THE Interview Question

Important Interview Question

“Tell me about yourself” sounds simple.

It isn’t.

In our experience, this is the most important question in any interview—and the one most candidates underestimate. It sets the tone, establishes credibility, and shapes how everything else you say is heard.

After more than 30 years working in executive search—particularly within family offices, private capital, and closely held enterprises—we see clear patterns in what works and what doesn’t.

First, What This Question Is Not

This is not an invitation to:

• Walk through your résumé line by line
• Share your life story
• Ramble until someone interrupts

Interviewers are listening for clarity, judgment, and self-awareness—not chronology.

What Hiring Leaders Are Actually Listening For

When leaders ask this question, they want to understand:

• How you frame your professional identity
• What you believe your value truly is
• How you connect your experience to their needs
• Whether you can communicate with intention and confidence

In family offices, especially, this question reveals whether someone understands context, discretion, and partnership.

A Simple, Effective Structure (That Works at Every Level)

The strongest answers follow this flow:

1. Who You Are Professionally (Now)

Start with a clear, present-tense headline.

“I’m a Chief of Staff who partners with founders and principals to bring structure, clarity, and execution to complex environments.”

2. What You’re Known For

Highlight your core strengths or signature contributions.

“I’m known for anticipating needs, managing competing priorities, and serving as a trusted thought partner during high-stakes decision-making.”

3. Your Relevant Arc (Briefly)

Offer context without detail overload.

“I’ve spent the last ten years supporting senior leaders across family offices and private companies, often during periods of transition or growth.”

4. Why You’re Here

Connect directly to the role or organization.

“I’m excited about this opportunity because it requires judgment, discretion, and the ability to operate behind the scenes—all of which align with how I do my best work.”

Sample Responses (By Role)

• Executive Assistant

“I’m an Executive Assistant who partners closely with senior leaders to create leverage—by managing priorities, protecting time, and ensuring nothing falls through the cracks. I’ve supported principals and CEOs in fast-moving environments where d:iscretion and trust are essential, and I’m most effective when I’m deeply aligned with how a leader works.”

• Chief of Staff

“I’m a Chief of Staff who helps leaders focus on what matters most. I operate as an extension of the executive—driving alignment, managing complexity, and helping translate vision into action. I’ve worked across strategy, operations, and communications, and I’m at my best in environments where clarity and judgment are critical.”

• CFO / COO (Family Office)

“I’m an operator at heart, with deep experience managing financial and operational complexity in private, family-office environments. I focus on protecting capital, creating flexibility, and building systems that support long-term family objectives—not just short-term performance.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Over-explaining
• Using buzzwords without examples
• Talking at the interviewer instead of connecting with them
• Making it about what you want instead of what you offer

One Final Thought

Your answer to “Tell me about yourself” should feel grounded, intentional, and human. Especially in family offices, this question is often less about impressing—and more about establishing trust.

If you get this right, everything else in the interview becomes easier.

- Cheryl Grimaldi, CPC