Issue #13: Nail the ‘Tell me about yourself’ question

Let’s talk about one of the most deceptively simple questions in UX interviews:

​

“Tell me about yourself.”

​

It sounds casual, but how you answer it can shape the entire interview.

​

Unfortunately, most candidates either freeze, ramble, or recite their resume word-for-word.

​

Keep reading to see how to respond to this question with confidence, clarity, and strategy.

​

New: Level^Up in One Afternoon

​

If you’ve wanted to join Level^Up but aren't able to commit to 3 weeks, I’ve got something new just for you:

​

You can now get the same resume, portfolio, and interview strategies I teach in the 3-week course in just one afternoon!

​

I’m offering a version of the course with the same content but faster delivery. It’s perfect for busy professionals who want real results in one day.

​

​Sign up for the new One-Day Workshop on May 24th​
​(Spots are limited to ensure each student gets personalized feedback - save yours now!)

​

Prefer the full experience? The next 3-week Level^Up cohort starts May 26.
​Reserve your seat now

​

Why This Question Matters

​

Back to interviews.
​

“Tell me about yourself” might sound like small talk, but it sets the tone for the entire conversation.

​

Interviewers are listening for:

​

• A clear, compelling story
• Alignment between your background and their needs
• Confidence and clarity without sounding robotic

​

This is your moment to show up as the designer they want to hire.

​

The 3-Part Framework I Teach

​

Forget your job titles. Forget your elevator pitch.

​
Instead, use this:

​

• Start with the why behind your path.​
  What drew you to UX? Why did you pivot into this field? Context is powerful.

​

• Highlight 2–3 relevant moments.​
  Choose specific wins that show your strengths rather than giving a play-by-play of your resume.

​

• End with where you’re headed.​
  Show that this role isn’t random. You’re intentional, and you’ve done your homework.

​

Real-Life Example: Melissa’s Interview Shift

​

Melissa had a solid background in visual design, but her interview strategy was falling flat. She started off with too much personal detail and struggled to transition smoothly into her experience.

​

We worked together to shape her story using my three-part framework.

​

At her next interview, she opened with what drew her to product design, spotlighted a project where she led an onboarding redesign that boosted activation by 18%, and closed with why she was excited about the company’s mission.

​

What happened next? The hiring manager told her, “You had the most compelling intro we’ve heard all week.”

​

She made it to the last round of interviews and eventually landed that role!

​

Need Help Crafting Your Story?

​

This is one of the key areas we tackle inside Level^Up, and it makes a huge difference once you start interviewing.

​

Want personal feedback?​
​Book a 1:1 coaching session for resume, portfolio, or interview prep.

​

Prefer a self-paced option?​
​Take the resume course on Udemy and learn at your own pace.

​

Ready for full support?​
​Join the 3-week Level^Up cohort starting May 26​
Or, for faster results, join the One-Day Workshop on May 24

​

Until next time,​
David Campana

Level^Up

Ex-Apple, WeWork, Verizon | Top 1% Mentor on ADPList​
​
​P.S. In the next issue, I’ll share why many talented designers unintentionally hold themselves back when applying and how you can avoid making the same mistake.

​

If you’re new here, welcome! Sign up for free UX job search lessons, resume tips, and live session invites by joining the newsletter.

​