🗣️ “Tell Me About Yourself” – How to Answer This Internship Interview Question (With Examples)

One of the first and most common questions in any internship interview is:

“Tell me about yourself.”

It sounds simple, but most students and graduates struggle to answer it confidently. The good news? This is your first chance to impress—and with the right approach, you can set the tone for a great interview.

In this post, we’ll break down exactly what interviewers want to hear, what to avoid, and give you examples you can use.

✅ Why Do Interviewers Ask This?

They want to:

Get a quick summary of who you are
Understand your background and goals
See how well you communicate

This question helps them decide if you’re a good fit for the internship, both professionally and personally.

🎯 How to Structure Your Answer (The 3-Part Formula)

Use this simple structure:

1. Who You Are Now

Start with your name, current level of study, and field.

“I’m a second-year Information Technology student at Tshwane University of Technology…”

2. Your Skills & Experience

Mention your academic strengths, soft skills, and any relevant projects or experience.

“…I’ve developed strong skills in problem-solving and teamwork through group projects, and I’ve completed a short course in Python programming.”

3. Your Goals & Why You’re Applying

Explain what you’re looking for and why this internship excites you.

“…I’m now looking for an internship where I can apply what I’ve learned in a real-world environment and continue building my tech skills.”

📋 Full Example Answer (Student with No Experience)

“I’m a third-year Marketing student at the University of Johannesburg. I’ve always been interested in branding and content creation, and I’ve built strong communication and teamwork skills through my academic projects. I recently helped organize a student event that attracted over 300 people. I’m now looking for a marketing internship where I can apply my creativity and learn more about digital strategy.”

📋 Example Answer (Student With Some Experience)

“My name is Kabelo, and I’m a final-year HR Management student at UNISA. I’ve volunteered at a local NGO where I helped with admin and community outreach. I’m passionate about people development and organizational culture. That experience taught me how to work in a team and handle responsibility. I’m now excited to gain more hands-on experience in HR through your internship programme.”

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Repeating your entire CV
❌ Talking too long (keep it under 1–2 minutes)
❌ Saying irrelevant info (like hobbies unless related)
❌ Sounding unsure (“Um… I don’t know really…”)

💡 Quick Tips

Practice your answer before the interview
Keep it natural and confident, not robotic
Match your answer to the type of internship you’re applying for
Always end with why you’re excited about the opportunity

🧠 Bonus Tip: End With a Hook

Say something like:

“That’s a bit about me—I’m excited about the opportunity to grow and contribute to your team.”

🔚 Final Thoughts

“Tell me about yourself” is more than small talk—it’s your chance to shine. Prepare your answer, practice it, and go into the interview with confidence.

You’ve got this! 💪

📚 More Internship Prep Resources

Need personal help with your interview prep? Email us at info@gointern.co.za

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