Alternatives to “Tell me about yourself” include “Could you walk me through your background?” “What should I know about you?” and “How would you describe yourself?” The best wording depends on whether you are interviewing someone, networking, getting acquainted, or inviting a personal story.
Choose the Question for the Conversation
- Could you walk me through your background?
- How would you describe yourself?
- What should I know about you?
- Can you tell me a little about your background?
- What brought you here?
- What’s your story?
- What are you working on at the moment?
- What do you enjoy doing?
- What are you most interested in right now?
- How did you get into this field?
- What would you like me to know about you?
- What has shaped your journey so far?
- How would you introduce yourself?
What Each Question Invites
Could you walk me through your background?
Professional and open-ended, especially useful in interviews or networking conversations. Example: Could you walk me through your background and what led you to this role?
How would you describe yourself?
Invites the person to choose the traits or qualities they consider most important. Example: How would you describe yourself to someone meeting you for the first time?
What should I know about you?
Friendly and broad, with a conversational tone rather than an interview feel. Example: We’ve talked about work a lot—what should I know about you outside that?
Can you tell me a little about your background?
A softer, more focused version of the original question. Example: Can you tell me a little about your background in design?
What brought you here?
Natural at events, workplaces, courses, or social settings where there is a shared reason for attending. Example: What brought you here tonight?
What’s your story?
Very informal and broad; best when the conversation is already warm and personal. Example: You’ve had such an unusual career—what’s your story?
What are you working on at the moment?
Useful in networking because it gives the person a concrete starting point. Example: What are you working on at the moment?
What do you enjoy doing?
Friendly and personal without being intrusive, particularly when getting to know someone socially. Example: What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
What are you most interested in right now?
Encourages a current, lively answer rather than a full biography. Example: What are you most interested in right now, professionally or otherwise?
How did you get into this field?
Focused and natural when you want to hear the person’s career or study path. Example: How did you get into this field in the first place?
What would you like me to know about you?
Gives the other person control over what they choose to share and can work well in supportive settings. Example: What would you like me to know about you before we get started?
What has shaped your journey so far?
Reflective wording for mentoring, profiles, interviews, or deeper conversations. Example: What has shaped your journey so far?
How would you introduce yourself?
Directly invites a concise self-introduction and works well in group or workshop settings. Example: How would you introduce yourself to the rest of the group?
For Job Interviews, Keep the Question Focused
In interviews, “Walk me through your background” or “Tell me about your experience” gives the candidate a clearer signal than a very broad personal question. Social versions such as “What’s your story?” are better reserved for informal conversation.