How to Answer 'Tell Me About Yourself' in a Job Interview in Norway

Published November 9, 2026

In many job interviews in Norway, one of the first things you will hear is Kan du fortelle litt om deg selv? or, in English, "Can you tell me a little about yourself?" It sounds easy. Without preparation, though, many people either tell their whole life story or freeze and repeat their CV line by line.

This article gives you a simple recipe for a short, honest answer that fits Norwegian interview culture. It includes example answers for students, newcomers and experienced workers.

Why Norwegian interviewers ask this question

The question is rarely a trick. It is usually a warm-up that gives the interviewer a quick picture of you and gets the conversation started. The interviewer has already read your CV and application (søknad). They now want to hear how you connect the dots and why you are applying for this job.

Norwegian workplaces tend to value people who are direct, calm and down to earth. A good answer sounds like a short, friendly summary. It should not sound like a sales pitch. If you overstate things or use big words about yourself, you can sound less trustworthy, not more.

A simple recipe: now, before, why here

Build your answer in three short parts:

1. Now: who you are today, in one or two sentences. This could be your current job, your studies or your situation.
2. Before: one or two experiences that are relevant to this job. Pick these from the job ad (stillingsannonse), not just from your CV.
3. Why here: why this role and this employer make sense for you right now.

Keep it to a few sentences per part. If the interviewer wants more, they will ask follow-up questions, and that is a good sign.

You can end with a short personal detail if it feels natural, for example that you enjoy hiking or play in a local football team. It is not required, but it often makes the conversation feel more relaxed.

Example answers

International student applying for a part-time job

I'm in my second year of a bachelor's degree in engineering at Z University. Before I moved to Norway, I worked weekends at my family's shop for three years, so I'm used to customers, cash handling and restocking. I'm looking for a part-time job in a supermarket because I want steady work alongside my studies, and I'd like to use my Norwegian more every day.

Newcomer with experience from another country

I'm a trained nurse with six years of experience at a hospital in my home country, mostly in elderly care. I moved to Norway last year and have worked as a care assistant at a care home since the spring. I'm applying for this role at Y AS because it's a permanent position in elderly care, which is the work I know best and want to continue with.

Labour migrant in construction or logistics

My name is Tomasz, and I've worked in warehouses for about eight years, the last three as a forklift driver and shift leader. I'm used to tight schedules and working in teams with people of many nationalities. I'm applying here because you're looking for someone who can both drive and help organise the shift, and that's exactly what I've done in my last job.

Notice what these answers have in common. They are short, they mention concrete experience, and each one ends by linking back to the job.

Mentioning your Norwegian skills honestly

Many ads ask for Norwegian, so it can be smart to mention your level briefly in this answer. That way the interviewer does not have to wonder about it. Be honest and specific, and say what you are doing to improve.

• Too vague: "I speak some Norwegian."
• Better: "My Norwegian is at about B1 level. I can handle everyday conversations at work, and I'm taking an evening course to improve my written Norwegian."

If you do not know your CEFR level, plain words work fine: basic, conversational or fluent. Never claim a higher level than you have. The interviewer may simply switch to Norwegian to check.

What to leave out

The question invites you to talk about yourself, but not about everything. In most cases, leave out:

• Your full life story, starting from childhood or upper secondary school (videregående skole), unless it is directly relevant.
• Private details such as family plans, religion, health or your reasons for moving, unless you choose to share something short and positive.
• Complaints about former employers or about how hard the job search has been.
• A list of personality words like "hard-working, flexible and positive" with no examples behind them.

If you have a gap in your CV, you do not need to explain it here. Keep one calm sentence ready in case the interviewer asks. Our article on CV gaps in Norway shows how to phrase it.

Before and after: tightening your answer

Before:

Well, I was born in a small town, and I always liked helping people. I studied many things, and then I moved here with my wife, and I have been looking for a job for a while. I'm hard-working, flexible and a team player.

After:

I have a bachelor's degree in business and four years of experience in customer service, most recently handling complaints for an online shop. Since moving to Norway, I've volunteered at a second-hand shop run by a local organisation, which has helped my Norwegian. I'm applying for this customer service role because it matches what I'm good at, and I want to work in a team where I can keep improving my Norwegian.

The second version gives the interviewer facts they can ask about. It also points clearly at the job.

Practise until it sounds natural

Write your answer down, then say it out loud several times. Do not memorise it word for word, because it will sound stiff. Learn the three parts instead and let the wording vary a little each time. Record yourself on your phone and listen: is it short, clear and honest?

Adjust the middle part for each job. To choose which experiences to mention, read the ad carefully and compare it with your background. For more questions you are likely to meet, see common job interview questions in Norway.

Summary

• Treat "tell me about yourself" as a short, friendly introduction, not a speech.
• Use the recipe: now, before, why here.
• Pick experiences that match the job ad, and give concrete examples.
• Mention your Norwegian level honestly, and say how you are improving it.
• Leave out your life story, private details and empty personality words.
• Practise out loud, and adapt the answer to each job.