Episode 06B1–B2 — Intermediate to Upper-Intermediate

How to Answer "Tell Me About Yourself" as a Developer

22:16 · 10 vocabulary terms · The secret to a job interview in English for developers: "start with now" · Free PDF transcript

Free transcript PDF

Episode 6 — Free transcript & study guide

  • 10-term vocabulary table
  • Full role-play transcript
  • Language breakdown notes
  • Quiz with full answers

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Vocabulary

TermDefinitionExample
CurrentlyAt the moment; these days. The first word of a strong answer: “I’m currently a backend developer.” Not the same as “actually,” which means “in fact.”"I'm currently a backend developer on a product team, and I specialise in authentication and APIs."
I specialise inThe part of your work you’re known for. Specialise is a verb: “I specialise in APIs.” Not “I am specialised in.” (US spelling: specialize.)"I'm currently a backend developer on a product team, and I specialise in authentication and APIs."
BackgroundWhere you come from professionally: “My background is in technical support” or “I come from a support background.”"My background is actually in technical support."
TransitionedMoved from one kind of work into another: “I transitioned from support into backend work.” Also “made the transition” or, informally, “moved into.”"So about four years ago, I transitioned into backend work, and since then I've had hands-on experience with everything from session management to third-party integrations."
What drew me toThe reason something attracted you. Drew is the past of draw: “What drew me to development was…” or “That’s what drew me to development.”"I started out helping customers fix integration problems, and that's what drew me to development."
Hands-onPractical, direct experience — you’ve done it, not just read about it: “hands-on experience with third-party integrations.” Hyphenated before a noun."Since then I've had hands-on experience with everything from session management to third-party integrations."
Looking forWhat you want next. Strongest with one concrete detail: “I’m looking for a role where I can own a feature end to end.”"Going forward, I'm looking for a role with broader scope, where I can own a feature from the first refinement meeting all the way to release."
ScopeIn an interview, the scope of your role means your responsibilities — what you own and decide. Recycled from Episode 5, where it meant the size of a ticket."You mentioned wanting broader scope. What's the scope of your current role?"
ClarifyTo make something clear by asking or restating: “Could you clarify — do you mean…?” Recycled from Episode 5; in an interview, a sign that you listen."Could you clarify — do you mean on the login project, or in general?"
TakeawayThe lesson you carry out of an experience: “My biggest takeaway from that project was…” Recycled from Episode 3."My biggest takeaway from the login project was that clear requirements save more time than clever code."

Episode structure

Intro

~1–1.5 min

Vocabulary Preview

~2–3 min

Role-Play

~8–12 min

Slow Replay

~2–3 min

Language Breakdown

~3–4 min

Quiz + Wrap-Up

~2–2.5 min

Your hosts

Alex, Tech Lead

Alex

Tech Lead

Sam, Developer

Sam

Developer

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