One of the most common and misunderstood job interview questions is, "Tell me about yourself." It’s open-ended, making it difficult to know where to start, what to include, and how to end.
If you're applying for jobs in Dubai, you’ll likely be asked this question. Employers use it to assess communication skills and determine whether you're the right fit.
In this article, we’ll break down why interviewers ask this question, common mistakes to avoid, and a structured approach to answering confidently. By the end, you’ll have a word-for-word response ready for your next interview in Dubai.
A lot of job interviews in Dubai begin with this question. It helps hiring managers evaluate your confidence, communication skills, and qualifications. It is also used as a jumping off point for further questions, setting the tone for the rest of the interview.
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Dubai employers value strong communication skills. Answering open-ended questions well shows clarity of thought and professionalism. Waffling or giving a confusing answer can create a poor first impression.
Preparation is key. Use a structured approach to ensure you give a concise, well structured and impactful answer.
Employers are not interested in your hobbies, childhood stories, or unrelated experiences. Instead, they want to hear what makes you a great candidate for the job.
This is your chance to highlight your skills, experience, and achievements that align with the role.
Not everyone on the interview panel may have read your CV in detail. This question allows you to provide a clear summary of your background and direct the conversation towards your strongest qualifications.
Focusing on the right points ensures the interviewer asks follow-up questions about your strengths and accomplishments.
Many job seekers in Dubai make common mistakes when answering this interview question. Avoid these pitfalls:
• Giving Your Life Story – The interviewer is only interested in your professional journey.
• Going Through Your CV Line by Line – Instead, focus on the highlights that matter most for the job.
• Providing a Long, Unstructured Answer – Keep it concise engaging and structured.
Now that you know what NOT to do, let’s go through an effective strategy for answering this question.
A great answer follows a three-part structure: Present, Past, and Future. This structure ensures clarity, relevance, and impact.
Start with your current job, industry, and key skills that relate to the position.
"I am a procurement specialist with over eight years of experience in supply chain management. Currently, I work for a multinational firm in Dubai, where I handle supplier negotiations and cost reduction strategies."
Briefly mention your past roles, major accomplishments, and career progression. Keep it relevant to the role.
"Before my current role, I worked with a logistics company in Abu Dhabi, where I managed supplier contracts across the GCC. I also led a team that improved procurement efficiency by 30%, helping the company save significant costs."
Explain why you’re interested in this specific role and how your skills align with the company’s needs.
"I’m now looking for an opportunity where I can contribute my procurement expertise to a larger-scale operation. Your company’s global supply chain focus aligns perfectly with my skills and experience."
To make your answer more effective, use the SHE method:
• Succinct – Keep your answer under 2 minutes.
• Honest – Be genuine and authentic.
• Engaging – Speak with confidence and energy.
A strong answer sets the right tone for the rest of the interview.
Here’s a full sample answer for a job interview in Dubai:
"I am a senior contracts manager with over 10 years of experience in commercial and legal contract negotiation. Currently, I work at a global construction firm in Dubai, where I lead contract negotiations for multimillion-dollar projects, ensuring compliance with UAE regulations. Previously, I worked with a top-tier legal consultancy in the UK, where I specialised in risk management and international contract law. I’m now looking for an opportunity where I can leverage my expertise to drive strategic contract solutions in a fast-paced, international environment like yours."
This answer is clear, structured, and relevant.
1. Practise your answer out loud to improve delivery.
2. Customise your response for each job interview.
3. Keep it professional – avoid personal details.
4. Speak with confidence – first impressions matter.
5. Align your skills with Dubai’s job market trends.
By following this structure, you’ll impress employers in Dubai and increase your chances of landing your dream Dubai job.
Applying for job vacancies in Dubai requires strong interview skills. Mastering "Tell me about yourself" gives you a competitive edge.
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