Being asked to describe yourself is a very common interview question, and it's a question that usually comes at the kickoff of an interview.

The hiring director may enquire something like, "How would you depict yourself?"

You lot might get a question such equally, "What three words best draw you?" or, "Tell me five adjectives that draw your personality."

Yous get the thought.

The average person will list off a few words and be done with their answer. But y'all're non average!

To go above and beyond, knocking your interview out of the park, it'south essential that you use these words of clarification to tell a story.

In this article, nosotros'll talk about the best adjectives to describe yourself in an interview, and why these are so of import.

We will as well show you how to answer this interview question (with lots of examples).

Good Words to Describe Yourself in an Interview

If you only came hither looking for some adept adjectives to describe yourself in an interview, cheque out our list below.

Just we must remind you that the best answer to this interview question goes beyond the words y'all choose. It's all about the story you lot tell.

Once you lot accept your words chosen, you tin can focus on finding real-life stories that back up those traits you portray.

So, take a look at the list of descriptive words below and notice a few that accommodate you the best.

Words to draw yourself in an interview:

Ambitious Amiable Bold
Confident Conscientious Creative
Decisive Dependable Diligent
Enthusiastic Dependable Extrovert
Flexible Friendly Honest
Imaginative Influencing Inspirational
Leader Loyal Organized
Perceptive Personable Reliable
Resourceful Versatile Visionary

If y'all are able to successfully depict yourself in an interview, you volition come up off as a self-aware, confident, and capable candidate.

Here'due south an idea!

If y'all are at a loss trying to effigy out ways to depict yourself, ask the people who know you best.

Only text, phone call, or email a few friends and family members and ask them, "What are five words that draw me well?"

From their replies, you will accept a great starting identify to come up with specific answers for your interview. (Possibly a family fellow member will even remind yous of a personal story yous can use!)

Top Tip: Avoid generic circumlocution and negative words when describing yourself. As well, avoid stories that take negative associations or unhappy endings.

Let'due south look at how to really utilize these words to describe yourself in an interview with the samples below.

How to Depict Yourself in an Interview with Examples

Let's say y'all can think of a handful of good adjectives to describe yourself on the spot.

That's great! You're halfway there.

Once again, yous want to avoid only giving a list of words to draw yourself. Instead, give a brusk story to support your claim.

Below is a listing of example answers to the interview question, "What are 3 words to describe yourself?"

Keep in mind that the aforementioned story tin be used for different words. It'south more about the positive story you tell than the specific words you lot choose.

In the examples below, the interviewee gave one of the descriptive words and so added a short (and true) story to back it upward.

Diligent / Loyal / Reliable

Here'southward how a customer service professional might answer to the question:

I am the beginning person my friends call because they know I am e'er in that location for them. Dark or day, I make sure to take care of the people in my life. I put the same endeavour into making sure my work is done correctly and being bachelor to help my team members.

Creative / Innovative / Visionary

This is an example of how a sales executive could answer this question:

I love trying new things, creating new methods, and introducing new ideas. In 1 of my previous jobs, I was responsible for selling waterproof phones. One day, I brought in a articulate container filled with water to demo the waterproof phones. We made underwater videos and the phone still worked. Once my manager plant out, he made this a mandatory practice for all 150 locations.

Motivated / Ambitious / Leader

Hither'due south a suitable reply for leadership positions:

I tend to be very driven in my approach to life and work. Throughout higher, I was active in three clubs, worked full time, and still managed to graduate at the elevation of my class. As the oldest sibling, I have always been somewhat of a leader. My brothers and sisters look upwardly to me for advice. I try to be someone that others would feel confident following.

Honest / Ethical / Conscientious

This answer can exist used for any task where ideals are of import:

Ever since I was a trivial kid, I take tried to practice honesty. I remember one time I plant 6 Disneyland tickets and $200 cash in an envelope. I turned the envelope into the store where I found it. My honesty paid off when no one came to claim it and I was able to keep the envelope.

Friendly / Personable / Extrovert

Here's a great example respond a sales professional could utilize:

I've e'er enjoyed meeting new people. It comes naturally to me to pour a lot into my relationships with all kinds of people. I'1000 your typical extrovert, which has really helped me in my career. My natural networking abilities have enabled me to excel in sales roles such as this one.

As you consider examples to use, it is helpful to recollect of relevant explanations that also align with the job you are interviewing for.

In other words, be strategic.

There may be 50 applicative words you can apply to tell someone about yourself; notwithstanding, y'all should pick those that will be valued most for the position you are interviewing for.

Tell them how these words apply to your life and provide a true-life case that backs it up.

Practiced Words to Describe Yourself on a Resume

Now that you've found the best words to describe yourself in an interview, take a expect at your resume.

As with an interview, it's important that your resume describes yous with more than adjectives. Tell a story!

Good adjectives to describe yourself on a resume:

Accomplished Accountable Adaptable
Belittling Collaborative Creative
Diligent Diplomatic Efficient
Innovative Knowledgeable Observant
Proactive Businesslike Strategic
Supportive Versatile Visionary

Please note that this list is not extensive. At that place are hundreds of words you can use to depict yourself on a resume.

With the right story, simply about whatsoever give-and-take tin can be constructive.

Next, let's expect at a few resume examples using some of the adjectives from the listing above.

Adjectives to Depict Yourself on a Resume Examples

Just like describing yourself in an interview, your resume should tell a story. By and large, this story will be under your work feel section.

While information technology is possible to add some of these adjectives to the "Skills" section of your resume, it'south better to listing hard skills in this section.

Soft skills such as "analytical, diligent, and strategic" are better shown in a story than listed equally keywords.

Below, we provide a few examples from real resumes written by Certified Professional person Resume Writers at Find My Profession.

Accomplished

Accomplished leader with demonstrated background applying innovative ideas to bulldoze growth, productivity, and profitability for both Fortune 500 corporations and private equity-backed first-ups.

Versatile

Versatile change agent and executive leader with strengths in encouraging buy-in amongst all levels of an organisation and utilizing communication skills and a well-developed sense of humor to drive collaboration across all business organisation units.

Strategic

Strategic counselor beyond all business functions with avant-garde ability to build and manage partnerships with stakeholders, board members, and fellow executive leaders to support strategic planning and drive continuous improvement.

Such powerful words are sure to make you the favorite candidate of the hiring manager!

Key Takeaways

There are hundreds of words you could apply to describe yourself in an interview, but more important than the adjectives yous use is the story yous share to drive your signal habitation.

  1. Pick relevant words for the task you're applying for. An accountant may not demand to say they are an extrovert. A give-and-take like "analytical" might exist a better option.
  2. Tell a story that backs your words up. This can be one story that encompasses all 3-5 words or it tin can exist a unique story for each word.
  3. Stay positive and brief. Your story should remain positive, avoid sharing too many personal details, and remain under two minutes long.

You tin can find more than interview questions to report in our list of the 50 Top Job Interview Questions and Answers.

Good luck with that interview! Y'all are going to practise great. You are ambitious, confident, and resourceful!