family relationships:

• What is your birth order, and how has that affected your relationships with your siblings?
• How has your relationship with your parents evolved over time?
• What are some of the values and beliefs that your family holds, and how have those influenced you?

Friendships and Social Connections

Friendships and social connections are also essential relationships that shape our lives. Consider the following prompts to reflect on your friendships:

• Who are the people in your life that you consider to be your closest friends, and what makes those relationships special?
• How has your social circle changed over time, and what has influenced those changes?
• What role do you play in your friendships, and how does that impact your relationships with others?

Love and Romance

Love and romance can be some of the most complex relationships we experience. Consider the following prompts to explore your romantic relationships:

• What are some of the qualities you look for in a romantic partner, and how have those evolved over time?
• How have your past relationships influenced your current views on love and romance?
• What role does communication play in your romantic relationships, and how do you navigate conflicts?

By taking the time to reflect on your relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners, you can gain a better understanding of yourself and the role that relationships play in your life.

Personal Growth and Future Aspirations

As you reflect on your life and personal growth, it’s important to consider your future aspirations. This can help you set goals and work towards achieving them, as well as give you a sense of purpose and direction. In this section, we’ll explore some writing prompts that can help you delve into your future plans and aspirations.

Overcoming Challenges

Challenges are a natural part of life, and they can help us grow and develop resilience. Think about a time when you faced a challenge and overcame it. What did you learn from that experience? How did it shape you as a person? Write about how you can use that experience to overcome future challenges and achieve your goals.

Setting and Achieving Goals

Setting goals is an important part of personal growth and achieving success. Think about some short-term and long-term goals that you have. What steps can you take to achieve those goals? Write about the progress you’ve made towards achieving your goals, and any obstacles you’ve encountered along the way. Reflect on how you can adjust your approach to overcome those obstacles and stay on track towards achieving your goals.

Dreams and Aspirations

Dreams and aspirations are a powerful motivator for personal growth and success. Think about your dreams and aspirations for the future. What steps can you take to make those dreams a reality? Write about the skills and knowledge you need to acquire to achieve your dreams, and how you can work towards acquiring those skills. Reflect on the impact achieving your dreams would have on your life and how it would make you feel.

By reflecting on your personal growth and future aspirations, you can gain clarity and direction in your life. Writing about your challenges, goals, dreams, and aspirations can help you stay focused and motivated, and give you a sense of purpose and meaning. Keep writing and exploring these topics to continue growing and achieving success in your life.

Expressing Gratitude and Acknowledging Accomplishments

Recognizing your strengths and accomplishments is an important part of building self-awareness and self-confidence. One way to do this is by expressing gratitude and acknowledging your successes. Here are some tips on how to do it:

Recognizing Strengths

Take some time to reflect on your strengths and what makes you unique. This can be challenging, as we often focus on our weaknesses rather than our strengths. However, recognizing your strengths can help you build confidence and feel more positive about yourself.

Here are some tips for recognizing your strengths:

• Make a list of your strengths and read it regularly.
• Ask friends or family members to describe your strengths.
• Think about times when you felt confident and successful. What strengths did you use to achieve that success?

Appreciating Successes

Acknowledging your accomplishments is another important aspect of building self-confidence. Celebrating your successes, no matter how small they may seem, can help you feel more positive about yourself and your abilities.

Here are some tips for appreciating your successes:

• Keep a journal of your accomplishments, no matter how small.
• Celebrate your successes with friends or family members.
• Take time to reflect on how you achieved your success and what you learned from it.

Expressing gratitude is another way to appreciate your successes. Gratitude can help you feel more positive and optimistic about your life, and it can also help you build stronger relationships with others.

Here are some tips for expressing gratitude:

• Write a thank-you note to someone who has helped you or inspired you.
• Take some time to reflect on the things you are grateful for in your life.
• Practice gratitude daily by keeping a gratitude journal or sharing what you are grateful for with a friend or family member.

By recognizing your strengths, appreciating your successes, and expressing gratitude, you can build self-confidence and feel more positive about yourself and your life.

Exploring Interests and Passions

When it comes to writing about yourself, exploring your interests and passions can be a great starting point. By focusing on what you love, you can tap into your creativity and imagination, and come up with unique and engaging writing prompts that reflect who you are.

Hobbies and Talents

Think about your hobbies and talents. What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Do you have any special skills or talents? Perhaps you love playing an instrument, painting, or cooking. Maybe you’re an avid reader or a sports enthusiast.

Consider how you can incorporate your hobbies and talents into your writing prompts. For example, if you love cooking, you could write a story about a chef who discovers a new ingredient that changes the culinary world. If you’re a musician, you could write a novel about a struggling artist who finds success through their music.

Travel and Exploration

Travel and exploration can also be great sources of inspiration for writing prompts. Think about the places you’ve been, the cultures you’ve experienced, and the people you’ve met. Have you ever had a life-changing travel experience?

You could write a memoir about your travels, or create a fictional story set in a place you’ve visited. Alternatively, you could write a blog post about your favorite travel destinations, or create a guidebook for travelers.

Art and Creativity

Art and creativity can also be great sources of inspiration for writing prompts. Whether you’re a visual artist, a writer, or a musician, there are many ways to incorporate your creativity into your writing.

For example, you could write a short story inspired by a painting or a piece of music. You could also write a blog post about the creative process, or share tips and tricks for other artists and writers.

By exploring your interests and passions, you can come up with writing prompts that are unique, engaging, and reflective of who you are. So take some time to think about what makes you tick, and start writing!

Health and Wellness

Taking care of your health and wellness is essential for leading a happy and fulfilling life. Writing about your health and wellness can help you keep track of your progress, identify areas that need improvement, and celebrate your successes. Here are some writing prompts to help you reflect on your physical health, mental health, and self-care practices.

Physical Health

Your physical health is an important aspect of your overall well-being. Writing about your physical health can help you identify patterns, track progress, and make necessary changes. Here are some physical health journal prompts to get you started:

• What did you eat today? Did you make healthy choices?
• How much water did you drink today? Did you stay hydrated?
• Did you get enough sleep last night? How did you feel when you woke up?
• Did you exercise today? What kind of exercise did you do?
• How do you feel physically today? Do you have any aches or pains?

Mental Health

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Writing about your mental health can help you identify triggers, track progress, and develop coping mechanisms. Here are some mental health journal prompts to get you started:

• How are you feeling emotionally today? Are you feeling happy, sad, anxious, or stressed?
• What is causing you stress right now? How can you manage that stress?
• What are you grateful for today? What positive things happened to you?
• What are your goals for the day/week/month? How can you achieve those goals?
• What self-care practices can you incorporate into your day to improve your mental health?

Self-Care Practices

Self-care is essential for maintaining your health and well-being. Writing about your self-care practices can help you identify what works for you and what doesn’t, and develop a self-care routine that is tailored to your needs. Here are some self-care journal prompts to get you started:

• What self-care practices do you enjoy? How often do you do them?
• What self-care practices have you been neglecting? Why?
• What self-care practices can you incorporate into your day/week to improve your overall well-being?
• Write a letter of gratitude to yourself for looking after your own well-being.
• What helps you slow down and feel more present? Can you incorporate that into your daily routine?

Remember, taking care of your health and wellness is a journey, not a destination. Use these writing prompts to help you reflect on your progress, identify areas that need improvement, and celebrate your successes.

Engaging the Senses

When it comes to writing about yourself, engaging your senses can be a powerful tool to help you connect with your experiences and emotions. By focusing on the sights, sounds, tastes, and textures of your memories, you can bring your writing to life and create a more immersive experience for your readers. Here are some prompts to help you engage your senses and bring your writing to life.

Sight and Sound

When writing about yourself, describing the sights and sounds of your experiences can help your readers feel like they are right there with you. Think about the colors, shapes, and movements that you remember from your experiences, and try to capture them in your writing. You can also describe the sounds that you heard, including the tone of voices, background noise, and music. Here are some prompts to help you get started:

• Describe a place that you love using vivid colors and shapes.
• Write about a memory that is associated with a particular sound.
• Describe a time when you felt overwhelmed by the sights and sounds around you.

Taste and Touch

Our sense of taste and touch can be powerful triggers for memories and emotions. When writing about yourself, think about the tastes and textures that you remember from your experiences, and try to describe them in detail. You can also describe the physical sensations that you felt, such as the warmth of the sun on your skin or the softness of a blanket. Here are some prompts to help you engage your sense of taste and touch:

• Write about a food that is associated with a particular memory or emotion.
• Describe the feeling of a particular texture, such as sand or silk.
• Write about a time when you felt a physical sensation that was particularly memorable.

By engaging your senses in your writing, you can create a more immersive experience for your readers and connect with your experiences on a deeper level. Use these prompts to get started, and experiment with different sensory details to find what works best for you.

Random Prompts and Ideas

Looking for some writing prompts to help you explore yourself? Here are some random prompts that can get your creative juices flowing.

Fun and Light-hearted

• Describe your favorite season and what you love about it.
• Write about your favorite food and why it’s your favorite.
• Who is your very best friend? What makes them special to you?
• If you could have any pet animal in the world, what would it be and why?
• What is your favorite holiday and why?
• What’s the story behind your name? Is there a special meaning or reason why you were named that?
• Do you believe in astrology? What’s your astrological sign and do you think it fits your personality?
• If you could take any course or class, what would it be and why?

Deep and Thought-Provoking

• Write about a time when you had to confront a fear or challenge. How did you overcome it?
• What is your biggest regret in life? What have you learned from it?
• What is something that you are currently struggling with? How are you working to overcome it?
• Describe a moment when you felt truly happy. What made you feel that way?
• Write about a time when you had to make a difficult decision. How did you make your choice?
• What is something that you are really passionate about? Why is it important to you?
• Describe a moment when you felt truly grateful. What were you grateful for?

These prompts are just a starting point. Use them to delve deeper into yourself and your experiences. Remember, writing about yourself can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and personal growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some unique experiences that have shaped who you are today.

Your unique experiences are what make you who you are today. They may include things like traveling to new places, meeting new people, overcoming challenges, or experiencing loss. Reflecting on these experiences can help you understand how they have shaped your perspective, values, and beliefs.

How do you envision your future self?

Envisioning your future self can help you set goals and work towards achieving them. Think about where you want to be in five, ten, or twenty years from now. What kind of person do you want to be? What kind of life do you want to have? Visualize yourself achieving your goals and living the life you want.

What are some of your proudest accomplishments and why?

Your proudest accomplishments may be big or small, but they are all important. They may include things like graduating from school, getting a job, completing a project, or overcoming a personal challenge. Reflect on why these accomplishments are important to you and what you learned from them.

What are some challenges you have faced and how have you overcome them?

Challenges are a natural part of life, and overcoming them can help you grow and develop as a person. Think about some of the challenges you have faced in your life, whether they are big or small. Reflect on how you overcame them and what you learned from the experience.

What are some important values or beliefs that guide your life?

Your values and beliefs are the principles that guide your decisions and actions. They may include things like honesty, respect, kindness, or justice. Reflect on what values and beliefs are important to you and how they influence your life.

What are some things you are passionate about and why?

Passions are the things that bring you joy and fulfillment in life. They may include things like hobbies, interests, or causes that you care about. Reflect on what you are passionate about and why these things are important to you. Pursuing your passions can help you live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

150+ Deep Writing Prompts About Life to REALLY Reflect

This post contains affiliate links and I may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you sign up or purchase products or services mentioned. Read the full disclosure here.

Last Updated on June 21, 2024

Life can feel like a crazy roller coaster of ups and downs and endless twists and turns! From hitting huge life milestones, to self reflecting on who you truly are, to finding your purpose in life…there’s so much to process. 

Everyone has a story, and so do you! But how often do you truly zoom out and assess your life as a bigger picture? If you haven’t done much exploring with the depths of your life, these deep writing prompts about life are your invitation to do so!

From untangling your thoughts and feelings, to discovering your outlook on life, to finding ways to live life more mindfully…these deep journal prompts have it ALL!

And these are not just your everyday, average journal prompts! These are meant to dive DEEP into the inner-workings of your mind. If you want to walk away with a deeper sense of self-awareness and clarity when it comes to finding yourself, you’re in the right place.

Table of Contents

150+ Deep Writing Prompts About Life

Don’t forget about these deep writing prompts about life! Pin ’em to come back later!

What Are Some Deep Writing Topics?

Ready to learn about yourself on a truly deep level? These deep journal prompts for adults cover thought-provoking topics like challenging your inner critic, mindfulness, your outlook on life, self-reflection, love…pretty much every deep writing prompt about your life!

Deep Journal Prompts For Adults

• What can contribute to your sense of feeling empowered?
• Have you ever experienced a strong flow state (where you’re completely absorbed in an activity you’re doing)? What set-up needs to be in place to get you there?
• Reflect on the hardest thing you’ve had to forgive someone for. How difficult was this, and how did it impact your relationship?
• Think about your relationship with time and time-management skills. Do you often feel rushed or late to things? Do you take on more tasks than you should? Explain.
• Has your confidence increased or decreased with time/age? How so?
• Do you have a special book, movie, song, etc. that has made a meaningful impact on you? Describe this.
• Where are you at with spirituality? Is this something you think about often, or hardly ever? Describe your journey with it. ( these journal prompts for spiritual growth can help you better-connect to your spirituality!)
• Have you ever dealt with a significant loss in your life? How did you make it through?
• Reflect on a personal strength that you take for granted or overlook. How can you validate this strength and use it to overcome challenges?
• How satisfied are you with your social life? What challenges have you had with growing and maintaining an active social life in adulthood?
• Is there a recurring pattern in your life that you wish you could break? What makes you fall into this pattern time and time again?
• What steps can you take to break unhelpful patterns or behaviors in your life?
• Reflect on your relationship with productivity and “hustle culture.” Do you find society’s obsession with productivity to be harmful? How do you balance this yourself?
• Think back to a difficult conversation you had. How did you handle it, and what did you think afterward?
• Do you avoid confrontation or struggle to initiate it? Why or why not?

Thought-Provoking Topics To Write About

• Introversion vs. extroversion – where do you stand on the spectrum?
• Being a leader vs. a follower – in which position do you feel most comfortable?
• Working for yourself vs. working for a boss – which do you thrive better with and why?
• Your personal mental health struggles and the journey you’ve been on with them
• Your opinions on marriage and weddings
• Having children vs. not having children – where do you stand and why?
• How your self care habits have evolved from the first time you learned about self care compared to now.
• Something you never expected would be part of your personality and/or interests, but you’ve fallen in love with.
• A traumatic experience you’ve endured and how you’ve processed it (try these trauma healing journal prompts for support on this!)
• Your first job vs. your current job and how far you’ve come
• Fixed mindset vs. growth mindset – which do you have? Can you think of people in your life that are perfect examples of each?
• Independent vs. dependent – do you consider yourself more of an independent or dependent person?
• Your red flags or deal breakers in a relationship
• Something significant you’ve changed your mind about over time, when you didn’t think you would.
• Your relationship with exercise and how it impacts your sense of capability.
• Your relationship with food and body image. (These body image affirmations are here to help you with this!)
• Your attachment style and how you believe it came to be
• Your pain tolerance and what you believe has influenced it (often from childhood!)
• Settling down young vs. taking it slow – which do you desire and why?
• Traveling the world vs. staying in one place – is travel something you care about?
• Nature vs. nurture – how much of our personalities do you believe stem from nature (inborn traits) or nurture (environment you’re raised in)?

Deep Writing Prompts About Yourself

• Reflect on the accomplishments and personal growth you’re most proud of. How has this shaped your opinion of your self-competency?
• Think of a time where you prioritized perfection over progress. How could you have approached the situation from a more practical, caring mindset? (if this is a struggle, these affirmations for perfectionists are perfect for you!)
• Have you ever made a mistake that ultimately led to something happening for the better? What did you learn about this and the concept of imperfections? 
• Write a letter to your future self, highlighting all the things you’re currently feeling lost or confused about. How do you envision your future self gaining clarity on these?
• Reflect on the past year and how you’ve grown as a person. What insights have you gained about yourself, and how are you better able to manage life?
• What is a newer insecurity or fear that hasn’t popped up until this season of your life? Why did it come up and what makes it so troubling?
• Reflect on a time where you felt truly alive, as if you were exactly where you were supposed to be in that moment. What were you doing, and how can you use this to further understand your values?
• Do you find yourself being more conventional or unconventional about your life path and where you see yourself going?
• Do you feel the pressure to conform to society, or do you feel confident moving with your own flow?
• What hobbies have you done over the course of your life? Do any of them differ from what you enjoy now?
• How have hobbies contributed to your sense of self and well-being? (if you haven’t picked up a hobby in a while, you’ll love these fun hobby ideas for women in their 20s !)
• Do you hold any regrets? What lessons can you learn from the regret and how can it shape your life moving forward?
• Elaborate on your 3 biggest strengths and 3 biggest weaknesses.
• How have those strengths and weaknesses impacted your relationships, professional life, and personal life?
• Is there anything you have a hard time forgiving yourself for? What holds you back?
• How would you describe your sense of passion right now? Are you feeling passionate about any goal or activity in your life? If not, why not?
• Describe your idea of the “perfect day” from morning to night. How do the activities you choose add value to your life?
• Is there anything that’s weighing heavily on your mind right now? Release it in your journal.
• Describe someone in your life who you deeply admire. What makes them so inspirational to you? How can you pick up some of their qualities?
• What is something about your past self that you’re not exactly proud of? How can you work toward accepting this part of yourself, while acknowledging your growth?
• When you’re overwhelmed, what do you do to cope with it?
• Are you happy with the way you cope and respond to stress? If not, what goals would you like to set in this area?

Improve your coping skills and create a self care plan that works for YOU with this journal!

Life too hectic for self care? Not with The Busy Woman’s Self Care Journal !

Made by a busy woman, for busy women,  the goal of this journal is simple:  to make an effective self care plan that works for your unique needs. No matter how crazy life gets!

Get step-by-step guidance to create your personalized self care plan by…

Journal Prompts for Your Inner Critic

• What was your most recent experience with your inner critic causing you to doubt yourself?
• Describe the voice of your inner critic. What tone of voice does it speak in, and how does it feel?
• What are the most common things your inner critic tells you?
• Describe any experiences that come to mind from childhood that may have developed your inner critic.
• How has society or your culture influenced your inner critic?
• Describe a period in your life where you felt the most self-doubt. Why did this happen, and what helped you recover?
• Name a few limiting beliefs your inner critic has manipulated you to believe about yourself and your abilities. (Then, use these journal prompts for limiting beliefs to work through them!)
• Name the top three qualities you compare yourself to others about. How does this impact your self-worth?
• Of those three qualities, reframe the inner-criticisms regarding them into something more rational or positive.
• Reflect on a time where you felt inadequate recently. How did your inner critic affect your emotions and behaviors during this time?
• 1-Day Challenge: keep a journal or digital note on your phone for a day, taking note of every negative thought you experience. At the end of the day, what did you observe?
• Of all the negative thoughts you had that day, choose one to challenge. What evidence do you have that contradicts your inner critic? 
• How does your inner critic impact the way you view and think of your inner child? (start the healing process for your inner child with these journal prompts .)
• How can you distinguish constructive criticism vs. toxic criticism from your inner critic?
• We all tend to hold ourselves to a higher standard than we do our friends, family, and loved ones. Why do you think this is true for you?
• Think back to a big, stressful decision you had to make. What did your inner critic tell you along the way during your decision process?
• Have you ever “given in” to your inner critic, resulting in making a choice you were unhappy with? Explain.
• How do you think your decision-making habits would be without the influence of your inner critic? Do you think it would be easier to arrive at decisions? Why?
• Pinpoint one positive affirmation you can use that directly counters something your inner critic always tells you. How much do you believe in this affirmation? If you don’t believe in it, what can help you get there?
• Visualize your inner critic as a real human being sitting next to you. What conversation would you have to address its concerns and work toward healthier self-talk?
• Write a letter to yourself as if it came from a best friend offering you words of encouragement. What would you tell yourself?
• After this letter, reflect on why you struggle to speak in this kind, compassionate way toward yourself.
• How has your inner critic evolved over time? Has it gotten more or less critical, and in what areas of your life?
• Take 5 minutes to self-reflect and observe your thoughts about yourself without judgment. How can you continue to view yourself more neutrally, without the need for self-judgment?

Journal Prompts for Your Outlook on Life

• What is your overall, general perspective on life right now?
• What do you really believe gives life meaning and fulfillment?
• What do you think about the concept of finding your purpose? Where are you at with finding your purpose? (if you’re stuck, these journal prompts will help you find your purpose!)
• Who is someone you know who has a refreshingly positive outlook on life? What do you think enables them to see life in this way?
• Have you ever faced periods of depression that dampened your outlook on life? What contributed to this?
• How has your outlook on life changed overtime?
• What do you think is our true purpose, as humans, in life?
• Write a letter to your future self. Express the questions you hope to get answers to and about the person you wish to become.
• Have you ever been in a debate or had strong feelings on a topic that shifted dramatically later on? Discuss.
• How do you react to change and uncertainty? Do you feel a level of emotional instability when faced with change, or are you able to adapt easily?
• Write about the hardest life change you’ve ever had to go through. What made it so difficult?
• How do you think self care has contributed to your mindset and outlook on life?
• How have your long-term goals and aspirations shifted as you’ve grown up?
• Which goal of yours are you dying to achieve as soon as possible? Do you feel rushed to complete it for one reason or another? Explore that.
• How did your experiences in school shape your outlook on life?
• How did your experiences in the workforce shape your outlook on life?
• What do you think about work-life balance, or the concept of having to work in general?
• At what point in your life did you have the darkest outlook on life? What about the most positive?
• What childhood experiences impacted your outlook on life or affected your behavior as an adult?

Journal Prompts for Mindfulness

• What is your biggest obstacle when it comes to living in the present?
• What do you struggle with more: dwelling on the past or worrying about the future?
• Has there ever been a moment where you can recall feeling fully present and immersed in the moment? What was it like?
• Think about a daily activity you tend to do on auto-pilot. How could you approach this activity more mindfully, and how would that add to the experience?
• Think about the last time you were in nature. What do you remember observing and how did you feel as you were in nature?
• Take a moment to close your eyes and take five slow, deep breaths. How does this small act affect your mental and physical state?
• Think about the sensory experience of your favorite food. What flavors, smells, textures, and feelings do you notice with each bite?
• Brain dump a list of all the things that come to your mind in this moment that you are grateful for.
• How did you feel when you moved into your current home for the first time? How did the experience differ compared to now, where you are used to your home?
• Do you struggle with active listening? (Being fully present when in a conversation with someone) Or do you focus more on forming your response than listening?
• Do a body scan, where you slowly focus attention on different parts of your body, starting from your head and making your way down to your toes. What sensations do you notice?
• How can mindfulness be applied to your daily morning or night routine? Do you think it could make these routines more meaningful?
• Do you have a go-to mantra or positive affirmation that helps you center or ground yourself? How does this impact your headspace? (you’ll love these affirmations for mindfulness !)
• Think of the last time you went for a walk. What sights, sounds, and experiences did you notice on the walk?
• Do you struggle with your focus or your mind wandering when you don’t want it to? How can you practice more acceptance and gently bring yourself back to the moment, rather than judging yourself?
• What can you do to be more mindful and intentional with the current month or season?

Journal Prompts For Self Reflection

• What do you think about the concept of “happiness” vs. “being content”? Do you value one over the other?
• What was your most recent setback? How did you cope with it, and what did you learn from it?
• Have you ever stepped outside of your comfort zone and it turned out to be worth it? What happened?
• What has been your experience so far when it comes to setting and sticking to goals?
• What is something you seem to have greater difficulty coping with than others?
• What is something that doesn’t seem to bother you as much as others?
• Have you ever felt “different” or “outcast” at any point in your life? How so?
• Write a letter to your teenage self. Give them reassurance about what you know now to ease their insecurities or fears. (You can also work on healing your inner teenager if your teen years were rough!)
• What personality trait do you feel has hindered your personal growth?
• What personality trait do you feel has helped your personal growth?
• How do you react when you make mistakes? Where does your reaction stem from?
• Who, in your life, has made an especially significant impact? In what ways?
• How do you handle anxiety when you’re faced with a trigger?
• Think about a habit or behavior that you’d like to change. How can you take steps to work on this? What has held you back so far?
• Have you been giving as much time to self care as you’d like lately? (this 7-day self care challenge is perfect for working self care back into your routine!)
• Do you notice any changes in your mood, energy, and mental health when you haven’t stayed on top of self care?
• Is there a tough decision you’re struggling with right now? What holds you back from making the decision?
• Has there ever been a time where you felt self-doubt or imposter syndrome, and it got better with time? What changed?
• Consider your strongest values and core beliefs. Do your current habits, choices, and behaviors align with those?
• Write about all the realizations you’ve made in the last few years that have furthered your understanding of yourself.

Deep Writing Prompts About Love

• Think of a time where you felt truly loved and cherished. What was the context of this, and how did it shape your feelings about love?
• How have your platonic relationships influenced your outlook on love?
• How have your romantic relationships influenced your outlook on love?
• How have your familial relationships influenced your outlook on love?
• How has your self-love influenced your outlook on love? ( these self-love journal prompts will help you dive deeper!)
• Do you believe unconditional love is really possible?
• What makes it hard for you to be vulnerable in relationships?
• Is there anything you tend to hold back or hide about yourself in relationships? Why?
• How do you think your self-love plays a role in the success of your relationships with others?
• What do you think about the phrase, “you have to love yourself before you can love someone else.”?
• How has your perspective on love changed over time?
• What has been your biggest learning lesson when it comes to love?
• Reflect on a time where you lost someone you loved (a break-up, ending a friendship, losing a parent). What challenges did this experience bring to your opinion on love and attachment? ( these break-up journal prompts will soothe you when you need it most.)
• Did the societal norms surrounding love and relationships influence you to do things that weren’t in alignment with your true self?
• What was the most challenging relationship you’ve ever had (could be romantic, platonic, etc.) and what made it so difficult?
• Do you believe in soulmates or the concept of finding “the one”? Why or why not?
• What are your expectations in a relationship when it comes to open and honest communication?
• Have you ever had to sacrifice something for someone you loved? Do you believe it was the right choice?
• Have you ever been in or considered a long-distance relationship? If so, what did you learn? If not, what do you think about them?
• Has a relationship ever affected your feelings of self-worth? What was that like?

RELATED: 70 Journal Prompts for All Your Relationships

How Do You Write Deep About Yourself?

You may have journaled before, but if you want to really explore with these deep writing prompts about life, you’ll want to tap into your introspective skills. These steps can help you navigate your journal prompts in a more meaningful, effective way:

• Get in the zone – first of all, you want to create a peaceful environment for yourself where you feel comfortable, calm, and free of distractions. Whether it’s your bed, a cozy corner, or your closet–whatever works! Choose a time of day where you won’t feel rushed, too.
• Write unfiltered – as you respond to each writing prompt, just follow your stream of consciousness. Don’t think too hard about flow or sentence structure. Just go wherever your mind insists on taking you!
• Immerse yourself in memories – reflect on memories that may have shaped you or impacted your childhood development. Don’t just provide surface-level details. Think back to the emotions, reactions, and thoughts you had during the experience.
• Evaluate your beliefs and core values – these are so important! Your beliefs and core values make up who you are and only become more solidified with time. What morals guide your decisions? How did you arrive at your values and beliefs? How do they influence the way you navigate your life?
• Be vulnerable – your journal is your safe space. No one has to read it! This is your space to express yourself completely and authentically. The more vulnerable you are, the better the learning process as you journal.
• Assess your personal growth – take note of how far you’ve come in different areas of your life, whether that be your professional life, emotion regulation, relationships, or anything you’ve struggled with.
• Future dreams and aspirations – think about your dreams, goals, and anything you’d like to work toward. Envision your future self by asking, “what would my ideal life look like?”
• Share your insights – write about the epiphanies or life-changing realizations you’ve had about yourself or the world around you. What pieces of information have you picked up that have shaped your perspective?

Benefits of Journaling

Journaling can impact your life and your mental health in more ways than one! Whether you use deep writing prompts for life like these, or even just reflecting on your day-to-day thoughts and emotions, you unlock invaluable self-awareness.

This self-awareness has been known to support psychological well-being, so it sounds pretty worth it, right?

You might find amazing benefits like…

• Improved mental health
• Increased self-confidence
• Cultivation of gratitude
• Better communication skills and ability to articulate your thoughts
• Reduced stress
• An outlet to release anxious feelings and worries
• Greater emotional intelligence

Best Journals to Buy

I mean who doesn’t love getting a cute new journal when embarking on a new self-discovery era, am I right?! A fresh new journal can help you begin your journaling habit with a clean slate. Here are my favorite recommendations!

1. Erin Condren Notebooks

These are heavy-duty and built to last! I have loved Erin Condren products ever since I was in high school, so we go waaaayyy back, and I can say they are just fabulous! This journal even lets you customize your name on the front–how perfect!

2. Rifle Paper Co. Embroidered Journal

Wow, it doesn’t get any more beautiful than this! This embroidered journal from Rifle Paper Co. makes for the perfect keepsake journal with 400 pages (you’ll basically never run out at that point!). If this is an era of your life you truly want to treasure and look back on, this journal is a great match.

3. Threshold “Never Stop Growing” Journal from Target

You can’t go wrong with a classic, simple (yet super cute!) journal. The cover on this is so wholesome, and the quote of “Never Stop Growing” is the encouragement you need to continue on your journey of personal growth. You’ll find this beauty at Target !

4. 3-Pack Spiral Notebooks from Amazon

Want to compartmentalize your journaling practice? A 3-pack of journals is the way to go! You could dedicate one journal to self-reflection, one journal to goal setting, and one journal to therapy session notes. Or whatever categories make sense for your life! 

I hope these deep writing prompts about life got you digging deeper, reflecting harder, and ultimately learning more about yourself and where you’re at in life. You’ll be so glad you documented all of this!

And the awesome part is: you only have room to grow from here.

More Journal Prompts You’ll Love

110+ Juicy, Fascinating Journal Prompts to Get to Know Yourself

80 Motivating Self Improvement Journal Prompts

80 Journal Prompts for Women to Embrace Your True Self

70+ Easy and Fun Journal Prompts for Beginners

LIKE THESE DEEP WRITING PROMPTS ABOUT LIFE? PIN THEM FOR LATER!

Founder & Content Strategist

Hey there! I'm Alexa, and I'm a self-care enthusiast and mental health advocate. At Ambitiously Alexa, I'm here to support women like you who are on a mission to achieve allll the things they're passionate about and make time for self care. I make this balance possible through journal prompts, positive affirmations, and self care ideas you'll love! Here's more about me, including my B.A in Psychology...

Similar Posts

77 Lucky Girl Affirmations You’ll Want to Start Saying

Last Updated on February 27, 2024 If you ever think to yourself, “man I always have the worst luck!” then you’re gonna want to tap into the lucky girl mindset….

21 Affirmations for Setting Boundaries That Best Serve You

Last Updated on October 27, 2022 Question for my people pleasers: do you struggle to enforce good boundaries? Ever feel obligated to fill others’ cups before filling your own? Neglect…

55 Feel-Good Journal Prompts for Happiness

Last Updated on December 1, 2023 We could all use a little more happiness! If you think you experience more negative emotions than positive ones, you’re probably looking for happiness…

December Self Care: 28 Ideas to Calm the Hustle and Bustle

This post contains affiliate links and I may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you sign up or purchase products or services mentioned. Read the…

76 Career Affirmations for Powerful Growth In Your Job

Last Updated on April 17, 2023 In a career slump? These career affirmations are here to boost your job interview confidence, guide your career change, and improve your money mindset!…

Why Wallowing In Sadness Is Actually Completely Necessary

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Copy short link

Create Make Write

Thoughts on creativity, writing & making

51 Things to Write About Yourself in 2022

If you’re like most people, you don’t have a problem coming up with things to write about others, but when it comes to writing about yourself, you find yourself at a loss for words.

That’s why Create Make Write has put together this list of 47 prompts to help get your creativity flowing! These could be used as memoir writing prompts if you want to tell the story of your life, or they could be starters for blog posts or journal entries.

No matter what you choose to do with them, I hope that these prompts will help you learn more about yourself and grow as a writer.

What things can you write about yourself?

1. Your childhood

2. Your family

3. Your first love

4. A time when you were proud of yourself

5. A time when you were brave

6. A time when you were happy

7. A time when you were sad

8. Write what your dreams are

9. Write what your fears are

10. Write what your passions are

11. Write about your favorite memories

12. Things you’re grateful for

13. Hobbies and interests

14. Your ideal day

15. A defining moment in your life

16. The people who have influenced you the most

17. How you see yourself

18. How others see you

19. Your ideal career

20. Your ideal relationship

21. Things you’d like to change about yourself

22. The best advice you’ve ever been given

23. What you would do with a million dollars

24. A time when you failed miserably

25. Something that scares you

26. A secret you’ve never told anyone

27. Your first kiss

28. The moment you realized you were grown up

29. A time you were in danger

30. A time you overcame a challenge

31. A happy memory with your family

32. A sad memory with your friends or family

33. A happy memory with friends

34. Things you like to do when you’re bored

35. Your favorite thing about yourself

36. Your least favorite thing about yourself

37. A physical feature you love about yourself

38. A physical feature you hate about yourself

39. What you would change about your family

40. What you would change about your friends

41. How you’ve changed over the years

42. The person you admire most and why you admire them

43. A character trait you share with them

44. A character trait you don’t share with

45. Things you like to do when you’re alone

46. Things you like to do when you’re with others

47. A time when you pushed yourself outside your comfort zone

48. How it made you feel

49. Something you’ve always wanted to do

50. Why you haven’t done that one thing yet

51. Your favorite place to go on vacation

There are a lot of reasons why you should write about yourself. For starters, writing is a great way to get to know yourself better. It can also be a therapeutic exercise and can help you process difficult emotions or experiences. Writing can also help you communicate better and build stronger relationships. Also, writing about yourself can be a great way to share your story with others.

9 essential Notion templates to organize your writing & productivity. Easy to start.

No thanks, I’m not interested!

30 Writing Prompts For Writing About Yourself

Writing about yourself is an excellent topic because as you write, you are likely to discover more about your hopes and dreams, your likes and dislikes, and your future goals. However, writing about yourself can be tricky, so we have put together these 30 writing prompts for writing about yourself .

These writing prompts can be used to guide students as they write an essay about themselves. If you would like to print these writing prompts, you can do so at the bottom of the page.

Writing About Yourself Writing Prompts

Download and print.

127 Writing Prompts To Finish Before You Write About Yourself

This list of prompts to finish before you write about yourself will help you if you are writing a memoir, a novel, a profile, or an interview.

If you’re writing a novel or a memoir, or brainstorming interesting questions for a profile or an interview, you’ll love these prompts.

Use them for your character biographies, or as daily writing prompts, or to generate ideas for blog posts. If you’re thinking about writing a memoir , they will jog your memory and bring long-ago incidents into sharper focus.

[If you want a free daily writing prompt from us, sign up here:  Join Our Newsletter ]

Writers Write Tip:

Try to use your five senses in as many of these prompts as you can. The concrete is important in fiction and even more important in memoirs. Experiencing your story through taste ,  smell ,  sound ,  touch , and sight makes it come alive for readers.

127 Prompts To Finish Before You Write About Yourself

• Which is your best physical feature? Why do you like it? Describe it.
• Do you have a vivid early childhood memory? Describe it using the five senses .
• Which medical emergency can you remember most vividly when you were a child? Describe what happened and where it happened, concentrating on the doctor’s rooms, the ambulance, or the hospital.
• Write about your most interesting grandparent.
• Who was the school bully? What was his or her name? Write about an incident you witnessed or experienced.
• Which part of school did you enjoy the most? Why did you like it?
• Which part of school did you dislike most? Write about it.
• Make a list of the top 10 pros of being an introvert or an extrovert (whichever one you are.)
• Make a list of the top 10 cons of being an introvert or an extrovert (whichever one you are.)
• Would you wish upon a falling star? Are there any superstitions you believe in or follow? Is a cracked mirror a sign of bad luck? Are there things you do to avoid bad luck? Not walking under a ladder? Avoiding the black cat?
• We all have a strange holiday experience. Write about yours. What was odd about the holiday? Where did you stay? Who were you with?
• Describe the contents of a jewellery box – your own – or your mother’s. Write about each piece and any memories or thoughts they inspire.
• What was your favourite toy when you were a young child? Write about why you loved it so much.
• Write about the first time you remember spending the night at a friend’s home.
• How did you get to school each day? Write about your routine.
• How do you get to work today? Describe your routine.
• Is there something you really wanted as a child? Write about why you wanted it and if you got it.
• Who was your first best friend? Where did you meet him or her? Do you still see each other?
• Write about your favourite time of the year.
• Discuss freedom of choice.
• Discuss gender. Do you feel comfortable with your gender and its stereotypes? If not, why not?
• Would you ever consider adopting a child?
• Tell a story about a lie you told that everybody still believes. Why did you lie and why haven’t you told the truth?
• Write about your dream home. Describe each room. Use the senses.
• Which astrological sign are you? What do you think about it? Does it suit you? Do you believe in astrology? If not, why not?
• We all have one special place we love in our homes. Describe yours.
• Write a thank you letter to your body for all the years it has served you.
• Write about something that terrified you when you were a child. Describe an incident where you can feel the fear.
• Write a wanted advertisement for your ideal roommate.
• Do you have a favourite sibling? What is so special about your relationship?
• Write about a family feud.

• “A patriot must always be ready to defend his country against his government.” ~Edward Abbey. What is your opinion on patriotism?
• How do you dress? Discuss your personal style and how it has changed over the years.
• Write about your hair. Which hairstyles have you had over the years? How many times have you coloured your hair?
• What do you love about your country and what do you dislike about your country? Do you think you would be happier if you lived somewhere else?
• Discuss fate.
• Discuss the pros and cons of marriage.
• Tell a story about a birthday party that made an impact on you.
• Tell a story about your hometown. What defines it? If you had to describe it as an animal, which animal would you choose?
• Write a 10-point-plan for what you would do if you were president or prime minister of your country.
• Discuss the idea of romance. Does it work in real life? Do you believe in it?
• What do you think about religion?
• Do you think people should have to vote in elections?
• If you started a political party, what would you call it?  What would it stand for?
• Would you consider running for political office?
• We all have ideas of behaviour that we would and could forgive. What is the line you believe nobody should cross?
• Don’t judge a book by its cover. But we do, don’t we? How do you judge people based on their appearance?
• Write about a snap decision you wish you had never made.
• Write a letter to your mother when she was pregnant with you.
• Some people believe in a god, others believe in astrologers. Do you believe you can control your destiny?
• Discuss the pros and cons of having children.
• What is one thing that surprised you most about being a parent?
• What is one thing that surprised you most about being married?
• What is one thing that surprised you most about being divorced?
• What is one thing that surprised you most about being widowed?
• If you could take any course or class, what would you do?
• Create a missing poster for something or someone who has gone away.
• Would you prefer a neat or a more comfortable home? Describe the room you’re sitting in now.
• Describe the most beautiful piece of art you’ve ever seen. Tell us how it made you feel.
• Write about winning something.
• Write about losing something.
• Who was the most inspiring teacher, mentor, or authority figure you’ve had in your life? Write about an incident that shows why they inspire you.
• Is there an object that has special significance for you?
• Write about the boss from hell.
• Every day, I struggle to forget …
• If you could have any plastic surgery, would you choose to have any? If yes, what would you choose and why?
• If you could propose a new law, what would choose?
• Tell a story about getting into trouble when it wasn’t your fault.
• Create a menu for the perfect dinner party.
• What would you like to teach the world if you had a platform?
• If you feel sad, what do you usually do to make yourself feel better? Do you prefer to be on your own or with somebody?
• Write about a houseguest who overstayed his or her welcome.
• Is there a fashion trend that you really dislike? Discuss.
• Have you ever been addicted to something or someone? Are you still struggling with this?
• Your best qualities are…
• Your worst qualities are…
• If you were a stranger meeting yourself, would you trust yourself based on first impressions?

• How do you tell if you are really in love? Write about what true love means to you.
• Write about a party you loved. Describe it in detail. Include the time of year, the people, the food, and the occasion. Use the five senses .
• Who do you trust most in the world? How did you meet this person? Is he or she still in your life?
• Write about the consequences of keeping quiet when you should have spoken up.
• Write about the first person who broke your heart. Write about them in first person present tense.
• Write about a guest who visited that you wished would never leave.
• Tell a story about a car accident that involved you.
• Make a list of the things you miss most about a previous version of yourself.
• Make a list of the things you would never change about who you’ve become.
• Have you ever cheated in a test? Were you ever tempted to? Write about it.
• Write a story about a time when you refused to give up.
• Do you have a story about a friend who broke your trust? Write about how it made you feel when it happened and how you feel (not think) about it today.
• Who was your favourite musical performer when you were a teenager? Do you remember the songs you loved? How did they make you feel? Who do they make you think of?
• Write a letter to yourself as a child, where you warn your past self about the best and worst things to expect from your parents.
• Write about being irrationally angry.
• Do you have a phobia that you can’t talk about? Write about it. Write about the first time you can remember experiencing the fear.
• ‘Stupid people are dangerous.’ Discuss.
• What is your favourite physical activity or exercise?
• Do you believe people who say they have no regrets? Do you have any? If not, why don’t you have any?
• What was the most embarrassing thing that happened to you when you were a child?
• Write about a birth in your family that changed everything.
• Write about a death in the family that changed everything.

• Write about the things you like most about each one of your parents.
• Write about something you did today that you’re proud of doing.
• Describe an incident where you were the victim of physical abuse.
• Do you think your country is incapable of evolving, or will it change for the better or worse?
• Have you ever tried your best and failed?
• Do you know when to give up?
• Have you ever known that something would happen moments before it did? Describe the feeling and the experience.
• Do you succumb to peer pressure?
• Are you an only child? Do you have siblings? How do you think this has affected you over the years?
• What do you do when you’re home alone?
• Describe how you cope under pressure.
• Do people automatically assume you are from the country you were born in? If not, where do they think you’re from and why?
• What is your greatest talent?
• Make a list of famous people you admire – living or dead. Write about why you like each one and what you would say to them if you met them.
• ‘Everybody lies,’ said Dr House. What are the lies you tell most frequently?
• Have you struggled with chronic pain? Describe it in first person present tense.
• Have you ever felt as if you’ve been in a haunted space? Write about it.
• Write about the five most important things that changed the course of your life.
• Is there something you believe that you don’t share with other people because you’re afraid of being judged?
• Have you ended up where you thought you would?
• What is the funniest thing that ever happened to you when you were a child?
• Write about your favourite street.
• Write about five objects that tell the story of your life.
• Make a list of 10 books you would like your children to read. Give a reason for each one.
• If you could wear a sign around your neck explaining something about yourself before somebody started speaking to you, what would it say?

If you get through these, you will find out if you really want to write about yourself and if you have something to say.

Download your free prompts here:  127 Writing Prompts To Finish Before You Write About Yourself

More Resources:  9 Useful Character Questionnaires For Writers

Images: Pixabay

If you enjoyed this article, read:

• 9 Free Online Grammar Resources You Can’t Ignore
• Why You Need To Pay Attention If You’re A Writer
• 17 Resources For Writing About Troubled Fictional Characters
• 6 Ways To Publish A Book – Everything You Need To Know
• 7 Exercises To Try Before You Write About Yourself
• 10 Memoir Mistakes Writers Should Avoid At All Costs

Top Tip : If you want to learn how to write a memoir, look into our  Secrets of a Memoirist  course. Use our Character Creation Kit to create great characters for your stories.

• Creating Characters , Secrets of a memoirist , writing prompts , Writing Tips from Amanda Patterson

1 thought on “127 Writing Prompts To Finish Before You Write About Yourself”

Wow! This article is so refreshing.

Comments are closed.

© Writers Write 2022

Every other Tuesday, you’ll get actionable tips to land your dream job.  Subscribe

• Interview Questions & Answers

“Tell Me About Yourself” 20+ Sample Answers + How-to

Tell me about yourself. You’ll hear these four fairly unassuming words at the beginning of almost any job interview.

While this question is intended to be an icebreaker and help you ease into the interview, many candidates have a completely opposite reaction — freeze and get tongue-tied. Or, they get carried away and start nervously rambling and oversharing. This guide will help you find the right balance.

What you’ll learn:

• A proven formula for answering “tell me about yourself” + additional tips you can implement immediately
• Why interviewers ask this question (and what it means for you)
• “Tell me about yourself” example answers for various interview situations and jobs

Here’s how to best answer “tell me about yourself”:

Introduce yourself, tell them who you are and what you do. Then, talk about your past work experience, key responsibilities, and skills. Mention your relevant achievements. Finally, explain how your strengths can contribute to the company.

Want to get an offer after every interview? Our interview prep tool will guide you through all the questions you can expect, let you record and analyze your answers, and provide instant AI feedback. You’ll know exactly what to improve to turn your next interview into a job.

ACE YOUR NEXT INTERVIEW

Our users land jobs 8 to 9 weeks faster than the national average. Get ready for your interview now .

Why Interviewers Ask “Tell Me About Yourself”

To help you ease into the interview.

You shouldn’t have too much trouble talking about your background and interests. That’s why interviewers think it’s a good idea to take some pressure off by initiating an informal conversation. They also need some warming up before moving on to more complex technical, performance-based, and behavioral interview questions .

To check how you handle open-ended questions

No matter what position you’re applying for, good communication is an essential skill. And open-ended questions are the best way to see if you can express yourself clearly and effectively.

To gauge if you’re a good overall fit

When answering the “tell me about yourself” question, make sure your narrative resonates with what matters the most to the company and its values.

For example, if your potential employer champions diversity, sustainability, or innovation, try to incorporate that factor into your answer. This will show that you did your research.

To make the interview feel more like a conversation

A detail you share in your answer can catch the interviewer’s attention and serve as a starting point for a string of follow-up questions that will turn the interview into a more natural conversation.

To get a glimpse of the human behind the resume

Yes, the interviewer is interested mostly in the professional aspect of your life, but getting to know you as a person might reveal your hidden talents, potential, or strengths. You can mention an interesting hobby you’re passionate about or a fun fact about yourself — especially if these bits align with the company culture.

Bonus tip: “Tell me about yourself” is not the only way interviewers can phrase this introductory question. And even if it’s formulated differently, your job is to recognize the intent and answer the question using the same formula.

The Most Common Alternatives of the “Tell Me About Yourself” Question

• I’d like to hear more about you.
• Walk me through your resume.
• Could you share a bit about your background?
• Tell me more about your journey.
• Is there anything about yourself that’s not on your resume you’d like to share?
• How would you describe yourself?
• Talk about the events that led you to pursue your current career?

How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself”

If you prefer video format, here’s a video breakdown of how to answer “Tell me about yourself”:

Focus on your professional life and use the the present-past-future formula:

• Present: describe where you’re currently at with your career.
• Past: explain how your previous roles and experiences shaped your professional self.
• Future: outline your career plans and how this role aligns with them.

Let’s see what that means and how to structure your answer.

Present: describe where you’re currently at with your career

Start by talking who you are at this point of your career and life journey, and what your current role is. Don’t hesitate to mention a recent accomplishment. Include some basics like your name, where you live, and your job title. Briefly describe the scope of your responsibilities too.

💡Our simple interview training tool will quickly teach you how to craft and deliver answers like the one above. With confidence.

I WANT TO LEARN THIS

Past: explain how your previous roles and experiences shaped your professional self

Then segue into your past experience, previous jobs, work responsibilities, transferable skills, and education, but include only the parts that are relevant to the position you’ve applied for. Connecting the dots and providing an insight into what made you decide to pursue this particular career would be a nice touch. It would show the recruiter you’re genuinely interested in succeeding and that it’s an intended path and not just a temporary sidetrack until something better comes along.

HR Analyst Fabian Sandoval recommends, “T alk about a previous role that directly aligns with the job you’re interviewing for and highlight any achievements that could be relevant. This could even be projects you’ve done while freelancing. The idea here is that you want to paint a picture of career progression. You want to show that each step has prepared you for the next and then to this interview.”

Future: outline your career plans and how this role aligns with them

Obviously, your prospective employer wants to know what your career plans are and what attracted you to this particular job. It’s essential to work your skills and interests into this section and tie them to what the position entails. By referencing the future, you’ll demonstrate that you’ve given both your career and this particular job some thought. And you’ll score some points for showing proactivity.

This article focuses on how to best answer “Tell me about yourself”, which is more centered around making a solid introduction. If you’re struggling with how to sell yourself in the interview , check out this guide on how to answer “ Why should we hire you? ”

“Tell Me About Yourself” Sample Answers

Now let’s see how you can use all these tips in practice for a winning answer when introducing yourself in an interview.

But first, take a look at how we dissected this (great) sample answer:

Sample answer for interviewing for a similar position

✅ Why this works: The candidate sticks to the present-past-future formula to a tee. She starts with introducing herself without mentioning any personal information (age, marital status, family details, etc.) and focuses on her work persona. She clearly explains what her current job entails (things like coordinating new client onboarding or cooperation with other teams), and includes a particularly important metric (zero customers churned last year), which is impressive but doesn’t feel forced. She goes on to explain how she got where she is today and continues to the Future, where she lists the things she finds the most appealing about the new opportunity.

Sample answer for candidates with little to no experience

✅ Why this works: Apart from following the present-past-future formula, this candidate provides just the right amount of detail to spark the interviewer’s interest. She starts by listing her present situation (graduating soon) and goes on to show how her additional education and two internships help her qualify (past). She also mentions an achievement (46K new followers) when giving examples of her day-to-day as an intern. Finally, she moves to the future part, where she lits the values in the company that attract her (innovation).

For more tips, check out this video:

Sample answer for switching industries

✅ Why this works: The canidate tarts by introducing herself (again, without listing any unnecessary personal information such as age, marital status, ethnic background) and immediately focuses on some numbers she typically achieves today (10+ years of experience, 80+ projects, <$500K budget). This immediately tells the interviewer that this is someone who knows how to do their job. She then rewinds to the past, and discusses her education (again, not just to flaunt her fancy Paris degree, but to show how it helped with the real-life challenges she solves at work on a daily basis – PM methodologies, finances, risk management). She also mentions the fact that she speaks several languages, which is a great assed in international project management. Finally, she underlines the fact that she’s not interested in leaving because she’s unappreciated. On the contrary, she’s aware that for her to grow as a PM, she wants to be able to manage much larger budgets.

Sample answer for career-changers

✅ Why this works: This candidate looking to switch from Event Management to a very competitive IT industry, and he’s able to connect the two in the first minute of his interview. In his “present/past” part, he lists his current role, responsibilities, and education clearly and succinctly, without much detail (there will be plenty of time to handle that later in the interview). He then explains how his past experience connects with what he would like to do in the future, and lists valid reasons why he’d like to change industries. He prevents the hiring team from thinking he may be a weak candidate because he lacks the technical skills required in the sector – he already completed those courses and is taking this career change seriously.

Sample answer for managerial or leadership roles

✅ Why this works: Here, the interviewee is looking for a new managerial role, with a slight change in career direction. They start strong, giving a brief, to-the-point overview of where they are now in their career (role, team size, industry). Next, they focus on the fact that they have sufficient experience in a managerial role. Finally, they describe what their current position entails and how it connects with what they’re looking to do next – transition to RevOps.

Sample answer for students

✅ Why this works: This candidate is interviewing for one of the country’s top (and most competitive) programs – Columbia Engineering. Despite the obvious pressure, he delivers excellent answers. He follows the present-past-future formula to the letter. He starts by briefly describing what his current situation is, and mentions his outstanding GPA to draw the interviewer in. He then goes on to explain his journey so far, including some achievements like 2 medals from coding competitions and relevant volunteer work. Finally, he shares a bit about his passion for using technology for causes like climate and energy – some of the values that are very important for the department itself.

Looking for more example answers to common interview questions? Check:

• Example Answers for Where Do You See Yourself In 5 Years?
• Why Did You Leave Your Last Job? Top Reasons, Examples, How to Answer
• What Is Your Greatest Weakness? (Sample Answers + Tips)
• 40+ Smart Questions to Ask at the End of Any Job Interview
• How to Sell Yourself in an Interview
• What Are Your Strengths (and Weaknesses): Example Answers + Bonus Tips

If you’re interested in guides to interviewing for specific positions and scenarios, see:

• Career Change Interview Questions and Answers
• Sales Interview Questions and Answers
• Customer Service Interview Questions and Answers
• Customer Service Manager Interview Questions and Answers
• Behavioral Questions and Answers for Customer Service

Additional Tips for Your Interview Introduction

Understand your audience.

Adjust your tone of voice, register, and terminology to match those of your potential employer. To do this, gauge the company culture and check their digital channels to see the lingo and style they use. For example, the perfect answer for a growing startup won’t be the same as the one for a law firm.

Analyze the job ad and create your answer around it. Try to check most but not exactly all the boxes — you want to show you did your homework and yet don’t come across as trying too hard. Find the right balance and accentuate elements of your professional life relevant to the position. For example, if the employer takes pride in their team culture, mentioning that you’re a strong team player will be an advantage.

Keep it professional

Sharing the story of your life won’t get you very far, so keep it on a need-to-know basis. Also, avoid any personal details or controversial subjects. Although you should build rapport with the interviewer, talking about politics or offering your unsolicited opinion on any sensitive topic is a big no-no. The same goes for badmouthing your current employer or co-workers. Stick to positive aspects of your professional life and academic background.

Show your personality

(Obviously, not by bringing up your latest fishing trip to Alaska.)

There’s nothing wrong with telling a cool (and concise) story about yourself, but only if it makes sense in this particular job interview. So, share an anecdote about how you picked up a hobby that turned into a full-fledged career only if you can work it into the conversation in a meaningful way. That is if it somehow relates to the employer’s needs and requirements.

Similarly, it’s okay to mention your character traits and interests that aren’t directly connected to your work, but only if you do it strategically — to highlight you’re a great asset and a well-rounded candidate.

Volunteering in a homeless shelter indicates that you care about your community, which is something many companies hold in high regard. Besides, this also underscores your good time-management skills.

In a similar vein, a Product Owner looking to join a SaaS company can use their Women in Tech club membership to showcase what really matters to them aside from work. An Interior Designer who authored a few articles in AD or Dwell can definitely benefit from sharing this information.

And if you play any sports, mention it. Sports are known to encourage discipline and teamwork, improve judgment, and play a role in accepting responsibility and failure – all valuable transferable skills.

Showcase your achievements (but don’t brag)

As the interview progresses, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to discuss your achievements . When introducing yourself, it’s okay to mention a few things you’ve done recently that you’re proud of, but be mindful. You don’t want to overwhelm the interviewer with numbers, a list of recent accomplishments, or come off as a pompous blowhard.

Bottom line — if you’ve just wrapped up a project that boosted some key metrics by 30% or obtained a relevant certification, weave that into your self-introduction in a natural way. Just avoid making any grandiose statements like: “I have the best results in my current team”.

Keep it brief

Don’t forget that this is just the beginning of the interview. It’s difficult to say exactly how long the tell-me-about-yourself response should be, but try to read the room, the interviewer’s body language and get a feel for how long is too long. If you’re in a phone interview or a video interview , you can write down a few bullet points to help you stay on track and to the point. There are no definite and correct answers here, but your introduction should probably be somewhere between 30 seconds and 2 minutes long.

“You want to remember also to keep your answer structured – you’re not just answering a question; you’re telling a story. You want your interviewer to follow your story easily, and you want to make sure you don’t end up rambling and stumbling through your answer,” states Fabian. 

Practice, but don’t be robotic

Just because this question is deceptively easy to answer doesn’t mean you shouldn’t practice. On the contrary. Use the Present-Past-Future formula to structure your answer and polish it by practicing. Ideally, practice with someone who knows you well and can let you know if you really sound like you .

Sandoval suggests, “ Preparation is the key to everything here. Before the interview, reflect on your career journey and achievements. It can’t hurt to list your milestones and commit them to memory. Take the time to craft your narrative thoughtfully. The confidence you’ll have telling the story will come when you’re thoroughly prepared to answer the question.”

Bonus tip: This is the question that will set the tone for the rest of the interview, and it gives you the power to define it. Do you want to have a normal, friendly conversation or a formal back-and-forth? Avoid over-practicing your answer or memorizing a script. Instead, focus on the framework and leave some room for spontaneity.

How Not to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself”

Now that you have a better idea of how to answer the tell-me-about-yourself question, let’s cover some typical mistakes that candidates make. Here are some of the big don’ts (with examples).

Don’t repeat the information from your resume

Even if the interviewer specifically asks you to “walk them through your resume,” don’t take this too literally. They already know the basics from your resume and are looking for new information. They’re also interested in how you deliver it and how concise and confident you are, so launching into a monologue won’t get you far.

❌ Why this is bad: The candidate is simply narrating the items on their resume, without giving any additional information, context or insight. The interviewer is already familiar with their resume — the candidate is just wasting time here. Again, the candidate has both the necessary educational background and amazing work experience, but fails to present it in a way that’s structured and memorable.

Don’t get too personal and overshare

Some inexperienced candidates may misinterpret “Tell me about yourself” as a question about who you are as a person, your hobbies, and interests. The fact that this is such an open-ended question doesn’t help either. In fact, oversharing in a job interview is considered a red flag and can have a serious negative impact.

Sandoval emphasizes, “This question is not an invitation to delve into your life story. The interviewer wants to hear a compelling narrative about your career journey and achievements. Like the rest of the interview, they care most about what value you can add to the company.”

To prevent getting overly personal, stick to the Present-Past-Future structure and remember that 80% of your answer should be about you as a professional.

❌ Why this is bad: This is a bad example because it includes irrelevant personal information and lacks any mention of the candidate’s qualifications or relevant experience. The candidate starts with a chronological history of their life. Plus, the mention of financial struggles and not having any experience in the field makes the candidate appear unprofessional and unprepared for the job.

Don’t undersell yourself

Even if you’re humble and introverted by nature or just don’t feel comfortable “selling” yourself, it’s a mistake to hope that the interviewers will see past your humble exterior and figure out how capable you are. If you’re known to undersell yourself, you’ll need a bit more preparation and practice. You might need to stick to the factual statements and learn how to expand your answer to include a bit more information (introverts are known to give the least possible information when asked open-ended questions).

❌ Why this is bad: This candidate is overly modest and not highlighting any of their strengths or qualifications. By portraying themselves as ordinary and unremarkable, they won’t stand out to the interviewer. Although they obviously have relevant experience in the industry (worked in two major beauty retail stores), and are hardworking (“I try my best”), they fail to provide a convincing, confident, and structured answer. If you often struggle to “sell” yourself in interviews, check out this free lesson on how to pitch your qualities (and feel good about it).

Don’t share sensitive information

Candidates often wonder if they should disclose certain personal information (99% of the cases, the answer is no). Even when it’s illegal or off-limits for the interviewer to ask, some people panic and inadvertently reveal sensitive information at the very beginning of the interview. Some examples: your marital status, pregnancy, religious and ethnic background, political stance, sexual orientation, romantic life, current salary, or disability.

❌ Why this is bad: This is a bad example because Ellie didn’t use a structured approach to answering the question. Even worse, she shared personal information that’s not relevant to the job or the interview, and could only harm her chances of getting hired . Disclosing religious views and pregnancy is unprofessional. Instead, Ellie should have kept the introduction focused on her qualifications, professional background, and experience. If you need more help shaping your “Tell me about yourself” answer, watch this free course with Big Interview co-founder and top interview coach, Pamela Skillings.

Check out the video below:

How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself”: Popular Opinion vs. Expert Advice

We wanted to check what the general public thinks about this question and how they answer it in a job interview. So we turned to popular forums like Reddit and Quora.

Turns out, there’s no consensus on what this question means. A lot of people think interviewers want to hear only about a candidate’s professional experience. Others argue that they already read candidates’ resumes, so they’re asking for personal stuff like hobbies and favorite singers.

Who’s right? And how would they answer the question? Let’s see. 

KewellUserName from Reddit says:  

I find this question to be too open-ended. Unless they preface it with something that gives me context like “How did you get where you are, tell me about yourself/your journey/etc,” I will ask them what they are looking for. 

Be polite, but don’t be afraid to ask for context. In my mind, I am thinking this is an interview for a professional position. If you want to shift to getting to know me as a person, let me know. I don’t want to waste your time giving you an answer you weren’t looking for.

Career expert comments:  

A solid piece of advice. 

If you read this article, you already know what the interviewers are looking for. Therefore, you should give them your story using the Present-Past-Future formula we discussed. But you can spice it up with a sentence or two about your hobbies or a recent accomplishment like running a marathon or completing a language course. Find a way to relate those hobbies to useful workplace skills. Don’t bring up random facts about yourself that are irrelevant. 

Still, bear in mind that different companies and interviewers have different goals. Some prefer to focus on your work experience only, while others will be eager to get to know you as a person. It might happen.

So if you feel unsure or unclear, you can totally ask them to clarify what they’d love to hear. It’s the only way to provide them with useful insights into what they’re interested in. 

Wilson Present was pretty opinionated:

I’ve never been asked that question. And I’m grateful. Because it is the dumbest, laziest question I can imagine. The questioner is not doing a good job (or any job for that matter) trying to match your skills, capabilities, and experience with the type of work that you will be expected to perform. Instead of guiding the discussion, the questioner is asleep at the wheel.

Looking at it that way, it’s hardly different from not asking any question at all. What does the questioner want to know, your favorite color?

And if you feel like you need to spit back your résumé, all that means is that the questioner didn’t read your résumé.  

Career expert comments:

Not a lazy question at all! It actually gives interviewers a lot of insight into candidates’ capabilities. 

So no, you don’t need to spit back your resume because chances are interviewers have gone through it a few times if you made it to the interview. What you need to do is take key points and proudest accomplishments from that resume and present them in an informative, appealing way. Among other things, it shows that you’re a competent candidate with superb communication skills and a fun personality.

And if you suspect they’d like to know your favorite color, you can go ahead and ask them. 😉

Anubhav Jain said:  

Don’t tell your name, qualifications, school, college, and anything else written in the resume, which the interviewer already has in his/her hands.

Talk about your interests (hobbies) like reading, traveling, gaming, music, etc., tell them more, like which books you love, what places have you visited, you like traveling by car or train, which games or sports you love, what type of instrument you play, what type of music you love, favorite singer etc.

Nope, nope, nope. 

They might have your resume in front of them, but that resume contains a lot of information. There’s a reason why so many people struggle with keeping their resumes one or two pages long — they’d love, but can’t, fit all of their work and accomplishments there. What you need to do is synthesize the info from your resume and concisely present it, plus use the chance to brag about a few things you couldn’t fit in the resume. That way they’ll know what you deem most important and what you’re most proud of. 

As we said, you can talk about your hobbies, but make it short. Mention them only if they’re aligned with certain skills. For example, hiking could be a testament to your problem-solving; running marathons could prove your persistence; painting could be a nice way to show your artistic side if you’re applying for a creative job. You get the drill.

But it’s not a smart move to talk about the books you love or your favorite singer, unless specifically asked. Liking Barbara Streisand is cool, but how’s that related to the job? It’s better to use that space to discuss relevant topics and prove you’re the right candidate.

Summary of the Main Points

A quick recap of the key tips when answering the “Tell me about yourself” interview question:

• Don’t wing it. It’s the beginning of the interview, so it’s important to start strong.
• Structure your answer using the Present-Past-Future formula and keep your answer relevant and brief.
• Mention your work experience and 1–2 of your top achievements, but don’t make it sound like a pre-scripted answer built to impress. Remember that this is a conversation that should flow naturally.

Need a hand with your interview preparation? There are 2 ways we can help:

• Learn how to answer all the most common interview questions .
• Prepare for your next interview using our interview practice tool .
• Learn the best tips for how to prepare for an interview .

What if they ask me to describe myself in 5 words?

Carefully select five powerful and relevant words that best describe your personality, values, and skills. Choose words that align with the job requirements and showcase your strengths, such as “adaptable,” “collaborative,” “innovative,” “results-driven,” and “efficient.” If you’re feeling more creative, you can try and form a sentence or at least a coherent phrase using five words, such as:  constantly striving to improve efficiency .

How do I sell myself during an interview?

Describe how your experiences, skills, and achievements fit the needs of the company you’re applying to. Provide clear examples, be confident, show enthusiasm for the role, and demonstrate how you can add value to the organization.

What if they ask: “How would your coworkers describe you?”

Reflect on your interactions and experiences with your colleagues. Highlight your ability to work collaboratively by mentioning qualities like “active listener,” “helpful,” “reliable,” and “supportive.” And, as always, show, don’t tell. Reference specific instances and examples of situations that showcase these attributes.

What’s the best way to start my self-introduction?

Always start with your name. Then, briefly mention your current role and relevant experience, highlighting your key skills that make you a strong candidate for the position.

What if they ask me to tell them something interesting about myself?

Share a unique hobby, an interesting accomplishment , or an experience that showcases your passions, curiosity, or determination. Try to make sure it is memorable, professional, and relates to the role or company culture in some way. Even if you feel you’re “uninteresting,” try to mention something that goes beyond what you wrote in your resume or cover letter.

How long should my “tell me about yourself” answer be?

Keep your answer concise, ideally around 1-2 minutes. Focus on a few key points such as your background, relevant experience, skills, and what you can bring to the table. Your goal is to engage the interviewer and provide a strong foundation for the rest of the conversation.

Pamela Skillings

Fact Checked By:

Turn interviews into offers

Share this article

• Big Interview
• Plans & Pricing
• Higher Education
• Editorial Process
• Resume Templates
• Interview Preparation
• Interview Q&A
• Career Advice
• Create an Account
• Knowledge Base

©️ 2024 Skillful Communications, Inc. | Big Interview is a trademark of Skillful Communications, Inc.

Terms | Privacy Policy

You've unlocked a 7-day free trial to try Jasper!

15 personal bio examples that are fun, creative, and get the job done.

Struggling to write about yourself? These personal bio examples show how you can talk about your professional and personal life in a creative, engaging way.

Published on Apr 23, 2024

By Austin Distel

Personal bios can be hard to write. Waxing lyrical about yourself can be uncomfortable, especially in the context of professional achievements and amazing things you’ve done.

But, in a world where we’re often separated from other humans via a screen, your personal bio is one of the easiest ways for a company, colleague, or a potential lead to learn more about you.

‍ If you don’t know what to include or how to get started, we’ve pulled together some personal bio examples that showcase a handful of creative and engaging ways to present yourself on your social media accounts, your personal website, and on any bylined articles you write outside of your site. 

We also provide some cool personal bio generator templates from our AI marketing platform , Jasper. Now you won’t have to scramble around at the last minute to come up with a short bio of yourself when you’re suddenly asked to send one over via email!

The business case for personal bios: why you should write one

You might wonder what the big deal is—it’s just a bio, right? Do people even read them? The answer is actually, yes; they do. Personal bios can be a great way to find out more about the person behind a website or an article. This helps establish a connection and encourages readers to relate to you. 

The thing is, you might not think a lot of people care about where you went to school or what you like to do in your spare time, but you just don’t know who’s reading your professional bio.

It might be a hotshot manager for your dream company who also loves to spend their weekends kayaking the coast. Or it might be the marketer for a well-known brand looking for a writer .

Learning little nuggets of information about you can put you ahead of other candidates they’re researching or other freelancers they’re in talks with. It could be the difference between getting that contract and not. 

What’s the difference between a personal bio and a resume?

Your resume is a list of your professional roles. Your personal bio digs deeper than this and gives readers an insight into things like: 

• Your interests outside of work
• Your backstory
• What gets you up in the morning 
• Your passions and values 
• Your goals 

Understanding this information can help them see if you’d be a good fit, or if you have the personal qualities they’re looking for in someone they want to work with. This information also helps you connect better with like-minded people.

Say, for example, you’re scrolling through Twitter, see a fun Tweet, and click on the person’s bio only to find out they also run 5km every evening and are passionate about addressing climate change. Chances are, you’re going to want to connect with them. 

Elements of a powerful personal bio

Crafting a compelling personal bio is essential for making a strong impression. Your bio should be concise yet impactful, providing a glimpse into who you are and what you stand for. Let's dive into the components that make a personal bio truly powerful:

Relevant personal and professional information

Incorporating both personal and professional details in your bio is key to offering a holistic view of your identity.

Sharing your hobbies, interests, and background not only showcases your unique personality but also makes you more approachable and adds a personal touch to your profile. Personal stories that align with your values and professional repertoire are a good way to connect with your audience.

On the other side of the same coin, showcasing professional details like work experience, skills, and achievements highlights your expertise and establishes your credibility within your field.

Combining personal and professional aspects in a personal bio creates a compelling narrative that offers a comprehensive view of an individual. This powerful blend paints a well-rounded picture, demonstrating both the human side and the professional prowess of the individual, making the bio more memorable and impactful.

Achievements and credentials

Showcasing your achievements and credentials is fundamental to establishing your credibility upon first impression. It is important to recognize that individuals reviewing your profile may only briefly examine your bio, so highlighting these achievements and credentials is imperative. Make sure to present a comprehensive snapshot of your professional capabilities and successes, reinforcing your position as a distinguished expert in your field.

Call to Action (CTA)

Including a call to action in your personal bio, like encouraging visitors to click a website link, is crucial for engaging your audience and motivating them to act.

By offering a clear and concise direction on the desired next steps for the reader, you effectively guide them towards delving deeper into learning about you, your work, or the services you provide. This will not only enhance the user experience by removing any ambiguity but also strategically guides interest towards areas you wish to highlight, like the next step in the sales funnel or a high converting blog article.

Well-crafted calls to action can boost your website traffic, foster engagement, and play a pivotal role in meeting your objectives, whether that’s attracting more clients, expanding your follower base, or unlocking new opportunities.

It's a powerful way to make your bio bring you closer to achieving your goals and shouldn’t be missed.

How to write a personal bio

Before we share some creative bio examples, let’s take a look at what your personal biography should include. Bear in mind that this will vary depending on what platform you’re posting it on (platforms like Twitter and Instagram have a limited word count).

However, you can have a “master” bio that you pull snippets from for other platforms. Not only does this keep your messaging cohesive across platforms, but it makes it easy to get a bio together at short notice because you already have all the information you need written down. 

How to write an Instagram bio

To write an Instagram bio that drives traffic to your website, you need to write a concise ( 150 characters or less ) and engaging description of yourself or your brand. 

Begin with an engaging hook or tagline to capture the reader's interest immediately.

Then, emphasize what distinguishes you from competitors, showcasing your unique selling propositions. Entice visitors with a compelling call-to-action to explore further by clicking the link in your bio to access your website. Use emojis or symbols to add flair and break up the text, injecting personality into your message.

How to write an X (Twitter) bio

It's essential to keep your X (Twitter) bio concise and impactful. Twitter bios have a character limit of 160 characters , so you’ll need to keep things short and sweet.

It's important to remember to periodically refresh your bio, making sure it accurately reflects any updates or changes in your business operations. This practice ensures that your bio remains current and relevant, communicating your business's evolution and current focus to your audience. Keeping your bio updated is a simple yet effective way to engage and inform your followers about the latest developments in your business.

Using platforms like Jasper helps you create a bio that grabs attention, boosts engagement, and drives traffic to your business. This strategy is key to building a strong online presence and fostering your business's growth and success.

What to include in a bio on your site

For this ‌exercise, let’s focus on what you need to include in a personal bio on your website. This will be your “master” bio as it’ll probably be the longest and go into the most detail.

People who are poking around on your website have already shown an interest in who you are and what you do, so they’re more likely to stick around and read a longer bio. Here’s what you should include:

• Your name: obviously, you need to state your name. Most people choose to include their full name, including surname, at the start of their bio. However, if your website URL or personal brand is already your full name, you can shorten it to just your first name. 
• Your position: your current position and the tasks you’re responsible for should get a mention. This is particularly important if you’re looking for jobs or are writing a bio for a networking platform like LinkedIn. 
• Your work experience: mention any key roles you’ve held in the past and how you got to where you are today. Stories like this show readers your journey and give an insight into your specialisms and professional skills. 
• What you do and who you do it for: kind of like stating your “niche”, talking about what exactly it is you do (like graphic design or paid ad campaigns), and who you do it for (like finance companies or busy e-commerce owners) can help readers identify if you’re a good fit. 
• What you do outside of work: personal bios should be more personal than a resume or professional bio and should therefore include personal details about what you like to do when you’re not working. Do you frequent pop-up restaurants? Attend dog shows with your puppy? Rock climb in the mountains? 
• Professional accomplishments: talk about what you’ve achieved both at work and outside of work. This gives readers an idea about the things you value and what you might be able to achieve for them (it’s also a great talking point for people who want to reach out). 
• Personal story: share a personal, creative story to add a splash of personality. It can be anything from the disastrous first birthday party you held for your daughter to the time you were taken in by a local family after getting lost in Mongolia. Don't forget to add a custom image !

How often should you refresh your personal bio? 

The life you live now isn’t the same life you were living ten, five, or even two years ago. Your personal bio should reflect your current situation, which means it’ll probably need to be regularly updated.

If you’re not sure about when to give it a refresh, consider:

• When you land a new job 
• When you achieve a big milestone (either at work or in your personal life)
• When your old one doesn’t have the same ring to it 

Schedule time every few months to go back over your personal bio and see if everything is still true and up-to-date. 

Where to display your personal bio 

Your personal bio can be displayed anywhere that you might want people to find out more about you. Often, this will be places like social media, your website, guest post bylines, or your speaker profile, but you can also include it in other marketing materials like flyers for events you’re hosting or the blurb for your latest ebook. 

• Twitter: cramming a personal bio into 160 characters can be hard, but it can also be a great lesson in identifying what information matters the most. Use up as many of the characters as you can, and use them wisely..
• LinkedIn: the summary section of your LinkedIn profile gives you up to 2,000 characters to use. This is the ideal place to share your “master” bio.
• Instagram: at 150 characters, you have just a few words to explain who you are and what you do on Instagram—use them wisely.
• Personal website: people who land on your website are already interested in you—share your “master” bio here in all its glory. 
• Guest posts: bylined articles need a couple of sentences about the author. Make it engaging to encourage readers to click through to your site or remember your name. 
• Speaker profile: if you speak at events or conferences, you’ll need a short but sweet speaker bio that gets attendees interested in your session.

Get inspired: fun personal bio examples 

#1 twitter bio example: sally fox.

Sally includes what she does and who she does it for, as well as a humorous bit of information about her and her contact information—all within Twitter’s 160 character limit.

#2 Twitter bio example: Kash Bhattacharya

Kash showcases his accomplishments as well as a bit of backstory about what he’s doing and how long he’s been doing it.

#3 Twitter bio example: Jay Acunzo

Jay shares his mission in his Twitter bio, as well as what he’s best known for.

#4 Pinterest bio example: Grey & Scout

Liz of Grey & Scout introduces herself and tells her followers what they can expect to see from her—not an easy feat with such a limited word count.

#5 Guest post bio example: Justin Champion

In this guest author byline, Justin uses the third person to introduce who he is and what he does, as well as share his goal with readers.

#6 LinkedIn bio example: Katrina Ortiz

Katrina uses her LinkedIn bio to tell a story. Readers are hooked from the first sentence, but she also gives key insights into her specialties and achievements. 

#7 LinkedIn bio example: Karen Abbate

Karen does things a bit differently with her LinkedIn summary and lists out key things readers might want to know about her and her career. 

#8 LinkedIn bio example: Katie Clancy

Katie starts her LinkedIn bio with an analogy that serves to hook readers from the start. From there, she branches out into how it relates to her profession, as well as her key achievements and career highlights.

#9 Personal website bio example: Dave Harland

Dave Harland’s About Page shares the story of how he got into writing‌. At the end, he highlights his experience and why this story has helped him become a go-to copywriter.

#10 Personal website bio example: Gummi Sig

Gummi Sig begins his bio in the third person before diving into first-person storytelling mode. Perhaps the best part about this personal bio is the call to action at the end that encourages potential leads to get in touch.

#11 Personal website bio example: Leigh Whipday

Leigh Whipday of Toy Fight has a short professional bio on the website. It includes both his professional achievements as well as insights about his life outside of work to attract his target audience.

#12 Personal website bio example: Blake Fili Suarez

Blake includes both a short and a long version of his bio so that readers can choose the best option for them. Both include what he does as well as personal anecdotes about his life and business.

Create your own with the Jasper personal bio template

# 13 Personal website bio example: Kaleigh Moore

Besides a short professional bio that’s more focused on her work, Kaleigh Moore also has a personal bio on her site. It goes into detail about her first e-commerce business and how it led her into writing for the biggest names in e-commerce. It also shares some fun facts and photos of Kaleigh.

#14 Instagram bio example: Carlos Gil

Carlos Gil does a good job of using limited space wisely, mentioning accomplishments, what he does and for who, as well as what he’s working on.  

#15 Instagram bio example: Samantha Anderl

Co-founder of Harlow, Samantha Anderl, uses her personal Instagram bio not only to promote the company but also to give some insight into her personality. As this bio shows, a little humor can go a long way in attracting like-minded people to both you and your business.

Struggling with a blank page? Not sure which words to put down first? Overwhelmed by all the great professional bio examples out there and have now got writer’s paralysis? That's where an AI writing assistant can come in handy. Jasper’s personal bio template, in particular, can save the day. 

Simply plug in a few key pieces of information about yourself (use the list we mentioned above as a starting point) and choose the tone of voice you want to portray . Jasper will then work its AI magic and create a collection of personal bios you can tweak or use as they are. For example, here’s the start of a short bio for Apple’s co-founder, Steve Jobs. 

Jasper can create well-written, engaging bios for anyone in any role, as long as you provide the right info. For instance, besides setting the point of view and tone, we gave Jasper some basic details, including a fictional name, role, and location for a Senior Product Marketing Manager. 

As you can see from the bio options below, Jasper added emotion and personality to the details we gave. And he even added missing details such as past companies and years of experience, which we could easily swap out for factual details when writing a bio for a real person. 

We provided similar details for the bio of a fictional social media marketer, feeding Jasper info on specialties, previous roles, and hobbies. This time in the third person, Jasper added flair to our inputs, as well as some additional details that could be verified or swapped out, such as Luisa being from Columbia. 

Any of Jasper’s outputs could be combined, edited, or expanded in minutes to create a polished bio that showcases your areas of expertise, your professional goals, and your personality. Writing about yourself doesn’t have to be hard!

Also related: the Jasper company bio template

Companies can also make use of Jasper’s bio templates with the company bio template. Again, just input some key facts about your business, and— voila! —Jasper will create a fun and creative bio you can use wherever you like. 

Create your punchy personal bio today

Never again be asked to send over a personal bio “on the fly”. Instead, create a “master” bio that can be chopped up into engaging chunks and shared on your chosen promotional platforms.

Include key information about your job title, achievements, and what exactly it is you do, as well as personal anecdotes, your interests, and how you spend your spare time.

Your personal bio is a chance to connect with potential clients, hiring managers, and like-minded colleagues, so take the time to write one that really presents you as you want to be presented.

‍ Start a free trial to create your Personal Bio using Jasper today.

Meet The Author:

Austin Distel

Austin Distel is the Sr. Director of Marketing at Jasper , your AI marketing co-pilot. When not working, Austin is also an Airbnb superhost in Austin, Texas.

Enjoy this post? Join over 4 million people who are learning to master AI in 2024.

More from the jasper blog:.

Jasper Joins Forces with Figma to Power New AI Background Removal Feature

Best ChatGPT Alternatives For Content Marketing in 2024

Must-Have AI Productivity Tools for Modern Professionals

Ready to create better content with ai.

Lorem ipsum

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s.

How To Talk About Yourself (+ 12 Good Things To Say)

Disclosure: this page may contain affiliate links to select partners. We receive a commission should you choose to make a purchase after clicking on them. Read our affiliate disclosure.

“So, tell me about yourself…”

Is there a more dreaded question out there?

Other than your grandparents repeatedly asking if you’ve met anyone nice, that is!

It can be really hard to talk about yourself without accidentally sounding pretentious or arrogant, but you also don’t want to do yourself down.

Whether you’re in a job interview, on a first date, or meeting new people at a party, we’ve got some tips on how to master the ‘humble brag’…

1. Keep it short and snappy.

Interesting as you probably are, nobody expects an essay as a response.

While people are genuinely keen to find out more about you, they want to know the concise version of your personality… to start with, at least.

In an interview, for example, your answers should be snappy and to the point – most potential employers want to know that you can condense information down to the most important bits.

If you’re meeting new people, conversations tend to follow a certain pattern. Although there is so much more going on in your life, people generally want to know what your job is within three seconds of meeting you.

We know, we know – our jobs don’t define us, but they do help others make snap judgements, and that’s what a lot of introductory conversations are about.

By responding relatively speedily in this kind of situation, you’ll be able to identify a potential bond early on.

You can ask questions too, of course, meaning you’ve got a fast-track ticket to finding out a lot about each other in a short space of time.

After a few minutes of back-and-forth, you’ll both know if you want to carry on the conversation and get into more detail.

Think of it like speed-dating – you give lots of short, punchy titbits early on to interest and engage each other, and then decide whether to get a second drink and divulge more information.

Example – on a first date, mention where you live, what your job is, and one of your hobbies. These three punchy statements will probably answer the next few questions the other person had, and you’ll be on the way to establishing some common ground.

2. Be honest – you’ll appreciate this later, trust us!

There is no point lying or embellishing your interests or achievements.

Take our word for it.

From personal experience, there is nothing more excruciatingly painful than having your brand new boss ask about something you pretended to be really interested it…

…the results of last night’s game? Not a clue, but they’ll assume you know as you were so passionate about it in your interview.

Equally, saying that you can speak a foreign language when you can’t may look impressive on a CV, but will look pretty silly in a meeting when you struggle to remember your GCSE Spanish. Not a great move!

Remember that episode of Friends where Joey says he can speak French and tap dance? Didn’t work out so well. If you can down a gallon of milk in under a minute, though, go for it…

This works with friendships and relationships, too. It might feel good to agree with someone on a certain hobby or job role, but, by pretending, you’re putting yourself in a dangerous situation.

You’ll become so worried about slipping up and revealing that you told a white lie that you’ll stop enjoying any interactions with that person.

Try to remember that you’re great as you are and that you can be honest about what you do, as well as what you don’t do.

There’s nothing wrong with not agreeing with someone, and not every hobby is going to be shared. If you’re not interested in the same initial thing, keep going and find a different, common ground. There’ll be one in there somewhere!

Example – reveal a secret, interesting fact about yourself or just go for something genuine, like being able to speak a foreign language or touch-type. It might not seem thrilling to you, but it might just spark a great conversation.

3. Engage and respond (appropriately!)

If someone has mentioned that they enjoy something you also enjoy, this is a really easy way to talk about yourself without bragging.

It will help you engage the person you’re speaking with, they’ll be able to relate to you more, and the conversation will feel much more natural.

On a first date, for example, finding common ground can be a huge relief compared to those stretches of awkward silence.

By sharing your passion for something, you’ll appear way more ‘human’ and are likely to have a genuine connection.

If you’re in an interview, it’s always great for the employer to feel like they’d actually get on with you on a day-to-day basis.

We’re all capable of being professional when we need to, so the human touch is really important and shows that you’re an authentic, interesting person that they’ll actually talk to.

By responding and interacting more, you open yourself up as a person and come across as genuine, which can only ever be a good thing.

Make sure you’re appropriate in an interview, of course. Going out and drinking every weekend may be a hobby of yours, and of theirs(!), but you don’t need to bring that up.

Focus on your love of the French language, passion for rock-climbing, or weekly trip to the local library. Much safer.

Example – tell them that you also love going to farmers’ markets at the weekend and start a conversation about one you’ve been to locally. Who knows, you might even end up going to one together some day…

4. Be confident – or pretend to be!

You know yourself better than anyone, and you’re in a great position to present yourself in the best possible light.

Whether it’s an interview or a date, you’re starting with a blank slate, which means that all anyone will know about you is what you tell them and how you tell it.

Being confident is a challenge for a lot of people. Try to remind yourself that whoever you’re talking to doesn’t know you, so they won’t know that you’re actually shy and hate speaking to strangers.

If you pretend to be confident, they’ll just assume that you are. We know it’s not quite that easy, which is why we’d suggest that practice makes perfect.

Your loved ones will always be there to offer support, so why not run through a few mock interviews with them? The more you become used to talking about yourself in this way, the more genuine confidence will build up. It feels quite silly at first, but it’ll really pay off.

This whole article is about helping you feel comfortable and confident in talking about yourself. The fact that we’ve written it shows just how much of an issue it can be for a lot of us, so try to take comfort in the fact that you’re not alone.

Like we said – fake it till you make it. You’ll be surprised by how quickly you’ll settle into your new role as an outgoing individual and while it may not become second nature, you’ll be able to pull it off when required.

Example – don’t hold back, be bold with what you’re saying. Your loved ones are interested when you talk because they know you – those who don’t are interested because they want to know you, so try to remember that.

5. Accept potential judgement.

We’d love to tell you that nobody is judging you, but it may not be true. What we will tell you, however, is that it doesn’t matter.

Sure, people will make snap judgements , but there is no point in worrying what they might be. You just need to accept that this will happen and remind yourself that it’s not always a negative thing.

A snap judgement could be, “Wow, firm handshake!” or, “Oh okay, I love playing tennis as well, that’s great” – it doesn’t always need to be what the voice in your head is suggesting.

If you focus too much on what people may or may not be thinking, you’ll completely lose yourself and you’ll forget how to just be you .

Remember that whoever you’re talking to wants to find out more about you, whether it’s for a job or as a new friend. If they judge and they don’t like you , it’s just not the right match.

Remember that whatever happens, you’ll be fine – if you don’t get a job offer from that boss you felt was judging you, it’s for the best. Would you really want to work for someone who you felt was constantly looking down on you?

The guy you had a date with might have thought your hobbies were lame, so you’ve had a lucky escape by avoiding a second date. Things would never really work out if you have such differing opinions on things that matter so much to you.

If you try to start new interactions with this mindset, you’ll worry so much less about the outcome and be able to focus on just being your wonderful self. Odds are, everything will work out much better in the end anyway.

Example – say what you want and ignore your own anxiety around what others might think .

6. Prepare something in advance.

If you’re feeling nervous about any new interactions, planning is one of the best ways to eradicate those anxieties.

Write down a list of things of things you do at the moment – run through your daily routine and your weekend activities over the past few months. Think about the things you do and the things that you enjoy, and remember that these can be very different!

If you’re struggling, ask your loved ones what they think of when they think of you. This might help trigger some memories of what you’ve been up to. It can be really hard to remember our hobbies when we’re put on the spot, and recalling what we had for breakfast is hard enough some days!

Make another list of things you’d like to be doing with your life. This is probably quite different to what most of us actually do.

Talking about yourself doesn’t just need to be arbitrary facts about your everyday life. Someone’s future plans and interests can be really engaging, and it’s always nice to hear about the direction people are trying to steer their lives in.

Mentioning that you want to up and travel the world isn’t the best thing to say in a job interview, but it’ll spark off a great conversation with a date or new friend.

Talk about your wishes to join a dance club or start swimming again. These kinds of things might not be that interesting to you because you’re not actually doing them yet, but they’ll help give people more of an impression of your personality.

Someone who introduces themselves as a banker might not seem instantly fascinating, but their future goal to skydive across Australia? Pretty cool and definitely conversation-worthy.

By preparing yourself for this type of question, you’ll go into social situations feeling much more confident.

Example – mention what you did a few weekends ago – they don’t need to know that you’ve been planning your answer since then! You can talk about future plans, too, and run through a list you’ve already made of your life goals.

You may also like (article continues below):

• 250 Words To Describe Yourself: Find Your Perfect Adjectives
• The Socially Awkward Person’s Guide To Dating
• How To Think Before You Speak
• 8 Ways Men And Women Communicate Differently
• How To Sound Smart And Speak More Eloquently
• 13 Reasons Why People Don’t Listen To You

7. Reverse the question.

If you feel like you need a few minutes to regroup after this kind of question, give a little bit of information and then put the question back to them.

It won’t come across as ‘weak’ and they won’t know that you’re partially doing it to deflect attention. You’ll come across as invested and genuinely interested in whatever the situation is.

If you’re on a date or meeting someone new, the other person will feel flattered that you’re paying them attention and seem to really care. You’ll also find out some new information about that person, which is always exciting.

In an interview, you’re allowed to ask questions! Just because you’re the one in the hot seat, doesn’t mean you can’t reverse the system and ask a few questions.

Make sure they’re relevant and appropriate (don’t ask about the salary!), but try to feel comfortable exploring a bit more. You’re more than entitled to ask more about the role, or about whoever your departmental manager will be.

Show that you’ve done your research by asking what the interviewer’s reaction to X or Y was – they’ll be impressed that you’re aware of what’s going on in their work-world and will appreciate the opportunity to bond.

It also shows that you’re interesting, switched on and want to be engaged in the business.

Example – ask them what they’re expecting from you as an employee or how they find working in the team.

8. Don’t be scared of talking yourself up…

There’s nothing wrong with being proud of yourself and your achievements.

Be careful with how you’re wording this kind of thing (we’ll go into that next!), but don’t feel as though you can’t celebrate yourself and your achievements.

In an interview, it’s good to talk about positive impacts you’ve had on businesses in the past. You’ll probably have written your achievements on your CV anyway; this is just giving you the opportunity to go into more detail and add a personality to the words.

If you’re meeting a new friend or potential date, it’s always good to be confident. Don’t be arrogant, of course, but feel free to talk positively about yourself. Stories are always so much more interesting when the person telling them is genuinely interested in what they’re saying!

Talk about the things you enjoy with passion – it will say a lot about you. Speak with pride about the things you’ve accomplished, as this shows that you have respect for yourself and understand your worth.

That’s such an important quality in many ways. People who shy away from celebrating their own successes may appear very insecure or unsure – this is obviously fine, but it may not be an accurate representation of your personality.

Try to work on speaking openly about the things you’re good at – you can practice on your loved ones as you know that they’ll be supportive of you and join in with talking you up!

Example – don’t hold back from opening up about some interesting and exciting things you’ve done. Interviews are a space for you to talk about your accomplishments so don’t shy away from talking about your successful moments!

9. …But don’t talk yourself up too much!

Making yourself sound like a great person (which you obviously are!) is absolutely fine. Going overboard and coming across as a bit brash? Not so great.

There’s a fine line between pride and arrogance, and we’ve got some tips on how to stay on the right side of that line.

If you’re in an interview, talking about your accomplishments is key. It’s really important to talk about times you’ve worked and performed really well, but make sure you’re telling the full story.

One of your biggest achievements may have been when you were working as part of a team. Don’t discredit this as an example just because it doesn’t reference you doing something alone! Doing things incredibly well while working alongside others is still doing things incredibly well.

Reference your co-workers where needed – taking solo credit for a group effort could very easily blow up in your face later on if it’s discovered that the work you did involved other people.

Being able to recognize your own efforts as well as your ability to work with others is great and employers really like hearing that people are versatile.

This may actually make you feel more comfortable in talking about yourself as well – you can reference your contributions within a team, so there’s less pressure to just talk solidly about yourself.

If you’re on a date or meeting new people, staying a little bit humble is probably a good idea, at least to start with.

Imagine how you’d feel if you met someone new and all they spoke about was how brilliant they are, how good at their job they are, and the expensive car they just bought themselves.

By all means, as we’ve suggested, be confident when sharing things about yourself, but remember that conversations go both ways.

Keep the other person involved by inviting opinion and asking questions back, not just talking yourself up the whole time!

You’ll find this kind of thing much easier the more you talk to new people, don’t worry – it’s not as tricky as it sounds.

Example – mention the team you’ve been working within when talking about work successes. This shows that you’re not selfish when it comes to taking credit for hard work, but that you also have self-respect and understand the importance of your contributions.

10. Keep it casual.

Even if you’ve planned out what you’re going to say to the nth degree, try to act casual.

It’s great that you’re prepared, but people may find it a bit strange if you seem to be reading from a mental script.

Going over what you want to say is great, as we’ve mentioned, but try to keep things loose and casual when you speak.

By the time your interaction (interview, date, party etc.) comes up, you’ll have been over your ideas so many times that they’ll feel like second nature. This means that you’ll know your ‘topic’ inside and out and the words will just flow.

Trust that this will happen and try to relax. If you’re already a naturally nervous person , this can be really tricky. Remind yourself that you’ve rehearsed, as it were, and you’re now ready to ad-lib based on your knowledge.

People will understand if you take a few moments to respond to a question, especially a big meaty one like this!

Interviewers will actually be expecting you to take a pause here. They’ll want you to be prepared but they won’t want it to feel thoroughly choreographed. Take it slowly, breathe and try and be as natural as you can.

Example – write yourself a script if you need to, then convert it to flashcards. That way, you’ll learn the key points rather than the order of words in a sentence. This will help you talk naturally and you’ll remember the prompts rather than reciting what you planned word for word!

11. Back yourself up.

If you’re going to an interview, some props can really work in your favor. Portfolios can be fantastic for a lot of jobs and statistics are a great way to back up what you’re saying about yourself.

If you’re talking about the clients you converted to sponsors, or the extra sales you achieved by working with another company, bring the figures to explain it.

Talking about yourself in this kind of sense can be quite tricky – no matter how convincing you are, a lot of people want to see some evidence to back it up. Saying that you’ve done things is a good start, but being able to prove it on paper (or laptop!) really packs a punch.

Make sure you’re fully prepared going into this kind of thing. You don’t want to give a presentation, but you do want to ensure you’ve got the right documents with you and that you’re on the right track.

Think of the best way to present your data and tailor that to the company you’re interviewing with. If you’re applying for a creative role, reflect that aspect of the job in your documents. If it’s more of a straight-laced company, go old-fashioned and show off a pie chart or graph.

Go over things with someone you trust before you go into the interview. They’ll be able to sense-check what you’re doing and point out any glaring errors you’re making.

They’ll give you a confidence boost and help you figure out the order you should present things in. The rest is down to you.

Example – your involvement in a company’s marketing campaign increased sales by X%, so show that off with a pie chart or, if it’s appropriate, creative infographic.

12. Be consistent.

This mainly applies to job interviews – keep what you’re saying relevant to your CV.

If you randomly remember something in your interview that you didn’t put on your CV, bringing it up is fine! But try to stick to what you’ve already submitted.

The interviewer was impressed enough with your CV to take you to interview, so they’ll want to hear more about what they’ve read there.

Run through your CV again a few times before any interview. This will remind you of the things that are on there and can help you remember why you included them.

Recalling dates can be tricky at times, especially when you’re feeling stressed or nervous. Being inconsistent with this type of thing will really stand out, however, and the panic you’ll then feel will be horrible.

If someone questions something on your CV, try to stay calm and run back through your mental notes. If you’re really stuck, try to make a joke about it or ask a question in return, like “Sorry, what do you mean by that?” or something to buy you time and help you clarify what it is you should be saying!

This really links in to everything we’ve been saying above and ties it all together. Be honest and you’ll be able to stick to the same story – because it’s true!

By planning beforehand, you’ll know exactly what you want to talk about and you’ll be talking the interviewer through your CV, essentially.

If the interaction is more casual, with a date or new friend, this still applies…

…you’ll instantly appear trustworthy if you’re consistent. People who are all over the place can come across as flaky or slightly suspicious.

We’re not saying that you have to stick to just one topic of conversation, however. Talk about yourself and the various things you’ve done with your life, but stay consistent to yourself.

Example – if you’ve written that you worked at your last job from 2013 – 2017, make sure this is what you’re saying. As soon as you deviate from something you previously wrote/ said, you give the interviewer a chance to doubt you.

So, now that we’ve run through these easy ways to talk about yourself, there’s just one thing left to do – practice!

You can read about it as much as humanly possible, but the steps aren’t going to make real sense unless you start putting them into motion.

Talking about yourself can feel very intimidating at first, even though you know yourself better than anyone else. The more you’re exposed to these types of interactions, the sooner you’ll find a way that works best for you so that can feel truly comfortable and confident.

You may also like...

14 Steps To Unleash Your Body Confidence And Believe In Your Beauty

10 Surprising Indicators You’re On The Path To Personal Growth And Success

10 Things You’re Prioritizing Over Your Own Happiness (That You Shouldn’t)

13 Clear Signs You Respect Yourself (That Many People Simply Fail To See)

“Why Am I So Ugly?” 11 Reasons Why You Feel Unattractive

How To Join The Top 1% At Making Positive Changes In Your Life

15 Reasons You Don’t Need To Prove Yourself To Anyone

To My Younger Self (Open When You Are Feeling Lost)

14 Simple Yet Effective Tips To Help You Rebuild Yourself

About The Author

Lucy is a travel and wellness writer currently based in Gili Air, a tiny Indonesian island. After over a year of traveling, she’s settled in paradise and spends her days wandering around barefoot, practicing yoga and exploring new ways to work on her wellbeing.

Tell Me About Yourself - 79+ Perfect Sample Answers for 2024

Your job hunt has led you to your first interview.

You walk in, you’re feeling confident enough, and then the interviewer says: “Tell me about yourself.”

Suddenly, you forget who you are.

Where do you even start?

Sure, we talk about ourselves all the time, but when you think about it, it’s a really open-ended question.

Do you start with your background? Do you go through whatever’s on your resume? Or do you introduce yourself more as a person than as a professional?

Relax - you’re not the only one struggling with this interview question.

And we’re here to help!

In this article, we’re going to cover:

• Why Do Interviewers Ask This Question? 

How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself” During an Interview

• 80 Sample Answers for Different Professions and Levels of Experience

Let’s take it one step at a time.

Why Do Interviews Ask This Question?

Before you can perfect your answer to this question, you need to understand why interviewers ask it in the first place.

"Tell me about yourself" is an extremely common opener in job interviews because it lets the hiring manager break the ice and get a quick overview of your background, experience, and qualifications.

So no, the interviewer isn’t looking for your life story or your favorite post-work pastime.

Asking you to talk about yourself gives them a window into your personality, communication skills , and ability to present yourself in a compelling way. It’s a way for them to ease into the actual interview and get a general idea of what you’re all about.

Interviewers use this question to find out your key strengths, impressive achievements , and how you might fit into the role you’re applying for or with the company’s culture as a whole.

And while you might be thinking that your resume already says enough , asking you to talk about yourself does something else. This question gives the interviewer a starting point to dive deeper into your background from your point of view.

How you answer this question can tell them a lot about your self-awareness, your ability to think on your feet, and how you prioritize the information you choose to share.

“Tell me about yourself” acts as an introduction or an elevator pitch, and depending on how you answer, it’s going to help the interviewer decide what to ask next.

This is your opportunity to make a lasting first impression.

If you give a compelling answer, the interviewer will enthusiastically ask you more follow-up questions.

But if you answer wrong, you’ll instantly be labeled as the “OK candidate” at best.

Preparing for your job interview? Check out a guide to the most common interview questions and how to answer them.

So, what makes a good answer to this interview question?

Well, it’s actually pretty straightforward. A good answer is:

• Tailored. If you’re applying for a job as a data analyst , the hiring manager doesn’t care about your experience as a real estate agent . Your answer should be tailored to the job and company you’re applying for.
• Based on Experience and Achievements. Your answer should be super specific. Don’t just stutter out your name and job title. Instead, mention significant parts of your background (what did you study?), top achievements (how do you stand out from other candidates?), and interests (why are you applying for this job?).
• Structured. Use a simple, easy-to-follow format. We recommend sticking to the tried-and-tested “Past-Present-Future” formula.

Past: What is your background and relevant work experience? How did you get to where you are now?

Present: What is your current role? What do you do? What are your top accomplishments?

Future: What are you looking to do next? Why are you interested in the position?

So, with all this in mind, what would a good answer look like?

Here’s an example:

“Um, well, I’m Joe, and I work as a business analyst. I like video games and my pet iguana.”

“Sure! So, my name is William, and I’ve been living in Tuscon for about two years now.

For the past 5 years, I’ve been working as a business analyst at Company X and Company Y.

I have some background in data analysis, with a degree from University XY. What really got me into the field, though, was the internship I did at Company Z.

Throughout my career, I’ve noticed that I’ve always been good with numbers and handling data.

For example, when I was working at Company X, I led a project to migrate all operations data to a new data warehousing system to cut down on costs. The new solution was a much better fit for the business, which eventually led to savings of up to $200,000 annually.

Moving forward, I want to expand my experience across different industries. Particularly fintech, which is why I’m interested in your company...”

What to Include In Your Answer

Now that you know how to answer “tell me about yourself,” let’s talk about the elements your answer should include.

• Introduction. Begin with a brief and engaging introduction that’s going to set the tone for your answer. Mention basic information like your name and where you’re from.
• Professional Background. Give an overview of your work history and highlight your most relevant experiences that align with the job you’re applying for.
• Most Important Skills. Emphasize the specific skills, knowledge, and expertise that make you an ideal candidate for the position.
• Impressive Achievements. Mention one or two of your greatest accomplishments that showcase your capabilities and potential.
• Educational History. Talk about your educational background, but focus on the most important degrees, certifications, or training.
• Professional Interests. Discuss your passion for the industry or specific field, and show the hiring manager your genuine enthusiasm and curiosity.
• Alignment with Company Values. Explain how your personal values, work ethic, or personality align with the company's mission, culture, and needs.
• Career Goals. Talk about how this role aligns with your long-term career aspirations and how you can contribute to the company's success.
• Hobbies and Interests. If relevant, you can briefly mention a few hobbies or interests that complement your professional profile.

12 Tips for Answering “Tell Me About Yourself”

Now that we’ve covered the basics of how to answer “Tell me about yourself,” we’re going to give you several essential tips that can help you stand out even more, starting with:

#1. Prepare Sample Answers

As with any interview question, preparing ahead of time is the key to success.

So, before you head in for your interview, write down a few different versions of how you could talk about yourself.

Writing a sample answer ahead of time can help you get a feel for the structure you need to follow, and it can help you iron out the important details you want to give the interviewer.

Begin your answer with a brief introduction, about two to three sentences long, then move on to the most relevant parts of your background.

Having a few sample responses ready will help you feel more confident and avoid rambling during the actual interview.

#2. Practice Without Memorizing

Rehearsing your answer can make you feel more comfortable during the interview, but keep in mind that you shouldn’t learn it by heart.

Sure, it might seem like the safer option, but if you end up forgetting something in the interview, you might mess up your entire answer.

Not to mention that if the hiring manager goes off your presumed script, you’ll probably fall flat during the interview .

Instead, come up with a general idea of what you’re going to talk about, memorize the structure, and just wing the rest of the interview.

To really get the hang of it, we recommend grabbing a friend and doing a quick mock interview.

#3. Be Brief and to the Point

Always keep your response concise, focused, and tailored to the specific role.

For starters, your answer is best kept under one or two minutes at most. After all, the interviewer doesn’t have all day to spend interviewing you.

Meaning, they don’t care about which kindergarten you attended, how your first internship went, or what you studied in high school.

You want to stick to your main selling points that are relevant to the job.

In fact, if you can see that the interviewer is getting distracted, you should take that as a sign to wrap things up.

Here’s an example of how not to talk about yourself:

“Well, I’ve always been interested in tech.

It all probably started when I was a kid, and at the age of nine, I got my first computer.

I always loved playing around with code and learning new things. But it wasn’t until high school, where I first had my first class about it, that I really fell in love with the subject.

Since then, I started learning more about it and decided to major in IT at University X, where I learned how to code in several programming languages, and I had a chance to intern at Company Y...”

Instead, try something like:

“Sure! As you know, my name is Kate, and I spent the last four years working as a cyber security specialist.

When I saw your company was hiring, I decided to give it a shot. I’ve been following your work for a while, and you have some interesting projects I’d love to learn more about and contribute to.”

#4. Give a Structured Response

Try to organize your answer with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.

Similar to the past-present-future formula, this structure makes it easier for the interviewer to follow your narrative without getting lost in the details.

Start by telling them who you are in the most basic sense - your name, where you’re from, and how experienced you are.

Then, mention your most relevant skills and notable accomplishments. This is where you want to apply the past-present-future formula and explain where you started, what you’re currently up to, and what you plan to do in the future.

Finally, wrap up your answer by highlighting your enthusiasm for the role to leave a good impression.

#5. Customize Your Response

Take the time to tailor your answer to the specific job you’re interviewing for.

Research the company ahead of time and look into what the role is and what exact qualifications it requires.

Be strategic and only talk about your most relevant experiences, skills, and achievements from your background.

For example, if you’re a content writer and you’re applying for a job as a social media manager, mention some successful social media campaigns you were part of.

This way, you can show the interviewer that you have a deep understanding of the position and how your unique background makes you the ideal candidate.

#6. Highlight Your Strengths

Clearly articulate your greatest strengths to set yourself apart from other candidates.

This could include any specific technical expertise, impressive soft skills , or anything that proves you’re capable of excelling at the job.

For example, if you consistently exceeded your KPIs for six months, that shows you were an overachiever in your field and you’re ready for a new challenge.

That being said, you should also avoid mentioning your weaknesses unless the interviewer directly asks. There’s no need to let them know you almost failed math, especially if you ended up becoming an accountant.

#7. Connect Experiences to the Role

Make an effort to explain how your past experiences, qualifications, and abilities directly relate to the job you’re applying for.

For example, if you were a cashier and now you’re applying for a position as a retail assistant, there are plenty of transferable skills you can focus on.

This can help the interviewer see the connection between your unique background and what the employer’s needs are.

#8. Maintain Professionalism

Keep your tone and the details of your answer professional.

You don’t want to give the interviewer any overly personal information that isn’t relevant to the job.

For example, there’s no need to mention that you moved and started looking for a new job because your last relationship ended badly. You can safely spare them the details by saying you needed a change of scenery and then focusing back on your qualifications.

Similarly, you don’t want to be too friendly or crack jokes. The interviewer might not share your sense of humor, and you want them to see you as a serious and competent candidate after all.

#9. Adapt on the Go

The interviewer might go off script during your interview, so you should be prepared to adapt your answer on the go.

Don’t expect your two-minute pitch to be the end of the story – the interviewer might ask you to elaborate on specific details or have follow-up questions about something you said.

This goes to show that while you should have a structured response ready, you should also be ready to answer any unexpected question the interviewer may throw at you.

For example, if you briefly mention your time working as a project manager when you’re applying to work as a QA, that could catch the interviewer’s attention, and they might ask you to tell them more.

Be ready to dive deeper into that topic to provide more context and relevant examples, depending on what the interviewer wants to hear more of.

#10. Be Honest

It’s always crucial that you’re honest when answering this question.

Don’t exaggerate about your background, experiences, or qualifications. You might think it’s harmless, but the truth will come out eventually, and your reputation and career could bear the brunt of it.

Give honest and transparent answers to make sure the interview is on solid ground. If there are any gaps in your story, it won’t go well.

If they come up, acknowledge any weaknesses tactfully and explain how you have worked to address them. Authenticity is far better than trying to oversell yourself.

#11. Know Your Audience

Or, know thy interviewer.

It’s important to keep in mind who you’re talking to.

Is it the HR manager? The head of the department? The CTO? CMO? CEO even?

You might be wondering why this even matters.

Well, the thing is, you should tailor your answer for each accordingly.

Let’s say you’re a software engineer. If you’re being interviewed by the HR manager and you start going on and on about how much you love coding in Assembly, you’ve already lost them.

The HR manager probably doesn’t know anything about coding or assembly.

They’re expecting a more generic answer about you, your career, and your reasons for applying to the company.

However, if you’re being interviewed by the CTO or the head of the department, you can geek out as much as you want with your answer.

#12. Remember W, E, P (Work, Education, Personal)

There’s a useful way to structure your response to cover your work history, educational background , and relevant personal hobbies or interests.

Or WEP , for short. That is:

• Work. This should make up about 80% of your answer, so focus on your previous experience and achievements.
• Education. 15% of your answer should be about your educational history. Mention your university, any impressive academic achievements, or relevant coursework .
• Personal. Finally, the last 5% should be about you as a person, while still keeping it relevant to the company.

Keep in mind, though, that the W.E.P. rule isn’t set in stone.

For example, if you’re a student, your entire answer could be about your academic career and personal interests.

“Tell Me About Yourself” Sample Answers

Need inspiration to figure out how to talk about yourself? No worries!

We’ve put together a list of over 80 sample answers for different professions and levels of experience.

Sales and Customer Service Sample Answers

#1. sales associate sample answer.

“I recently graduated with a degree in Business Administration, and I had the chance to intern at a retail company. I mostly helped with customer service and sales. It was a hands-on experience that taught me a lot about what makes customers tick and how to meet their needs.

At university, I also had a part-time job at the movie theater, where I learned how to upsell and keep track of profits.

I'm looking forward to honing my skills as part of your team. From what I read, your company has an innovative approach to customer engagement, and I'm eager to contribute and learn more in a real-world setting.”

Read a full sales associate resume example here.

#2. Account Manager Sample Answer

“I've been an account manager for over a decade. I’ve primarily been working with tech companies to build strong client relationships and deliver tailored service solutions. My experience includes navigating complex contract negotiations and consistently achieving above-target retention rates.

At my current job, I've led our team to a 20% increase in client retention by implementing strategic communication plans and personalized account reviews. I also spearheaded our quarterly client feedback sessions, which were crucial in adapting our services to better meet client needs.

I'm good at building relationships, and I love making sure client satisfaction rates stay high. So, when I saw your ad, I wanted to apply immediately. I'm really impressed by your company's commitment to innovation. I’m pretty excited about the opportunity to put my strategic thinking to good use and use my client management skills to help your team.”

#3. Software Support Specialist Sample Answer

“I graduated with a degree in Information Technology, where I concentrated on software development and troubleshooting. During college, I interned at a tech startup, where I provided software support and learned how to resolve customer issues. The role let me develop strong problem-solving skills and showed me the ins and outs of common software problems.

In addition to my internship, I worked part-time at the campus IT desk, where I helped students and faculty with software installations and bug fixes. The hands-on experience helped me improve my technical communication skills, so I can make complex information accessible to non-technical users.

So, when I saw your ad, I knew I was the right person for the job. I want to bring my background in software support and my passion for tech to your team.”

#4. Customer Service Representative Sample Answer

“I'm coming from a career in hospitality management, where I spent the last eight years managing front-of-house operations at a bustling hotel. This really sharpened my ability to handle customer inquiries, resolve all sorts of conflicts, and ensure guest satisfaction. So, I think my skills are directly transferable to the customer service representative position.

I recently completed a series of professional workshops on communication and customer relationship management to make sure I’m on top of my game. I learned a lot of new strategies to effectively engage with customers and solve problems more efficiently, so I’m excited to put them to use.

I actually found your company while looking for something different after so many years working at a hotel, and the job ad was just what I was looking for. I'm interested in e-commerce and I’m excited to leverage my background in hospitality to contribute to your team and help maintain the high standards your service is known for.”

Read a full customer service resume example here.

#5. Cashier Sample Answer

“I recently finished high school, and I’m looking for a job that lets me work in shifts. I’m starting community college in the fall, but I have some experience with school fundraising events and running a lemonade and brownie stand. I can interact and work together with all sorts of different people, and I think those experiences helped me develop strong communication skills.

I've always had a knack for numbers, and math was my favorite subject in school. Not to mention, your supermarket's produce section is my favorite in the neighborhood, so I was pretty happy when I saw your ad. I’ve always had good experiences shopping here, and now I can help your customers have good experiences, too.”

Read a full cashier resume example here.

#6. Retail Manager Sample Answer

“Over the past six years, I've grown in the retail industry, starting as a sales associate and working my way up to a store manager position. Currently, at Store X, I oversee daily operations at the busy strip mall location and manage a team of 15 employees. I’ve been focused on optimizing staff performance and improving sales metrics, all while keeping customer satisfaction at an all-time high.

One of my key achievements was redesigning the store layout. That gave us a 25% increase in foot traffic and significantly boosted our sales. I also implemented a new training program for staff that improved employee retention and performance across the board.

I think my retail management expertise would make me a great fit for your company, especially since you have a commitment to quality and customer experience. I’m looking for a new challenge, and a luxury perfume brand like yours is just the right place for me to leverage my skills in team leadership and store operations.”

Read a full retail manager resume example here.

#7. Barista Sample Answer

“I’ve worked part-time as a barista at a local cafe, so I know everything there is to know about coffee and customer satisfaction. I’m also good at managing those busy rush hours without compromising on cappuccino quality.

For me, this is not just a job – I actually love coffee. I completed a specialty coffee workshop, so I have top-notch brewing techniques and know about different coffee varieties. That training taught me to engage with customers more effectively, so I can offer them personalized recommendations, and make sure they learn all about their favorite morning drink, from the quality of the beans to the distinct flavor of the roast.

I want to work in the field long-term, so I’m here to bring my passion for the brew and my customer service skills to your team. Your cafe has a great reputation, and I’ve actually had coffee here several times so I know it’s well-earned. When I saw you were hiring full-time, I knew it was the right place for me.”

Read a full barista resume example here.

#8. Server Sample Answer

"I'm an enthusiastic people-person looking to start my career in the restaurant industry. While I don't have extensive experience yet, I've been trained in excellent customer service through my part-time retail jobs during high school and college.

I have strong multi-tasking skills, stamina to work on my feet all day, and a friendly, upbeat personality. My passion is creating positive experiences for others through attentive service. Last semester, I took a food safety certification course to prepare for this role.

What excites me most about this server position is the opportunity to learn from experienced staff while delivering outstanding hospitality. I'm a quick learner, team player, and hard worker committed to providing diners with an enjoyable meal."

Read a full server resume example here.

#9. Waiter Sample Answer

“I have been working as a waiter for over five years, starting at small local diners and gradually moving up to fine dining restaurants. My experience spans different aspects of the service industry, from opening and closing shifts to meal prep, managing reservations, and providing personalized guest service.

One of my key achievements was at my current restaurant, where I initiated a customer feedback system that helped us understand and quickly respond to guest preferences. It significantly improved our return customer rates and led to a more tailored dining experience, which boosted our average per-table sales by about 20%.

I'm excited to bring my skills and insights to your renowned restaurant next. I admire your commitment to culinary excellence and customer satisfaction, and I'm ready to contribute to your team and ensure that every guest has an exceptional dining experience.”

Read a full waiter resume example here.

#10. Front Desk Agent Sample Answer

“I have over two years of experience in hospitality, working at both boutique hotels and large international chains as a front desk agent. My experience includes efficiently managing check-ins and check-outs, quickly resolving any guest inquiries, and overseeing smooth booking processes.

Out of my achievements in the field, I’d single out how I implemented an online check-in system that cut guest wait times in half and boosted the hotel’s satisfaction ratings. I've also led training sessions for new staff several times where we focused on exceptional customer service.

I'm excited about the opportunity to bring my front desk management skills to your hotel since I think I align well with your commitment to guest satisfaction and innovation in the hospitality sector.”

#11. Housekeeper Sample Answer

"I'm an energetic and reliable housekeeper with a year of experience, so I’ve been providing thorough cleaning services for a while. Up until recently, I worked at a small hotel where I made sure all the guest rooms, common areas, and bathrooms met high standards of cleanliness and presentation.

I have experience using commercial cleaning equipment and supplies, following checklists, and paying close attention to detail. What I enjoy most about the job is creating an inviting atmosphere that exceeds expectations, and I get to listen to music while I’m at it, so it’s a win-win for me.

Beyond my cleaning responsibilities, I also helped with completing logbooks and reporting any maintenance needs. My strengths include efficiency, time management, and working well in a team.

So, when I saw your ad, I was excited to apply. I have a positive attitude and housekeeping skills, and I can guarantee a commitment to your standards, so I know I'll deliver an impeccable experience for every visitor."

#12. Line Cook Sample Answer

“I've spent the last eight years honing my culinary skills in various kitchens, from fast casual to upscale dining. I started with basic prep work and gradually evolved into more complex cooking techniques under the mentorship of seasoned chefs back in the day.

In my current position, I redesigned the menu, which led to a 30% increase in customer orders for featured dishes. I've also taken the initiative to streamline our kitchen operations and reduce food waste while improving service speed.

I'm excited about the opportunity to bring my kitchen expertise and passion for food to your restaurant. Your business has great reviews, and I like the commitment to sustainability you’ve declared, so I’m looking forward to contributing to your success.”

#13. Restaurant Manager Sample Answer

“I have over a decade of experience in restaurant management, and I’ve been overseeing operations in both family-owned eateries and high-volume establishments. My career so far has focused on optimizing staff performance, enhancing customer service, and profitability.

One of my significant accomplishments was at my current restaurant. I implemented a new inventory management system that reduced our waste by 25% and increased our profit margins. I also led a successful initiative to redesign the dining space, which improved customer flow and increased the seating capacity by 15%.

I recently moved here, and I’m looking to join a restaurant where I can put my skills to good use. I read about your dedication to culinary excellence and customer satisfaction, so I'm excited about the opportunity to contribute to and grow with your team.”

#14. Bar Manager Sample Answer

“I've been immersed in the bar industry for over five years. I gradually went from cocktail waiter to bartender to bar manager. So far, I've managed all aspects of bar operations, including staff training, inventory control, and cocktail development at a popular downtown lounge.

A key achievement in my current job was launching a craft cocktail program that increased our drink sales by 40%. I also implemented a new inventory system that reduced excess stock and cut costs by 10%. Beyond operations, I've fostered a team culture focused on exceptional service and continuous learning. I make sure all our staff attends bartending classes and knows the ins and outs of the menu and everything featured on it.

I want to bring my expertise in bar management and mixology to an up-and-coming bar like yours. I'm particularly drawn to your twist on unique customer experiences, and I’m looking forward to the new challenge. I think I can really help your bar succeed.”

Read a full bar manager resume example here.

Administrative and HR Sample Answers

#15. receptionist sample answer.

“I recently graduated with an associate degree in Business Administration. While studying, I also worked part-time as a receptionist at a busy local clinic, where I managed appointments, handled patient inquiries, and maintained a welcoming front office environment.

I think that helped me work on my organizational and communication skills. The job also reinforced my multitasking abilities, so I can deliver excellent customer service under pressure.

I also volunteered at community events, coordinating logistics and helping guests with anything they needed. I have an eye for detail, and I’m good at problem-solving, so I managed to run a tight ship, and all my events went without a hitch.

Now that I’m looking for a full-time job, I saw the ad for your gym, and I thought - perfect! I'm ready to put my customer service experience to good use, and I can make sure your customers have a positive first impression every time they come to your gym.”

Read a full receptionist resume example here.

#16. Recruiter Sample Answer

“I recently graduated with a degree in Human Resources Management, and I’ve been actively involved in organizing career fairs at my university. These events required coordinating with multiple departments, handling logistics, and communicating effectively with both companies and students. So, I’ve had the opportunity to sharpen my organizational skills and my ability to engage with diverse groups of people.

I've also gained insight into the recruitment process through varying internships. I learned how to match candidates with suitable roles based on their skills and potential.

I'm excited about the opportunity to leverage my educational background and hands-on experience in a real-world setting. Your company's innovative approach to recruitment and talent development is inspiring, and I am eager to contribute to your team and help people find their dream jobs.”

Read a full recruiter resume example here.

#17. Human Resources Specialist Sample Answer

“I have over ten years of experience in human resources, mostly focused on employee relations, benefits management, and compliance within the healthcare industry. My career has been dedicated to enhancing workforce efficiency and fostering an inclusive corporate culture.

In my current role, I led the overhaul of our onboarding process, reduced employee turnover by 18%, and increased job satisfaction scores among new hires. I also managed the move to a new HRIS system that streamlined operations and improved data accuracy across the department.

I'm passionate about using technology to enhance HR functions and excited about the opportunity to bring my expertise to your organization. I admire your commitment to employee development and well-being, so I look forward to joining your team and supporting your strategic HR initiatives.“

Read a full human resources resume example here.

#18. Office Manager Sample Answer

“Over the past five years, I've developed my skills as an office manager while overseeing operations in a fast-paced tech startup environment. My role has been integral to streamlining office processes, managing administrative staff, and ensuring seamless daily operations.

A major achievement in my current position was the implementation of a digital filing system that reduced paper use by 40% and improved our overall operational efficiency. I also coordinated a new office layout that fostered better workflow and collaboration among teams.

I thrive on making office environments more productive and enjoyable for everyone. It’s a role where I can help everyone by doing what I’m best at - organizing! I love keeping a neat space. So, I'm enthusiastic about bringing my expertise to your company now. I’m ready to support your growth and help you enhance team collaboration.“

Read a full office manager resume example here.

#19. Secretary Sample Answer

“I earned my associate degree in Office Administration two years ago and have since been working as a secretary in a bustling law firm. I can manage complex schedules, handle confidential documents, and provide comprehensive support to a team of attorneys.

During my time there, I've implemented an electronic filing system that has improved document retrieval times and enhanced the efficiency of our office operations. I've also gained significant experience in drafting correspondence, preparing legal documents, and organizing client meetings.

I'm really excited about the opportunity to bring my organizational skills and attention to detail to your team. I admire your company's commitment to excellence, and the pro bono work you do is inspiring. I want to contribute to your success by leveraging my strengths, which are all administrative and organizational excellence.“

#20. Executive Assistant Sample Answer

“I recently graduated with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, where I focused on project management and corporate communications. During my studies, I interned at a mid-sized corporate firm, where I assisted the executive team with scheduling, correspondence, and daily office operations. The role let me develop strong organizational skills and an ability to handle sensitive information discreetly.

I've also managed multiple high-stakes projects during university. I had to coordinate across teams and ensure the timely delivery of all sorts of objectives. That taught me how to effectively support high-level executives while maintaining attention to detail and meeting strict deadlines.

I'm enthusiastic about the opportunity to apply my skills in a dynamic environment like yours and support your executive team's goals. Your company is a leader in the market, and I’m ready to learn all I can to support you and contribute to your success while kickstarting my career.“

Read a full executive assistant resume example here.

#21. Administrative Assistant Sample Answer

“I have five years of experience as an administrative assistant. So far, I’ve primarily been supporting senior management in a busy corporate setting. My current role involves handling a wide range of administrative tasks, from managing calendars and coordinating meetings to preparing reports and handling correspondence.

I suppose I have a few achievements. A significant thing I accomplished was the development of a new document management system, which reduced the time spent on file retrieval by over 50%. I also played a key role in organizing an annual conference for over 300 attendees, which was recognized for its high level of organization and smooth execution.

I definitely thrive in fast-paced environments, and I enjoy the challenge of improving administrative processes. When I saw your ad, I knew I was the right person for the job. After my old company got acquired, I felt like it was time for a change, so I'm excited to bring my skills to your team and contribute to the continued success of your company.“

Read a full administrative assistant resume example here.

#22. Data Entry Sample Answer

“I've spent the last five years specializing in data entry and database management in the healthcare sector. My job required meticulous attention to detail and proficiency in various database systems to maintain the accuracy and confidentiality of sensitive patient information.

One of my notable achievements includes leading a project to switch from paper-based to digital records, which improved data retrieval times by 40% and reduced errors by 30%. I have the ability to adapt quickly to new technologies, and I have a focus on accuracy, which I believe is crucial to maintaining the integrity of data systems.

I want to bring my expertise to your team since I’m looking for a new job in the same field. I read about your company’s innovative use of data analytics, so I look forward to diving into something new while contributing to your projects.“

Read a full data entry resume example here.

Finance Sample Answers

#23. accountant sample answer.

“I have over a decade of experience as an accountant, and I’ve been working extensively in the manufacturing sector. Financial reporting, tax planning, and budget management are all well within my expertise. Currently, I oversee the financial operations for a plant with annual revenues that exceed $30 million.

A key accomplishment of mine was spearheading a financial restructuring project that resulted in a 20% reduction in operational costs without compromising on output quality. I also introduced a new software system that automated several key accounting processes, which enhanced accuracy and saved time.

I like numbers, and I'm all about using financial data to drive business decisions and improvements. I like the idea of bringing my strategic financial management skills to your company, so I can contribute to your financial performance and growth.“

Read a full accountant resume example here.

#24. Financial Analyst Sample Answer

“Well, I graduated with a degree in Finance from Columbia  University. I’d say that gave me a great foundation for my analytical skills and I gained a solid understanding of financial principles. After college, I joined a mid-sized investment firm as a junior financial analyst. I supported senior analysts there, mostly in tracking and analyzing market trends, building financial models, and preparing investment reports.

There was a significant project I worked on, where I helped develop a model that predicted stock performance with 80% accuracy. That was instrumental in guiding client investment decisions down the line. The role taught me to interpret complex financial data and communicate my insights more clearly, so it was a great learning experience.

Now, I’m looking for the next step in my career. You’re a bigger company, and I'm excited about the opportunity to bring what I’ve got to your team.“

Read a full financial analyst resume example here.

#25. Bank Teller Sample Answer

“I recently graduated high school and my best subjects were mathematics and Spanish. I can even communicate comfortably in Spanish and was top of my class.

I have experience volunteering at community events, so I’ve handled cash transactions and helped attendees. I can interact with people from all sorts of backgrounds, which I pride myself on.

I also have a bit of experience in customer service. I worked the counter at a local bakery, so I made sure everyone got what they needed and left with a smile.

I gained an interest in the financial sector recently and thought this was a great opportunity when I saw your ad. I'm eager to apply my skills in a new professional setting,  and I look forward to contributing to your team.“

Read a full bank teller resume example here.

#26. Banker Sample Answer

“I recently graduated with a degree in Finance from Ohio University, where I was part of the student council and I oversaw the financial decisions we voted on. I was the council cashier, so I was responsible for collecting money from the students and staff for any events we had planned.

Overall, my experiences in university gave me a great understanding of finances but I really got into the field when I interned at City Bank. I was involved in assessing client financial needs and supporting loan processing there, which gave me practical experience and exposure to banking operations.

I had a great time during my internship and when I saw you were hiring full-time, I wanted to apply immediately. I think I’ve honed my financial analysis and client interaction skills and found a passion for banking. I really look forward to contributing to your team and learning from industry leaders.“

Read a full banker resume example here.

Business Sample Answers

#27. business analyst sample answer.

“I've been a Business Analyst for over five years, and I’ve mostly been working in tech. My experience includes conducting detailed market analysis, developing business models, and leading cross-functional project teams to drive process improvements and product innovations.

In my current position, I played a huge role in a project that redesigned our customer service processes. That enhanced user satisfaction by 25% and reduced support costs by 15%. I’d say my approach is to combine data-driven analysis with a deep understanding of user needs so I can get the best insights possible.

When I heard your company was hiring, I knew I had to apply. Your reputation in the tech industry is unmatched, and I'm excited about the opportunity to bring my analytical skills and passion for problem-solving to your team.“

Read a full business analyst resume example here.

#28. Business Development Manager Sample Answer

“I have over a decade of experience in business development, both in and outside of the tech industry. Strategic partnership development, market expansion, and revenue growth are all things I’m deeply familiar with.

At my current job, I led initiatives that resulted in a 40% increase in annual revenue through new client acquisition and the expansion of existing accounts. One of my key achievements was negotiating a partnership with a major software provider, which extended our market reach and enhanced our product span.

I've consistently used market insights and competitive analysis to make strategic decisions, so when I read your ad, I knew I could fit in great. I love driving innovation and profitability, so I’m excited to bring my skills and experience to your company. I’m sure I can contribute to your growth targets and overall success in the industry.“

Read a full business development manager resume example here.

#29. Project Manager Sample Answer

“Sure, I’d be glad to. I’ve been a tech-focused project manager for up to 8 years now.

I graduated from Cornell University, where I made the Dean’s List, with a major in business administration and a minor in computer science. After that, I first got into the industry, working as an administrative assistant at Company X. There, I provided clerical support with interdepartmental communication, so I helped manage schedules and maintained the digital filing system.

After that, I worked as a project manager for Company Y, which provided cloud computing solutions for about 6 years. There, I personally managed 5+ teams of software projects and made sure everything went smoothly in terms of business goals, deadlines, budget, and more. 

In my downtime, I enjoy reading about AI, tech, and robotics. Since you guys do all three, I thought I’d apply.”

Read a full project manager resume example here.

Marketing and Advertising Sample Answers

#30. marketing executive sample answer.

“I graduated with a degree in Marketing from Michigan State University five years ago and quickly started my career at a dynamic advertising agency. In my role, I contributed to several high-profile campaigns, focusing on digital marketing strategies that increased brand visibility and consumer engagement for our clients. 

One standout project was for a major retail client, where my team implemented an innovative social media strategy that boosted customer interactions by over 50% within the first quarter. My experience also extends to analyzing market trends and consumer behavior, which helps in crafting targeted marketing messages.

I’m excited about the opportunity to bring my creative and analytical skills to your company, particularly because it aligns with your vision of driving brand growth through cutting-edge marketing techniques.“

Read a full marketing executive resume example here.

#31. Marketing Manager Sample Answer

“I have six years of experience as a Marketing Manager, primarily in the consumer goods sector. My role involves overseeing campaign development, managing budgets, and leading a team to execute strategic marketing initiatives that enhance brand awareness and sales.

A key achievement was spearheading a digital marketing campaign that increased our market share by 15% in one year. It was a great success and it was mostly due to the innovative content strategies and robust data analysis we did beforehand. We made sure we targeted the right audience effectively.

I'm eager to bring my expertise in campaign management and team leadership to your company. I admire your commitment to sustainability and innovation, and I am excited to contribute to your marketing objectives and drive continued growth.“

Read a full marketing manager resume example here.

#32. Social Media Marketing Manager Sample Answer

“I have over four years of experience in social media marketing, specializing in building and managing brand presence across various digital platforms. In my current position, I successfully increased the company’s follower base by 200% and tripled engagement rates through targeted content strategies and influencer partnerships.

A notable achievement was when I led a campaign that went viral. That generated significant media coverage and a 50% increase in sales over the previous quarter. I’m excellent at analytics and creative content creation, so I make sure that all campaigns are aligned with brand goals and audience preferences.

I’m really excited to bring my expertise in viral marketing and strategic planning to your team. From what I read in your ad, that’s just what you’re looking for, and I like your company’s services, I’ve been using your app for over two years now. So, I look forward to driving your social media presence to new heights.“

#33. Content Marketer Sample Answer

“I'm switching from a career in journalism, where I spent over eight years crafting compelling stories and managing content for a major online news platform. My background gave me with a deep understanding of audience engagement and content optimization for various digital channels.

Recently, I've redirected my focus towards content marketing, so I completed a few courses in SEO and digital marketing analytics. My current approach is to combine data-driven strategies with my creative storytelling so I can enhance brand visibility and engagement.

Since I was looking for a new job, I saw your ad and was immediately interested. I'm drawn to your company's innovative approach to content creation. I am excited about the opportunity to apply my seasoned storytelling skills and analytical abilities to your content marketing initiatives. I believe I can really contribute to driving traffic and building audience relationships.“

#34. SEO Specialist Sample Answer

“I've spent the past four years honing my SEO skills, mainly at a digital marketing agency where I managed SEO strategies for a diverse portfolio of clients, from small businesses to large enterprises. My background includes a Bachelor's in Marketing from a California State University, but it's my on-the-job experience that honed my skills.

During my time at the agency, I led a project that increased organic traffic for our key client by 150% within six months through comprehensive keyword research, content optimization, and technical SEO improvements. I also have experience with SEM and have run successful PPC campaigns.

Outside of work, I run a personal blog about sustainable living, where I apply my SEO skills to promote eco-friendly practices, which aligns with my personal passion for environmental advocacy. This also keeps me updated on the latest digital marketing trends, so it’s a win/win hobby.

I'm excited about the opportunity to bring my skills to your company, especially since I admire how your business prioritizes both growth and sustainability. I am eager to contribute to your projects and help enhance your online presence and search rankings.”

Read a full digital marketing resume example here.

#35. PPC Specialist Sample Answer

“I have over a decade of experience in digital marketing, with a specialization in pay-per-click (PPC) advertising. In my current role, I manage a substantial PPC budget, focusing on optimizing ad spend for maximum ROI across multiple platforms, including Google Ads and Bing.

A significant accomplishment was revamping a struggling PPC campaign that resulted in a 70% increase in click-through rates and a 50% increase in conversions within the first three months. I leverage data analytics to fine-tune targeting and bidding strategies and ensure that each campaign delivers against set objectives.

I'm enthusiastic about the opportunity to bring my expertise in PPC management to your team. I'm particularly impressed by your company's innovative approach to digital marketing and am eager to contribute to your continued success.“

IT and Software Development Sample Answers

#36. it specialist sample answer.

“I have over ten years of experience as an IT Specialist, currently focusing on system administration and network security within the finance sector. My role includes managing IT infrastructure, implementing security protocols, and ensuring data integrity and system efficiency across multiple branches.

A standout achievement was leading a critical data migration project that improved system performance by 40% and significantly enhanced our security posture. I also played a key role in changing our operations to cloud-based solutions, which increased our operational flexibility and reduced costs.

I'm excited to bring my technical expertise and proactive problem-solving skills to your team. Your company's commitment to technological advancement and security is highly motivating, and I look forward to contributing to your ongoing success.“

Read a full IT resume example here.

#37. Software Engineer Sample Answer

“I have a decade of experience as a Software Engineer, mostly specializing in developing scalable backend systems for e-commerce platforms. At my current job, I played a pivotal role in redesigning the core architecture, which improved system reliability by 60% and significantly enhanced the user experience.

My expertise includes mastering multiple programming languages and frameworks, leading agile teams, and implementing robust testing protocols. A notable project involved developing a real-time analytics tool that increased data processing speed by 50%.

I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to bring my technical skills and passion for software development to your team. I admire your company’s commitment to cutting-edge technology solutions, and I am eager to contribute to your projects.“

Read a full software engineer resume example here.

#38. Cyber Security Sample Answer

"I've spent the last ten years as a software developer, where I focused a lot on building secure applications and managing software lifecycles. My interest in cybersecurity really took off while I was at Tech Innovations Inc. I collaborated with the cybersecurity team there, and that really made me get into it.

I recently completed a certification in network security, and I'm currently working towards my Cybersecurity Analyst certification. It’s been fun blending my tech skills with my passion for cybersecurity.

So, since I've been looking for something new, I saw your ad, and I liked what I read. Your company’s mission is all about protecting digital assets and ensuring data integrity, and that's what I'm looking for. I think my background in software development gives me a unique perspective that can let me contribute to your team.

I’m looking forward to possibly joining your company and diving into this new role. I love a challenge, and I want to learn more about advanced cybersecurity tactics while working on interesting projects."

#39. Web Developer Sample Answer

“I've been a Web Developer for five years, specializing in front-end development and user experience design. In my current role, I've led the redesign of several e-commerce websites, enhancing user interfaces and improving navigation, which resulted in a 30% increase in user engagement and a 20% uptick in sales conversions.

My technical toolkit includes proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and React, along with a strong understanding of responsive design principles. I've also collaborated on integrating backend APIs to provide seamless user experiences.

I'm excited about the opportunity to join your team and contribute to your web projects. Your company’s focus on creating user-centric designs aligns perfectly with my skills and career aspirations, so I’m looking forward to helping you achieve your digital goals.“

Read a full web developer resume example here.

#40. Computer Scientist Sample Answer

“I'm switching from software development to a broader focus in computer science, especially in algorithms, data structures, and machine learning. In my previous roles, I designed complex software and utilized data analysis to refine product features, which sparked my interest in the theoretical and practical aspects of computing.

I've recently finished a postgraduate degree in artificial intelligence. I wanted to combine advanced computational techniques with my real-world experience, and here I am.

I am excited about joining your company so I can work on pioneering projects with state-of-the-art tech. I think my skills and experience can contribute to your team's success, and I can’t wait to help you make some significant advancements in computer science.“

Read a full computer scientist resume example here.

#41. Data Scientist Sample Answer

“I recently graduated with a master’s degree in Data Science from New York University, where I focused on machine learning and big data analytics. During my studies, I collaborated on a research project that used predictive analytics to enhance decision-making processes in healthcare. That actually ended up being published in a well-regarded academic journal, so I’m very proud of my work there.

I’d say that experience really honed my skills in using advanced analytical tools and techniques, and also deepened my understanding of how to apply data science to solve real-world problems.

Now, I’m looking to get some practical experience and put those skills to good use. When I saw your ad, I thought it would be a great opportunity to start my career as a Data Scientist since your company is known for innovation and leadership in analytics.”

Read a full data scientist resume example here.

#42. Data Analyst Sample Answer

“I graduated with a degree in Statistics from Metro University two years ago and have since been working as a data analyst at a retail analytics firm. I've honed some skills in SQL, Python, and Tableau. They’re great tools, and I can use them to create some insightful dashboards and reports that help our clients understand consumer behavior and optimize their marketing strategies.

A significant achievement was my contribution to a project that increased a client’s sales. I identified key customer segments, and then we tailored the marketing efforts accordingly, which led to a 20% boost in targeted campaign effectiveness.

I’m excited about the opportunity to bring my analytical skills and passion for data to your team. I’m confident I can help your company enhance its business strategies through some robust data analysis, and the in-house data analyst position is just what I’m good at.”

Read a full data analyst resume example here.

#43. DevOps Engineer Sample Answer

“I have five years of experience as a DevOps Engineer, working primarily in agile tech environments. My role involves streamlining deployment processes, maintaining scalable infrastructure, and ensuring continuous integration and delivery across multiple projects.

One of my key achievements was leading the adoption of Docker containerization at my current company, which reduced deployment times by 70% and significantly improved the reliability of our production environments. I also implemented robust monitoring solutions that enhanced our system's uptime and responsiveness.

I'm eager to bring my expertise in automation, configuration management, and cloud technologies to your team. Your company's innovative approach to software development aligns perfectly with my skills and career goals, and I look forward to contributing to your projects.”

Read a full DevOps engineer resume example here.

#44. AI Engineer Sample Answer

“I'm moving from a successful career in software engineering to specializing in artificial intelligence. This is mainly fueled by my passion for machine learning and its applications in solving complex problems. Over the past eight years, I've developed robust software solutions, and more recently, I've focused on integrating AI technologies to enhance product capabilities.

My most notable project involved designing an AI algorithm for a fintech company that improved fraud detection rates by 30%. I’ve also completed a professional certification in deep learning, which has equipped me with advanced skills in neural networks and predictive analytics.

I'm excited about the opportunity to join your team and apply my AI expertise in a dynamic and innovative environment, so I look forward to contributing to your cutting-edge projects.”

Read a full AI engineer resume example here.

#45. Java Developer Sample Answer

“I have over a decade of experience as a Java developer. I currently specialize in building robust backend systems for financial services. My career has focused on developing and maintaining scalable applications that manage millions of transactions daily.

A significant accomplishment in my current role was leading the development of a core banking system that improved transaction processing speed by 40% and enhanced data security. My expertise extends to Spring Framework, Hibernate, and microservices architecture, all of which have been instrumental in optimizing my current company’s software solutions.

I’m looking for a new challenge, and I want to contribute to innovative projects and help refine your systems. The ad said you were looking for a Java expert for your next project, so I look forward to leveraging those skills in a new environment.”

Read a full Java developer resume example here.

Health and Medicine Sample Answers

#46. nurse sample answer.

“I have five years of experience as a registered nurse, working primarily in fast-paced emergency departments. My role involves providing critical care and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive patient treatment. 

One of my key achievements was initiating a quick-response protocol that reduced patient wait times by 20% and improved the overall efficiency of emergency services. I am committed to patient education and advocacy, and I make sure that patients and their families are well-informed and supported throughout their care.

I'm excited about the opportunity to bring my clinical skills and passion for patient care to your hospital. Your commitment to healthcare excellence and community service aligns perfectly with my values, and I look forward to contributing to your team.”

Read a full nurse resume example here.

#47. Medical Assistant Sample Answer

“I graduated with a certificate in Medical Assisting from a vocational college last year. I did great in both clinical and administrative tasks there, and I did an internship at the local health clinic. During my externship, I gained hands-on experience in patient care, medical record management, and laboratory procedures.

I got a lot of complements on how I could manage patient flow effectively and make sure that all patients felt attended to and supported during their visits. I also assisted in implementing a new digital record system that improved the accuracy and accessibility of all patient records.

When my internship ended, I started looking for a full-time job in the field, and here I am. I want to bring my skills and enthusiasm for healthcare to your team. I read about your facility's dedication to community health, and I’m excited to contribute, too.”

Read a full medical assistant resume example here.

#48. Dental Assistant Sample Answer

“I recently completed my dental assisting certification at a regional technical college. I learned comprehensive dental care and office management techniques while I was there, but it was my internship that really showed me the ropes.

During my internship at a busy dental office, I gained a lot of practical experience. I assisted with a variety of dental procedures, managed sterilization processes, and overall ensured the comfort of patients. My hands-on training included taking dental X-rays, preparing dental materials for restorations, and educating patients on post-procedure care.

I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to start my career as a Dental Assistant at your clinic. I read up on your practice, and I’m particularly impressed by your commitment to patient care and continuing education, and I want to contribute to your team.”

#49. Dentist Sample Answer

“I graduated with a DDS from City University two years ago and have since been practicing in a community dental clinic. There, I've honed my skills in general dentistry, performing a wide range of procedures from routine cleanings to complex root canals. I also engaged in continuous education, particularly in cosmetic dentistry, to expand my expertise.

A key accomplishment in my current role was leading a project to improve patient education on preventive care, which significantly reduced the incidence of cavities and other dental issues among our patients. 

I'm excited about the opportunity to bring my clinical skills and passion for patient education to your practice. I admire your focus on comprehensive dental care and look forward to contributing to your team and advancing my career in dentistry.”

Read a full dentist resume example here.

#50. Pharmacist Sample Answer

“With over 6 years of experience as a biochemist researching drug synthesis and interactions, I am switching to a pharmacist role so I can directly improve patient health outcomes. In my previous lab work, I developed strong analytical skills and an extensive understanding of pharmacology, medication therapy, and patient safety practices.

While conducting clinical trials, I realized my true passion lies in bridging the latest pharmaceutical advancements with compassionate patient care. This drove me to recently complete a Doctor of Pharmacy degree to formally apply my scientific background in a pharmacy setting.

What excites me about this opportunity is your pharmacy's reputation for personalized service and commitment to patient education. I look forward to combining my newly acquired clinical pharmacy skills with my ability to simplify complex scientific concepts so I can communicate clearly with patients.”

Read a full pharmacist resume example here.

Creative Sample Answers

#51. graphic designer sample answer.

“I have five years of experience as a graphic designer, primarily in a fast-paced advertising agency. Here, I've been developing and executing compelling visual content for national marketing campaigns while meeting tight deadlines.

My expertise spans digital and print media, with a strong focus on brand development and visual storytelling. A key achievement was leading the design for a campaign that increased client engagement by 30%. I introduced innovative graphic techniques and coordinated closely with the marketing team to make sure the visuals aligned with their strategy.

I'm excited about the opportunity to bring my creative skills and passion for design to your team. I’ve heard about your company's reputation for innovative design solutions,and that perfectly matches the direction I want to take my career.”

Read a full graphic designer resume example here.

#52. UI/UX Designer Sample Answer

“I have over a decade of experience in UI/UX design. I’ve mainly specialized in creating intuitive and engaging interfaces for mobile and web applications. In my current role at a tech startup, I led the redesign of our flagship product, which resulted in a 40% increase in user retention and significantly improved user satisfaction.

My approach to UI/UX combines user-centered design principles with data-driven insights. I make sure that the solutions I develop look great and perform even better. I'm also proficient in a range of design tools like Sketch, Figma, and Adobe XD.

I'm excited about the opportunity to bring my UI/UX design expertise to your company. I admire your commitment to innovation and user experience, and I’ve seen it firsthand since I’ve used your products. The feedback I gave was actually implemented over time, so I know you take user feedback seriously. I’m looking forward to contributing to your projects myself!”

#53. Product Designer Sample Answer

“I graduated with a degree in Industrial Design two years ago and have since worked as a product designer at a consumer electronics firm. There, I've been involved in the full design cycle, from concept to production, all focused on creating user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing products.

A notable project I led was the design of a wearable fitness tracker that saw a 25% increase in sales due to its innovative features and ergonomic design. I’m proficient in different types of CAD software, and I’m familiar with different materials, how they work, and how much they all cost down the line.

So, I'm eager to bring what I’ve got to your team. I recently moved to this city, and I was looking for a job that matches my experience… and then I saw your ad! I think my skills and passion for design match what you’re looking for perfectly, and I’m excited to join because your company is known for its cutting-edge product innovations.”

#54. Creative Director Sample Answer

“I'm an innovative creative director with over 12 years of experience leading design teams to develop compelling and award-winning advertising campaigns. Most recently, I spearheaded the rebranding for a major sports apparel company that generated a 25% increase in brand awareness.

My background allows me to effectively manage entire projects from concept to execution while inspiring teams to push creative boundaries. I have a proven track record of over 50 successful integrated marketing campaigns across print, digital, and social platforms.

What draws me to this role is your agency's reputation for fresh, culture-shaping creative work. In my downtime, I love exploring new design trends and mediums. I'm passionate about delivering imaginative solutions that capture audiences in memorable ways and drive real business impact.”

#55. Game Designer Sample Answer

“I have over ten years of experience as a game designer, having worked on a variety of titles from indie to AAA games. My expertise lies in creating engaging gameplay mechanics and storylines that enhance player experience and retention.

In my current role, I led the conceptual and development phases of a top-selling strategy game that received acclaim for its innovative design and depth. I am skilled in using Unity and Unreal Engine, and my approach always emphasizes player-centric design principles.

I’m excited about the possibility of bringing my creative and technical skills to your team, particularly since your company is known for pushing the boundaries of interactive entertainment. I’m also a huge fan of your signature franchise, and being able to work on the next installment is like a dream come true.”

Read a full game designer resume example here.

#56. Animator Sample Answer

“I've been an animator for over five years now. I specialize in 3D animation for television and film, so you might have actually seen some of the cartoons I’ve worked on. My portfolio includes work on award-winning animated series and feature films, where I mostly contributed to character design and complex animation sequences.

One of my standout projects involved creating the fluid motion for a critically acclaimed series' protagonist. It really enhanced the emotional depth and realism of the character interactions, and I’m quite proud of that. I'm proficient in Maya, Blender, and Adobe After Effects, and each of those tools has been essential in refining my animation techniques.

I'm excited about the opportunity to bring my creativity and technical expertise to your studio. Your commitment to storytelling and visual innovation matches my passion for animation, and I’m looking for a job where I can really make a difference. Your animations really touch lives, and I look forward to contributing to your upcoming projects.”

Read a full animator resume example here.

#57. Illustrator Sample Answer

“I graduated with a degree in Visual Arts two years ago and have since been working as a freelance illustrator. I mainly specialize in digital art and character design, which is also my biggest hobby. My work has been featured in children's books, graphic novels, and online publications. I love bringing stories to life through vivid and engaging illustrations.

One of my notable projects was illustrating a series for a well-known educational publisher. That was praised for its colorful and imaginative artwork that helped captivate young readers, so I’m really proud of that. I'm skilled in using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, but I like all sorts of tools that can help me create detailed and expressive art. I tried ProCreate recently, so I could adapt to it over time.

I'm looking for a full-time job now, and from what I say, your company is renowned for its creative projects and innovative approach to media, so I’d love to contribute.”

Read a full illustrator resume example here.

#58. Photographer Sample Answer

“I'm going from a decade-long career in graphic design to professional photography. It’s a field where I've passionately honed my skills through various freelance projects. My photography spans different subjects, including fashion, commercial photography, and nature, and my work in each of these subjects has been featured in several regional magazines.

Recently, I've completed a few advanced courses in digital photography and lighting techniques. I wanted to make sure I’m on top of my game before making the full switch into photography as a career. I’d say my approach combines my artistic vision with the technical precision that I keep refining. I want to tell powerful stories through each photograph, so I keep learning more each day.

I'm drawn to your magazine’s reputation for excellence in visual storytelling. I want to contribute my photographic skills and creative insights to your team, and I’m excited to capture the impactful moments that define your brand.”

Read a full photographer resume example here.

#59. Actor Sample Answer

“I graduated from the Theatre and Film Academy two years ago, where I trained extensively in theater and film acting. Since then, I've appeared in several local theater productions and short films. I’ve gained some recognition for my versatility and depth in various roles. 

My recent work includes a lead role in an award-winning independent film. I was commended for my ability to bring a complex character to life and I earned praise for the authenticity and emotional impact behind my performance. 

I'm skilled in both dramatic and comedic acting, and I continuously work on refining my craft through workshops and ongoing training. I'm excited about the opportunity to bring my passion and skills to your production and contribute to memorable and compelling performances.”

Read a full actor resume example here.

#60. Writer Sample Answer

“I've been a professional writer for over five years and recently, I’ve specialized in content creation for lifestyle and technology publications. My articles have been featured in major online magazines. I tend to blend informative content with engaging storytelling to capture the interests of different audiences.

A significant project I led was a series on sustainable living practices, which increased readership by 40% and sparked an online community dialogue about eco-friendly habits. 

I'm also proficient in SEO, so I can ensure that my work ranks well on search engines and reaches the intended audience. I'm excited about the opportunity to bring my writing skills and creativity to your team and help to expand your content’s reach and impact.”

Read a full writer resume example here.

#61. Editor Sample Answer

“I recently graduated with a degree in English Literature from Missouri State University. I actually honed my editing and proofreading skills there as the head editor of the university’s newspaper. I oversaw the selection and refinement of pieces that were going to be published, and I collaborated closely with writers to enhance the texts’ clarity, engagement, and maintain adherence to the newspaper’s standards.

I’d say the experience equipped me with a keen eye for detail and I left there with a strong grasp of language and grammar, so I’m prepared me for a professional editing career. I love literature and I’m passionate about making my own contributions to it through editing.

I’m committed to maintaining the integrity and quality of texts, so I’m eager to bring my editorial skills and enthusiasm to your publishing team and contributing to high-quality publications.”

Read a full editor resume example here.

Education Sample Answers

#62. professor sample answer.

“I have over a decade of academic experience as a professor in the field of Environmental Science at a prestigious university. Throughout my career, I've dedicated myself to research and teaching with a focus on sustainable development and climate change mitigation. I've published numerous peer-reviewed articles and have been a keynote speaker at several international conferences.

A highlight of my tenure was developing an interdisciplinary curriculum that integrated practical sustainability challenges into academic study. It has since been adopted by other institutions, too, since it was successful in enhancing student engagement and understanding of the subject.

I'm passionate about educating the next generation of environmental leaders and am excited about the opportunity to join your faculty. It would be a great opportunity to further both my research and fulfill my teaching objectives.”

Read a full academic CV example here.

#63. Teacher Sample Answer

“I've been a teacher for five years, specifically teaching mathematics at the middle school level. My approach focuses on building strong foundational skills and using interactive learning techniques to engage young students and enhance their problem-solving abilities. 

A significant achievement was the introduction of a technology-integrated curriculum that led to a 30% improvement in students' test scores within a year. I actively collaborate with colleagues to share best practices and continually seek out professional development opportunities to stay updated on educational trends.

I am passionate about making math accessible and exciting for all students. I know it isn’t everyone’s favorite subject, but I believe I can improve its reputation among students. I'm eager to bring my innovative teaching methods to your school, and I believe I can contribute to your academic programs and student success.”

Read a full teacher resume example here.

#64. Tutor Sample Answer

“I graduated with a degree in English Literature from Alabama State University last year and have since worked as a private tutor, mainly helping high school students enhance their writing and literary comprehension skills.

My tutoring style emphasizes personalized learning, where I adapt my methods to fit each student's unique needs and learning pace. A notable success of mine was with a student who improved from a C to an A in English within a semester, all thanks to our focused sessions on essay writing and critical analysis. I also incorporate interactive digital tools to make lessons more engaging and effective.

I'm really excited to bring my passion for education and tailored tutoring strategies to more students. Helping them achieve their academic goals and build confidence in their abilities is the best feeling in the world, and I want to pursue a career in that direction.”

#65. Recent Graduate Sample Answer

“My name is Jane Doe; I’m 22 years old, and I recently graduated from University X with a B.A. in international business. While there, I learned a lot of theory in subjects like corporate communication, international economics, corporate governance, and more. I was also part of the student government, and I maintained a GPA of 3.6.

I’ve worked hard in my education, and now I’m ready to put my knowledge into practice.

While I don’t have any real-life work experience, I’ve had a lot of exposure to the business environment. A lot of my courses involved working with real companies to solve real problems.

Now, I’m looking to leverage everything I’ve learned in university and get some hands-on work experience.”

Read a full recent graduate resume example here.

#66. College Student Sample Answer

“I'm currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science at X State University, where I've been actively involved in both academic and extracurricular activities. My coursework rigorously focuses on software development and data structures, but my extracurricular activities also involve computer science. I’m part of the university's coding club, where we organize weekly hackathons and coding challenges, so it’s both fun and practical.

In addition to that, I work part-time at the campus tech support center. I mostly help students and faculty with hardware and software issues when they arise. The job taught me how to communicate complex technical information clearly, so it was a great stepping stone.

Now, I'm eager to apply my academic learning and practical experience in a real-world setting, so this internship looked perfect. I’m hoping to contribute to and learn from innovative projects within your tech team.”

Read a full college freshman resume example here.

#67. College Applicant Sample Answer

“So, my name is John, and I’m a senior at School XYZ. 

This year, I managed to maintain a 3.7 GPA while working on a few different school projects. I started an ‘Ernest Hemingway Book Club’ which has up to 15 active members as of now. And I also launched a recycling program for the campus, through which we raised awareness and invited an outside guest lecturer to speak about the subject.

I tend to be teamwork-oriented and reliable, as I’ve never missed a deadline. I’m also proud of my ability to preserve and overcome any challenges that come up. For example, last year, I was having some trouble with trigonometry. I realized I needed to dedicate more time to the subject, so I met with a teacher outside the class and set aside two extra hours per day for the subject. Eventually, I ended up with an A in the subject.

At University X, I’m planning to either major in English or Journalism. I love reading and writing, so I think both programs are going to be interesting and relevant to my interests.”

Read a full college application resume example here.

#68. High School Student Sample Answer

“I am a junior at XYZ High School, and I’m pretty active in both my studies and extracurricular activities. My best subjects are Biology and English, but I’m also part of our school's debate team. I think that taught me valuable skills in public speaking and critical thinking.

I'm currently looking for a part-time job to gain practical experience and learn new skills outside of an academic environment. I like meeting new people, I’m a good driver, and I have a great sense of direction, so I think the delivery driver job is perfect for me. I have  a proactive attitude I can bring to your team, so I’m confident I’ll fit right in.”

Read a full high school resume example here.

Other Sample Answers

#69. architect sample answer.

“I have over a decade of experience as an architect, specializing in sustainable urban development. My work has included designing eco-friendly residential complexes and commercial spaces that prioritize energy efficiency and environmental impact.

A standout project was a mixed-use development that received a LEED Gold certification and significantly reduced its carbon footprint. I'm skilled in using advanced design software like AutoCAD and Revit, which helps me create detailed and precise architectural plans. I also collaborate closely with engineers and environmental consultants to make sure that all our sustainability goals are met.

I'm excited about the opportunity to bring my expertise in green architecture to your firm since you share my commitment to sustainability. Your innovative projects seem like just the thing where I can put my skills to good use.”

Read a full architect resume example here.

#70. Electrical Engineer Resume Sample Answer

“I recently graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering from New Hampshire State University. I focused on power systems and renewable energy solutions during my studies. Then, during my final year, I led a project team to develop a solar-powered charging station that won the university's innovation award. The project honed my technical skills and considerably deepened my understanding of sustainable energy technologies.

I've also interned at GreenTech Solutions, where I helped with the design and implementation of energy-efficient systems. That really solidified my interest in practical applications of renewable energy, and it gave me some much needed hands-on experience.

Now, I’m ready and eager to apply my academic knowledge and internship experience in a real-world setting. Especially in a place like your company - you’re really well known for your sustainability initiatives and how you value innovation, so I was really excited when I saw your ad.”

Read a full electrical engineer resume example here.

#71. Interior Designer Sample Answer

“I graduated with a degree in Interior Design from a Creative Arts College two years ago, and I’ve been working with a renowned design firm since. I've mostly focused on residential projects, transforming clients' visions into functional and aesthetically pleasing living spaces.

My approach combines contemporary design principles with the clients' personal styles, so I make sure that each project is unique and reflective of their needs. One of my key projects was a complete renovation of a historic home, which was featured in a regional design magazine. I'm also proficient in 3D modeling software such as SketchUp and AutoCAD, which helps in presenting realistic and detailed visuals to clients.

I'm really excited about the opportunity to bring my creative vision and technical expertise to your firm. I’ve seen your portfolio, and you clearly value innovative and personalized designs, and that’s exactly the direction I want to take my career in.”

Read a full interior designer resume example here.

#72. Construction Project Manager Sample Answer

“I have been a Construction Project Manager for over five years. I mostly do commercial building projects. My experience includes overseeing the construction of high-rise office buildings and retail complexes, and I always make sure our projects are completed on time, within budget, and to high quality standards.

A notable achievement of mine was when I managed the development of a downtown office tower, which came in 10% under budget and was completed two weeks ahead of schedule. I'm adept at negotiating with contractors, managing supply chains, and adhering to strict safety regulations.

Now, I’m looking for a new challenge. I'm eager to bring my expertise in project management, budget optimization, and team leadership to your company since you have a reputation for excellence in construction. I’m looking forward to contributing to your future projects.”

Read a full construction project manager resume example here.

#73. Operations Manager Sample Answer

“I have five years of experience as an Operations Manager in the logistics sector, where I've successfully streamlined operations to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. My role involved overseeing warehouse operations, transportation, and supply chain management for a leading distribution company.

A key accomplishment was when I implemented an automated inventory system that reduced processing times by 25% and cut logistics costs by 15%. I also led a team that improved delivery accuracy, and customer satisfaction ratings rose significantly.

I recently moved here, so I started looking for a job in the same field, and I was excited when I saw your ad. I think I can really contribute my expertise in operational efficiency and process optimization to your organization.”

Read a full operations manager resume example here.

#74. Event Planner Sample Answer

“I recently graduated with a degree in Hospitality Management from Providence City College, where I discovered my passion for event planning. During my studies, I organized several university events, including panel discussions and seasonal balls, so I honed my skills in project management, vendor coordination, and budgeting.

I had an internship at a prominent event planning company, which put me on the right path. I solidified those skills I gained, and the internship had me assist in organizing large-scale corporate events and weddings. I had to make sure every detail met client expectations, and I learned all about working under pressure.

I am passionate about creating memorable experiences for my clients, and I thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments. I am eager to bring my skills and fresh ideas to your team, so we can exceed client expectations together.”

Read a full event planner resume example here.

#75. Warehouse Worker Sample Answer

“I actually come from a retail background - spent the last 5 years running the stockroom operations at a couple of big box stores. Day-to-day, I was responsible for receiving shipments, managing inventory counts using handheld scanners, and ensuring the backroom was organized and properly stocked.

It was fast-paced work, having to process tons of products each day and quickly get them out on the sales floor. I got really good at staying on top of inventory levels and lazy-loading pallets efficiently. Safety was also a big priority to prevent any warehouse accidents or damages.

Dealing with high-volume inventory in that stockroom environment is what sparked my interest in the warehouse position you’re hiring for. I’m looking for something new, and I already have this knack for keeping things organized and moving products accurately. I've built up stamina and don't mind the physical side of the job either.”

Read a full warehouse worker resume example here.

#76. Welder Sample Answer

“I completed a welding certification at Technical Institute two years ago and have been working in the field since, gaining hands-on experience in MIG, TIG, and stick welding techniques. I've been involved in a range of projects at my current job in a construction firm.

Anything ranging from small custom fabrications to large structural builds are within my expertise, so I’ve been honing my precision and skills under different conditions for a while now. I've also taken a few additional courses in metallurgy and safety protocols to enhance my knowledge and make sure I’m compliant with industry standards. 

Now that I’m looking for a new job, I'm excited about the opportunity to bring my expertise to your team. Your company's stands out with quality craftsmanship and a dedication to safety that’s non-negotiable in this job, so I feel like I would be a good fit.”

Read a full welder resume example here.

#77. Real Estate Agent Sample Answer

“I have been a licensed real estate agent for over five years. I’m mostly familiar with residential properties in the urban market. My experience includes both buying and selling homes, and I've consistently exceeded sales targets through strategic marketing and personalized client service.

A highlight of my career was orchestrating a complex sale that involved several properties. I managed it through careful coordination and negotiation, and the result was a significant profit for my clients.

I'm well-versed in the latest real estate know-how and market analysis tools, so that lets me provide clients with insightful advice and great service. I'm excited to bring my expertise and client-focused approach to your firm, since I’m sure I can contribute to your continued growth.”

Read a full real estate agent resume example here.

#78. Flight Attendant Sample Answer

“I completed my certification in Airline Cabin Crew Training last year and started working for a regional budget airline. I had the opportunity to hone the skills I need to ensure passenger safety and comfort.

My previous job involved everything from conducting safety briefings to providing personalized customer service and handling any in-flight emergencies. During my time there, we made improvements in our onboard service, which enhanced passenger satisfaction, so our airline started booking 15% more flights than the previous year.

I decided I was ready for a new challenge, so when I saw your ad, I decided to apply. I thrive in dynamic environments, and I’m great at maintaining a calm, professional demeanor even under pressure. I think my dedication and skills can let me contribute to a prestigious international airline like yours, and that’s a great next step for my career in aviation.”

Read a full flight attendant resume example here.

#79. Paralegal Sample Answer

“I'm a recent graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Legal Studies and a Paralegal Certificate. I gained exposure to legal research throughout my coursework, which includes writing briefs and document management.

Last summer, I had the opportunity to intern at a corporate law firm, where I assisted attorneys with case preparation and filing. That hands-on experience solidified my understanding of paralegal duties and made me familiar with legal software and databases.

I really enjoyed the fast-paced environment and being able to collaborate with legal teams to build strong cases. I'm also an organized multi-tasker with a keen eye for detail, which makes it easier for me to juggle deadlines and volumes of documentation.

I can confidently say that I thrive in high-pressure environments that require problem-solving skills. With my enthusiasm to take on new challenges and my commitment to learning quickly, I'm confident I can provide you with valuable paralegal support from day one.”

Read a full paralegal resume example here.

#80. Social Worker Sample Answer

“I'm switching from a career in education to social work, and bringing over seven years of experience as a school counselor with me. My role involved supporting students with diverse needs, developing intervention strategies, and collaborating with parents and teachers to increase student’s welfare.

Recently, I completed a Master's degree in Social Work to get started in the field. I noticed how often my work as a student counselor was just problems that were stemming from outside the school, so I wanted to find the root cause. The degree helped me really deepen my understanding of systemic issues and learn different therapeutic techniques.

My focus was always on child and family welfare, and I had the opportunity to do an internship with some fieldwork recently at a local social services agency. Now, I’m ready for the next step in my career, and when I saw your ad, I knew I had to apply.

I'm drawn to your organization's commitment to community empowerment and mental health. I really want to apply my counseling skills and social work training in a new setting so I can advocate for individuals and families facing different challenges.”

Read a full social worker resume example here.

Key Takeaways

And that’s the end of our guide!

By now, we’re sure you’re ready to confidently talk about yourself during your next job interview.

But before you go, let’s recap the most important points we mentioned in this article:

• This question is a favorite during job interviews since it breaks the ice and lets the interviewer see how well you can think on your feet.
• Make sure you keep your answer relevant and brief - you want to be talking for one to two minutes, tops. No one wants to hear your whole life story.
• Always structure your answer in a way that makes sense. Stick to the past-present-future format, and you should be good.
• Your top achievements and relevant work experience should make up the majority of your answer, but if you’re a recent graduate, you can focus more on academic know-how.

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

100 Best Things to Write About When You’re All Out of Ideas

Want to be a writer but can’t think of anything to write? Use these 100 writing topic ideas and writing prompts to get inspired and stay motivated.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter

Writing can be one of life’s most fulfilling and satisfying experiences. But what can you do when you hit a creative block or are unsure what your writing voice is? Every writer will tell you just get writing. We have fifty-five writing ideas plus writing prompts, so you can discover your amazing writing potential just waiting to be expressed. 

100 Writing Ideas When You Don’t Know What to Write

These ideas are organized by theme and topic for easy reference whenever you’re unsure what to write. Don’t forget to print or bookmark this article so you can refer to it when needed. 

Personal Experiences And Anecdotes

In Anne Lammott’s classic book on writing, Bird by Bird, she encourages writers to start by writing their personal experiences. 

“You own everything that happened to you. Tell your stories.” —Anne Lamott, Author

These are eight ideas to help you write about your personal experiences. 

• Your Life and Memories

Even if you don’t think your life is interesting, it’s still a treasure trove of source material and inspiration! Start with your earliest memory or something that seems mundane but holds a special place in your heart. Get as detailed as possible.

• What were you feeling?
• Add sight, smell, taste, and texture.
• Describe the people and environment. 
• Connect your memory from the past to something in the present. 
• Try to communicate a mood or your feelings without directly telling us the mood or feeling. 
• Interests & Hobbies

People love to learn new things, and if you have personal experience or knowledge about a topic, you’re the perfect person to write about it. You don’t have to have a Ph.D. in British literature to write about Jane Austen, and you certainly don’t need to be an expert on everything about relationships to write about dating.

Your personal experiences give you a unique view of the subject. Instead of trying to write as an expert (unless you are!), write from your unique angle. 

Maybe you crochet because you live with a chronic illness and need something you can do from bed. Or maybe you’re obsessed with trains because a train engine is easier to understand than interpersonal relationships. 

When writing about interests and hobbies, start with why you love this thing. The rest will follow. 

• Experiences From the Every Day

You may think writing about experiences means going on dramatic global adventures or doing daring and shocking things in daily life. Skip the drama and intrigue––some of the most interesting writing is about mundane things.  

What do you do every day? Write about it. For example, 5% of the American workforce 1 https://www.census.gov/content/dam/Census/library/publications/2021/acs/acs-48.pdf takes public transport daily. What does that feel like? Do you have to wake up an hour earlier to get to work on time? Do you worry about your safety? Does public transportation give you freedom, or does it limit what you can do?

5% of Americans will identify with your experiences. For the rest of the population, your writing could offer insight and understanding of an experience far from their own. 

Maybe you’ve lived in Hong Kong and New York. The public transportation between these two places is incredibly different. Or maybe you live in India, where public transport 2 https://www.uitp.org/news/energy-transition-and-climate-action-public-transport-india-2022-budget/ has been an ongoing concern for years. Write about that. 

Pro Tip: Write about how experiences vary by time, location, and even for different people. 

• Feelings and Emotions

How are you feeling today? Get into the practice of reflecting on your feelings and emotions , either at the start or the end of the day. You’ll build emotional intelligence through self-awareness as you write down your feelings. 

Being connected to your emotions is vital to the writing process. It facilitates writing from multiple perspectives and understanding what motivates people. Whether you’re writing a blog for a specific audience or the next great novel, you’ll need that. 

Short List of Feelings and Emotions:

• Disappointed
• Thoughts and Ponderings

Do you ever wonder why mockingbirds sing or feel like the blossoming of cherry trees is a symbol of beauty and regeneration? Whatever you think about, even the most random passing thought can be the foundation for beautiful writing.

Pro Tip: Carry paper and pencil with you, or use your notes app on your phone to quickly record your thoughts as they come. Those short notes you made on the commute to work or at night when you can’t sleep may be the seed for something longer. When you aren’t sure what to write about, look over those notes and think about whether you could write an article, a poem, or if it’s even a plot premise for a new book. 

• Dreams Without Pressure

Keep a notebook by your bed and write down your dreams as soon as you wake up. Don’t rely on doing it later because, as we all know, dreams often dissolve from memory if they aren’t recorded immediately.

As well as being a good practice for processing your unconscious thoughts, it gets you into the practice of writing without the pressure of anyone seeing what you’ve written. 

• Goals Through the Year

We’re a big advocate of setting goals at the start of the year! But you can also write down your goals and aspirations throughout the year. 

Write down your goals and the steps you’ll need to get there, and don’t forget to add specific goals to your writing. This could include a weekly word count, submitting your writing at least once a month, joining a writer’s group, completing your novel by the end of the year, etc.

How To Set Better Goals Using Science

Do you set the same goals over and over again? If you’re not achieving your goals – it’s not your fault! Let me show you the science-based goal-setting framework to help you achieve your biggest goals.

• Quirky and Strange Family

Whether it’s your family history or the quirky and strange personalities that make up your family unit, writing about your family can offer insight into who you are. Try taking a step back as you write to observe your family members with less emotion and judgment.

Be curious, and explore what makes your family special, surprising, or intriguing. Even if you don’t have a good relationship with family members, look for things you can appreciate our respect as you write about them.

Pro Tip: Ask questions! We often think we know everything about our family, but there are probably experiences and events you’ve never heard about. 

Current Events And News Stories

When writing about current events, it’s important to be informed before you write and respectful of the people you’re reporting on. Don’t be afraid to be controversial, but don’t seek controversy just for the sake of it. 

As you approach any news story, differentiate between opinion and report. Even if you have a personal perspective, your feelings shouldn’t be included in a news report. That’s what opinion pieces are for.

Let’s dive into five different ways to cover the news. 

• Local Perspective on Local Events

If you want to report on local events, get involved in your community. Make connections with key people, and always be on the lookout for stories. Even if you’re not writing for a publication, you can write about local events to get experience writing and sharpen your observation skills. 

Action Steps: Attend a festival or other event and see if you can identify the person in charge. Tell them you’re writing an article about the event and ask if you can have five minutes of their time. If they say no, thank them for their time, leaving them with a good impression of you. They may prove to be a contact for you later! 

Interview at least three people attending the event and practice taking good pictures. If you submit your story to a local paper, they will want photos. 

Pro Tip: Research the event, performer, or location and prepare some interesting interview questions in advance. When you ask questions, get permission to record them using a voice memo app on your phone. Have paper and pencil so you can jot down some quick notes as well. 

• Global events from a Local Perspective

Global events offer a constant source for writing topics. Even if you can’t write knowledgeably about foreign relations, you may be able to offer a local perspective on a global concern. Subscribe to a good news round-up , preferably nonpartisan, to get a daily overview of what’s happening. Plus, check several different partisan news sources to get an idea of the difference in reports. 

• Opinion Pieces On Social Or Political Issues

If you’ve been tracking local and global news for a while, you’ll start forming educated opinions. Not to be confused with what people write on social media every day. If you’re going to write opinion pieces, start developing a robust research process that integrates both the present and an understanding of the past. 

Action Step: Pick a social or political issue to start researching. Think critically about the present and ask questions. For example, instead of looking at the labor strikes in England based only on the present, consider the context of British history. Research the first labor strike (The General Strike of 1926) and explore the various responses to and interactions with labor workers by the Conservative and Labor parties. 

Pro Tip: If you don’t have a good grasp on global history, sign up for a class at your local college or start reading books that cover topics relevant to current social or political issues. Again, read and study varying perspectives. 

• Political Events

You’ll have plenty to choose from to write about political events! We recommend taking a similar approach to this as you would for an opinion piece––context is everything. If you view politics only through what you see happening in front of you, you may get a skewed and imbalanced view of things. 

Action Step: Pick a political event you’d like to write about, then look for articles that offer a roundup of the most significant world events in X year. Gather roundups from at least the past five years and see if you can trace how politics have progressed or regressed. 

Pro Tip: Want to get really serious? Do an intensive deep dive into political commentaries on the topic and read up on the history of that country or location. 

• Social Events

Social events are lighter and a quicker news topic to cover, but can be just as interesting and relevant to local communities! Subscribe to local newsletters and magazines, and start attending networking events so you can be aware of events before they happen. If you’re covering social events, be prepared to interact with people attending the event, and make sure to take photos. 

Travel And Adventure Stories

Magazines and online publications are always looking for travel and adventure stories, so if you like to travel, you should be writing about it! There are several approaches you can take when writing about travel, so use these ideas if you’re overwhelmed by the thought of writing about your last adventure. 

To start writing travel and adventure, look for Facebook groups or other forums for the location that you’re visiting. People constantly post about their favorite restaurants and events that are happening, and you might even pick up interesting information from the latest local drama. Sometimes this is more reliable than online reviews or roundup posts written by people who have never set foot in the location they are writing about. 

Let’s get into seven different ideas for writing about travel and adventure. 

• Research Other Cultures

You’ll have to do significant research to write about other cultures, but it’s definitely worth it. Learning about other cultures can be enriching and helps both you and your reader see the world in a new way. Try to research before traveling to learn about acceptable communication and avoid doing things that could be seen as offensive. 

While experiencing the culture, ask questions, go to places off the beaten path, and, most importantly, be respectful. 

Pro Tip: Avoid criticizing when writing about another culture, and please don’t objectify people. Or better yet, write about your own culture!

• Where to Stay

Researching a good place to stay is often the most intimidating thing about traveling to a new place. So if you can write well about this, you’ll be meeting a real pain point for many people. 

When traveling, ask for local tips about neighborhoods that are less safe for foreigners or out-of-towners. You might ask someone where their family stays when they come to town or what hotels have a good reputation. 

Check out these top tips from Lonely Plant to make your travel writing even better. 

As a writer, think about what you can add to the conversation that makes it fresh. Skip all the regular tourist destinations, and do a deep dive into what makes a place special or exciting. Here are some fun ways to get a unique view of the place you’re visiting and gather unique suggestions for things to do.

• Get on a bus without a destination in mind.
• Stay at a bed and breakfast and interact with the owner.
• Hire a tour guide and ask them to take you to their favorite childhood hangout.

Pro Tip: Read a novel written by a local about the location you’re visiting. You’ll get an insider perspective on where you’re going and may learn about a location or fact that isn’t in the guidebooks. 

• What to Pack

Packing the right things can make a trip more enjoyable or even downright frustrating. Use your knowledge of the location to suggest what people should pack. Here are some questions to help you put together a location-specific packing list.

• How do locals dress? 
• Are there religious or social customs around clothing that should be respected? 
• What is suitable footwear? 
• Do most people walk everywhere, take public transport, or drive?
• What adaptors are needed for electronics?
• Are there any safety concerns?
• What food is available for those with dietary restrictions? 
• What’s the weather like at specific times of the year?
• What over-the-counter medicine is available? 
• Is this a shopping destination, or is it remote and hard to get to shops of any kind? 
• Stresses and Challenges

While travel and adventure can appear glamorous, countless stresses and challenges are involved. That’s the type of content that is interesting, so don’t feel like you need to censor or sanitize your travel experiences. Obviously, you need to think about your audience and what publication you’re writing for, but sharing challenges can make your experiences more relatable. 

• The Stories of People You Met

Let’s start with the caveat––anytime you’re writing about other people, respect their privacy and their stories. 

With that in mind, when you travel, try to make human connections. It can be incredibly lonely when you’re traveling, especially in another country. And while it may be tempting to simply eat the food and see the sights, slow down a little and interact with locals in the location you’re visiting. After all, this is their home. Taking time to talk to others, ask questions, and even listen to their stories is a way to respect the environment you’re visiting as an outsider. 

When you write about places, write about people. 

Pro Tip: Don’t just go for the spectacular beaches of Costa Rica. Go to hear the dancing melody of the Spanish language, talk to the artisans selling their handmade products, and meet the families growing coffee for generations.

Don’t just go to Singapore because you watched Crazy Rich Asians and love boba tea. Go to learn about a country that was greatly altered by rapid urbanization and is considered one of the most religiously diverse countries in the world. Wherever you travel, go to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the local people.  

• Photo Essays

If you love to write and take photos, the photo essay has been waiting for you to discover it! Photo essays offer an immersive experience for your reader. 

The photos should create a narrative or theme that your writing will support and expand on. 

Types of photo essays:

• Events such as protests or demonstrations, parades, or rallies
• A walking tour of a location
• Documenting the changes at a single place over a period of time 
• Street Fashion
• Day in the life
• Food from a specific culture, a single ingredient, or a roundup of food locations in a city.
• A religious tradition
• A common place in different locations. Such as public transportation, hotel rooms, restaurants, and beaches. For example, you would take photos of public transportation in each country or state you visit, and create a theme around the commonalities and differences. 

Reviews Of Books, Movies, Or TV Shows

Practice your writing skills and share your opinions with these pop culture writing topics.

• New books from your favorite author
• Books from your favorite genre
• A roundup of the best books of the year
• Hot new authors to pay attention to
• Movies everyone should watch
• Themed lists of movies 
• TV shows they should bring back
• TV shows everyone has been waiting for

How-To Guides Or Tutorials On Specific Skills Or Hobbies

How-to guides and tutorials are always popular! If you’ve got a skill, we can almost guarantee there is someone out there who wants to learn.

• About your hobbies
• Trending hobbies
• Detailed steps on how to do something
• A skill you have 
• A skill you want to learn
• A skill someone important taught you
• A product you love
• Products people are raving about
• An underappreciated product
• List of supplies needed for a skill or hobby
• How to overcome a barrier to learning a skill

Reflections On Life, Love, Or Happiness

Human emotions are complex, and people love reading about other people’s relational fails or successes. Share some of your interpersonal stories and tips with these topic ideas. 

• Things that make you happy, sad, or angry
• Things that make you relaxed
• Things that inspire you
• Relationship tips
• Relationship challenges
• Summer love
• School love
• Surprising love stories

Funny Things to Write About

Humor can make a serious topic more approachable or relatable. Plus, good humor in writing is surprisingly hard to find. If you’re skilled at writing humorous stories or articles, that’s not a skill to sleep on. 

• Things that happened to you
• Things you’ve seen or heard
• Things you’ve read about
• Humorous or satirical takes on everyday situations

Why Use Writing Prompts?

Writing prompts are something even the best writers use at times to spark creativity, find new ways of expression, and help with focusing on a topic or theme. 

Plus, writing prompts are a nice diversion when you’re blocked on another piece of writing. 

We’ve written some fun and interesting prompts to keep you going. 

Things to Write Poems About

Fact: Poetry didn’t die out with the modern world. We need poetry now just as much as people in times past. If you’re struggling to get started, try these poetry prompts. 

• The shape and color of light on the object in front of you.
• The texture of the carpet under your foot.
• How you felt when someone told you they loved you.
• How you felt when someone wasn’t there for you.
• The rhythm of moving water.
• The smell of sunshine and freshly cut grass.
• Your father’s hands.
• Your mother’s smile.
• Being sick as a kid.
• Letting go of a dream.
• The visceral feeling of heartbreak.
• The sound of public transportation.
• The smell of city life.
• The rhythms of rural life.
• The sight of children playing.
• The feel of the trousers you’re wearing today. 

Poetry Resources:

• Poetry Foundation
• Poetry Magazine Foundation Submissions 
• 100 Best Places to Submit Poetry

Things to Write About When Bored

Next time your bored, don’t reach for your phone! As a writer, you’ll need empty space so unexpected ideas have room to grow. Instead of distracting yourself when bored, settle into it as an opportunity to become a better writer. 

• Imagine you’re a dog, and you’ve just discovered your favorite toy is missing. Write a scene or short story written from the first perspective. 
• If you don’t have any siblings, write an event that happened in your life but add a sibling to that moment. If you have siblings, think about an event in your life where a sibling played an important role. Now, rewrite that moment and what would have happened if your sibling didn’t exist.
• What do you see in front of you? Write about an object that you can see as if it were a product that you had to sell. Give it an imaginary function, and write about it by considering who you would sell it to. 
• A thank you note to someone special in your life.

Things to Write Songs About

• The classic breakup song, but add an unexpected twist.
• Your toothbrush.
• How it feels waking up at home.
• Write a melody that mirrors the rhythm of the wind in the trees.
• The summer you lived overseas.
• A dream that was taken away.
• The way your child looks when they are happy.
• The sound of plants growing (if you could hear that).

Resources for Songwriters

• The Songwriter’s Club Facebook Group
• The American Society of Composers, Authors & Publishers 
• Broadcast Music International (BMI)

Things to Write About Yourself

Think about your family history within the context of time and place. Did you grow up with Florida sunsets, church barbeques, Bugs Bunny, and listening to 90s grunge? Or were you raised with miners’ strikes, Margaret Thatcher, and Jacob’s Trio biscuits? Your life may seem boring at best, but your experiences can provide delightful vignettes or source material for a novel. 

• What food did everyone bring to lunch when you were a kid? Write about what it felt like to always have that food or never have it. 
• What was your favorite school hot lunch? Write a detailed scene about the smells, taste, and whether you ate alone or had lots of friends. 
• What was the political climate when you were in grade school? Do you remember being aware of any of it? If not, research a political event when you were 11, and write a scene where it impacts you without knowing it. 
• Write about something a parent did that drove you crazy growing up. Then, connect it to a good memory where you felt loved and safe. 
• Write about your favorite summer memory.
• Write a slow and poetic narrative about the city or town you grew up in.
• Write about a change that shifted how you experience the world (e.g., a move, parents getting divorced, a new sibling, a friend leaving, etc.).
• How do people see you? How do you wish people saw you?

Resources for Nonfiction Writers:

• The Whiting Foundation Nonfiction Grants
• What is Narrative Nonfiction?
• Nonfiction Groups (North America)

Things to Write Stories About

If you’re ready to write a novel or a short story, but don’t have any inspiration, try using a plot generator . We tested Reedsy, and it’s pretty fun! Here are some examples.  

A veteran who is weary. A reporter who is deaf. It’s a family saga story about overcoming insecurities. It kicks off in a manor with a job offer. (Note that: someone in the story had a troubled childhood.) And there’s a twist! You should tell the story in epistolary form.

A detective who is cynical. A pilot who is poor. It’s a hardboiled PI story about blackmail. It kicks off at a farmhouse with news that a research institute’s confidential database has been hacked. (Note that: the case in this story will span four decades.) And there’s a twist! Everyone in the story dies.

A jockey who can be stubborn. A barista, who is cautious. It’s a romantic suspense story about standing up for oneself. It kicks off near a yard sale with a runaway cat. (Note that: both protagonists are always in the right place at the wrong time.) And there’s a twist! The two protagonists never manage to meet in person.

Resources for Novelists and Short Story:

• How to Write a Novel
• How to Write Compelling Content For Yourself and Your Audience
• How to Write a Book: 10 Questions to Ask Before You Start Writing
• One Story Literary Magazine

Things to Write About in a Letter

While most people don’t write letters anymore, there’s something special about this mode of communication. Don’t worry about saying something profound or having lots of news to share when writing a letter. A letter is similar to writing in your diary, but of course, not quite so vulnerable or uncensored. Write what you think, and share your feelings without worrying about the content or structure. Use these writing prompts to start your letter.

• Last week, I was surprised by…
• I am sitting… and I can see …
• Remember when…
• I always think of you when…
• Did you know…? 
• I was thinking about… 
• Lately, I’ve been feeling…
• You’ll never believe who I saw last week… 

Resources & Tools for Writers

• Writer’s Digest
• Writer’s Digest Competitions
• Nuance Dictation Tool $
• Descript Audio and Video Transcription Free and $
• Scrivener Writing Tool $$
• Reedsy Book Formatting 
• Poets and Writers Contests and Training
• Narrative Magazine Contests & Prizes
• Critique Circle for Beta Readers
• Wattpad Self Publishing Platform
• She Writes––Self Publishing Business Advice for Women
• Submittable

Tips & Tricks to Find Inspiration and Overcome Writer’s Block

These are eight of our best tips and tricks to help you when writing feels like a drag. 

• Change your environment. Go to a local cafe, restaurant, botanical garden, or park. The new setting can help clear your head and even give you a chance to people-watch for character development. 
• Know when to push through and when to stop. Somedays, you just have to sit down and write. On other days, if writing is like pulling teeth, try taking a short walk or doing something different for the day. 
• Write about things that interest you. There’s nothing worse than writing about a topic that makes you yawn. Even if it’s not a topic you’d like to write about, try to find a unique angle or something you can learn through the process. 
• Research more. If you’re struggling to get through writer’s block, ditch writing and start researching. Make notes and even create stick figure drawings to capture concepts to reference later.
• Keep a journal. Journaling can provide a rich source of inspiration for your writing practice. There’s no pressure because no one sees what you write in a journal, but it can help you get down thoughts and feelings or things you want to remember for a project down the road. 
• Get in a writer’s group. Even if you’re an introvert, being in a supportive community can change everything for you as a writer. Writing can be lonely, and you need support to stay motivated, get fresh ideas, and have your ideas tested and pushed even further.
• Keep a source file. Any time you come across an interesting study, article, or image, save that in a file or bookmark it on your computer. When you’re feeling bogged down or uninspired, cull through your sources to get inspiration. 
• Set goals. Accomplishing even small goals like a weekly word count or writing time can give you a dopamine rush and motivate you to keep writing. 

Now that you have everything imaginable to write about, get going! We’re excited to imagine what you’ll produce. Curious about what a writing process looks like? Check out Vanessa Van Edwards’s Writing Process for the book Captivate and watch our video below:

Article sources

Popular guides, how to deal with difficult people at work.

Do you have a difficult boss? Colleague? Client? Learn how to transform your difficult relationship. I’ll show you my science-based approach to building a strong, productive relationship with even the most difficult people.

Related Articles

Science of People offers over 1000+ articles on people skills and nonverbal behavior.

Get our latest insights and advice delivered to your inbox.

It’s a privilege to be in your inbox. We promise only to send the good stuff.

Things you buy through our links may earn Vox Media a commission

60 ‘Fun Facts About Me’ Ideas to Introduce Yourself With

Coming up with “fun facts” is never actually fun — more like a boring chore or, even worse, an anxiety -inducing prompt that somehow makes your mind go blank. But they exist for a reason. Whether the context is work , school, or your new book club , the impulse to ask for a fun fact is rooted in a desire to encourage connection. At best, a fun fact is an opportunity to offer a more well-rounded picture of who you are beyond your degree or your job description. Think of it this way: What do you want someone to start a conversation with you about later? Or, what’s an aspect of your identity that you want to lead with in the environment where the fun fact is being requested? It could be anything, from your sense of humor to the nuances of your gender.

A great way to combat that stressful on-the-spot feeling when you’re asked for a fun fact is to be prepared. Know that, in any new environment you enter, there’s a chance you’ll need one, and plan for it ahead of time. That’s where we come in.

Here are 60 ideas and prompts you can keep in your back pocket for the next time you’re asked.

1. Your proudest atypical accomplishment: the time you built an Ikea dresser in an hour flat, your Jenga title, your famous Super Bowl dip.

2. Your most prized collection. Whether it’s old coins, stamps, shopping bags, or Frank Ocean magazine covers, this is a perfect “fun” fact.

3. Your biggest (nonserious) fear. You don’t want to get too vulnerable here (“My biggest fear is death” may chill the room a bit), but if you’ve got a very specific, less common fear, like chipmunks or being scratched, go with that.

4. The first job you wanted when you were a little kid.

5. Your high-school superlative. ( Unless you won, like, “Most Popular” or “Most Likely to Succeed.” No, thanks! Keep it to yourself!)

6. Your go-to comfort-binge TV show. Say something like Abbott Elementary , Friends , The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air , and people will be like “Ha, same!” and never think of it again. (Ideal.)

7. Something you were embarrassingly late to realize. Like finding out narwhals are a real animal or that Forrest Gump was actually not based on a true story.

8. Your celebrity crush. The best options here fit in the “ Totally Kind of Hot ” category — not universal but niche relatable.

9. Your best celebrity sighting. Personally, I once saw Lindsay Lohan smoking a cigarette on a stoop in downtown St. Paul!

10. How many tattoos/piercings you have. This one could be considered a little risqué (like … where are they?), so you’ve got to feel out the office vibe first.

11. What your last meal on Earth would be.

12. The trip you most want to take but haven’t yet. (For me, Roswell, New Mexico, for alien reasons.)

13. An embarrassing piece of trivia from your Spotify or other music-streaming account. Most of the apps create a year in review for you, so you may as well use it.

14. Your favorite word. (Probably don’t pick one that’s NSFW.)

15. A superstition you have.

16. The most unusual/severe illness you’ve had.

17. The weirdest (nonsexual!!) thing you can do with your body. The downside here: Be prepared for people to ask you to do it. You’ve been warned!

18. Your most unusual pet.

19. The longest travel delay you’ve ever experienced. People love to commiserate about travel delays.

20. A contest you once won. Like, say, you and your friend dressed up, stood in line, and were rewarded with free Black Eyed Peas tickets from a local radio station.

21. A poem, song, or scene from a movie that you’ve memorized . Just know going in that you may be asked to perform.

22. The amount of prepping you’ve done for the end of the world/your strategy for the climate apocalypse.

23. The animal you would be if you knew you’d be reincarnated as an animal. Just make sure not to use the term spirit animal .

24. The first concert you attended as a teenager (generally gets at least a few nostalgia laughs).

25. The first name your parents almost gave you.

26. The mythical creature/entity you kind of believe in even though you know it isn’t real. (Probably.)

27. The funniest, first, or worst job you had as a teenager.

28. Basic but a reliable conversation starter: Your astrological big three , especially if you strongly disagree with it or strongly relate to it.

29. The one feature you would add to Instagram if you were put in charge of that.

30. The eeriest prediction you made that later came true (or at least partly true).

31. Your birthplace, especially if it’s not where you currently live or grew up, or if it wasn’t in a hospital.

32. The first song you can remember truly loving.

33. The song you love to perform at karaoke.

34. The number of plants you own. This works especially well if it’s an unusually high amount or if it’s zero.

35. Your favorite “bad” smell, like gasoline or attic smell.

36. A sports team you’re a passionate fan of, like the New York Liberty or the Iron Dames .

37. The most ridiculous clothing item you own. Like, say, a purple corduroy gown that is two sizes too big for you and you cannot return.

38. Your favorite childhood book series or video game. Usually relatable!

39. Something you do every week, like morning runs or D&D nights.

40. A Drake song you unfortunately really relate to (or that could have been about you).

41. The name and photos of any recently-born babies you’re related to, whether it’s your own, a sibling’s, or even your best friend’s. Guaranteed “Awwwww”s.

42. A description of your elaborate multi-step skin-care routine .

43. A community effort or organization you’re involved with.

44. Something you can’t do that most people can, like whistling or raising one eyebrow.

45. The last concert you went to.

46. The number of books you own. Again, this is particularly intriguing if you own very many or very few.

47. The funniest role you played in your high school’s theater program.

48. A piece of niche or relatively harmless drama you were at the center of, like if you once tweeted something that caused days of relationship discourse or if you were the reason your middle school wasn’t allowed to bring Tamagotchis to school.

49. A dish or baked good that you make an excellent version of.

50. A low-stakes allergy or dietary restriction or rule you have, like if you’re allergic to watermelon or happen to really hate bacon.

51. Your childhood celebrity crush, especially if it was a cartoon.

52. A minor celebrity you absolutely stan. We’re talking the local news anchor you love or the Love Island contestant you still follow on Instagram.

53. Something you’ve never done that most people have, like gotten a manicure or driven a car.

54. A TikTok dance you learned during early COVID.

55. A seemingly random city you visited for a slightly embarrassing reason, like if you’ve been to Forks, Washington, for Twilight reasons or you went to an ice fishing conference in St. Paul, Minnesota.

56. Your hometown’s claim to fame. If you really don’t want to say anything about yourself, just say you went to the same high school as Bruce Springsteen or whoever. This works better if you’re from a small town.

57. Your breakfast that morning. It’s not too personal and it can even get a few laughs.

58. If the vibe is casual and comfortable enough, you could tell a brief story about a bad date, like “I once showed up to a date and found out the comedy show he’d invited me to was his own.”

59. An art exhibit you recently saw and loved.

60. Insist there’s nothing interesting about you at all. Funny and the only truly respectable option.

• piece of work
• conversations

The Cut Shop

Most viewed stories.

• What’s the Deal With ‘Hawk Tuah’ Girl?
• Madame Clairevoyant: Horoscopes for the Week of June 30–July 6
• What to Know About the Balenciaga Ad Scandal
• BET Awards 2024 Red Carpet: All the Looks  
• The 35-Year-Old Looking for a Man Who Wants Kids

Editor’s Picks

Most Popular

What is your email.

This email will be used to sign into all New York sites. By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive email correspondence from us.

Sign In To Continue Reading

Create your free account.

Password must be at least 8 characters and contain:

• Lower case letters (a-z)
• Upper case letters (A-Z)
• Numbers (0-9)
• Special Characters (!@#$%^&*)

As part of your account, you’ll receive occasional updates and offers from New York , which you can opt out of anytime.

• Newsletters
• Best Industries
• Business Plans
• Home-Based Business
• The UPS Store
• Customer Service
• Black in Business
• Your Next Move
• Female Founders
• Best Workplaces
• Company Culture
• Public Speaking
• HR/Benefits
• Productivity
• All the Hats
• Digital Transformation
• Artificial Intelligence
• Bringing Innovation to Market
• Cloud Computing
• Social Media
• Data Detectives
• Exit Interview
• Bootstrapping
• Crowdfunding
• Venture Capital
• Business Models
• Personal Finance
• Founder-Friendly Investors
• Upcoming Events
• Inc. 5000 Vision Conference
• Become a Sponsor
• Cox Business
• Verizon Business
• Branded Content
• Apply Inc. 5000 US

Inc. Premium

15 Things You Should Be Able to Say About Yourself

Your life is your voice, and what you say about yourself reflects who you are..

What can you say about yourself?

We can say many things--good and bad--but we all want to be able to say things that will make us feel good about ourselves and our influence on others.

If you want to be successful, if you want to be happy, if you want to be healthy, the way to cultivate that life is to know you are living a life that is meaningful.

Here are a few things you should be able to say to let your life be your voice.

1. I followed my heart.

Life is short and everyone has something that they are passionate about. Be able to say that you didn't let fear hold you back. The cost of not following your heart is spending the rest of your life wishing you had.

2. I believe in myself.

Even if you fail, it doesn't mean you will continue to fail. Be able to say you believed in yourself and kept trying. Everything that is successful will begin with you believing in yourself.

3. I live by high standards.

Never apologize for high standards; people who really want to be in your life will rise up to meet them. The quality of who you are is reflected in the standards you set for yourself; position yourself to live up to the rise of your own expectations. 

4. I treat others the way I want to be treated.

Talk to people the way you want to be spoken to; respect people as you wish to be respected. Your status, religion, race, political views, or culture don't matter--being a good person really is as simple as following the golden rule and treating others as you would like them to treat you.

5. I understand how precious time is.

Be able to say that you didn't waste time. Remember that time is free but priceless, that you can't own it but you can spend it--wisely or unwisely. Treat time as a resource to be invested carefully.

6. I look for positivity in all things.

Instead of thinking of all the things that can go wrong, become one of the people who look on how they go right. Your mind is powerful, and when you fill it with positivity your life naturally becomes positive. When you think positive thoughts, positive things will happen.

7. I trust my intuition.

Don't let anyone talk you out of what you know to be true. Trust your inner voice and allow yourself to be led by your intuition. The  more empowered you become, the stronger you become and the happier you become. Avoid going against your better judgment or getting talked into things that don't feel right.

8. I speak up.

When you don't speak up for the things that matter to you, you are not being true to yourself. When you speak your mind, you stand with confidence and gain courage.

9. I am a tough person who has made it through tough times.

The times when life is toughest are often the times that lead you to the most meaningful discoveries. When times are tough, dare to be tougher. Anyone can run away, but facing problems and working through them makes you strong.

10. I am good at letting people know they matter.

No matter how busy you are, make time to let people know they matter. Be there for them, make plans with them, set aside time for relationships.

11. I am a responsible person.

Don't be the person who blames others or makes excuses. One of the most important keys to success is having the discipline to do what you know you should do even when you don't feel like doing it--and those daily decisions often involve taking responsibility for your own choices and actions. Remember that your actions do affect other people, so always be careful with what you say and do.

12. I am grateful.

Gratitude will always make you happy. If you have a hard time finding something to be grateful for, look around you and watch how other people are struggling. Be grateful you have it better, then go out and help others. At the end of the day, it's not that happy people are thankful but that thankful people are happy.

13. I have forgiven those who have hurt me.

Forgiveness takes great strength, but few things are more worth the effort. Life becomes easier and business becomes more manageable when you learn to forgive. The alternative is an endless cycle of resentment and retaliation that strips your energy and humanity.

14. I have no regrets.

Be able to say you took chances, you told the truth, you wronged a right, you spent time with those you love, you followed your heart and lived your passion, you forgave and moved forward with fortitude. The worst form of regret is regret for the chances we didn't take.

15. I am making a difference.

Don't tire of doing little things for others, because sometimes those little things occupy the biggest part of their heart. In life we cannot always do great things, but, as Mother Teresa said,  we can always do small things with great love. At the end it is not only about making a living, it is about making a difference.

The Daily Digest for Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders

Privacy Policy

Interview Questions

Comprehensive Interview Guide: 60+ Professions Explored in Detail

8 Examples of How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself”

By Biron Clark

Published: November 16, 2023

In this article, I’m going to walk you through steps and examples of how to answer the “Tell me about yourself” interview question to impress employers and get more job offers . We’ll also cover the  costly mistakes you NEED to avoid if you want to pass this question. 

Here’s exactly what you’re going to get:

• The most-recommended method of how to answer “tell me about yourself”
• 8 examples of good answers to “tell me about yourself” for various industries
• A shorter, newer method for experienced candidates
• How to practice your answer to make sure you’re 100% ready for the interview

Let’s get started…

Why Do Interviewers Ask “Tell Me About Yourself”

“Can you tell me about yourself ?” is a common interview question that’s generally delivered as an icebreaker or pathfinder question, right at the start of an interview. It can catch you off your guard because it may seem vague, broad, and somewhat tricky. Honestly though, understanding a bit more about why interviewers ask this question (which is often framed as a command) will give you a clear insight into how to answer.

Interviewers ask this question to ease you out of those introductory jitters (that you both feel) and into the nitty-gritty of why you’re there. It’s their way of establishing a direction for the interview because it shows them how you summarize your experience and show its relevance to the job you’re applying for, which in turn tells them what to ask next. Trust me though, your answer needs to be relevant, the interviewer is likely not asking whether you’re a dog or a cat person but rather what background, skills, qualifications and experiences brought you to this interview today. 

Watch: How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself?”

Different ways of asking the same question.

I mentioned how this question can sometimes be framed as a command, i.e: “tell me about yourself,” and so on. There are numerous ways this question might be framed, but all express the same intention on the part of the interviewer, so they should all be answered the same way. Common variants include:

• “Take me through your resume.”
• “Tell me about your background”
• “Describe yourself.”
•   “Can you tell me more about why you’re here?”
• “What brings you here today?”

When it comes to describing yourself, you may wonder where to start, how personal to be, and how far to get into it. “Describe yourself” certainly feels a little more personal than the rest. For insight into how to answer that variant, Read This Article .

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

1. choose the right starting point for your story (important).

Your goal when answering, “tell me about yourself,” is to give a brief, concise walkthrough of your career story that will show off relevant pieces of experience. You want to start at a point in the past (like how you began working in this field), and end up in your current situation. So the first thing to decide is where you’ll begin the story… If you’re a recent graduate: Start with the fact that you just graduated, and explain why you chose this career path or field of area of study.  

For example, you might start your answer like this:

“I graduated with my degree in Economics two months ago. I chose that field of study because I’ve always been interested in finance and money, and a couple of family members told me it leads to great career options, too.”

If you have 1-8 years of experience, start with the moment you graduated and walk them through your employment experience since then.

Here’s an example of how you’d start your interview answer in this situation:

“I graduated with my degree in Industrial Engineering six years ago and immediately went to work for a small design firm in Chicago. Since then, I’ve…”

And if you have 8-20+ years of experience, you can start with a mid-point in your career. This will keep your answer from getting too long.

For example, if you’re a manager, you could start with how you first became a manager. If you’ve been working for 25 years but have only been a sales professional for 12 years, you could begin with how you got started in sales.

Here is an example of how to begin your answer to “tell me about yourself” as a very experienced candidate:

“I first started managing people twelve years ago, when I was promoted from Customer Service Associate to Customer Service Supervisor. Since then, I’ve…”

2. Highlight Impressive Experience and Accomplishments

As you tell your career story, explain key accomplishments you’ve achieved, work you’ve done, skills you’ve learned, and key career moves you’ve made.

• Were you promoted? That’s always a great sign and worth mentioning.
• Did you accomplish something significant like solving a big problem for your last employer?  That’s great to mention, too.
• Did you build new skills or overcome challenges? Get specific! Tell details.

But random impressive facts aren’t enough. You should be thinking about how this ties in with the company you’re talking to.

• You should always research the company before going into the interview . Study their job description in particular so you know what skills THEY care most about.
• What does this particular job involve? Is there a lot of leadership? Talk about your experiences leading (no matter how small!), how it went, and what you learned.
• Does the job involve a high level of technical skill? Talk about how you learned and advanced in that area through each step of your career!
• You need to “tailor” your answer for, “tell me about yourself,” for their job description and their needs. Try to talk about experiences and qualifications that are relevant to this job you’ve applied for.

3. Conclude by Explaining Your Current Situation

Finally, the best way to finish your story is to bring them up to speed on your current situation. Why you wanted to apply for their job , what you’re looking to do next, etc.

For example you might end your answer by saying:

“…and that’s why I wanted to interview with your firm. This position seems like a great opportunity to advance those skills I just talked about, and continue building my career and challenging myself”.

4. Keep Your Answer Work-Related

When employers ask, “tell me about yourself,” in an interview, they usually want to hear about you as a professional. So the safest approach is to keep your answer work-related and share your career story, rather than personal details. You can show more personality as the interview goes on, but it’s risky to share too much personal info when answering, “tell me about yourself.” It could lead to your answer getting too long, or it could cause you to leave out important professional information that the interviewer was looking to know!

5. Be Concise When Answering (2 Minutes or Less!)

When they say “tell me about yourself,” it’s going to be tempting to give a long-winded answer. It’s such an open-ended question. And we covered a lot above, but there’s something just as important as any of that. You need to be concise.  Your communication and ability to stay on track with your answer are two things they are watching closely. The interviewer wants to see that you can tell your story from Point A (the beginning) to Point B (the end) without getting sidetracked, distracted, or scattered. Because it tells them how you’ll communicate as an employee… when there’s a problem, when there’s a disagreement, or when you simply need to share your knowledge or opinion. If you take this answer beyond 2 minutes you are shooting yourself in the foot. In fact, below 90 seconds is ideal. Practice at home with a timer! That’s why I recommend choosing a starting point based on your experience (Step 1 above)… because if you have 25 years of experience and you start at the moment you graduated from college, your answer will be too long.

“Tell Me About Yourself” Example Answers:

Now that we’ve covered the key steps to answering, “tell me about yourself,” let’s look at some full answer examples to this interview question .

Example Answer for Experienced Candidates:

“I graduated with a Business degree in 2010, and was offered an account management position at a telecommunications company I had interned with. I loved working with customers and managing and growing my accounts, but the industry we were in just wasn’t very appealing to me. After that, I stayed a full year and learned a ton about how to build and manage accounts successfully and  I ended up becoming a top performer in my group before leaving. I left at the 1-year-mark to pursue a very similar position within an industry I’m much more excited about- healthcare. I’ve been at this healthcare startup space for 2 years with this company and I feel ready to take my career to the next level so that’s why I’m currently looking for a new opportunity.”

That first example showed you how to answer “tell me about yourself” for experienced job seekers (at least a few years of experience). Now let’s look at an example for entry-level job seekers and job seekers with no experience .

Example Answer With No Experience:

“I graduated with a degree in Engineering two months ago. I chose that field of study because I’ve always been interested in math and physics , and a couple of family members told me it leads to great career options. One of my key accomplishments during my academic career was speaking at a conference on the topic of energy-efficient window design, based on research I had done for one of my senior-level classes. This led to an internship that I just wrapped up, so I’m actively looking for a full-time position now.”

Stand Out by “Tailoring” Your Answer to the Company

The end of your interview answer is a big opportunity to customize your answer for the company and job you’re interviewing for. When you talk about what you’re looking to do next in your career, try to mention whatever you see this company providing for your career (leadership, technical challenges, exposure to new areas, etc.) That shows them why you’re excited about their job, which will help you get hired! (I explain more about why this is true here ). Before we move on to more tips and a HUGE mistake to avoid, here’s one more example interview answer for this question.

Shorter Method for How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself” (For Experienced Candidates Only)

The method I gave you above is the standard way most recruiters recommend answering “tell me about yourself.”  It’s how I coached job seekers to answer this question for years. There’s another way you can answer, though… and it has some benefits. I’ll explain…Many experts have pointed out that if the interviewer wanted your career story, they could have looked at your resume or your LinkedIn , or asked a question like, “can you walk me through your background?” So there’s another approach for answering, “tell me about yourself,” that skips the career story and just cuts right to the chase: Why you’re awesome and why they should hire you !

Let’s look at 2 word-for-word templates that accomplish this.

After this, you’ll have two proven methods for answering, “tell me about yourself” in interviews, and in the next section, I’ll reveal how to decide which method is best for YOU.

Example answer if you’re job searching while employed:

“Well, I’m currently working at XYZ Company and I specialize in doing ___. The reason I applied for this job is I saw ___ on the job description and I think I would be able to help you ___ and ___. One of my key accomplishments in my current role was helping my employer do ___, and I’m confident I can help your team get similar results here.”

Example answer template if unemployed:

“In my most recent position at XYZ Company, I specialized in doing ___. The reason I applied for this job is I saw ___ on the job description and I think I would be able to help you ___ and ___. One of my key accomplishments in my last role for XYZ Company was helping them  ___, and I’m confident I can help your team get similar results here.”

Which Method Should You Use for Your Answer?

If you have work experience, both options we’ve covered are very good, and it really depends on what you feel most comfortable with. Choose the one you like best. They’re both excellent ways to answer the question, so don’t stress over it! However, if you are entry-level and have no work experience… or internships at the very least…  then I would go back to the top of this article and use the first, 5-step method for answering, “tell me about yourself.”

This second method we just covered is really best if you want to give a unique, concise answer and you have some relevant work experience to share in the interview!

“Tell Me About Yourself” Example Answers For Different Industries:

Healthcare:.

“After being licensed six years ago, I immediately entered a busy E.R. setting where I progressed to the point of triaging as many as 50 patients a shift. I’m skilled in patient record-keeping, stabilizing incoming patients, diagnosing injuries, administering meds, doing stitches, starting I.V.s, setting bones and offering emotional support to family members behind the scenes. I’ve adapted to the pressure but feel that, in the long term, I’d be better suited to a slower-paced environment with more focus on establishing lasting patient relationships. I’m ready to take on this post in your busy day clinic and believe that my advanced patient triage skills, along with my empathic nature, would be a great benefit to your team.”

This works because:   This answer outlines your qualifications and extensive background in incoming patient care, triage, diagnosing and record-keeping. Your honesty about long term goals is appreciated. The answer shows how your skills have progressed since you were licensed, and it inspires confidence in your ability to handle a hands-on post at a busy clinic.

Service Industry:

“Having spent eight years in the food and beverage industry, I progressed from head waiter to front of house manager four years ago. I’ve held so many posts in the industry, from runner to waiter to head waiter to manager, but my dedication to quality service has never changed. I believe in knowing my product and process inside and out, uplifting my team members and demonstrating focused positivity throughout. It’s easy to fall into the temper trap when things get busy, but I prefer to knuckle down, smile and get it done. I want my customers to come back for more!”

This works because: This answer makes an impact because of how your personality shines through. The service industry is incredibly stressful, but it’s refreshing to know that you have a proactive, positive attitude to stressful situations, backed up with strong product knowledge and professionalism.

“I’m an accredited software engineer and systems integrator with more than ten years of active development experience. I’m proficient in Ruby, Python, Java, C++ and a wide range of associated languages and frameworks. I’m a team player, and I love bouncing ideas off my colleagues and engaging with diverse perspectives. I like to stay abreast of the latest tech and I’m wildly competitive when it comes to troubleshooting. I’ve also got an eye for detail and clean design and I’m dedicated to delivering a seamless, streamlined experience to the end-user.”

This works because: From this answer, it’s clear that you’re accredited and boast a diversified programming portfolio with plenty of experience in the field. It’s noted that you’re a team player, as teamwork is essential when developing and managing systems for a busy tech enterprise. And your attitude to problem solving , as being competitive will help you find fast and effective solutions.

“I’ve been a retail cosmetic artist and sales assistant for six years and I’m passionate about making clients feel utterly gorgeous! I have a strong knowledge of retail processes, including stock-take, merchandising and sales targeting. If I have to describe my stand-out quality it’s that I love to build up the team, make my colleagues smile and get them motivated to break targets for our department. Above all though, the customer comes first and I’m dedicated to building brand and store loyalty in the customer.”

  This works because: From this answer, it’s obvious you know retail like the back of your hand and that you take pride in breaking targets and boosting the team morale. Your positivity shines through, and you highlight your passion for making clients feel special.

Practice Your Answer Before the Interview

As a final tip – make sure you go practice everything you plan on saying when the interviewer asks, “what can you tell me about yourself?” Nothing comes out perfect the first time, and you don’t want to appear nervous and stumble when they ask.  So I’d recommend grabbing a piece of paper and writing down the key points you want to talk about in your answer. I like to write them in bullet format. Then, use your smartphone’s voice recorder app to record a few practice answers and see how you sound. Don’t look at your notes as you give your answer. The idea is to try to remember what you want to talk about without reading off the paper. Then glance at the paper AFTER to make sure you covered everything. Keep practicing until you can give a smooth answer without forgetting anything important.

Note: If you’re having a phone interview , you can use notes/bullet points to help guide you through your answer. Nobody can see you on the phone, so take advantage!

About the Author

Read more articles by Biron Clark

Continue Reading

12 Expert-Approved Responses to ‘What Makes You Unique?’ in Job Interviews

15 most common pharmacist interview questions and answers, 15 most common paralegal interview questions and answers, top 30+ funny interview questions and answers, 60 hardest interview questions and answers, 100+ best ice breaker questions to ask candidates, top 20 situational interview questions (& sample answers), 15 most common physical therapist interview questions and answers, 29 thoughts on “8 examples of how to answer “tell me about yourself””.

Very helpful

The examples and suggestions are very helpful. Thank you so much.

Wonderful guide

Thanks for these answers. They are so helpful, and so professional.

Thanks again.

This helped me a lot….thank you

Perfect help..I being an experienced lecturer in English communication skills, found myself nervous to answer “Tell me about yourself”. This page helped me a lot just to get back my charm. Thank you.

Good information. This will help a lot

Very good and useful site

Very practical and insightful. Great job!!

Great article and examples. Thank you for sharing.

This was very helpful. Thanks

Thank you for the wonderful guide.

it was really good and helpful, motivational and very easy to understand and practice.

It is very helpful

this example is extremely helpful

This article was really helpful. Thank you!

really helpful

It quite precise and to the point. very informative.

Thank you for helping me simple answer

Thanks for the examples they are very helpful.

Very nice and helpful thanks

This is very useful to me and I learned how to answer the question well

Very great article, enjoyed reading it.

I realy enjoyed your article…

Short and precise , Loved it

Great read it really do enjoy your articles they are very insightful..

its really helpful

Comments are closed.

• Share full article

Advertisement

The Morning

How to like yourself more.

Taking time to enumerate nice things about yourself each day may sound terminally conceited, but in practice the results can be pretty transformative.

By Melissa Kirsch

I want to be a person with practices. A yoga practice, a mindfulness practice, a gratitude practice. I’m not totally sure when a nourishing activity passes into the realm of a practice, but I think it has something to do with intention and devotion. You prioritize doing this thing that has a positive effect on you or others or on the world you live in — say, sitting in quiet contemplation for 20 minutes each morning, or journaling every night before bed. You commit to doing it on a regular basis, and after enough reps, it becomes part of who you are.

I’ve been hesitant to declare — to myself, never mind anyone else — that I’ve established any of the aforementioned practices because I’m skeptical of my ability to stick with them. I tend to burn hot in the initial phases of something that promises to improve my life, and then lose steam very quickly. I’ve done the first day of the “Yoga With Adriene” 30-day challenge at least 30 times.

One need not be so doctrinaire about one’s practices, I know. The point is to do and feel better, not to get a gold star. I’ve wandered away from many practices only to return to them, usually because I miss them, because seeing the benefits of doing something is often not as powerful as experiencing its absence. That’s the case with something I’ve been doing for the past eight months or so — not every single day, but enough days to tentatively call it “a thing I do,” if not a thoroughgoing practice.

At the end of the day, I try to write down as many things as I can think of that I appreciate about myself. It might be how I handled a difficult situation, or that I checked something off my to-do list that I’d been putting off. It might be something witty I said, or the way I reframed how I was thinking about a situation. Some days there’s not much content to work with, and I might just appreciate that I made the bed even though I really didn’t want to, or that my hair looked kind of good.

When someone first recommended I try this, I thought it sounded very self-involved, maybe a little pathetic — was my self-esteem so impoverished that I needed to ply myself with compliments? (It turns out that some days, in fact, I do.) But over time I realized that what at first seemed facile was actually sort of revolutionary.

I’d tried practicing gratitude before and found it quite effective. You take a few minutes to write down things you’re thankful for — the kindness of a stranger, the way your child looks at you while you’re reading a bedtime story, the smell of honeysuckle when you bike past that one tree. You remind yourself how lucky you are, that while you’ve been fretting or regretting or despairing, all these good things and people and possibilities are part of your story, too.

We are having trouble retrieving the article content.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and  log into  your Times account, or  subscribe  for all of The Times.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

Already a subscriber?  Log in .

Want all of The Times?  Subscribe .

7 Inspiring Examples: How To Write a Letter to Your Future Self (Guide)

By Status.net Editorial Team on June 24, 2024 — 13 minutes to read

Writing a letter to your future self means capturing your current thoughts, dreams, and goals to revisit at a later date. This unique exercise helps you reflect on your personal growth and progress. Imagine opening a letter from your past and seeing how far you’ve come.

The purpose of this letter is to set aspirations and track achievements. It’s important because it allows you to set clear intentions for your future. For example, you might write about where you hope to be in five years, including career goals, personal milestones, or even travel plans.

The benefits of writing this letter are numerous. It offers a therapeutic way to process your current state while providing a valuable frame of reference for future self-improvement. It also serves as a motivational tool, pushing you toward achieving the goals you’ve set for yourself.

7 Incredible and Heartfelt Examples of Letters to a Future Self for Personal Growth

Dear Future Me,

I hope this letter finds you thriving and satisfied with your career journey. Right now, I’m working hard to build a strong foundation for my professional life. I recently received a promotion at work, which was a huge accomplishment. It feels great to see my efforts recognized. I’ve been taking on new projects and learning so much every day.

I know there will be challenges ahead, like balancing work with personal time and continuing to grow in a competitive field. Are you still passionate about your work? Have you achieved the leadership role you dreamed of?

How are your relationships at work? I’m fortunate to have supportive colleagues and mentors. They’ve been instrumental in my growth. I hope you’ve continued to nurture these professional connections and perhaps built new ones.

Keep believing in yourself. You’ve come so far, and I’m confident you’ll achieve even more.

With determination, Present You

I hope this letter finds you well and happy. Right now, you have just started a new job, and you’re excited about the possibilities. Remember how you felt on your first day—nervous yet thrilled. I hope you have achieved your goals and found satisfaction in your work.

By the way, have you taken up that painting class you always wanted to try? Don’t forget to make time for your hobbies and loved ones.

Sincerely, Your Past Self

Hello Future Self,

It’s been a crazy year! You graduated college and moved to a new city. I know you were worried about making new friends and finding your place, but I believe in you. Have you kept in touch with your college buddies? I hope you’ve made new, meaningful connections as well.

You’re probably looking for a job that suits your skills, and it may feel challenging. Keep pushing forward and stay positive.

Best wishes, Your Earlier Self

I hope you’re surrounded by love and happiness. Right now, I’m working on strengthening my relationships with family and friends. We’ve been spending more quality time together, and it’s been wonderful. I’m trying to be more present and make lasting memories.

How is your family life now? Did you manage to create the warm, loving environment you always wanted? Are you spending enough time with loved ones? I’ve been focusing on finding a balance between work and personal life, and it’s not always easy. But it’s important.

I’ve also been exploring new hobbies, like painting and hiking. They bring me so much joy and peace. Have you kept up with these hobbies, or maybe found new ones that you love?

Remember, the relationships and moments we cherish today shape our future. Keep nurturing them and making time for what truly matters.

With love, Present You

Hi Future Me,

Today, you’re celebrating your 30th birthday. Can you believe it? As you read this, remember how much you’ve grown and all the experiences you’ve had. Are you still passionate about travel? If not, what’s taken its place?

Please cherish the moments with family and friends. Have you settled into a career you love? I trust you’re happier and wiser.

Warm regards, Your Younger Self

I hope this letter finds you well. Today is June 22, 2024, and I’m 30 years old. Right now, I’m focused on advancing my career and improving my health. Have you achieved the promotion you were aiming for? Remember how you felt nervous about that big presentation? I hope it went well and boosted your confidence.

Take care, Your Past Self

Dear Future Self,

I hope you’re feeling healthy and strong. Right now, I’m making a conscious effort to take care of my body and mind. I’ve started eating healthier, drinking more water, and exercising regularly. Yoga has become a new passion, and it’s helping me stay centered and calm.

Are you still prioritizing your health? It’s so important. How do you feel physically and mentally? I’ve been trying to manage stress better, finding time to relax and do things that make me happy. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it.

I’ve also been focusing on mental well-being, practicing mindfulness, and staying positive even when things get tough. Are you still taking time for self-care and mental health?

Remember, taking care of yourself is the best investment you can make. Stay healthy and happy.

With care, Yourself

How to Write a Letter to Your Future Self

Getting started, choosing the right time and place.

Picking a quiet, comfortable setting aids concentration. Opt for a time when you feel most alert.

Morning or late evening might offer fewer distractions. Ensure you have essentials like pen and paper or a digital device ready. Reducing external disturbances will help you think more clearly.

Visualize your goals and current state in this calm environment, enhancing the personal touch and depth of your letter. A serene atmosphere fosters reflection and meaningful writing.

Inspiration and Creativity

Inspiration fuels your letter’s content. Reflect on past experiences, achievements, and lessons learned. An old photo album or journal may stir memories and emotions.

Try listing significant life events or dreams for the future, sparking ideas. Enjoy the process without overthinking, allowing your creative juices to flow naturally.

Visual aids, quotes, or even music can trigger valuable insights, helping align your vision with your writing. Keep the tone personal and genuine.

Crafting Your Message

Begin with a greeting. Address your future self warmly, as if speaking to a dear friend. Detail your current life, feelings, and ambitions. For instance, “Today, I’m 25 and excited about my first job.”

Move on to hopes, dreams, and advice. Encourage yourself, noting both aspirations and challenges. It’s important to include questions you hope to answer over time.

End with a closing statement that reassures and motivates. You might say, “I believe in you. Keep pursuing your dreams.”

Writing Your Letter

Setting the tone.

Choose a tone that feels natural and genuine to you. Imagine you’re writing to a close friend; this approach can help you feel more relaxed and open.

For example, start with a greeting such as:

• “Hey Future Me, I hope this letter finds you well.”
• “Dear Future Self, it feels strange writing this, but here goes!”
• “Hi there, future me! How’s life treating you?”
• “Hello Future Self, I’m writing this letter to share some thoughts.”
• “Dear Future Me, it’s your past self, checking in with you.”

Set a tone that will make reading the letter an enjoyable and comforting experience. Be kind to yourself; remember, you’re addressing your future self with empathy and understanding.

Incorporating Key Life Aspects

Consider what aspects of your current life are most important to share with your future self. Reflect on your goals, priorities, and any dreams or aspirations you have. Ask yourself meaningful questions that your future self can reflect upon.

• “Right now, my top priority is graduating from college with honors.”
• “I aspire to travel to at least three new countries by next year.”
• “Some questions I have for you: Are you happy with your career choices? Have you achieved the fitness goals you set?”
• “I am grateful for the support from my family and friends through challenging times.”
• “My current goals are to learn a new language and to complete a half marathon.”

Reflecting on the Present

Current achievements and challenges.

Recognizing your accomplishments means acknowledging both professional and personal milestones. Maybe you got a promotion at work, completed a big project, or started a new hobby. These achievements result from your hard work and dedication. On the other side, it’s important to note the challenges you face. Balancing work and family life, overcoming health issues, or managing financial stress are examples. This reflection offers perspective on how far you’ve come and where you wish to go.

Expressing Present Emotions and Thoughts

Being honest with your feelings means capturing your emotional state. Write about your happiness, anxieties, and hopes. Are you content with your job? Are you feeling stressed about a particular issue? What are your dreams for the future? This reflection allows you to see growth in your emotional well-being and thought processes as time passes.

• Feeling proud of recent accomplishments
• Experiencing career-related stress
• Feeling excited about future prospects
• Battling feelings of self-doubt
• Enjoying quality time with family
• Feeling anxious about financial stability
• Relishing moments of peace and calm
• Stressing over health issues
• Feeling grateful for current blessings
• Dreaming of future adventures

Acknowledging Relationships and Support

Examining your relationships means noting the significant people in your life. This includes your love life, family, and friends. Consider the support systems you rely on, such as a supportive partner, understanding friends, or caring family members. These relationships shape your experiences and provide the emotional and practical support that aids your journey.

• Cherishing a supportive partner
• Enjoying close friendships
• Leaning on family during tough times
• Seeking advice from a mentor
• Building a strong bond with siblings
• Sharing special moments with friends
• Finding comfort in parental support
• Nurturing a budding romance
• Showing appreciation for supportive coworkers
• Maintaining a healthy work-life balance with support networks

Looking Toward the Future

Career and professional goals.

Think about where you want your career to be in the future. Do you aspire to be in a leadership role, or perhaps start your own business? Consider your desired work environment and the kind of impact you want to make. Reflect on the skills you need to acquire and the milestones you aim to achieve.

• Achieving a promotion to a management position
• Completing a professional certification or degree
• Switching to a more fulfilling career path
• Starting your own company or freelancing
• Expanding your professional network
• Leading a significant project or initiative
• Receiving an industry award or recognition
• Developing a new product or service
• Learning a new skill like coding or public speaking
• Balancing work and personal life effectively

Personal Life and Family Aspirations

Consider your personal life and family aspirations. Whether you hope to start a family, strengthen relationships, or cultivate personal hobbies, these goals shape much of your daily life and long-term happiness. Reflect on what kind of family environment you wish to create and how you want to spend quality time with loved ones.

• Getting married
• Having children or growing your family
• Buying a home
• Strengthening relationships with family members
• Traveling to new places with loved ones
• Celebrating major life events such as anniversaries or birthdays
• Creating family traditions
• Spending more quality time together
• Supporting your kids in their education and hobbies
• Developing personal hobbies and interests

Health and Well-Being

Reflecting on your health and well-being is essential for long-term happiness and fulfillment. Think about physical and mental health goals, such as staying active, eating well, and managing stress effectively. Your future self will appreciate the efforts you make today to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

• Adopting a regular exercise routine
• Eating a balanced and nutritious diet
• Scheduling regular health check-ups
• Practicing mindfulness and meditation
• Getting enough sleep each night
• Reducing stress through hobbies or relaxation techniques
• Staying hydrated
• Building a support network of friends and family
• Quitting harmful habits like smoking
• Setting realistic health goals and tracking your progress

Sealing and Storing the Letter

Deciding on an open date.

Choose a meaningful date to open your letter. This could be an anniversary, a birthday, or a significant milestone. Make sure to pick a date far enough in the future to allow for personal growth and reflection. For example, you might decide to open the letter on your 30th birthday or after five years. Commit to this date, and mark it on your calendar. Setting a reminder on your phone or email can help you stay committed to this date.

Safekeeping Your Letter

Store your letter in a safe place where it won’t be easily damaged. A drawer, a keepsake box, or even a safe are good options. If you want to get creative, consider sealing the letter in an envelope with wax or a special sticker. Ensure the place you choose is both secure and memorable, so you don’t forget where you put it.

Anticipation and the Future Reveal

The anticipation of opening your letter can be exciting. Think about what you hope to achieve or experience by the time you open it. A reminder set for the open date can build excitement as the day approaches. When you finally unseal your letter, it will offer a unique opportunity to reflect on your past self and see how much you’ve grown.

Conclusion and Moving Forward

Now that you’ve written a letter to your future self, think about how this experience can shape your outlook. Writing to your future self helps you commit to your goals and offers a unique way to track your personal growth.

Keeping the momentum going is important. Set a reminder to read your letter in the future. This could be in one year, five years, or even a decade.

Consider writing more letters to your future self at different stages in your life. Each letter can serve as a checkpoint for your learning and aspirations.

Writing to your future self is not just a one-time activity. It’s a habit that can bring clarity and purpose. Write frequently, reflect often, and enjoy the journey of self-discovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should i include in a letter to my future self.

Consider including your current goals, dreams, worries, and achievements. Reflect on recent events and how you feel about them. You might also want to ask your future self questions about how life has changed or what’s been accomplished.

How do I start writing a letter to my future self?

Begin by addressing your future self directly. Set a date for when you’ll read it. Introduce the current context of your life, mentioning details like the date, your age, and significant aspects of your present situation.

What tips can you give for writing a reflective letter to my future self?

Be honest and open about your feelings. Think about what aspects of your life you want to examine in the future. Reflect on your current emotions, challenges, and achievements. Use the opportunity to offer advice or words of encouragement to your future self.

In what ways can I make my letter to my future self meaningful and inspiring?

Write from the heart and be genuine. Share your dreams and aspirations, no matter how big or small. Reflect on your growth and what you’ve learned lately. Pose questions that your future self might find intriguing or motivating.

• Self Evaluation Examples [Complete Guide]
• 42 Adaptability Self Evaluation Comments Examples
• 40 Competency Self-Evaluation Comments Examples
• 3 Examples: How to Write a Salary Increase Request Letter
• 45 Productivity Self Evaluation Comments Examples
• 3 Examples: How to Write an Effective Application Letter

• Engagement Ideas
• Getting Married
• Wedding Theme
• Getting Engaged
• Bridal Dresses
• Groom Dresses
• International
• Relationships
• Celebrity Weddings
• Shayaris & SMS
• Venues & Reception
• New Parents
• Single Parenting
• Health & Fitness
• Home Remedies
• Ingredients
• Bridal Makeup
• Mehndi Designs

Home » For You » Weddings & Relationships » Relationships

21 Positive Things To Tell Yourself To Have A Bright Day

Benidamika holds a masters degree in Counseling Psychology from Assam Don Bosco University and another masters degree in English Literature from North Eastern Hill University. At MomJunction, Benidamika writes on human psychology and relationships. Read full bio of Benidamika J Latam

In This Article

The quality of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts. So you should always have positive things to say to yourself to be content and stay motivated. Life is hard, and some people may try to let you down. But never stop believing in yourself and show the world what you are capable of.

[mj_protip type=”Health fact” title=”Health fact”]Positive self-talk promotes emotional well-being and regulates cognitions i   The ability of the brain that helps one obtain, process, store, and use information , while negative self-talk adversely affects your cognitive and emotional abilities. Negative self-talk, however, has been shown in several studies to enhance physical performance ( 1 ).[/mj_protip] The daily habit of repeating positive affirmations to yourself will lead to the generation of new neuronal connections i   Points of connection between nerve cells in the brain and neural pathways i   A series of nerve cells that carry messages from one brain cell to another in your brain . As the new get stronger, the old patterns fade away. Your new thoughts then give birth to your new reality. In this post, we list a few positive things you could say to yourself. So, read on and keep the negativity in your life at bay. [mj-toc]

21 Positive Things To Say About Yourself

You may write these down on sticky notes and paste them on your mirror, cupboards, refrigerator, desk, or wherever they are most visible to you or write them in a diary: you may also post them as hourly reminders on your phone and read them whenever you feel low and seek reassurance.

1. I am pleased with myself

“I approve of myself” should become your daily mantra, something you say to yourself every day. It doesn’t matter what other people say or do; what is important is how you respond to them and what you believe about yourself . Stop justifying and people-pleasing and honor your own uniqueness . This will help you transition from a sense of unworthiness to one of estimable self-worth and acceptance.

2. I am willing to change

Be open to allowing change to happen in your life as they emerge. Be conscious that the area you do not want to change is the one that requires the most transformation. Another positive thing to say to yourself is that you are willing to see how and where you need to change. Tell yourself that life has provided you with amazing experiences and that you are open to new opportunities.

3. I see challenges as opportunities

Your attitude towards the challenges you confront will determine how you grow. If you are excited about the experience that the challenge will bring and are ready to face barriers with a “can do” attitude, you will love each new challenge as part of your journey to becoming the person you want to be. Make a conscious choice to move out of your comfort zone. Have the courage to live a life that emboldens you and empowers you to be true to yourself.

4. I have more than I deserve

While feeling sorry for yourself implies that you believe you deserve better, gratitude implies that you believe you have more than you deserve. Gratitude can help you focus on the positive, become more conscious, and live with intention. Start recognizing other people’s generosity. Write down at least two things you are grateful for in your life right now and say each one aloud.

[MJ_RELATED_LINKS href=”https://www.momjunction.com/articles/thank-you-messages-for-friends_00771338/” title=”220 Thank You Messages For Friends To Show Your Gratitude”]

5. I find beauty and joy in ordinary things

Think about how you can reconnect with your inner child. Find joy in even the most mundane tasks, such as washing dishes, cooking dinner, changing a baby’s diapers, or helping with homework. You could go sprinting on the beach, swinging on a playground swing, listening to birds chirping, or opening tired eyelids to sunny dawn. Try at least one activity per day once you have made your list. Rehabilitate yourself and experience life without inhibitions.

6. I will be resilient no matter what

Resilience enables you to deal with setbacks. The more silent you are, the easier it will be to pick yourself up and return to what makes your life valuable. It will keep you resilient in the face of setbacks, and you will remain focused on your goals without succumbing to pessimism. When you keep making blunders after a series of setbacks, you should stubbornly refuse to give up.

Jodiebodie, a blogger, shares how positive affirmations give her the strength and resilience to cope with the mental challenges that come with her chronic illness. To keep her spirits high, she keeps a couple of her positive affirmation cards in her pocket or handbag and reaches out to them wherever she feels low. She says, “They contain reminders of what I need to do to take care of myself, affirming what I knew to be right and true, keeping me focussed on the right path to recovery.

“These words came from supportive people and useful resources. Whenever I found words that succinctly expressed my feelings, I would write them down so they could easily be retrieved in times of need, when my brain was too fogged with fatigue to think clearly ( i ).”

[MJ_RELATED_LINKS href=”https://www.momjunction.com/articles/giving-up-on-love_00640099/” title=”Giving Up On Love: 8 Signs To Look Out For & Ways To Move On”]

7. I am thankful for everything

Another positive thing to say about yourself is to thank everything around you. Spending a few minutes each day thanking people will help your happiness stockpile grow. Thank nature for providing you with the air you breathe and the food you eat. Thank your family for showing you unconditional love and making you feel blessed to be alive . As you develop a habit of thankful thoughts, you will notice that you are looking for things to be thankful for.

8. I have no regrets

To have a happy life, you must live in the present moment and accept your past because regret is a terrible waste of energy. Don’t look back and lament your life, wishing you could go back in time and do things differently. You only have the present. So, make the most of it and cherish it. Guilt-free living entails accepting yourself and your past. Remember to stop moaning about the past and fretting about the future.

9. I will always smile

It’s vital to recognize that things may not always be as you desire, but never forget what a blessing it is to be alive in the present moment in a world full of possibilities. So open your heart to people with a cheerful smile on your face. Smiling faces may appear all around you if you smile. Smile intentionally as it boosts your mood by prompting the brain to produce endorphins i   Hormones released in the body in response to pain and stress , the happy hormones. Life doesn’t seem so bleak thereafter. An optimistic outlook is not only reassuring but may also foster new friendships and make existing ones stronger.

10. I forgive myself for my good

Forgiveness is a gift, a grace-filled state that benefits both the giver and the receiver. One of the positive things to say about yourself if you want to lead a happy life is that forgiving someone else is forgiving yourself. Forgiveness is all about letting go and breaking the cycle of constant pain. Remember that you do not forgive for the sake of the other person but yourself.

[MJ_RELATED_LINKS href=”https://www.momjunction.com/articles/poems-about-forgiveness_00763364/” title=”23 Forgiveness Poems That Will Change Your Outlook On Life”]

11. I like me, and I love me

While self-love is sometimes misconstrued with self-centeredness, the two are not the same. True love is rooted in self-love. Embracing yourself unconditionally and assuming responsibility for your well-being is what it is all about. It is as much about accepting your shortcomings as recognizing your beauty and prioritizing your well-being . After all, only when you truly love yourself can you truly love, be loved and cherished by others.

12. I dare to face challenges

It’s an undeniable fact that life can be challenging at times. However, fill yourself with words of courage such as, “I have the tenacity and courage to tackle life’s problems, and regardless of the difficulties that may arise, I have what I need to overcome them.” Believe in yourself and your abilities. You can draw strength from realizing that you have the courage and perseverance to take on the world, no matter how hard the situation gets.

13. I’m solely responsible for my happiness

Make it your goal in life to achieve happiness for yourself. Recognizing that you will assume primary responsibility for your happiness is an important aspect of this commitment. If you believe that your happiness is dependent on others, you relinquish control of your life to them. If you rely on people to make you happy, you will be unhappy, and when people depart, you will be hollow on the inside.

14. I am in line with my life’s purpose

Setting and attaining goals offer you something to engage your focus. It requires you to have trust in yourself and your abilities. Achieving specific goals and objectives can lead to happiness. The goal is to direct your energy, thoughts, and time toward your life’s purpose. Aligning yourself with your life purpose will require you to be bold as well as vulnerable. Do your best in whatever you attempt, but don’t feel obligated to be perfect. If things do not go as planned the first time, keep a positive attitude and try again.

15. I am human and I make mistakes

We all make mistakes, but that’s part of being human. Being excessively harsh on yourself with negative feelings might lead to resentment. Therefore, when you make a mistake, begin again with a clean slate. Don’t be too critical, but at the same time don’t sugarcoat things to feel better about yourself. Be honest in your self-assessment. It should be a daily commitment for you to be open to the thought that we all make mistakes and that we should move on from them, taking the lesson to not make the same mistake again. Accepting yourself authentically will unleash a deep sense of tranquility and peace within you.

16. I like myself the way I am

Whether it is about appearance, money, personal things, or anything else, the pitfall of comparison is that you never feel good enough. Instead, recognize your uniqueness, identify your distinct abilities, and affirm that you are worthy and deserving. Whether it’s your work skills, guitar skills, or cooking abilities, you must believe in yourself and focus on your strengths . Surround yourself with people who support and appreciate you for who you are.

17. I deserve to be treated with respect

If you don’t respect yourself, how can you hope to receive respect from others? It needs to begin with you; you need to know you deserve to be respected and valued. One positive thing you can tell yourself to lead a happy life is to treat others the way you want to be treated. You should speak to others the way you want them to speak to you and respect others the way you want them to respect you.

[MJ_RELATED_LINKS href=”https://www.momjunction.com/articles/quotes-about-respect-in-relationship_00782208/” title=”75 Quotes About Respect In Relationships And Love”]

18. I will stay active and busy

One positive thing you can tell yourself to lead a happy life is “I’m going to stay fit, remain productive, and eat healthily.” Keep your creative juices flowing, it will keep your mind sharp and alert. Learn new skills and be curious about exploring your full potential. Commit to loving and caring for your body by exercising it, nourishing it with healthy foods, hydrating yourself, sleeping well, and laughing often. Connect to your community by volunteering in small and simple ways. Find ways to give your life a beautiful direction and meaning.

19. I am capable of more than I think

You can achieve any goal you set for yourself with hard work and dedication . To accomplish this, you must first tell yourself, “I am strong, able, and capable at all times. A half-marathon is within my reach, as is any task I take on.” Challenge your negative self-talk, and you will find happiness. Instead, fill your mind regularly with positive and worthwhile thoughts.

20. I live by high standards

Your high standards are reflected in your life’s quality. You must not accept mediocrity in your life. One positive thing you can tell yourself to lead a happy life is, “I am confident in my ability to meet the high standards I place on myself daily. I’ve committed to always perform to the best of my ability.” Making these affirmations ensures that you are living up to your highest standards.

21. I am proud of myself

Despite all the ups and downs of life, you should be proud of yourself. Even if you aren’t doing too well right now, take a moment to note and appreciate how far you have come in your journey and all that you’ve accomplished so far. Take a moment to reflect on what you have achieved and the problems you resolved. Even the toughest obstacle you face won’t stop you, because you have already been through so much. No matter how small or big your achievements might be in the past, you should celebrate.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I start incorporating positive self-talk into my daily routine?

Start with simple steps such as talking to yourself kindly and gently. You may also record your daily affirmations and listen to them while driving or doing chores, and take pictures of things that inspire you and radiate positivity. In addition, you may also try journaling which will give you mental clarity and make you feel relaxed.

2. What are some benefits of positive self-talk?

Positive self-talk can help build self-esteem, improve stress management, and boost overall well-being.

3. How can positive self-talk help me cultivate a more positive outlook on life?

Practicing positive self-talk can help people look at the brighter side of life and make them less worried. Additionally, it can aid in the growth of meaningful relationships and happy life for themselves.

Self-affirmations can have a much more profound impact on your mind than you think. So if you are struggling to find purpose in life or have been feeling low lately, cheer yourself up with this list of positive things to say to yourself and share them with your dear ones too. So start each day by saying one positive thing out loud from the list and dwell on it. Take pride in your little achievements and body, and learn from your mistakes. And you will have the key to leading a happy life.

Infographic: How To Make Positive Self-talk A Norm?

Being positive is one of the best attributes to develop, and positive self-talk is one of the easiest ways to do that. Positive self-talk lets you talk to your inner self and laud, love, and appreciate yourself for who you are. Why not make telling yourself positive things a part of your daily routine? Our infographic shares practical tips to make positive self-talking a norm and bring positivity to your life. [mj_Infographic title=”Infographic: How To Make Positive Self-talk A Norm?” image_url=”https://cdn2.thebridalbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Effective-Tips-To-Make-Positive-Self-Talk-A-Habit.jpg” alt=”positive self talking (infographic)”]

Key Pointers

• Self-love, self-belief, and understanding one’s worth play an important role in shaping your life.
• Positive affirmations can turn your aspirations into reality, boost your mood, and make you confident.
• Scroll through for powerful affirmations such as “I will be resilient no matter what” and “I dare to face challenges.”

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team

Start your day with a boost of positivity and energy! Here are 25 empowering affirmations to tell yourself daily. Watch it now to stay motivated.

Personal Experience: Source

thebridalbox's articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.

• The effects of positive or negative self-talk on the alteration of brain functional connectivity by performing cognitive tasks; https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-94328-9
• Fact-checker

Shikha Thakur

Benidamika j latam, related articles, latest articles, 21 reasons he isn't texting you and what to do about it, 12 signs she is testing you and ways to win her over, 50 best online drinking games for couples and friends to play, 20+ best phone games for couples, 24 telltale signs a married woman likes you, how to make him miss you after a breakup: 10 simple ways to try, 27 tips for giving him space without losing him, what does female led relationship (flr) mean and how does it work, list of 22 best rock songs for kids to listen, best match for a scorpio woman: 5 perfect zodiac signs, 140+ sweet 25th birthday quotes, wishes and messages, wet dreams in teenagers: are they normal.

Are you seeking one-on-one college counseling and/or essay support? Limited spots are now available. Click here to learn more.

How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself” with Examples

June 30, 2024

You’re sitting down for your interview and the interviewer says, “Tell me about yourself.”  What’s the first thing you think of when you hear those words? It’s a question about who you are, so it’s bound to be easy. Right? “Tell me about yourself” is often the very first thing you’ll hear during your interview. After all, you and the interviewer are both new to each other. What they do know about you so far consists of details on your resume, cover letter , or possibly, already, recommendations. They’re posing this question to get to know you as a person, and you’ll most likely be asked this for every new interviewer you have, from the first introductory screening up until the very last interview with the head of the department. Let’s dive into the very nature of this question and explore how to answer “Tell me about yourself” (examples below) successfully.

Why do they need to hear my answer when they already have my resume and cover letter?

Just as you’re figuring out who your interviewer is, your interviewer is doing the same. The interview will begin with friendly small talk to get you both situated. “Tell me about yourself” then becomes a way to ease into the rest of the interview. It can help inform the interviewer on how to steer the next questions.

What you say can catch enough of their interest to ask a relevant question. Or they’ll move on from it. The details and the story you choose to share will help them assess what types of questions they should ask you. Throughout the entire time, they are noticing what makes you different from other candidates.

Other ways they’ll ask “Tell me about yourself”

During the interview, you could hear those exact words, or the interviewer can say:

• “Tell me a bit more about your background.”
• “Could you summarize your most important achievements?”
• “I’m going through your resume, but would love for you to walk us through it.”
• “I already looked at your resume and cover letter, and it’d be great to know more about who you are.”
• “Describe your journey so far.”
• “Is there something unique you’d like to share about who you are?”

It’s challenging to decide how to answer “Tell me about yourself” because you need to be confident about the examples you’re choosing. Much like a personal statement, you’re giving them a snapshot into your life. You’re in control of what you choose to say.

Know how to answer “Tell me about yourself”

Choosing the right parts of your life to talk about can pave the way for a successful interview. Let’s dive into the key points you should cover:

1)Talk about the experiences, achievements and skills you have that are relevant to the job. This then leads into how you would be the best candidate for the position.

2) Explain the previous jobs you’ve held and how that led you to your current one. Then go into how your current job has brought you to this new role you are applying for. This can also be a good opportunity for you to mention what your goals are in the future.

3) Show your personality while you’re speaking, making sure you’re communicating clearly and positively, while giving examples of how you’ve connected with people throughout this time. Presenting this proactive side of you will only strengthen your profile.

4) Demonstrate what you’ve researched about the company by explaining how you see yourself in the job. Share about what you’re most looking forward to in the job and the company.

“Tell me about yourself” in the past, present and future

Finding the right flow in relaying your own narrative can be a tricky task. It’s helpful to have a general format of which times of your life you’re pulling your examples from.

Two recommended ways of how to “tell me about yourself” in an organized format are:

1) Present – Past – Future

• You can begin by describing what your current job entails and what your responsibilities and accomplishments are. Then you can share how you got to where you are with your current job, which will lead you to describe more of your professional background. To conclude, you’ll then talk about what your goals are and why you’re so interested in this new position.

2) Past – Present – Future

This format would have you begin with how you arrived at your current job, giving you a chance to explain your professional history right away. You can also mention what has always inspired you to become who you are today. This leads right into what you do in your current role, what responsibilities you have and what achievements you’ve accomplished. Then you’ll finish off, just like the “tell me about yourself” format above, with why you’re the right person for this new job.

Tell me about Yourself Examples (Continued) 

There’s no “fixed” order for how to tell this to your interviewer, but it’s important to choose the examples that highlight your best skills and attributes relevant to the new job. What’s most crucial is to always tie it back to the new job and the new company you’re applying to. This means that if your past work experience ties more directly to the new job, then it makes sense to begin there. Similarly, if your most recent work experience is more related to the new role, then you can start with that example.

The interviewer is there to assess whether or not you’re the ultimate fit for their team. In that sense, it’s always helpful to end your “tell me about yourself” story with why you’re the right person for the job.

Key advice for “Tell me about yourself” answers

Now you’ve got a general timeline structure set in place. But before we dive into “tell me about yourself” examples, let’s look at some quick ways to strengthen your response:

1) Your first impression will make a difference.

2) You are your own curator.

3) Understand who your interviewer is.

4) Remember this is a professional interview.

5) Tone can influence the entire conversation.

6) Stay focused: everything should point towards the new job.

7) Be authentic but prepared.

8) Speak with positivity and enthusiasm, but don’t overdo it.

“Tell me about yourself” examples

Every “tell me about yourself” answer will be different depending on the person, but having some examples on hand can help. Take a look at these examples below that make for a strong answer.

1) You are applying to a completely new industry:

For over seven years, I’ve worked in business development and have focused on building longstanding relationships with clients. My most recent role was as the senior manager for a startup tech company that ran a database platform for journalists around the world. I helped connect the right partners to our company and promoted our mission on global trips across Africa, Asia and Europe. Now I’m interested in branching outside of business development and stepping into fundraising to broaden my scope. Fundraising is a field I’ve worked very closely alongside throughout my career and have always found fascinating. I’ve been wanting to join a team where I could apply my business development skills into a fundraising leadership position, and this is why I’m so interested in this role at your company.

How to Answer “Tell me about Yourself” Examples (Continued)

2) If you are searching for a similar job to the one you have now:

Since I was in college at the University of Michigan, I’ve been absolutely passionate about journalism and media . As you can see on my resume, I was the editor-in-chief of our student newspaper and I helped to create an incubator on campus for students who wished to become investigative journalists. This only spurred my love for journalism, and upon graduating, I began working as an intern at the Los Angeles Times, assisting some of the lead journalists covering politics across the Southern Californian region and eventually being able to help write and edit copy for newsletters.

I worked my way up to become an assistant editor, which made me fall in love with the editorial process and editing for a large newspaper. After working as an assistant editor for the past three years, I knew I wanted to start finding work as an editor. With what I’ve learned as an intern and assistant editor at the Los Angeles Times over the past several years, I always imagined myself covering news back home in Michigan. When I saw this opening for the editor position, I knew I had to apply because it’s been a dream of mine to work with your company.

 3) Maybe you are going from an agency to an in-house position:

I’ve been an account manager at Paris Parties for five years now, and I’ve been responsible for overseeing our top client accounts. I’ve established long-lasting relationships with each of Paris Parties’ biggest clients, as going above and beyond for our client has always been my first priority. Prior to Paris Parties, I worked at Hollywood Events, where I managed over 50 of their largest clients across the creative sector. I always loved the work I did as an account manager at both agencies. But I’ve been looking for a new challenge, to step into more of a leadership role, so as soon as I saw the opening at your company, I knew I had to go for it.

4) You’ve just graduated and you’re applying to your first job

I graduated from New York University in May, and I majored in English and American literature and minored in Spanish. I always knew that I wanted to work in a nonprofit organization that helped promote literature around the world. Throughout my time at NYU, I volunteered and interned at several nonprofits such as UNICEF, where I helped organize events for donors in New York City to help raise funding for girls’ education. One of the greatest experiences I had while interning was when my team and I were able to increase our donations from last year by 35%, compared to the 12% the previous year.

We were able to send more books and educational materials to girls around the world who otherwise would have not had access to these resources. It made me wonder what else I could do with my English literature degree, my foreign language skills and my passion for education. I wanted to truly make a difference. Since then, I became passionate about fundraising for children’s rights and access to education, which is what led me to apply for the associate fundraiser role at your organization.

 5) Searching for a new role in the healthcare sector:

My work experience in customer service had unexpectedly led me to pursue a career in the healthcare sector . Working as a waitress for three years made me understand how to listen to the needs of people. When I was serving a table of pediatric nurses one day, I heard them talk about their work and I knew I had to explore this field. I’ve always been someone interested in improving the lives of others, whether it’s through providing perfect customer service. After three years at the restaurant, I was promoted to restaurant manager because my supervisor noted my dedication and passion for serving others.

Every night after work, I studied on my own to see how I could enter the healthcare industry as an administrator. And that’s how I went back to school. Upon graduating, I began to build my career in health administration, working my way up to get to where I am today at Mountainview Hospital. I’ve been overseeing the office and managing staff and patient relations for nine years now.

This past April, I worked with the interns and senior management to create a “career day” to bring our office closer together. It has been an immense pleasure to hold our weekly meetings and regularly involve the IT team to ensure our computer systems are all up to date. As it’s now the end of my ninth year at Mountainview Hospital, I’ve been searching for new ways to branch out, grow and contribute. And I was incredibly interested when I learned about this position at your hospital.

 6) If you’re looking to change careers:

For over a decade, I’ve worked in marketing as a marketing director, leading campaigns and amplifying my current company’s messaging through high-level engagement. Throughout the past five years, I’ve been leading a team of fifty in our marketing department to reach and surpass our monthly, quarterly and yearly goals in ROI. It has been one of my greatest joys to watch the employees under my care grow into the professionals they are today, and it’s always fulfilling to see such professional and personal development. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed watching my team work across departments to ensure that we meet our goals, and especially, working closely with the public relations department.

Since I first came to my company as a marketing associate, I learned quickly how intertwined the marketing and public relations teams are, and I’m incredibly grateful to have had the career in marketing that I’ve managed to build. The more I worked with our public relations director, the more I also realized that I’ve gravitated towards developing more creative, media-facing solutions to campaigns for the company. Together, we were able to create significant events and turnarounds for our entire team, and I found myself eager to focus on media strategies and improving our company’s public image. After much consideration, and with our public relations director’s recommendation, I know that making this switch into public relations is the path I’m now meant to pursue. And I can’t think of a better place to work for than your company, which combines the best of both worlds.

Show them who you are

So where do you even start? How much should you actually say about yourself in an interview? Prepping for the inevitable “Tell me about yourself” can be a stress-inducer, especially for a job with a heavy workload. But it doesn’t have to be, even if you’re applying for one of the happiest jobs in America . Hopefully, with the information shared above, you’ll now have a better idea of where to begin.

Remember, you don’t want to share with the interviewer every single detail from your professional life. However, you do want them to know about certain experiences that have shaped you to be the professional you are today. Striking the right balance is key.

How to Answer “Tell me about Yourself” Additional Career-Related Resources

•   Sample Resignation Letter 
• How to Reschedule an Interview
• Condolence Messages for a Coworker – 60 Samples 

Joanna Hong

With a BA from Pitzer College and an MA from University College London, Joanna has worked in London, Berlin, and Los Angeles covering many cultural and political issues with organizations such as Byline Media, NK News, and Free Turkey Media. A freelancer for The New York Times, her work has also appeared in Newsweek, Dazed and Confused Magazine, and The Guardian, among others. In addition, Joanna was the recipient of the 2021 PEN America Emerging Voices Fellowship in Fiction and is currently completing her first novel.

• 2-Year Colleges
• Application Strategies
• Best Colleges by Major
• Best Colleges by State
• Big Picture
• Career & Personality Assessment
• College Essay
• College Search/Knowledge
• College Success
• Costs & Financial Aid
• Data Visualizations
• Dental School Admissions
• Extracurricular Activities
• Graduate School Admissions
• High School Success
• High Schools
• Homeschool Resources
• Law School Admissions
• Medical School Admissions
• Navigating the Admissions Process
• Online Learning
• Outdoor Adventure
• Private High School Spotlight
• Research Programs
• Summer Program Spotlight
• Summer Programs
• Teacher Tools
• Test Prep Provider Spotlight

“Innovative and invaluable…use this book as your college lifeline.”

— Lynn O'Shaughnessy

Nationally Recognized College Expert

College Planning in Your Inbox

Join our information-packed monthly newsletter.

El Presidente

Popular dishes

View full menu

Carne Asada Tacos

Birria Tacos

Mahi Mahi Tacos

Tuna Tostada

Chicken Tacos

Tacos Al Carbon

Black Cod Tacos

Enchiladas Suizas

Tuna Ceviche

Queso Fundido De Chorizo

Shrimp Tacos

Tortilla Soup

Chicken Enchiladas

Fried Fish Tacos

Cod Al Pastor Tacos

People also searched for

Restaurants

Margarita Pitchers

New Restaurants

Birria Pizza

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

1255 Union St NE

Washington, DC 20002

Amenities and More

21 More Attributes

Ask the Community

Ask a question

Do they have a happy hour here?

Unfortunately, not at this time. I think due to its newness they don't feel they need to offer it.

Recommended Reviews

• Best Online Advisor for Low Fees 
• Best Online Advisor for Diversified Investing
• Best Online Advisor for 529 Plans
• Best Online Advisor for Financial Planning and Personal Development
• Best Online Advisor for Retirement Saving
• Why You Should Trust Us

Best Online Financial Advisors 2024: Find the Right Fit for Your Needs

Paid non-client promotion: Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate investing products to write unbiased product reviews.

What Are Online Financial Advisors?

A financial advisor is a catch-all term that includes financial planners and investment advisors. Most online advisors offer investment management — whether it's carried out by a human or a sophisticated computer algorithm — and financial planning services or tools.

Types of Online Advisors

The main types of online financial advisors are: 

• Robo-Advisors: Automated investment platforms (aka robo-advisors) use algorithms to generate a custom investment portfolio based on an individual's risk tolerance, goals, and time horizon. Robo-advisors typically offer low-cost ETFs as a cost-effective way to instantly diversify an investor's asset allocation and mitigate risk. 
• Human Advisors (Virtual): Financial advisors that offer personalized financial planning and investment advice online through virtual meetings, email, and other virtual communication channels. 
• Hybrid Models: Some online brokerages offer hybrid financial advice, combining automated investment advice and management through a robo-advisor and one-on-one consultation from a human advisor. 

Benefits of Using Online Financial Advisors

Online financial advisors allow you to ditch the in-person hassle and access expert financial guidance from your phone or home computer. Online financial advisors leverage investment technology and generally low-cost compared to traditional in-person consultants.  

Not only does it make investing more affordable for many individuals, but clients can more easily adjust and monitor their investments on their own time. Robo-advisor and hybrid online advisors typically offer online dashboards and tools for convenient managing and monitoring. 

Compare the Top Online Financial Advisors 2024

For this list, we didn't consider online advisors that match clients and advisors for comprehensive financial  planning services, such as Zoe Financial or Facet Wealth . Instead, we focused on tech-driven firms where you can access an automated and personalized portfolio and consult a professional for advice when needed.

Here are our top picks for the best online financial advisors as picked by Business Insider editors in 2024.

SoFi Automated: Best Online Advisor for Low Fees 

SoFi Automated Investing supports individual investment accounts, joint accounts, traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, SEP IRAs, and 401(k) rollovers.

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No account minimum or management fees to invest
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Goal planning and automatic portfolio rebalancing
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Range of other account options across SoFi website
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. SoFi offers complimentary CFP access across all accounts
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No tax-loss harvesting
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No socially responsible portfolio options

SoFi Invest is one of the best investment apps and the best investment apps for beginners. It's a great platform for US investors who are looking for an intuitive online trading experience, an open active or automated investing account, and assets like cryptocurrencies.

• Promotion: None at this time.
• Consider it if: You're new to investing and want to leave the trading decisions to professionals.

SoFi Automated Investing offers individual and joint taxable brokerage accounts , traditional IRA, Roth IRA, and SEP IRA.

SoFi stands out for its lack of advisory fees, free one-on-one consultations with CFPs, portfolio diversity, and goal-planning features. SoFi builds a personalized investment portfolio based on your risk tolerance, goals, and time horizon. Additional SoFi membership perks include loan discounts and career counseling. 

What to look out for: SoFi doesn't have tax-loss harvesting features and limited portfolio diversity. 

SoFi Invest review

Betterment: Best Online Advisor for Diversified Investing

Betterment offers individual or joint accounts, IRAs, trust accounts, and cash reserve or checking accounts.

$0 to open, $10 to start investing ($100,000 for premium plan)

$4 per month (or 0.25%/year) for digital plan; 0.40%/ year for premium plan; 1%/year for crypto portfolios

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No minimum for standard investing account
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Goal-based planning, tax-loss harvesting, charitable giving, and socially responsible investing available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Access to certified financial planners
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Mobile app with external account syncing options
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. You'll have to pay to consult a human advisor, unless you have the premium plan
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. $4 monthly fee (or 0.25% annual fee)

Betterment is best for hands-off investors who want to take advantage of professionally built, personalized ETF and cryptocurrency portfolios. The platform offers CFP access, so it could suit those in search of additional guidance from human advisors.

• App store rating: 4.7 iOS/4.5 Android
• Consider it if: You want access to robo-advice with multiple service levels.

Betterment Investing offers individual and joint taxable brokerage, traditional IRA, Roth IRA, SEP IRA, inherited IRA, and trust.

What stands out:  Betterment is a robust trading platform offering premium plans with unlimited access to CFPs through phone or email. Investors can use the platform's goal-setting feature, ESG investing, automatic rebalancing, and easy-to-use financial dashboard. 

What to look out for:  Accounts with a $100,000 balance can upgrade to get advisor access, but the annual fee increases from 0.25% (an industry low) to 0.40%

Betterment review

Wealthfront: Best Online Advisor for 529 Plans

Fund your first taxable investment account with at least $500 in the first 30 days of account opening and earn a $50 bonus.

$1 ($500 for automated investing)

$0 for stock trades. 0.25% for automated investing (0.06% to 0.13% for fund fees)

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Low annual fee for investment accounts; crypto trust investments available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Tax-loss harvesting, portfolio lines of credit, 529 college savings plans available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cash account
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Mobile app and investing and retirement tools
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. You need at least $100,000 to utilize additional investment strategies
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No human advisor access

Wealthfront is one of the best robo-advisor options if you're in search of low-cost automated portfolio management, and one of the best socially responsible investing apps for features like tax-loss harvesting, US direct indexing, and crypto trusts.

• Consider it if: You're balancing several goals and want to streamline your finances.
• Promotion: Fund your first taxable investment account with at least $500 in the first 30 days of account opening and earn a $50 bonus.

Wealthfront Investing offers individual and joint taxable brokerage, traditional IRA, Roth IRA, SEP IRA, trust, and 529 savings plan .

Wealthfront is one of the best online financial advisors for college education savings and cryptocurrency trusts. You can borrow up to 30% of your investment balance at a low interest rate with a portfolio line of credit. Wealthfront also offers personalized recommendations with smart financial planning software. 

What to look out for:  On-staff financial advisors don't offer personalized advice

Wealthfront review

Ellevest: Best Online Advisor for Financial Planning and Personal Development

Ellevest offers two investing portfolios to fit your needs.

$1 - $240 (varies by portfolio)

$54 - $97 annually; $5 or $9/month

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Personalized, automated investment advice with a $0 minimum requirement
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Monthly plans include discounted access to certified financial planners
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Automated IRA accounts and 401(k)/403(b) rollovers available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Private wealth management for individuals, families, and institutions who have at least $1 million to invest
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No active trading opportunities available; money is mainly invested in stock ETFs and bond ETFs
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. You can only open individual investment accounts and retirement accounts; joint accounts or custodial accounts not available

Ellevest is one of the best robo-advisors for goal-focused investing. It could be a good fit if you want automated investing and retirement accounts.

• Consider it if: You're looking for a one-stop shop for financial planning.

Ellevest offers individual taxable brokerage, traditional IRA, Roth IRA, and SEP IRA (all held at Folio Investments).

Ellevest is a comprehensive financial advisor and trading platform built around women's unique needs and challenges. Investors get access to an extensive library of content and advisor-led workshops. Additionally, Ellevest offers a socially responsible investment portfolio and monthly progress reports. 

What to look out for:  Financial coaching costs extra (but members get 30%- 50% off). Access to retirement account management requires an upgrade.

Ellevest review

Ameriprise Financial Investments: Best Online Advisor for Retirement Saving

Ameriprise Financial Services has been operating for 130 years Ameriprise Financial Services is licensed in all 50 states but only has 10 physical locations throughout the US; it's currently headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Varies by account

$500 annual advisory fee, 2% AUM

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Access to personal finance research and investment tools
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Fiduciary financial advisor access
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Various account and investment options
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. High account minimums
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Difficult to navigate website
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Complex fee structure

Ameriprise Financial Services is a brokerage and financial advisory firm best for experienced, passive investors interested in using the site's financial planning services, wealth management tools, and fiduciary advisor access.

Ameriprise Financial Investments offers three managed account options that can be opened as an individual brokerage account, traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, Simple IRAs, SEP IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s, 529 plans, and Coverdell education savings accounts (CESA). 

Ameriprise Financial Investments is one of the largest registered investment advisors in the US and is best for experienced investors looking for advanced charting and investing features. You'll get access to fiduciary financial advisors for consultations or account management. 

What to look out for: Ameriprise 's managed account fees are high, and it has a complex fee structure. 

Ameriprise Financial Services review

How Much Do Online Financial Advisors Cost?

Financial advisors providing financial advice often charge by the hour, typically between $100 to $300. Advisors creating a comprehensive financial plan tend to charge a flat rate between $1,000 and $3,000. 

If you hire an advisor to manage your investment portfolio, you'll be charged a percentage of your account balance, typically between 1% and 3% annually. In comparison, that's much higher than the fees that the best robo-advisors charge; you get the added benefit of building a relationship with a trusted source who can adjust your strategy as needed, provide personal recommendations, and answer questions when they arise.

How to Choose the Best Online Financial Advisors

The best online financial advisor for you depends on your goals, risk tolerance, investments, and time horizon. If you're a new investor interested in passive investing, an online robo-advisor is likely a good place to start. On the other hand, if you're looking for professional insight and a customized financial plan, you're better off with access to a human advisor through phone or video calls. 

You can also meet with an expert in person for financial guidance. So if you prefer to meet face-to-face, here are some tools to find some in your area:

• This is a database of all CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals who are authorized to use their CFP® marks by the CFP® Board and are accepting new clients.
• Using the advanced search function, you can choose from over 40 focus areas you're looking to get help with and include your current amount of investable assets.
• Click here to visit the CFP Board website .
• This database helps connect young professionals — those in generations X and Y (millennials) — with individual advisors.
• Every advisor holds the CFP® certification, is a fiduciary , does not require a minimum net worth to take on new clients, and does not earn commissions.
• Click here to visit XY Planning Network .
• This platform maintains a database of fee-only financial advisors, not specifically CFP® certificates, who commit to a fiduciary oath once a year. 
• You can filter by location to see a list of advisory firms in your area.
• Click here to visit the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors website .

Online financial advisors are generally trustworthy. The best advisors follow the fiduciary rule, meaning they operate in their clients' best interest and are fee-only. This means client fees are their only compensation, and they don't earn a commission when they invest in certain funds or buy financial products.

Not everyone needs a robo-advisor, but beginners or passive investors looking for a hands-off approach to stock trading may prefer how cost-effective and convenient robo-advisors are. Affordable financial advisors can be hard to come by, so robo-advisors are a great alternative for many people. However, a financial advisor may be better if you need specific advice on your finances or investment strategy or if you're too overwhelmed or confused by your money to plan for retirement or invest in the stock market. 

The cost of an online financial advisor varies from platform to platform and advisor to advisor. The cost largely depends on the services, licensing, account balance, and complexity. Robo-advisors typically charge lower fees than human advisors. 

Why You Should Trust Us: Our Methodology

We Reviewed the best online financial advisors using Business Insider's methodology for rating investment platforms . We compared a long list of Registered Investment advisors (RIAs), considering fees, investment selection, access, ethics, and customer service. The best online advisors have top marks in all five categories. Investment platforms are given a rating between 0 and 5.

• Credit cards
• Investing apps
• Retirement savings
• Cryptocurrency
• The stock market
• Retail investing

• Main content