How to answer “Tell me about yourself” in a Kitchen Porter interview

“Tell me about yourself” is one of the most common Kitchen Porter interview questions in the UK. Here is a simple framework, a model answer you can adapt, and the mistakes that weaken a good answer.

The question

Tell me about yourself.

A simple framework for your answer

  1. Now: Say who you are today: your job title and how long you have done this work. One sentence.
  2. Proof: Give one example or skill that fits this role. Use a real detail — a place you worked, a number, a task you did well.
  3. Why here: Say why you want this job now. Keep the whole answer to about 45 seconds.

Example answer

I have worked as a kitchen porter for two years in a busy pub kitchen. I keep the wash-up moving so the chefs never wait for pans, and I follow the cleaning rota and food hygiene rules carefully. I am applying here because your kitchen is busy and well run, and I want steady work where the team can rely on me.

Why this works: Notice the shape: now, then proof, then why here — and it ends with a reason to want this job.

The example is in English because that is what you will say in the interview. The guidance is here to help you build your own version.

Common pitfalls on this question

  • Telling your life story from school onwards. Start from your current work, not your childhood.
  • Listing every job you have ever had. Pick only what fits this role.
  • Speaking for two minutes or more. Aim for about 45 seconds.
  • Saying nothing about why you want this job. End with a clear reason for being here.

Note for Kitchen Porter roles in the UK

In the UK, kitchen porter interviews check reliability, food hygiene basics, and whether you keep up when the kitchen is full. Mention the wash-up, keeping stations clear, and helping the chefs before being asked.

Frequently asked questions

How long should my answer to “Tell me about yourself” be?
Aim for about 45 to 60 seconds. Use the framework above to stay structured, and stop when you have made your point.
Do I need perfect English to answer “Tell me about yourself”?
No. Clear, structured English at a B1–B2 level is enough. Interviewers care more about whether they understand you than about perfect grammar.
Should I memorise my answer word for word?
No. Learn the shape, not a script. Memorised answers sound flat and fall apart under follow-up questions. Practise out loud in your own words.

See how your own answer sounds

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What this site cannot tell you

These pages describe what interviewers commonly look for. They cannot tell you what a specific interviewer decided, and nothing here guarantees an interview, an offer or a visa. Practising is preparation — it shows you what to fix next.