Describe me in one word meaning

Each of us is a complex human being. We have our strengths and weaknesses, our past, dream,s our friends and role models. Each of us is unique, and it may take more than 1,000 words to give at least a somehow accurate description of any person in the world. Still, it would be only somehow accurate. 

What to do, however, when hiring managers ask you to describe yourself with the help of one word only? That’s really a tricky situation. They typically expect to hear your greatest strength, or something that is really characteristic for you, something that makes you stand out from the other job applicants in the hiring process. But it’s a silly question indeed, because one word does never tell the entire story…

Silly or not, you may get this question in your interview. And you should not remain silent, or think for five minutes before you pick the one word that describes you better than anything else. I put together a list of 100 words, each of them telling something about a person, and divided it to ten groups. Let’s see if you can find your winner in my selection.

100 sample answers to “Describe yourself in one word” interview question

• Ambitious, bold, creative, positive, passionate, empathic, transparent, honest, resilient, humble.
• Leader, follower, manager, coach, technician, engineer, teacher, winner, entertainer, entrepreneur.
• Indescribable, unique, me, nobody, complicated, complex, human, mother, father, loner.
• Athlete, artist, musician, painter, player, gamer, builder, destroyer, gunner, victim.
• Dreamer, idealist, philosopher, realist, optimist, pessimist, poet, soul, brain, heart.
• Tall, young, old, experienced, inexperienced, learner, pupil, short, healthy, fit.
• Crazy, unpredictable, superhero, lunatic, demon, God, devil, archangel, joker, ace.
• Responsible, detail-oriented, skilled, flexible, elaborate, adaptable, sociable, listener, talker, alive.
• Nervous, confident, brilliant, forgiving, unprepared, prepared, strong, excited, happy, undecided.
• Lost, unemployed, thriving, struggling, hoping, praying, trying, dreaming, screaming, nothing.

What you pick means a lot to you–either in good or bad way

Be careful about your choice. It indicates (at least in the eyes of the interviewers) what matters the most to you. Let me give you a few examples. If you pick a role, or a name of a profession you have or field you studies (manager, engineer, teacher, programmer, etc), it shows that work is really important to you, that it is what you think about the most, and perhaps even live for. Not a bad choice for most hiring managers.

If you pick a character ability–some strength (empathic, responsible, honest, etc), it suggest that you built your identity around this ability, and consider it the greatest asset you can offer to your next employer. This can work work, especially if you pick something fitting to the job description, or for the the company culture.

Is it okay to pick a weakness?

Maybe you feel like a victim, or really unlucky in your life. Or you are just a dreamer, still waiting for your opportunity to realize your ambitions. Or you feel lonely, deserted, or almost a nobody.

I have complete understanding for your feelings. Who says that he never experienced something similar is lying. All of us have some bad days. However, you should focus on something positive in a job interview. Nobody wants to hire an employee who will walk around the office with their head bent, pitting themselves, or even seeding negativity in their colleagues.

Referring to your emotion or condition when it comes to interviewing is another interesting idea

Why not saying that you are excited, or enthusiastic? It is always good if the hiring managers get an impression that the interview is important to you, that you are happy to be where you are. You can describe these feelings when they ask you to describe yourself in one word.

After all, our emotions change, so do our roles in life. Hence it is fine to pick something fleeting, something that describes who you are, or how you feel, in the exact moment when they ask the question. If the interview isn’t going well, or you flopped some questions, you can even pick unprepared, or nervous for your answer.

Experiment with unconventional answers when you have nothing to lose

Interview is a sales talk, and you should try to tell them something that makes a good impression, that show you in the best possible light. However, if the “sales talk” hasn’t been going well up to this point, if you feel that your chances are getting slimmer with each next question, you can try your luck with something unconventional, or even bizarre.

When you find yourself in a situation when you have nothing to lose, why not characterize yourself as crazy, alive, or as an ace, an idealist, or even as a soul? Such a choice allows for a lot of options when they ask you to elaborate on your answer.

And even if they do not ask you to elaborate on your strange choice, it is definitely something they will remember long time after the end of your interview. It’s better when they remember you in any association, than when they forget you five minutes after the end of your interview, perhaps because you told them the same things everyone else did…

If they give you a chance, you should elaborate on your answer

One word is not really enough, but initially that’s what you should say. Because it’s also a test of your ability to follow instructions and orders, so one word is one word, and if you say three or opt for an entire sentence, you are losing points in this interview.

However, if there’s a moment of silence once you tell your word, you may ask whether they do not want you to elaborate on your characteristic, on the one word you picked. And that’s the opportunity you’ve been waiting for, a chance to explain how the characteristic will help you in your new job, or why the one is so important, so special to you, that you picked it from the huge selection of words that characterize your character, life, and attitude…

Ready to answer this one? I hope so! Check also sample answers to other tricky interview questions:

• Does your academic record accurately reflect your capabilities?
• What would you do if you saw a co-worker stealing a small item or giving food to someone without paying?
• If you were an animal, what would you be?

How would you describe yourself? When we walk into an interview, we’re trying to project the best possible version of ourselves. We want to appear confident, qualified, and ready to take on the job position. It’s difficult to keep up appearances in an interview, no matter how good you are in the interview itself. This is especially so when the hiring manager starts throwing curveball questions. One such question is “describe yourself in one word.”

It may seem simple enough to pick one positive word. The problem is, that question could be followed by a request to elaborate on your answer. And that could present a much more challenging answer.

When you think about it, it’s the ultimate elevator pitch request. And if you’re asked this question in a job interview. Then how can you break down everything you can bring to the table in just one single word? Or a series of words?

In this guide, we’re going to tackle why interviewers ask this question. And how to craft the best answer. And what answers to emulate and which to avoid.

Why Do Interviewers Ask “Describe Yourself?”

Hiring managers do this for the same reason they ask most questions in an interview. They want to know more about you to determine if you are a good fit for the company or position.

The hiring manager is trying to get to the essence of who you are as a person. And as a professional addition to their team. Or, at the very least, they want to confirm based on first impressions, which you think you may be. The relationship you have with yourself can have a tremendous impact on how you live and work. And this question is meant to put you on the spot to reveal your confidence or insecurity.

Pro tip: In a Job Outlook Survey performed by NACE in 2019. They mentioned that communication skills were amongst the highest hard skills desired by employers. Interview questions like «describe yourself in one word» challenge that ability.

This question is usually used as a setup question to probe deeper. Since many potential hires will use a grand word to describe themselves. But will then struggle to give an example of how that word is exemplified in professional day-to-day behavior. “Describe yourself in one word” also gives the hiring manager insight into how realistic the potential hire is being in their own self-reflective view. We’ll dip more into this in the next few sections.

What Are Hiring Managers Trying to Find Out by Asking “Describe Yourself?”

As we mentioned before, the hiring managers want to paint a picture of who you are. And who you think you are. And how well you can elaborate on a simple one-word answer. Or in a short introduction that uses key skills, keywords, and benefits for the company to describe yourself.

When it comes down to it, they are looking for specific answers in your initial short answer and a subsequent longer answer. And they are looking for honesty, humbleness, and accuracy as well.

For example, let’s say you are interviewing for a position in customer service. Your hiring manager asks you to describe yourself in one word. The word you choose is “friendly.” They ask you to elaborate on this. A negative answer would be one that doesn’t relate to a professional setting. And if you answer with something along the lines of “My friends all say I’m very friendly.” That says nothing about your friendliness in the workplace. However, a good answer would contain an example of an experience in which a customer told you that you were very friendly. And did a great job of taking care of their issue. This shows the interviewee that you have real-world professional examples to back up your claims.

It’s also worth noting that your hiring manager is also likely looking for inconsistencies. And if you came into the interview with an attitude. And then describe yourself as “friendly.” It could make you seem inconsistent, unaware of yourself, or plain dishonest.

How to Answer “Describe Yourself” Effectively

This question is usually used as a setup question to probe deeper. And since many potential hires will use a grand word to describe themselves. But will then struggle to give an example of how that word is exemplified in professional day-to-day behavior. “Describe yourself in one word” also gives the hiring manager insight into how realistic the potential hire is being in their own self-reflective view. We’ll dip more into this in the next few sections.

What interviewees should really do is think about the position and the company. And what qualities would be excellent for someone to be successful in that role. Then, choose one of those words that apply to you.

Describing yourself

When describing yourself, pick keywords that connect together and describe what can be offered to the business. An answer example would be the following.

«I’m a reliable, dependable, adaptable professional. Looking to utilize my skills as a sales professional to apply myself to a business looking to disrupt a major industry.»

Describing yourself in one word

Take the time to brainstorm some possibilities for good words to choose from. And make sure that you are prepared to follow up your answer with an explanation. Your hiring manager may or may not do this, but most of the time will do so.

When it comes down to it, the “one word” part is easy. The explanation is a whole other ballpark.

The safest answer to rely on would be a work ethic word. Answer with a work ethic word that best describes you as accurately as possible. And while also having a specific behavioral example from past professional experience or academic experiences. This is an excellent opportunity to tell a brief but relevant story. A story about when you went above what you were expected to do in your work or school life. It’s wonderful to take time while answering this question. And to show that you’re thinking about the answer. But this is definitely a question you want to think about in advance. Be prepared in advance for how to answer the question and explain your answer with examples or brief stories to back it up.

Describe Yourself Examples

Here are example answers for when a hiring manager asks you to describe yourself.

Using skills to describe yourself

«I’m an adaptable professional with previous sales experience. Looking to utilize my software engineering skills to assist marketing teams to increase leads. And subsequently, increase sales and growth.»

Utilizing keywords to describe yourself

«I’m a trustworthy and open-minded professional. This work environment is one that embraces innovation. And when I work with my colleagues, I want to encourage them to ask broad questions. And use quantitative research to address major problems. I aim to influence, encourage, and lead a meticulous team of engineers toward success.»

27 Bad (SHOULDN’T use) Example One Word Answers to «Describe Yourself In One Word»

These answers are less than ideal for a number of reasons. Some of them are just too underwhelming while others are a bit too boastful. Avoid these at all costs.

• Intelligent
• Superior
• Perfect
• Obsessive
• Humble
• Straightforward
• Lazy
• Uncooperative
• Rude
• Vindictive
• Entitled
• Absent
• Dramatic
• Argumentative
• Victim
• Arrogant
• Selfish
• Late
• Defensive
• Disagreeable
• Flaky
• Apathetic
• Disorganized
• Restless
• Unfocused
• Forgetful
• Secretive

84 Best Example Answers (SHOULD use) To «Describe Yourself In One Word»

Take the time to consider whether that one-word description is true of your personality. Your hiring manager may ask you to elaborate on why that word is such a good descriptor of you as a person.

• Dedicated
• Versatile
• Valuable
• Flexible
• Analytical
• Inventive
• Exciting
• Thoughtful
• Powerful
• Practical
• Proactive
• Productive
• Professional
• Meticulous
• Quick
• Balanced
• Achiever
• Knowledgeable
• Leader
• Diplomatic
• Logical
• Initiator
• Original
• Honest
• Assertive
• Attentive
• Direct
• Broad-Minded
• Committed
• Conscientious
• Dynamic
• Customer-Oriented
• Persistent
• Mature
• Methodical
• Motivated
• Objective
• Tenacious
• Sociable
• Friendly
• Realistic
• Reliable
• Resourceful
• Respectful
• Responsible
• Creative
• Confident
• Traditional
• Trustworthy
• Unconventional
• Unique
• Eclectic
• Observant
• Innovative
• Imaginative
• Thorough
• Outgoing
• Particular
• Patient
• Active
• Positive
• Consistent
• Compassionate
• Incredible
• Independent
• Precise
• Mediator
• Emotional
• Cheerful
• Forgiving
• Responsive
• Candid
• Industrious
• Cooperative
• Successful
• Motivated
• Strategic
• Enthusiastic
• Organized
• Focused
• Steady
• Creative
• Active
• Helpful

If You’re Asked To Explain Why

If the interviewer asks you to explain why you chose that word. Then you’re going to need to line it up to a reason that makes you unique. And if you use the answers above, you should find an ample reason for why you chose that word. Be sure that you use some mixture of your personality along with the reason why you value that word.

A good reason for the word choice will be a small working story. Integration of your personality. And the reason why you value the word for the work environment.

Related Hiring Resources

• 55 Top Interview Questions and Best Answers
• Thank You Email After Interview (Samples, How to Write It)
• 85+ Resume Objective Examples by Job Title
• 200 Phone Interview Questions (+ Answers)

На основании Вашего запроса эти примеры могут содержать грубую лексику.

На основании Вашего запроса эти примеры могут содержать разговорную лексику.

Earth’s energy field of potential is teeming with activity that reflects ever-rising vibrations, and if we were asked to describe in one word what we are observing, it would be thrilling.

Энергетическое поле потенциала Земли кишит деятельностью, которая отражает повышающиеся вибрации, и если бы нас попросили описать одним словом то, что мы наблюдаем, то мы бы назвали это захватывающим.

The style of music by Stravinsky, in contrast to other composers, it is impossible to describe in one word, as he was characterized by frequent change techniques.

Стиль музыки Стравинского, в отличии от других композиторов, нельзя описать одним словом, так как ему была свойственна частая смена техник.

The great Lee Kuan Yew once said: If I were to describe in one word why Singapore succeeded, that word would be trust.

Великий Ли Куан Ю когда-то сказал: «Если бы я должен был описать одним словом, почему Сингапур преуспел, то этим словом было бы «доверие».

Playing in online casinos is an extraordinary penchant for fun and security, which is difficult to describe in one word.

Игра в интернет казино-это отличное чувство удовольствия и безопасности, которое трудно описать одними словами.

If you describe in one word, then SEO is an investment in business.

This is how you want to describe in one word the Fall-Winter collections by eminent designers in 2014 — 2015.

To describe in one word it is Awesome.

If we had to describe in one word a (…)

Color tanzanite can not describe in one word, because this mineral has a «alexandrite» effect — changes color depending on the angle of view, being in fact the tricolor.

Цвет танзанита не опишешь одним словом, потому что минерал этот обладает «александритовым» эффектом — меняет окраску в зависимости от угла зрения, являясь фактически трехцветным.

This is difficult to describe in one word: it has the features of a civil war, there are features of guerilla, partisan, several types of warfare are involved.

Этот тип сложно охарактеризовать одним словом: у неё есть черты гражданской, есть черты геррильи, партизанской, в ней смешались сразу несколько видов войн.

Ничего не найдено для этого значения.

Результатов: 12. Точных совпадений: 12. Затраченное время: 80 мс

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I love this idea.

Mind, I’ve only met you a couple of times, and only briefly. Much of my experience of you is awfully virtual. (Although you are coming up to some cons up here this year, possibly?)

Anyway, the word:

DULCET.

Well I would describe myself as a “ravel”

As for you, well… resourceful.

My go-to word in such a situation is “librocubicularist” which means a person who reads in bed, and easily carries the connotation of a lover of old, bizarre words and therefore other old, bizarre things.

Whisky.

Smooth, with a kick.

Also, first time we met, you were describing a whisky to Graham Joyce and me.

1. 

   That’s a good one. I like that!

And a word for me…this is harder. I have huge blind spots when it comes to me. I think others might find it easier to describe me than I can.

Earnest?

Vivacious! Is the word I would choose to describe you. For me, I would choose eclectic.

Piquant … sparkling .. witty… take your pick. Me? I dunno. Weird…

Pithy

Self promotion (which this would be) is always horrifically pretentious. Jump in the deep end, and then laugh. If you want to head off the pretentiousness, paraphrase a famous French Impressionist (whose name escapes me at the moment) when asked what he did.

“Breathing”. Or “alive”, which ever you prefer.

Storyteller. This is what you do with everything. You make puppets to tell stories, you make dresses to tell stories, you tell stories with friends over dinner, you tell stories when you narrate books, you tell stories when you write books…

TARDIS-like.

Because there’s way more to you than meets the eye.

Me? Ugh. No, that’s not the word. I mean, how about “paradoxical?” Or “puzzling?”

The first word that came to me was, “real.”

If that’s not fancy enough for them, they’ll have to ask another question, and hopefully they’ll give you more than one word.

Rascals!

Love,
Claire

1. 

   Eloquent. But then I am mostly familiar with you from Writing Excuses.
   Me? Hm. Can’t think of one for myself either, apparently.

You are always so clever.
I describe myself as uphill.

Human. It’s my very favorite way to answer that question.

Multifaceted.

I’d say generous – generous with fans, fellow writers, talent, interest, critics. A general sense of muchness?

As for me…I’d like to think that I could be described as “intense.”

Strange, but it’s the first word that popped into my mind – luminescent

I’d probably describe myeslf as scattered.

Polymath. Because you pursue various passions and do so with excellence and skill.

As for me, stalker…

I don’t know you well, but I’d say: Imaginative.

Aw, Ian took mine for today! – intense.
Me on other days: Bibliophile

Lovely (both inside and out, but you can’t say that about yourself)

Multifaceted.

Busy.

I also like “polymath”, “storyteller”, and looooove “dulcet”.

Me? Hmmm… probably “lazy”. Is there one word that describes the condition of being a slave to cats?

I also like the response “human.” After meeting you, I described you as “completely delightful, fun, witty, super-intelligent, very engaging and interactive as a speaker, as well as very approachable.”

I know that’s more than one word, but it seems like human fits the bill pretty well. Being approachable stood out to me the most.

UN-pretentious? 🙂 I only know you through Writing Excuses and your blog, so I don’t have a useful answer. Also, everyone else took all the good ones, which leaves it to me to be random and not very helpful.

The first word that comes to mind? Clever. Because you truly are as far as your wit and wisdom, your resourcefulness, you’re the smart on Writing Excuses many a time. And Clever sounds very Britishy.

For me? Tall.

I’d say you are “enchanting”. It seems to best encapsulate everything I know about you, your life, and your work.

I am… “layered” might be the best description.

I’m a bit late to the ball on this, but….

For you…multi-faceted. You encompass more than just A word, but this might be a somewhat decent fit.

Me…um, well. *coughs* Reader.

Vibrant! Renaissance too, given all your lovely talents.

Mary, I met you once, in a land far far away(called Joisy). Then you were charming. I saw your special reading on behalf of Jay Lake a couple of days ago and I would say now, scintillating. Radiant doesn’t quite do it:::grin:::: Next year, who knows? Awe-inspiring?

For myself, hmmmm……The Thinker (as in Rodin, as in on the commode).

Unfinished.

Aren’t we all? (And the double-entendre with writing and the need to finish things pleases me…)

Stubborn

But tenacious sounds nicer.

1. 

   Ahahaha! Ladies and gentlemen, my dad has hit the nail on the head.

Dramatic or Theatrical

Your approach always seems to have a deep theater background. You are very aware that as a performer or writer you are presenting something to an audience. You want the audience to react in a certain way to the story you are telling.

Adroit
is as close as I can come. I have always admired your ability to see things from a different angle than most, and you have a gift for breaking difficult concepts down to an easier to understand level. I distinctly remember that first episode of Writing Excuses where you blew everyone away with your unique way of looking at writing.

Glimmering.

or Glowing.

Something like that. 🙂

The best words to describe yourself will be those that honestly capture your positive qualities.

Positive Words to Describe Yourself.

Persistent	Genuine	Patient
Passionate	Dynamic	Intelligent
Ambitious	Modest	Tough
Tenacious	Extroverted	Sympathetic
Generous	Romantic	Clever

How can I describe myself in words?

Words you can use to describe yourself

• Adventurous.
• Ambitious.
• Analytical.
• Attentive.
• Balanced.
• Communicative.
• Creative.
• Curious.

What word describes a person?

Here is a list of English words that are often used to describe someone’s personality.

• brave – someone who isn’t afraid of danger.
• chatty – someone who talks a lot.
• clever – good at learning things.
• cowardly – (mildly negative) someone who is afraid of things. (
• easy-going – someone who is easy to get along with.

How would you describe yourself?

To help you decide how to describe yourself in an interview, consider these examples:

1. I am passionate about my work.
2. I am ambitious and driven.
3. I am highly organised.
4. I’m a people person.
5. I’m a natural leader.
6. I am results oriented.
7. I am an excellent communicator.

What are 10 words to describe yourself?

These are great adjectives to describe yourself:

• Able. I am able to handle multiple tasks on a daily basis.
• Creative. I use a creative approach to problem solve.
• Dependable. I am a dependable person who is great at time management.
• Energetic.
• Experience.
• Flexible.
• Hardworking.
• Honest.

What are 5 words to describe yourself?

Good Words to Describe Yourself (+ Example Answers)

• Diligent / Loyal / Reliable. I am always the first person my friends call because they know I am always there for them.
• Creative / Innovative / Visionary.
• Motivated / Ambitious / Leader.
• Honest / Ethical / Conscientious.
• Friendly / Personable / Extrovert.

What are 5 positive words?

I hope each word represents a small step towards creating a more positive approach life in the new year — and the new decade.

• Start.
• Excitement.
• Peace.
• Love.
• Powerful.
• Mindful.
• Strong.
• Motivation.

What are 10 adjectives to describe a person?

Explore the Words

• adaptable. capable of fitting a particular situation or use.
• adventurous. willing to undertake new and daring enterprises.
• affectionate. having or displaying warmth or fondness.
• ambitious. having a strong desire for success or achievement.
• amiable.
• compassionate.
• considerate.
• courageous.

What are positive words?

Positive words that start with D
What is this?

How do you write 100 words about yourself?

The Best Words to Describe Yourself in an Interview

1. “I am eager to learn.”
2. “I am determined.”
3. “I never give up until I get something right.”
4. “I get on well with all kinds of people.”
5. “I like to keep a positive attitude.”
6. “Hard work doesn’t bother me.
7. “I enjoy facing challenges.”

How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

Welch says employers are deeply interested in how you think and operate, and you should use one of your three words to accurately capture that. She recommends using words like “conceptual,” “creative,” “curious,” “analytical” or “methodical” to describe your thought process.

How your friends describe you?

I think my best friend would describe me as honest, detailed, and very organized.” “I think my best friend would say that I’m very responsible. Whenever our group of friends had to coordinate an activity, they always relied on me.” “My best friend would probably say that I’m warm, friendly, and understanding.”

What is an easygoing person?

calm and unworried; relaxed and rather casual: an easygoing person.

What are three positive words?

List of Positive Adjectives A-Z

• Adventurous – Willing to take risks.
• Affectionate – Showing fondness.
• Agreeable – Enjoyable and pleasant.
• Ambitious – Possessing a strong desire to succeed.
• Bright – Possessing intelligence and mental dexterity.
• Charming – Pleasant and attractive.

What is a good word that starts with I?

List of Positive Words that Start with I

• Ideal.
• Idealistic.
• Idyllic.
• Illuminating.
• Illustrious.
• Imaginative.
• Immaculate.
• Immense.

How do you describe a girl in one word?

Affable – She has many friends and is a pleasure to be around. Ambitious – She has a personality that revolves around her goals and improving her situation. Captivating – She is a delightful person; you can’t take your eyes off her. Confident – She trusts her own abilities and knows that she has value.

What are some kind words?

• beneficent,
• benevolent,
• benignant,
• compassionate,
• good-hearted,
• humane,
• kindhearted,
• kindly,

How do you introduce yourself in one word?

To describe myself in one word, I’m a very ambitious person. I take up all learning opportunities that enhance my skills and know-how to cope up with failures. I like challenging myself to find creative solutions as quickly as possible and resolve any issues at hand.

How do I start my introduction?

Introductions

1. Attract the Reader’s Attention. Begin your introduction with a “hook” that grabs your reader’s attention and introduces the general topic.
2. State Your Focused Topic. After your “hook”, write a sentence or two about the specific focus of your paper.
3. State your Thesis. Finally, include your thesis statement.

Can you tell me a little about yourself?

A Simple Formula for Answering “Tell Me About Yourself”
Present: Talk a little bit about what your current role is, the scope of it, and perhaps a big recent accomplishment. Past: Tell the interviewer how you got there and/or mention previous experience that’s relevant to the job and company you’re applying for.

What are your 3 biggest strengths?

Some examples of strengths you might mention include:

• Enthusiasm.
• Trustworthiness.
• Creativity.
• Discipline.
• Patience.
• Respectfulness.
• Determination.
• Dedication.