Like for a word that describes you

Whether you’re preparing for the classic interview question “Tell me about yourself” or writing your resume profile, describing yourself can be tricky. You want to be honest, but not brutally so. You want to impress, but without coming off as narcissistic.

Fortunately, as long as you follow a few guidelines when choosing the right words to describe yourself, you can create a great, long-lasting first impression.

Read on to learn pick the best words to describe yourself and see lists of: 

• Positive words to describe yourself in any situation
• Words to describe yourself in an interview
• Words to describe yourself on a resume

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Looking for other word lists? Check out:

• Resume Action Words, Power Verbs, and Adjectives
• Resume Keywords to use
• Skill Words for Resume
• Strengths for Resume

1. Positive Words to Describe Yourself

Describing yourself in a few words to someone who doesn’t know you is tough. It’s worth spending some time figuring out how you can make a great first impression, because once formed, first impressions are hard to shake. 

Regardless of the situation, the key to describing yourself is to stay upbeat and positive. Now is not the time for humility. The best words to describe yourself will be those that honestly capture your positive qualities. 

Here’s a list of positive words that can be used to describe yourself for any situation:

Positive Words to Describe Yourself

Positive Words to Describe Yourself

Persistent	Genuine	Patient
Enthusiastic	Disciplined	Straightforward
Passionate	Dynamic	Intelligent
Ambitious	Modest	Tough
Tenacious	Extroverted	Sympathetic
Generous	Romantic	Clever
Considerate	Independent	Resourceful
Courageous	Witty	Chill
Fearless	Open-minded	Joyful
Practical	Energetic	Easygoing
Sincere	Motivated	Sociable
Adaptable	Truthful	Funny
Happy	Friendly	Thoughtful
Kind	Reliable	Introverted
Warmhearted	Loyal	Bright
Easygoing	Adventurous	Emotional
Optimistic	Affectionate	Honest
Versatile	Flexible	Loving
Energetic	Sensitive	Exuberant
Gentle	Cheerful	Intuitive
Understanding	Helpful	Hard-working
Determined	Attentive	Self-confident

 

When making a resume in our builder, drag & drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check. Start building a professional resume template here for free.

When you’re done, Zety’s resume builder will score your resume and tell you exactly how to make it better.

2. Words to Describe Yourself in an Interview 

One common interview question goes something like this: “What are 5 words to describe yourself?”. The stakes are higher, but the same rules from above apply (stay positive and be honest). The only difference is now you have to be more specific. 

When the hiring manager asks this question, they are trying to assess whether you have the personality and the skills needed to excel on the job. The key to nailing this job interview question is to stay relevant and provide evidence. 

If the adjectives you use to describe yourself are irrelevant to the job, chances are the HR manager won’t be impressed. Likewise, anyone can say they are creative and hardworking. You need to follow up the adjectives with examples of how you demonstrate that quality. 

Let’s say a nurse is applying for a job at a hospital and the interviewer asks “What are three good words to describe yourself?” Let’s see an example that misses the mark.

Cue the awkward pause when the HR manager is waiting for a follow-up that never comes. 

And of course there’s nothing wrong with being shy, but shyness is irrelevant to the position at hand.

Okay, how can we improve the above response?

What Are 3 Words to Describe Yourself

Wow—Now that’s an answer. 

Highly relevant, honest, solid work experience and with evidence to back it all up. 

Here’s a list of professional words to use in case you’re asked “What are the three best words to describe yourself?” in an interview:

Words to Describe Yourself in an Interview 

Words to Describe Yourself in an Interview

Resourceful	Focused	Reliable
Motivated	Methodical	Proactive
Insightful	Disciplined	Organized
Results-oriented	Energetic	Ambitious
Engaged	Creative	Persuasive
Diligent	Thorough	Analytical
Persistent	Passionate	Dynamic
Dedicated	People-oriented	Team player
Driven	Skillful	Data-driven
Self-starter	Experienced	Calculated
Knowledgeable	Honest	Devoted
Attentive	Meticulous	Professional
Patient	Empathetic	Structured

Read more: How to Answer the «Tell Me About Yourself» Interview Question

3. Words to Describe Yourself on a Resume

A resume is your golden ticket to getting the call. There are no two ways about it. And no matter what type of resume you’re writing, a short resume profile at the top can be a great way to make an elevator pitch that you’re the right candidate for the job. After all, recruiters are pressed for time. According to hiring statistics, corporate job offers receive 250 applications on average.

The secret to describing yourself in a resume introduction is to use adjectives relevant to the job and mention achievements that will wow the recruiter. You also want to tailor your resume introduction to the job posting, but don’t copy the job ad word for word! A survey found that 44% of hiring managers automatically reject resumes that appear to duplicate the job posting. 

Here’s a list of positive words to describe yourself on a resume:

Words to Describe Yourself on a Resume

Words to Describe Yourself on a Resume

Thorough	Skilled	Systematic
Passionate	Resourceful	Strategic
Meticulous	Artistic	Unconventional
Attentive	Experienced	Conscientious
Tireless	Personable	Detail-oriented
Patient	Team player	Methodical
Expert	Persevering	Innovative
Ambitious	Unique	Extroverted
Proficient	Cooperative	Caring
Data-driven	Accomplished	Creative
Gregarious	Professional	People-person
Problem solver	Skillful	Sociable

Read more: «What’s Your Greatest Weakness» Interview Question: How to Answer

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here’s what it may look like:

See more cover letter templates and start writing.

That’s a wrap! Do you have any questions regarding these words to describe yourself? How do you describe yourself in interviews or on a resume? I’d love to hear from you. Let’s chat in the comment section!

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 can I impress in interview?

How can I impress the interviewer with my answers?

1. Be passionate. Have a positive attitude and be enthusiastic when talking about yourself and your career. …
2. Sell yourself. …
3. Tell stories. …
4. Ask questions. …
5. Ask for the job.

Also What are 5 adjectives that describe you? Positive words 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. I am always energetic and eager to learn new skills.
• Experience. …
• Flexible. …
• Hardworking. …
• Honest.

In fact How would you describe yourself in 5 words?

“If I have to describe myself in 5 words I would say I am attentive, reliable, able, creative, and hardworking. I have been working for a magazine for the past 2 years.

How do I say about myself?

Here are a few things you should be able to say to let your life be your voice.

1. I followed my heart.
2. I believe in myself.
3. I live by high standards.
4. I treat others the way I want to be treated.
5. I understand how precious time is.
6. I look for positivity in all things.
7. I trust my intuition.
8. I speak up.

How can I impress my interview in 5 minutes?

Here are 7 ways to impress an interviewer in the first five minutes of your interview:

1. Be inquisitive. …
2. Arrive early. …
3. Make the most of body language. …
4. Display kindness. …
5. Bring multiple copies of your resume. …
6. Mention something you have in common. …
7. Build rapport with small talk.

What are your strengths?

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

How do you close an interview?

How to close an interview

1. Ask questions.
2. Address any concerns.
3. Remind the interviewer of your strengths.
4. Express your interest in the job.
5. Ask about the next steps.
6. Offer additional information.
7. Leave the meeting politely.
8. Send a follow-up email.

How can you describe yourself in one word?

Positive words to describe yourself in any situation. Words to describe yourself in an interview. Words to describe yourself on a resume.
…
Words to Describe Yourself in an Interview.

Resourceful	Focused	Reliable
Motivated	Methodical	Proactive
Insightful	Disciplined	Organized
Results-oriented	Energetic	Ambitious

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 would you describe yourself?

How to answer, “How would you describe yourself?”

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.

Why do u want to work here?

“I see this opportunity as a way to contribute to an exciting/forward-thinking/fast-moving company/industry, and I feel I can do so by/with my … ” “I feel my skills are particularly well-suited to this position because … … “I’m excited about this job opportunity, as it would allow me to …

How do you define yourself?

Defining yourself is basically the idea of knowing who you are, what you stand for, what your identity is, what rules you stand by, and so on. This could be morals you live by, what you define as integrity, how important your word is to you, what you consider to be good and bad things, your beliefs and more.

How do you describe yourself?

Example: “I am ambitious and driven. I thrive on challenge and constantly set goals for myself, so I have something to strive toward. I’m not comfortable with settling, and I’m always looking for an opportunity to do better and achieve greatness.

What are 3 positive things about yourself?

16 Things You Should Tell Yourself To Lead A Positive Life

• I’m capable. …
• I am confident. …
• I love challenges. …
• I’m moving forward. …
• I make great decisions. …
• I don’t need other people’s approval. …
• I am lovable. …
• I am responsible for my own happiness.

How would you describe yourself?

Positive words to describe yourself in any situation.
…
Words to Describe Yourself in an Interview.

Resourceful	Focused	Reliable
Results-oriented	Energetic	Ambitious
Engaged	Creative	Persuasive
Diligent	Thorough	Analytical
Persistent	Passionate	Dynamic

How do you define yourself?

Defining yourself is basically the idea of knowing who you are, what you stand for, what your identity is, what rules you stand by, and so on. This could be morals you live by, what you define as integrity, how important your word is to you, what you consider to be good and bad things, your beliefs and more.

How can I impress in 5 minutes?

Let’s take a look at some of the things you should do:

1. Understand your audience. …
2. Have good posture and keep eye contact. …
3. Let the other person talk and listen attentively. …
4. Just Smile! …
5. Final Note.

What to say to impress interviewers?

8 Things to ALWAYS Say in an Interview

• You know the company really well. …
• You have the experience to do the job. …
• You work well with others. …
• You are constantly seeking to learn. …
• You are motivated. …
• You are excited about this job. …
• You have a plan. …
• You want to build a career in the company.

How can I impress a interviewer in 1 minute?

Here are four ways to impress an interviewer in the first five minutes of your interview.

1. Be inquisitive. At the end of most interviews, the interviewer asks the applicant if they have any questions. …
2. Make eye contact. …
3. Mention something you have in common. …
4. Build rapport with small talk.

What are your weaknesses?

Examples of weaknesses related to your work ethic might include:

• Leaving projects unfinished.
• Providing too much detail in reports.
• Shifting from one project to another (multitasking)
• Taking credit for group projects.
• Taking on too many projects at once.
• Taking on too much responsibility.
• Being too detail-oriented.

What is your weakness best answer?

My greatest weakness is that I am a shy and nervous person by nature. The result is that I have a difficult time speaking up in groups. Even if I have good ideas, I have trouble asserting them. Often I keep them to myself.

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Knowing how to describe yourself well is the first step towards success in an interview. It’s one of the most common questions during a job interview, if not the first.

How you describe yourself in an interview will help the interviewer assess your skills, traits, and attributes. It’s also a way for you to demonstrate how you can add value to their organization.

In this article, you’ll learn how to describe yourself in a structured manner. You’ll also learn which words to use in your job interview and see examples of these scenarios at work.

• How to describe yourself: A step-by-step guide
• Adjectives to describe yourself in three words
• How NOT to describe yourself in an interview: 5 mistakes to avoid
• Personalized interview coaching

One of the best ways to prepare for interviews is to look for insights from professionals in the industry you want to enter. That way, you’ll know what to expect and how to be the best candidate to exceed those expectations. In other words, having an industry professional coach will increase your chances of both acing an interview and nailing a job.

Before everything else, you have to remember that you need to start strong in your introductions. That’s because whoever’s interviewing you might cut the interview short if they don’t feel like you’re ready or if you’re not taking it seriously.

So here are ways to ensure your interview gets off the right foot. We’ll also provide examples of how to describe yourself in an interview when appropriate.

How to describe yourself: A step-by-step guide

When an interviewer asks you to introduce yourself, they’re asking you to describe yourself. Since that’s a broad question, you’ll need to create a structure for it. Here’s a simple introduction structure you can use:

1. Personal details
2. Three adjectives
3. Your achievements
4. Expectations setting

1. Personal details

When you start a conversation with someone you just met, you don’t go straight to the point.

The same in interviews. Start by telling your name and where you live. You don’t have to go into detail, but it helps to let the interviewer know about your living arrangement, such as who you live with and if you have pets.

It is your chance to inject warmth into the conversation. Don’t be afraid to be a little candid, as long as it’s appropriate for the situation. For example, you can say you like the city you’re living in, and that’s why you’re looking for work there if the job you’re applying for is in the same area.

Example answer:

“I’m (name). Pleasure speaking to you. Right now, I live in (city) by myself/with my family/with my partner. I lived here my whole life/moved here for work/when I was (age).

I’ve heard good things about (organization) in (industry), and it’s located in a great place. So I decided (organization) is a great company to pivot my career to after (years of employment) at (company name)/finishing (degree name) from (university name).”

2. Three adjectives

We’ll cover this more in-depth later. For now, what you need to know is that these three words are your most defining traits at work. Go for powerful adjectives open for further elaboration.

Example answer:

“If I had to pick three adjectives to describe myself, I’d choose resourceful, encouraging, and results-driven.

I’m resourceful because I find ways to deliver even in high-pressure situations. I’m quick to find new solutions if the current methodology is lacking. At the same time, I keep my team’s morale up by hearing out their problems and reminding them to take a breather when needed.

Being resourceful and encouraging to my team helps us achieve our set goals and tweak them so we don’t plateau in growth.”

3. Your achievements

Focus on achievements and milestones related to the job posting. In our example, the focus will be on someone applying as a content marketing manager. This person needs to use assertive language when citing concrete examples to drive home that they’re a value-add to their potential employer.

Example answer:

“In my last company, I was responsible for a 200% increase in blog traffic. By working inter-departmentally, I spearheaded an overhaul of schedules and campaigns that grew our audience. And by creating a relay system with our BDR team, we doubled our conversion rate.”

4. Expectations setting

If given the opportunity, you should try to set expectations for what you can bring to your potential employer. As much as possible, do this after you’ve asked questions about their company, and why they need the position they’re hiring for. That way, you can tailor your answer to their needs.

Example answer:

“If I become your content manager, I can take stock of your organization’s current needs and identify what strategies are needed to meet them. We can then work on a long-term plan to work on neglected goals and create new ones we can achieve per quarter. I can also introduce team bonding exercises I developed in my last place of work, proven to improve morale and synergy.”

Adjectives to describe yourself in three words

“Describe yourself in three words” is a common interview question. By asking you to describe yourself in three words, interviewers assess whether or not you have a firm grasp of your working style and personality.

It also tells the interviewer how you view yourself. Plus, it allows them to envision how you’ll fit within the workplace.

So when you’re looking for three words to describe yourself, you might feel a little overwhelmed by the choices. To lessen the pressure, try to group adjectives under traits that employers look for the most in interviews. You can try splitting these adjectives up by these five traits:

1. Industrious
2. Results-driven
3. Adaptable
4. Encouraging
5. Genuine

In many of the articles and videos you’ll find online, you’ll find that interviewers like hearing adjectives related to these traits the most. That’s because these words reveal how you interact with others, how you think, and how your skills align with your personality.

When picking adjectives to describe yourself, remember that you’re selling yourself. You need to be positive, yet realistic. Make sure you’re not exaggerating to the point of being dishonest.

At the same time, don’t be self-deprecating! There’s a way to remain humble without hurting your chances of getting hired, as the sample answers below show. And before you speak, parse out what you’re trying to say and think about it to avoid any misunderstandings.

1. Industrious

• Persistent
• Tireless
• Diligent
• Conscientious
• Persevering

Before anything else, you should note that some articles discourage the use of “hard-working”. This post points out that you can’t prove that right off the bat. Instead, it’s better if you use words that can be parlayed into examples of how you demonstrate your industriousness.

Example: “I was persistent in reaching out to our customers who had negative feedback about our product. Because of my conscientious work, my team identified major problems and addressed them.”

2. Results-driven

• Results-oriented
• Goal-directed
• Purposeful
• Committed
• Ambitious

It’s best to show your potential employer that you always have your eyes on the prize. By showing that you’re working towards goals, your interviewer will feel confident that you’re determined to be a top performer. While companies might expect this, you never know how meaningful it is to meet their expectations.

Example: “Because I’m results-driven, I look forward to working with the team to share my passion so we can meet our goals. If the worst happens, I want to ensure we can still turn things around for a net positive.”

3. Flexible

• Versatile
• Innovative
• Inventive
• Dynamic
• Resourceful

Workplace flexibility is expected of everyone, but not everyone has it. You need to be flexible to adapt to evolving challenges. You also need to show that you’re willing to modify how you approach your work to reach your goals.

Example: “I’m quite resourceful. For example, when my team needed to shift to another software to publish our content, I took courses in advance to help the team out during our retraining.”

4. Encouraging

• Coactive
• Supportive
• Corroborative
• Synergistic
• Diligent

A study in 2019 identified soft skills as a deal-maker and breaker for 92% of talent professionals and hiring managers when it comes to hiring candidates. An important soft skill is your ability to communicate and work well with others.

Example: “I’ve been described as coactive, as I tend to meet with my co-workers after hours and between breaks to help them map out their career path within the company.”

5. Genuine

• Authentic
• Sincere
• Credible
• Unfeigned
• Honest

Similar to the set of adjectives above, this set has to do with your interpersonal skills. While everyone is expected to be honest at work, can you set the record straight while remaining tactful?

Remember that being brutally honest all the time isn’t necessarily the best option. Any strong surge of emotion might lead you to say something untrue, gravely exaggerated, or intentionally hurtful, even if it’s your sincere opinion. So while you aim to be authentic, be careful when you tell the truth, and time it right.

Example: “Integrity is important to me. I must be consistent with how I act at work and be upfront with the people I work with, so none of us have to compromise on what we bring to the table.”

How NOT to describe yourself in an interview: 5 mistakes to avoid

Now that you know how to describe yourself in an interview, let’s look at some mistakes to avoid. These run the gamut from careless words and phrases to statements that might seem honest but would damage your chances.

1. Using filler words

Filler words hurt your chances in a job interview. A “basically”, “um”, or “like” makes you sound as if you didn’t think what you’re trying to say through. Don’t forget that you can ask for time to think about a question, or to have the interviewer repeat their answer if you don’t understand.

Aside from these verbal tics, you should also avoid ambiguous words. For example, avoid using “experience” and “basically”, and go straight for an elaboration. Avoid cliche words too, like “self-starter”, “motivated”, and “dedicated”.

Finally, avoid casual and double-edged adjectives. “Cool” and “radical” might be too informal for a business setting, even if the organization is relaxed. “Competitive” and “perfectionist”, meanwhile, may tell interviewers that you might prioritize your career above the overall wellness and performance of your team.

2. Badmouthing

You should also choose your words carefully when talking about previous employers. Industries are smaller than you think. If you bad-mouth an ex-employer, your potential employer will think this is your attitude towards everyone you previously worked with.

Other than that, you might be spilling NDA-protected information. Even if it’s nothing specific, it shows your potential employer that you’re careless with classified data. Plus, even if you don’t say the word “hate”, it’s implied if you rant about a previous employer. That “hate” might get you classified as a “high-risk candidate”.

3. Sounding uninterested

Your interviewer will take notice if you’re detached and unconfident from the start. Interviewers want candidates who are certain about their skills and are confident enough to convince them that they’re the perfect fit for the job.

They also want someone who knows what they want from the job and is curious enough to ask questions after or during the interview.

4. Sounding boastful

Unless you can prove that you’re a leading voice in the industry, don’t use the word “authority” to describe yourself in an interview. Chances are, you’ll come across as unskilled for the level of expertise you say you have. Give a modest assessment of your competencies, and prove it instead of saying it.

On a related note, be open to not knowing something. Not being the authority of a subject or field opens you up to the possibility of growth. It also gives birth to the possibility of having a niche or specialization that prospective employers can chalk up as a value add.

5. Negative self-talk

Being negative about yourself is completely different from self-criticism. Don’t lead your answers with things you can’t do or tasks that will challenge you. Think of a way to rephrase these answers to show that you can create positives from these potential negatives.

And when you’re asked to talk about the biggest challenge you’ve faced at work, emphasize how you overcame it, and what you learned from it. Keep the story you tell relevant to the job, or at least, how you solved the challenge. Use the STAR method to keep your thoughts organized and sound credible.

Now, what if you need a little help putting your interview together? As you can recall from the start of the article, there’s a recommendation for one-on-one coaching.

Personalized interview coaching

For Erik Hernal, the one-on-one coaching he received through Acadium Plus helped him retain his education and training better than traditional schooling.

Both his resume and job interview skills were polished by on-demand coaching from an industry expert. He also didn’t lack experience, as he took courses taught by industry professionals and gained hands-on knowledge by matching with a business in digital marketing.

In the end, Erik quickly landed work at Cleverly Agency as its new VP of Marketing.

“After the program, I felt more career-ready. I knew that first and foremost my resumé was excellent because I had a pro actually review and walk me through it.”

Your interviews can be a walk in the park if you know how to prepare for them. One thing you shouldn’t forget in your preparation is that you’re upselling yourself in interviews.

That means you need to put your accomplishments in a positive light. But be careful not to overdo to the point where you’re overselling your skills or outright lying. You must subsequently ride the crest of energy that your confidence creates to keep the interview going.

Don’t lose this confidence or energy if your interviewer appears inscrutable and you can’t gauge their reactions. Just keep going, answer questions with thought, and show the interviewer that you should pass this interview and get the job, or go to the next stage of the hiring process.

Lastly, you can’t always guess company values, but you can always look at their website and tailor your answers to reflect what you see there.

Preparations will help your interviews go smoothly. Keep this post open when you do your prep to keep yourself on the right track.

About This Quiz

All of us are the sum of many parts, one of the things that makes people so cool and interesting is how different all of us are. Still though, when it comes to people that know us well, they think of one thing about us first and foremost. If we were to go up to your significant other or your best friend and asked them to describe you in one word, what would it be? Now don’t forget, we are talking about people that like you here, otherwise, the word might be a lot different.

Are you known by all as a leader who never quits? Are you courageous, having faced long odds and defeated them? Are you kind to all that you meet? Are you so affected by the world around you would people describe you as sensitive? Are you so funny that people would forget about all of your other characteristics?  Do you have a strong sense of justice of what is right and wrong? There are a whole lot of people in the world, and there are a whole lot of words that can be used to describe each of them. Take this quiz to find the word that might describe you best.

There are so many descriptive words out there…

And yet sometimes you may still struggle to find the right words to describe yourself.

Hey, we don’t blame you. Choosing the words to describe yourself can be a tricky task.

On the one hand, you want to show your positive traits. On the other hand, you might not want to overdo it with self-praise.

Things get even trickier when you’re applying for college or a job and you need to find the most suitable words to describe yourself.

Honestly, we know the struggle — this is why we wrote this article.

95+ Best Words to Describe Yourself 

They say actions speak louder than words, but sometimes you can only rely on words to describe yourself.  

For example, before you can prove your professional or academic capabilities, you first have to express yourself through your college application, your interview with recruiters, or your resume. 

Your online personae — from your social media usernames to the adjectives you use to describe yourself on various platforms (e.g. a dating app) — is also defined by your choice of words. 

Considering how important all of the above is, there’s no doubt you’d want to nail the words to describe yourself. 

To help you pick the right words, we’ve compiled a list of the best 100 words to describe yourself in any situation: 

Best Words to Describe Yourself: 

• Adaptable
• Adept
• Adventurous
• Affectionate
• Ambitious
• Artistic
• Assertive
• Attentive
• Authentic
• Approachable
• Balanced
• Bright
• Broad-minded
• Candid
• Cheerful
• Chill
• Clever
• Communicative
• Compassionate
• Competitive
• Charismatic
• Considerate
• Constructive
• Courageous
• Creative
• Curious
• Dependable
• Determined
• Direct
• Dynamic
• Easygoing
• Eclectic
• Emotional
• Energetic
• Enthusiastic
• Extroverted
• Exuberant
• Fearless
• Flexible
• Forgiving
• Friendly
• Fun
• Funny
• Generous
• Genuine
• Joyful
• Happy
• Helpful
• Honest
• Imaginative
• Independent
• Romantic
• Risk-taker
• Intelligent
• Intuitive
• Inventive
• Inspiring
• Knowledgeable
• Kind
• Logical
• Loyal
• Loving
• Mature
• Modest
• Motivated
• Open-minded
• Optimistic
• Original
• Outgoing
• Passionate
• Patient
• Perceptive
• Persistent
• Pleasant
• Practical
• Reliable
• Respectful
• Responsible
• Self-reliant
• Sensible
• Sensitive
• Sincere
• Sociable
• Socially conscious
• Straightforward
• Strong
• Successful
• Sympathetic
• Tenacious
• Thoughtful
• Tolerant
• Tough
• Trustworthy
• Understanding
• Upbeat
• Versatile
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45 Words to Describe Yourself in a Job Interview

A common job interview question is “what are 3 words to describe yourself?” 

When recruiters ask you to describe yourself, they are looking to find out two things: 

• Do your personality and skills match the job requirements?
• Are you honest in your answers?

Keep this in mind and it will be much easier to answer this typical interview question successfully. 

Now, if you’re wondering how, exactly, you should answer this question, here’s what we recommend:

1. Choose adjectives that are relevant to the position you’re applying for (as long as they fit you, of course). 
2. Back up your answer with examples of how you embody the quality or skill. This will prove that you are answering honestly.

Let’s see how this works through an example. Say you’re applying to be a teacher and you’re asked “what are three words to describe yourself?”   

Here’s how NOT to go about it: 

• I am creative, competitive, and tenacious.

Now, there’s nothing technically wrong with these adjectives; however, the answer isn’t the best possible for two main reasons: 

1. Competitiveness and tenacity are not the most sought-after skills for teachers. 
2. The claims are not backed up with concrete examples. You could really be creative, or you could be exaggerating. Without backing it up, the recruiter can’t tell which one it is.

Here’s a more interview-friendly way to answer this question: 

• To begin with, I am creative — in my last school, I came up with an SAT exam preparation technique that raised the graduating class’s success rate by more than 30%. I am helpful, both to my students and colleagues — I often stay after class to clarify any questions students may have and I fill in for other teachers whenever I can. Finally, I am very passionate about my work and my students. I’ve been in the field for over 10 years, and I plan on sticking with it for as long as I can.

Here’s a list of words you can use to describe yourself in a job interview: 

Words to Describe Yourself in a Job Interview 

• Attentive
• Artistic
• Ambitious
• Analytical
• Caring
• Committed
• Consistent
• Cooperative
• Devoted
• Diplomatic
• Experienced
• Extroverted
• Focused
• Good listener
• Hardworking
• Helpful
• Insightful
• Innovative
• Methodical
• Meticulous
• Motivated
• Objective
• Observant
• Organized
• Persevering 
• Persuasive
• Proactive
• Problem solver
• Productive
• Professional
• Proficient
• Resourceful
• Results-oriented
• Disciplined
• Team player
• Thorough
• Tireless
• Trustworthy
• Sociable 
• Skilled
• Strategic
• Systematic

Note

Wondering what other questions might come up in a job interview? Check our list of 35+ interview questions and answers. 

40 Words to Describe Yourself in a Resume

When it comes to your resume, you won’t be directly asked to find three words to describe yourself. That doesn’t mean, however, that you shouldn’t care about the adjectives you choose to describe yourself on your resume. 

On the contrary — before even inviting you at the job interview, it’s your resume that speaks for you. So, your choice of words to describe yourself there is arguably even more important.

Of course, it’s not enough to just insert some adjectives here and there and call it a day. Instead, you need to find the right way to “sell yourself.” In this section, we’ll teach you just how you can do that.

Your resume profile is the first place to add the right words to describe yourself. Be it through a resume summary, or a resume objective, you’ll need to find at least one strong adjective to describe yourself and make a good — and lasting — impression. 

If you ask us, that’s pretty essential, considering that most recruiters spend an average of 7.4 seconds skimming through a resume. Talk about first impressions mattering, right?

Keep in mind, though — 

Just like with the interview, plugging in some adjectives to describe yourself won’t cut it. 

• First, you should make sure to choose adjectives relevant to the job. 
• Second, remember to always back up your claims with examples — or, in this case, achievements. 

Let’s assume that you’re a recent college graduate applying as a Communications Assistant. Your resume objective would look something like this:

Hard-working and passionate college graduate looking to apply up-to-date skills and strategies as a Communications Assistant at the Regional Youth Cooperation Office. 1+ years of practical experience as an intern at the Mayor’s Communications Office.  

Even if you’re a seasoned professional with many achievements to show, you’ll need an adjective to describe yourself. In such a case, your resume summary would look something like this: 

Task-driven professional experienced in data entry, customer service, and reception duties. Able to perform accurate and efficient entry of data into administrative software. 

Get the idea? Here are some more adjectives to choose from: 

Words to Describe Yourself in a Resume

• Accomplished
• Accountable
• Bold
• Collaborative
• Competent
• Confident
• Conscientious
• Cooperative
• Data-driven
• Detail-oriented
• Eager
• Efficient
• Emotionally intelligent
• Entrepreneurial
• Ethical
• Experienced
• Expert
• Flexible
• Gregarious
• Motivated
• Organized
• People person
• Persistent
• Personable
• Professional
• Proficient
• Resourceful
• Self-assured
• Self-starter
• Skilled
• Skillful
• Sociable
• Strategic
• Team player
• Thoughtful 
• Tireless
• Unconventional

40 Words to Describe Yourself on a College Application

The majority of college applications require that you submit a personal statement. 

Personal statements are a way to promote yourself and show why you are the right candidate for a certain program. Unlike motivation letters, where you’re supposed to explain your academic objectives, personal statements allow space for creativity. 

Thus, you can get more expressive and personal with the words to describe yourself in a college application, as opposed to your resume or job interview. As an undergrad candidate, you are supposed to highlight your strengths and show what makes you unique. 

Here are some adjectives you can use for inspiration:

Words to Describe Yourself in a College Application 

• Artistic
• Athletic
• Authentic 
• Brave
• Committed
• Compassionate
• Courageous
• Curious
• Daring
• Dedicated
• Diligent
• Down-to-earth
• Enthusiastic
• Extroverted
• Fearless
• Generous
• Genuine
• Go-getter
• Idealistic
• Imaginative 
• Independent
• Inspired
• Loyal
• Motivated
• Musical
• Open-minded
• Outdoorsy
• Positive
• Productive
• Resilient
• Respectful
• Risk-taker
• Scholarly
• Self-reliant
• Sincere
• Social butterfly
• Studious
• Supportive
• Unique

10 Words NOT to Describe Yourself (Professionally)

As you can imagine, there are also words you should refrain from using to describe yourself — especially in the professional context. 

Not that these adjectives are bad per se — however, they might not arouse the expected reaction when you use them out of context. What do we mean?

Take the following example. Imagine using these words to describe yourself in a job interview: 

“How would I describe myself? Let’s see, I’m amazing, funny, and unique.” 

Now, it’d be more than OK if a colleague — or anyone, for that matter — described you this way. Calling yourself amazing in front of recruiters, however? Might be a bit too much, without really saying anything at all.

Here’s a list of our top 10 words NOT to describe yourself (outside of your friends’ circle):

1. Amazing 
2. Awesome 
3. Dynamic 
4. Funny
5. Honest
6. Humble
7. Intelligent 
8. Talented
9. Visionary
10. Unique

Key Takeaways 

And that’s a wrap! We hope that by now you’re equipped with many more words to describe yourself. 

Let’s go over some of the main points we covered in the article: 

• Many situations will require that you find the right words to describe yourself. A resume, job interview, or college application are among the most common. 
• During a job interview, make sure to use words to describe yourself that are relevant to the job and to back up your claims with examples. 
• Your resume profile is your chance to make a memorable first impression — scan the job ad to choose adjectives that are relevant to the position and back them up with your achievements. 
• There are some words you should not use to describe yourself — if it can’t be backed with concrete examples if it sounds generic, or if it’s an adjective that makes more sense being said for you (and not by you), then stay away.