Describing myself in one word

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?

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.

How would you describe yourself?

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

• I am passionate about my work.
• I am ambitious and driven.
• I am highly organised.
• I’m a people person.
• I’m a natural leader.
• I am results oriented.
• I am an excellent communicator.

What 5 words would you use to describe yourself?

Describe yourself on 5 words

• Good communication skills.
• Hard working.
• Cool nature and Positive attitude.
• Honest and Punctuality.
• Easily cope up with others.

What to say when someone asks you to describe them in one word?

84 Best Example Answers (SHOULD use) To “Describe Yourself In One Word”

• Dedicated.
• Versatile.
• Valuable.
• Flexible.
• Analytical.
• Inventive.
• Exciting.
• Thoughtful.

Can you describe me in one word answers?

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 can I 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.

How do you describe a girl in 5 words?

• accepting.
• active.
• adorable.
• adventurous.
• affectionate.
• agreeable.
• all-American.
• alluring.

How do you describe a girl?

If you want, you can say a few words about how you, personally, feel about her appearance. For example, you might say that she is “pretty,” “striking,” “ordinary,” or “cute.” You could also say things like “She looks stylish and put-together,” or “She’s kind of edgy-looking.”

How do you tell a girl why u like her?

How to tell a girl you like her: 5 ways to tell her that you want to be more than just friends

1. Spend time with her to test the waters.
2. Prepare what you are going to say.
3. Take her to a decent place and look presentable when you decide to tell her that you like her.
4. Tell her to think about it before giving an answer.

How should I describe a girl to impress her?

The most important tip when you want to impress girls with words is to convey a sense of dominance while being romantic.

• Vocabulary to impress your girlfriend or date.
• Enticing. Enticing means attractive.
• Wondrous.
• Stunning.
• Elegant.
• Breath-taking.
• Ravishing.
• Striking.

How do you physically describe someone?

When describing the physical characteristics of an individual, one of the first things that will strike you is the overall build or body type….Some common adjectives that you may use to describe the build of a person may include the following:

1. Plump.
2. Stocky.
3. Overweight.
4. Fat.
5. Pudgy.
6. Medium build.
7. Athletic.
8. Slender.

How do you describe a beautiful person?

Synonyms

• beautiful. adjective. a beautiful person is extremely attractive.
• glorious. adjective. very beautiful in a way that makes you feel happy.
• stunning. adjective. very impressive or beautiful.
• breathtaking. adjective. extremely impressive or beautiful.
• gorgeous. adjective.
• splendid. adjective.
• exquisite. adjective.
• elegant. adjective.

What is a slang word for beautiful?

bbw conor oberst sharina gorgeous jolynn gorgouse btfl shabba fine bella bootiful fabs ayanna profane ville valo dime piece heina beautimous deanna ashley krizia diana stunner.

How do you say someone is beautiful?

Ways to Say You Are Beautiful

1. You look gorgeous!
2. You look as pretty as always!
3. You look drop dead gorgeous!
4. I think you are very attractive!
5. Wow, you are gorgeous!
6. I think you are stunning!
7. I think you are super cute!
8. You look absolutely fantastic!

What is the real beauty of a woman?

1. “Beautiful is a woman who has a distinctive personality; one who can laugh at anything, including themselves, and one who is especially kind and caring to others. She is a woman who can inexplicably make you feel really good just by being around her, and yet brings such great sadness when she is gone..

What makes a woman attractive?

Men prefer women with a big and beautiful smile, wide waist-hip ratio, unique dressing style, healthy-looking hair, great sense of humor, smart conversations, and appealing high-pitched voices, among the most attractive things guys find in girls.

Is it OK to tell a woman she is beautiful?

Telling a woman she’s beautiful will usually be well-received, but it can be such a generic compliment that it occasionally comes across as a bit disingenuous. Complimenting a woman on her skin, hair or nails, especially if they are particularly clear, glossy and strong respectively, can be a good move, too. …

Who is most beautiful woman?

According to Science, Bella Hadid is the Most Beautiful Woman in the World

• Bella Hadid (94.35%) Beyonce (92.44%) Amber Heard (91.85%)
• Ariana Grande (91.81%) Taylor Swift (91.64%) Kate Moss (91.05%)
• Scarlett Johansson (90.91%) Natalie Portman (90.51%) Katy Perry (90.08%)

Who is the world Beautiful Girl 2020?

Yael Shelbia, 19, has landed atop the annual “Most Beautiful Girl in the World” list for 2020.

Who is the most beautiful woman who ever lived?

The Top Ten Most Beautiful Women Of ALL Time

• Kate Moss.
• Jean Shrimpton.
• Brigitte Bardot.
• Beyonce.
• Sophia Loren.
• Grace Kelly.
• Marilyn Monroe.
• Audrey Hepburn. Accepting the gold crown however, and swooping into first place, it’s classic Hollywood icon and word renown beauty Audrey Hepburn.

What country has most beautiful woman?

Women of These Countries are the Most Beautiful in the World

• Turkey. Meryem Uzerli, Actress.
• Brazil. Alinne Moraes, Actress.
• France. Louise Bourgoin, TV Actor Model.
• Russia. Maria Sharapova, Tennis Player.
• Italy. Monica Bellucci, Model.
• India. Priyanka Chopra, Actor & Model.
• Ukraine.
• Venezuela.

Which nationality is best in bed?

According to a new survey, women have ranked men they have had sexual relations with based on their nationality. Men in Australia, South Africa, and the United States scored the highest in a recent poll.

Which nationality is most attractive?

The world’s 50 most attractive nationalities have been revealed

1. Ukrainian. Taking out the top spot were the Ukrainians.
2. Danish. 4 of 51Attribution: iStock.
3. Filipino. 5 of 51Attribution: iStock.
4. Brazilian. 6 of 51Attribution: iStock.
5. Australian. 7 of 51Attribution: iStock.
6. South African. 8 of 51Attribution: iStock.
7. Italian.
8. Armenian.

Which country have most handsome man?

Top 18 Countries With The Sexiest Men In The World

• Australia.
• Argentina.
• Japan.
• Norway.
• Germany.
• Sweden.
• Philippines. Distinct features and beautiful tans make women fall for Filipinos.
• Brazil. Intense looks and athletic frames make Brazilian men extremely desirable.

Who is World No 1 handsome?

1. Robert Pattinson – Most handsome man in the world.

Who is the hottest guy in the world 2020?

The Top 25 Sexiest Men

1. No 1 – Jamie Dornan. At the top spot for us at Heart it has to be the original Mr Grey.
2. No 2 – Idris Elba. Idris Elba smoulders on the cover of Maxim magazine.
3. No 3 – Henry Cavill.
4. No 4 – David Beckham.
5. No 5 – Ryan Gosling.
6. No 6 – Ryan Reynolds.
7. No 7 – Bradley Cooper.
8. No 8 – Jake Gyllenhaal.

Which country is No 1 in world?

“The 2021 Best Countries analysis combines data and storytelling to explore how countries compare on a host of global issues.” For the first time, Canada is the No. 1 overall country. Japan and Germany finish Nos. 2 and 3, respectively, while Switzerland, the previous No. 1 overall country, falls to No. 4.

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.

Secondly, How do you write 5 sentences about yourself?

Some statements you should be able to include:

1. I am proud of myself.
2. I am making a difference.
3. I am happy and grateful.
4. I am making my time count.
5. I am honest with myself.
6. I am good to those I care about.

Also What are 3 words to describe yourself? Words you can use to describe yourself

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

In fact How do you tell someone about yourself?

A. Do’s

1. Give a Short Personal Description About Yourself. It’s true that interviewers want to find someone who fits the job requirements. …
2. Talk About Your Achievements So Far. …
3. Talk about your work experience and skills. …
4. Talk About The Biggest Challenges You Faced and Overcame. …
5. Sell Your Skills Relevant For The Job.

How do you introduce yourself in 100 words?

You can add some of your basic biodate for your point in your introduction in 100 words. For example, your name, your age, the date of birth, your favorite color etc. So, in yhat way you can introduce yourself in 100 words. Highlight only those events that impacted your life.

What are 5 sentences?

5 sentences:

• My mom taught me to finish everything on my plate at dinner.
• The only problem with a pencil, is that they do not stay sharp long enough.
• Our school building is made of bricks.
• Every night I get woken up by the sound of a barking dog across the street.
• Salad is for rabbits.

How do you write 10 lines about yourself?

Ten Lines on Myself

1. My name is Aditya Ranade, and I am 8 years old.
2. I study in BAV Public School in the fourth standard.
3. My father’s name is Mr. …
4. I have one younger sister who studies in the first standard in the same school.
5. I like watching cartoons, and my favourite cartoon character is Doraemon.

How can I introduce myself in English?

Here are some examples:

1. Morning! I don’t think we’ve met before, I’m Aryan.
2. Hey there! I’m Surya. I’m new—I just moved to the building a couple of days ago. …
3. Hi Amy. I heard it’s your first day so I thought I could reach out and introduce myself. We haven’t officially met but I’ll be working with you on this project.

How would you describe yourself in one sentence?

Sample answers:

I am a hard-working and driven individual who isn’t afraid to face a challenge. I’m passionate about my work and I know how to get the job done. I would describe myself as an open and honest person who doesn’t believe in misleading other people and tries to be fair in everything I do.

How do I write about myself for a job?

You can follow these steps to write about yourself:

1. Introduce yourself.
2. Include the most relevant professional experience.
3. Mention significant personal achievements or awards.
4. Introduce personal details.
5. Use a casual and friendly tone.

How can you describe 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.

Can you tell a little about yourself?

The basic principle of a good “Tell me a little about yourself” response is to cover as much territory as you can in as small a space as possible; you don’t know what’s going to pique the interviewer’s interest, so you want to include as many things as possible that might get the conversation going, with a focus on …

Whats an interesting fact about myself?

List of 51 Examples of Fun Facts about Yourself to Tell Others

• “One of my favorite things to do is…. …
• “Right now, I’m reading about….” …
• “If I could have any superpower, it would be….” …
• “One thing I know I do well (or better than most) is….” …
• “I look up to….” …
• “One thing I cannot live without is….”

What are your strengths?

Some examples of strengths you might mention include: Enthusiasm. Trustworthiness. Creativity.

How can I describe myself 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 you write 5 sentences?

The classic five sentence paragraph uses the following format:

1. Tell them what you are going to tell them.
2. Tell them.
3. Tell them.
4. Tell them.
5. Tell them what you told them.

What is English sentence?

A sentence is the basic unit of language which expresses a complete thought. It does this by following the grammatical basic rules of syntax. For example:”Ali is walking”. A complete sentence has at least a subject and a main verb to state (declare) a complete thought.

What are the 7 types of sentences?

The other way is based on a sentence’s structure (simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex).

• Statements/Declarative Sentences. These are the most common type of sentence. …
• Questions/Interrogative Sentences. …
• Exclamations/Exclamatory Sentences. …
• Commands/Imperative Sentences.

How can I introduce myself in 10 lines in English?

Here’s how you introduce yourself in English in 10 lines. You will learn this in 2 to 3 minutes.
…
10) I enjoy listening to music.

1. I enjoy listening to music.
2. I enjoy eating.
3. I enjoy watching television.
4. I enjoy learning languages.
5. I enjoy exercising.
6. I enjoy reading.

What is the my self?

language note: Myself is the first person singular reflexive pronoun. A speaker or writer uses myself to refer to himself or herself. Myself is used as the object of a verb or preposition when the subject refers to the same person. I asked myself what I would have done in such a situation.

How do you write 20 lines about yourself?

These 20 Lines on Myself are for class 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10.

1. My name is Kartik Solanki.
2. I am eleven years old boy.
3. My birthday is on 6 ^th March.
4. I study in class 5 in Central School.
5. I live in a joint family with my grandparents, parents and sister.
6. I love my family very much and enjoy spending time with them.

How should I introduce myself as a fresher?

Talk about yourself, your name and where you come from. Ensure good body language and communication. For fresher job interviews, you must talk about your educational qualifications and achievements.

How can I introduce myself in interview in English?

So, here’s a self-introduction sample that you can use to introduce yourself to people other than your interviewer. “Hello, My name is (your name). I have an interview appointment with Mr. X (name of the person) at 12 pm for the position of (mention the role).”

What should we write in self-introduction?

Follow these steps when writing a self-introduction email to your team:

1. Write a friendly subject line. …
2. Choose your tone based on the company culture. …
3. Explain why you’re writing. …
4. Describe your background and new role. …
5. Show your enthusiasm. …
6. Send follow-up messages.

Join our Business, Advices & Skills Community and share you ideas today !

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

Positive Words to Describe Yourself.

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.

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

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