Opening · UK 2026
How to answer "Tell me about yourself (recent graduate version)"
Interviewers also phrase it as:
- "Walk me through your background (graduate)"
- "Introduce yourself (entry-level)"
- "Tell me about your studies and experience"
Why interviewers ask
For graduate and entry-level UK interviews specifically, this question carries different weight. Interviewers know you don't have years of work experience to recite, so they're testing structure, what you choose to highlight, and your trajectory — what you've optimised for, not just what you've done. Strong answers don't recite your degree class; they describe what you've built around it.
Model answer
I graduated in [year] from [university] with a degree in [subject]. The reason I picked [subject] was [specific intentional reason — flags intentionality]. During my degree I focused on [specific area or project] and worked on [specific project, internship, or activity]. After graduation I've been [current role or activity], where I've been most engaged with [specific work that connects to this role]. The reason I'm interviewing here is [direct connection between your trajectory and the role]. I'm at the stage where I want [specific next step].
What to avoid (common bad answer)
I just graduated from [university] with a 2:1 in [subject]. I'm looking for entry-level roles and yours seemed interesting. (Generic — every recent grad sounds identical.) Or: I'm a recent graduate looking to start my career. (Adds nothing.) Both fail.
Structure of a good answer
- 1 Degree + university + year (briefly)
- 2 Why you picked the subject (signals intentionality)
- 3 Specific area or project you focused on
- 4 Most relevant activity since graduation (work, side project, learning)
- 5 Direct connection to the role you are interviewing for
Common mistakes
- ✗ Leading with degree class — that's on the CV
- ✗ Reciting GCSE / A-level grades — too far back to be relevant
- ✗ Generic 'looking for opportunities' framing
- ✗ No specific project, internship, or interest area called out
- ✗ No connection to why this specific role
Recruiter pro tip
Recent graduates have less material to work with, so the structure matters more, not less. The candidates who land this question are the ones who've built something during their degree — a specific project, an internship, a society leadership role, a side hustle — and lead with it. Without one of those, the answer reads like everyone else's. Build the something during your degree if you can.
FAQ
Should I mention my degree class? ▼
Briefly, only if 2:1 or above. Lead with what you built, not what you scored.
What if I don't have any internships or relevant work experience? ▼
Use coursework projects, society leadership, side projects, or volunteer work. UK graduate hiring increasingly weights these heavily.
How is this different from the standard 'tell me about yourself'? ▼
Less work history; more focus on what you've optimised for during your degree and after. Still aim for 60-90 seconds.