Tell me about yourself — the interview question that can make or break.

Crafting a Compelling Narrative as a Design Leader

Preparing for the infamous “Tell me about yourself” question in an interview can feel daunting. However, with thoughtful preparation, this open-ended prompt is an opportunity to stand out, connect personally with your future team, and establish yourself as a design leader.

Too often, candidates default to cliché catchphrases, which can appear robotic. Phrases like “bridge between customer needs and business priorities” or “love to simplify complex problems” quickly blend into the background noise of interviews. Instead, focus on crafting a narrative that authentically reflects your values, experiences, and what drives you as a designer.

Tips for Creating a Memorable Introduction

1. Start with Self-Discovery: Create a Mind Map of Your Attributes

Begin by identifying what sets you apart. Use a mind map to explore your skills, interests, and dimensions of your identity. Answer questions like:

• Who am I?

• What motivates me each day?

• If I were a superhero, what would my powers be?

• How do my skills serve an organization’s needs?

• What themes connect the projects I’ve worked on?

• How do I connect my experience using the keywords from the job description?

This process will help you surface personal and professional qualities that make your introduction authentic and memorable.

2. Go Beyond the Buzzwords

As Simon Sinek wisely states, “People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.” This insight reminds us that titles or credentials don't define true leadership but the impact and vision that drive us. Reflect on what inspires you about the next step in your career and how your unique motivations align with the opportunity. Rather than focusing solely on job titles, consider the value you’ve delivered in past roles and how it resonates with the goals you aim to achieve moving forward.

For instance, while my title may be “Product Design Lead,” my identity is shaped by my passion as a futurist, my role as a working parent, and my advocacy for women in tech. These deeper motivations guide my work and inform how I approach every challenge.

3. Craft the Foundation of Your Narrative

Great design is not just about aesthetics; it’s about crafting a story that resonates and builds connection. When we share personal experiences, whether about our backgrounds, passions, or values, we create opportunities for others to relate. Use your mind map to weave together stories highlighting your professional strengths while offering insight into who you truly are.

For example:

Working Parent: My daughter’s boundless curiosity about the digital world pushes me to remain innovative, flexible, and forward-thinking in my design approach.

Immigrant and Mentor: Raised in India, I challenged societal norms and ventured to America to design my envisioned future. Today, I mentor women in tech, empowering them to rewrite their narratives.

Futurist and Storyteller: I thrive on helping people and organizations imagine what’s next. My strength is connecting strategy, mission, and execution to bring bold ideas to life.

4. Design Your Narrative for the Audience

Approach your introduction like a thoughtful design solution: Who is the user, and what are their needs? Tailor your narrative to align with the values and priorities of your audience. A hiring manager may value your technical expertise, while a peer might connect more with your collaborative approach. While authenticity is key, understanding the tone and culture of the organization ensures your story lands in the right way.

Keep your message clear, direct, and accessible. If your story wouldn’t resonate with a second grader on career day, simplify and focus on what truly matters.

5. Design Multiple Versions and Refine Your Delivery

Each interview setting offers a unique dynamic—1:1, a panel, in-person, or virtual. Prepare multiple iterations of your story: concise, detailed, written, and spoken. Rehearse with trusted peers or mentors to fine-tune your delivery. Their feedback will help you identify opportunities for improvement, clarify your core message, and ensure that your introduction makes a memorable impact.

Final Thoughts

Your introduction is more than just a first impression—it’s a chance to make a meaningful impact. Use it to highlight your personality, values, and the motivations that drive you as a design leader. This isn’t about listing your credentials—it’s about providing a window into who you are and why you’re the right fit for the team.

If you want guidance or feedback, feel free to connect with me on ADPList.

Special thanks to Ashley Sun and Xu Zeng for their thought-provoking questions that inspired this article.