Stop Reading from a Script: How to Nail the “Tell Me About Yourself” Question
When I ask candidates to “tell me about yourself,” you’d be surprised how many literally pull out a piece of paper and start reading. I get it — interviews are nerve-wracking, the market is competitive, and you want to make sure your story comes across the right way. But here’s the problem: reading from a script almost never works.
Why? Because it sounds scripted. The pauses are awkward, the cadence is unnatural, and instead of connecting with the person in front of you, you end up sounding more like you’re delivering a monologue. And in a first impression moment, that disconnect can cost you.
So, what should you do instead?
Start with a script — but don’t stop there.
Write it out if you need to get your thoughts organized, then practice it in front of a mirror. You’ll quickly notice that the words don’t flow the same way they do in conversation.
2. Use cues, not full sentences.
Think back to index cards in school: a few keywords or short phrases that jog your memory and keep you on track. Jot down the highlights of your experience and how they connect to the role, then build your answer around those cues.
3. Practice, practice, practice
Say it to a friend. Say it to another friend who works in your field. Say it to a coach or recruiter. The more you practice out loud, the more natural it becomes.
Keep it short and strategic
For experienced candidates, your “tell me about yourself” should take about 5-7 minutes. If you’re earlier in your career, aim for 3-5 minutes. This isn’t the whole interview — it’s just the opener. Think of it as your way to set the tone, make a connection, and give the hiring manager a reason to lean in.
Build your confidence
Figure out what makes you feel the most confident. Do you stand taller when you’re on your feet? Do a few deep breaths before the call? Maybe you like pulling up the interviewer’s LinkedIn profile so it feels like you’re talking to a real person. Whatever works for you — immerse yourself in it.
And here’s a little reminder: recruiters and hiring managers are just people. Most of us want you to succeed.
Don’t stress about perfection
If you forgot to mention something, that’s what your thank-you note is for (and yes, you should still send one!). Use it to fill in the blanks: “I was reflecting on our conversation and realized I neglected to mention X…” or “Here’s a better example of how I handled Y…” Far from being a weakness, this shows self-awareness and your ability to course-correct.
Skip the script
Scripts might feel safe, but they don’t let your personality — or your experience — shine through. Instead, focus on being prepared, confident, and conversational. That’s what helps you connect in the moment and leave a lasting impression. If you need more help prepping for your job interviews, our coaching packages offer tips like these and more.
Using Your Resume As a Marketing Tool
Let’s be honest: knowing what to capture in your resume is tough. Especially when you’ve spent your career focused on impact, not self-promotion. But in today’s incredibly competitive job market, you need a resume that doesn’t just list what you’ve done, but sells who you are. It’s a marketing document, and you’re the brand.
After talking to thousands (and thousands) of individuals and looking at tens of thousands of resumes, I wanted to share a few tips that even the most qualified candidates can do to improve their resumes.
1. Clearly communicate the scope and impact of your work.
Start by thinking about what you’ve led, built, or improved—and back it up with numbers. Did you manage a team of 12? Oversee a budget? Launch a newsletter that reached 1,500 people? Those details matter. And even better, give us the “from → to” story. For example, Launched an internal newsletter that increased engagement from 2% to 5% in the first year. That tells a story of growth, initiative, and tangible impact.
Nearly every resume focuses on duties and responsibilities, but the goal is to highlight outcomes. Instead of saying, “Managed social media,” say, “Created a digital content strategy that grew social media following by 40% in six months.” That one shift in perspective helps hiring managers see your value—and that’s what gets you noticed.
It can feel awkward to talk about your achievements. You’re used to supporting others, not shining a light on yourself. But showing your impact isn’t bragging—it’s proof that you can deliver results, and that’s exactly what organizations are looking for. If you want an A+ resume, then let them see how you can have an impact in their organization.
2. Stop worrying about the ATS.
The internet is full of advice about cramming in the right keywords so AI and applicant tracking systems (ATS) don’t toss your resume into the void. Is there some truth to this? Sure, in certain industries. But chances are, a real person will be reading your resume and cover letter, and appealing to them matters more than appealing to the bots.
Instead of stressing over every keyword, focus on getting the content right. Go back through each role and audit your accomplishments. Then shape that information into a clear, compelling story that highlights your impact and communicates how well you can do the job.
Ask yourself, “If I were the hiring manager, would this:
Make sense for the job I’m hiring for?
What would I want to see?
Did I take out the jargon and acronyms that only someone in my current company would understand?
What would make me stop and say, ‘Yep, this person gets it’?”
3. Put yourself in the audience’s shoes.
The resumes that get moved to the top of the pile are the ones that demonstrate clearly how your experience aligns with what the company and hiring team needs. When you write with your audience in mind, you create something that’s not only informative, but persuasive.
4. Limit the length of your resume.
Keep in mind a resume is a marketing document. Are you a marketer? Probably not. And even if you are, when did you take a class on how to write your own resume?
Writing a resume can be rife with heavy energy. There are so many people telling you how long it should be, whether to put your education at the "top or the bottom", what it should include, it is enough to make your head spin. First, please ask yourself, what makes that person qualified to give you that advice? Then, reach out to an expert for support and you'll have it done in a few hours. An expert should help you create a clear narrative — one that tells employers exactly what you’ve done and how you’ve made things better, stronger, and more effective. It's not a laundry list reiterating the job description.
Need help turning your resume into a strong sales tool? You don’t have to do it alone. We’re here to help you shine. Schedule your complimentary 30 minute session today!
P.S. How long should my resume be?
Finally, the answer to the age-old question about how long your resume should be.
If you’ve got less than 10 years of experience, stick to one page. More than that? Two pages. The only exception to that is if you're in - and staying in - a federal career or have a role in academia, in which case you will want to defer to more specific guidelines.