How to Answer 'Tell Me About Yourself' in Banking Interviews

Why This Question Is Harder Than It Sounds

"Tell me about yourself" is the first question in 90% of IB interviews. It feels easy, which is exactly why most candidates botch it. They either ramble for 3 minutes reciting their CV, or give a 20-second answer that says nothing.

This question sets the tone for everything that follows. A strong answer builds momentum. A weak one puts you on the back foot for the rest of the interview.

The 90-Second Arc

Structure your answer in three parts, taking no more than 90 seconds total:

• Background (15 seconds): Where you are from, where you studied, what you studied. Keep it brief — this is context, not the main event.
• Relevant experience (45 seconds): The most relevant thing you have done — an internship, a project, a role. Focus on what you did and what you learned, not a job description.
• Why you are here (30 seconds): What specifically drew you to this firm and this role. Reference something concrete — a deal, a team, a conversation.

What NOT to Say

• "I am passionate about finance." Everyone says this. It adds zero information.
• "I want to go into PE eventually." This tells the banker you are using their firm as a stepping stone. Even if it is true, do not say it.
• Your entire life story. They do not need to know about your gap year or your childhood ambitions. Stay focused on what is relevant.

Example Answer

"I am in my final year reading Economics at [University], where I developed an interest in corporate finance through a valuation project that won the university investment competition. That led me to a summer internship at [boutique firm], where I worked on two live sell-side mandates in the consumer sector — I built the comparable company analysis and supported the management presentation. That experience confirmed that I want to spend the early part of my career in transaction advisory, and I am particularly drawn to [Bank]'s strength in [sector] and the exposure analysts get to client-facing work from day one."

Handling Follow-Ups

Your answer should naturally invite follow-up questions. If you mention a deal, be ready to discuss it in detail. If you mention a project, know the numbers. If you reference the firm's work, know the deal specifics.

Take Your Preparation Further

For 50+ behavioural questions with STAR framework answers, see the Behavioural Question Bank. Download our free Interview Day Checklist for a complete preparation timeline.

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