What one word best describes you and why

Tough Interview Question — What is the one word that describes you best?

What is the one word that describes you best?

Similar interview questions:


What dictionary word has your name in the definition?

What word comes to mind when describing you?

If you had to define who you are in one word, what would it be?

How would your parents describe you to their friends in just one or two words?

Why the interviewer is asking this question:

The interviewer is trying to get to the core essence of who you are. Or at least who you think you may be. This question is usually used as a setup question to probe deeper, since many candidates will use a platitude word to describe themselves, yet struggle to give an example of how that word is exemplified in practical day-to-day behavior. So it also allows the interviewer insight into how realistic the candidate is being in their own self-reflective view.

The best approach to answering this question:

Answer with a work ethic word which best describes you, while having a specific behavioral example to back it up. This is an excellent opportunity to tell a story about when you went above-and-beyond in your work life. It’s OK to take time while answering to show that you are thinking about the answer, but this is definitely a question that you want to think about in advance and be prepared in advance for how to answer the question.

An example of how to best answer this question for experienced candidates:

«Hmmm…great question. I would have to say dedicated would describe me the best in my work life. I’m dedicated to getting the job done and delivering on time. Let me give you an example of how my dedication recently came through in delivery of my current project…»

An example of how to best answer this question for entry level candidates:

«Hmmm…that’s a great question. I would say that committed would best describe me. I’ve been committed in both my academic career and in my recent internship, which shows in how I have delivered on my commitments. Let me give you an example of how I committed on my recent internship project…»

An example of how you should not answer this question:

«Well, I’m not sure there is any one word that would describe me best, since I am a such multi-faceted person with many different aspects to who I am. So I reject your question and I will substitute it with a better one, asking me to describe myself in many words. And those words would be stupendous, amazing, incredible, fantastic…»

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Further review: know the answers to these 100 Common Interview Questions to be fully prepared for your interview!

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.

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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By Mike Simpson

UPDATED 5/24/2022

Imagine this: you’re sitting in an interview for your dream job. Everything seems to be going beautifully. You’re knocking every question out of the ballpark, and the hiring manager is genuinely engaged. You’re confident you’ve got the job in the bag. But then, they ask you a dastardly question: “How would you describe yourself?”

Figuring out how to describe yourself seems so simple on the surface, but it’s surprisingly tricky to get right. If you can’t seem to find the words to describe yourself, don’t panic; we’ve got your back. Here’s what you need to know…

Why Is This Question Asked?

In many ways, hiring managers ask, “how would you describe yourself” for the same reason they ask the question, “tell me about yourself.”

No, it’s not to make you uncomfortable or to wax philosophical about how your early childhood turned you into the person you are today. Interviewers ask this question because they are looking for two key pieces of information.

First, they want to honestly know how you perceive yourself, as that can tell them a lot about your personality and character. Second, they’re figuring out how well you’ll fit into the company culture (which 84 percent of hiring managers think is essential) if you’re hired, as certain traits may align better.

In the end, that’s what the hiring manager wants to know. By understanding that, it’s far easier to find good words to describe yourself, ensuring you’ll shine during the interview.

Just remember, this is just one question the hiring manager could ask you in your interview! That’s why we created an amazing free cheat sheet that will give you word-for-word answers for some of the toughest interview questions you are going to face in your upcoming interview.

Click below to get your free PDF now:

Common Variations of This Question

While “how would you describe yourself” is one of the most popular forms of questions in this arena, it isn’t the only one you might encounter. Some common variations also make the rounds, including alternatives like:

• • If you had to pick one word to describe you, what would it be and why?
  • What three words describe you best?
  • Which of your traits do you feel are most important?
  • What adjectives would you use to describe yourself?
  • How do you think your former managers or colleagues would describe you?
  • Summarize your personality using as few words as possible.

While each of those questions is a bit different, they’re all focused on the same kind of answer. Since that’s the case, knowing how to describe yourself if asked “how would you describe yourself” can help you shine when answering any of these alternatives.

Words to Describe Yourself in an Interview

Before we dig into exactly how to answer the “how would you describe yourself” interview question and any example answers, it’s critical to understand the types of words the hiring manager is expecting. That helps you develop a top-notch answer fast, as you’re using the best possible strategy.

Here’s a look at some words, phrases, and adjectives to describe yourself you may want to use:

Use the list above as inspiration, or pick a handful of words to describe yourself that feel like the best fit. That way, you can start to formulate your own answer to this classic interview question.

How to Answer “How Would You Describe Yourself”

When you answer “How would you describe yourself,” you’re telling the hiring manager about your qualities and how they mesh with the skills you bring by using focused and tailored adjectives. Essentially, it’s an overview of why you do what you do.

Generally, this question needs a short and sweet answer.

Why?

Because it doesn’t typically warrant additional follow-up unless specifically requested by the hiring manager.

Typically, your best bet is to choose three to five words that really reflect who you are, putting them in order based on the ones you feel are the best fit. That way, if you’re asked to describe yourself in three or five words, you have that ready. But if you’re told to use only one word, you know which one is your go-to.

Then, think about why those are the best fit. Reflect on any examples from your past that showcase those descriptions as genuinely reflecting who you are as a professional. With that, you have a strong foundation, making it easier to create a standout answer.

If you get stuck, ask your friends and family the same question. Using just a few words, have them describe your best qualities or characteristics. That can help you see how others view your strengths, giving you direction if you feel struck.

After that, take the words and adjectives to describe yourself that you’ve gathered and reread the job description. What qualities or characteristics would an applicant need in order to be considered the Perfect Candidate? How do all those things relate specifically to the position?

Once you have all that information, you should be able to answer the question easily. Start with your quality or characteristic from the list of words to describe yourself, and then finish off with a specific, tailored example.

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Answering This Interview Question

1. Don’t Just Give a List

While we do want a list of adjectives that properly describe the qualities and characteristics you bring to the position, an interviewer doesn’t just want you to just fire off a random string of adjectives. Make sure you list a quality or characteristic adjective, and then back it up with a tailored answer that exactly demonstrates how that adjective makes you invaluable to your potential employer.

2. Staying Relevant

Make sure the adjectives you include actually relate to the job you’re applying to. Save adjectives like “dashing,” “charming,” “hilarious,” and “suave” for your online dating profile.

3. Avoid Terms That Strike the Wrong Tone

While it might sound good to use words like “intelligent,” “visionary,” and “talented,” those are words that can rankle a recruiter. Rather than seeming reflective, they can come off as cocky or egotistical. And since 76 percent of hiring managers reject candidates who seem arrogant, it’s best not to fall in that category.

4. Skip Scary, Generic, or Inaccurate Words

There are red flag words to describe yourself that you want to avoid. This includes options that seem scary, generic, or inaccurate, such as “obsessive (scary),” “goal-oriented (generic),” and “likable” (inaccurate, as nobody is 100% likable).

5. Give the Right Example

You can’t simply list off a string of adjectives that describe yourself without having concrete examples of you demonstrating that quality. Use examples from your past that prove that you are that person (beyond a shadow of a doubt).

Describing Yourself: 5 Different Example Answers

Now is the moment you’ve been waiting for: example answers to the “how would you describe yourself” interview question. Each of these options reflects a slightly different scenario, showing how you might approach the question a bit differently depending on where you are in your career.

Keep in mind that these should only serve as inspiration, as you’ll need to customize your answers to the job if you want to shine. With that in mind, here are five answers that show how to describe yourself to the hiring manager.

Entry-Level – Machine Operator

EXAMPLE ANSWER:

“In manufacturing, speed and accuracy are both priorities. That’s why I pride myself on being diligent and detail-oriented, pushing myself to exceed expectations while ensuring quality remains high. In my last role, I was formally recognized for having the lowest error rate in the company, all while exceeding output targets.

“Additionally, I’m dependable. At my last job, we lost a worker to injury and did not have the budget to hire a replacement, so I volunteered to pick up the slack, often working long hours into the night. We didn’t miss a beat.”

Entry-Level – Recent Graduate

EXAMPLE ANSWER:

“If I had to describe myself, I’d have to say organized, determined, and tech-savvy. While in school, I excelled at keeping project teams on target, coordinating the efforts of everyone to ensure critical tasks were handled. Additionally, I welcome challenges and enjoy putting my technology knowledge to work. While earning my degree, I had the opportunity to intern with an outstanding company. My main project was to digitize legacy records, a project they anticipated would take weeks. Fortunately, I was able to develop an automated process that streamlined the digital file system, allowing me to complete the work in half of the time.”

Mid-Level – Sales Consultant

EXAMPLE ANSWER:

“One reason why I excel in sales roles is that I’m both tenacious and empathetic. In the world of sales, being able to see the situation from the customer’s perspective is essential, which is why my empathy serves me well. The ability to also push past “no” and find a way to get to “yes” is similarly vital, which is why I value my tenacity.

“In my last role, using that combination of traits allowed me to land the second-largest contract the company had ever secured. I used my active listening skills to get a full feel for the customer’s needs and dug in to discover any reasons they may hesitate to move forward. Then, I was able to create a custom presentation designed to address their needs while putting their mind at ease, ultimately securing the contract.”

Management Level – Project Manager

EXAMPLE ANSWER:

“I’m a self-motivated professional that believes strongly in the power of collaboration. As a self-starter, I thrive when given the opportunity to take the reins and coordinate efforts, which is what drew me to the work of project management initially. However, I’m also adept at collaboration, as well as creating mechanisms that boost cross-team communication. It’s that capability that allows me to exceed expectations in project management roles, as I’m able to get the best out of everyone taking part.”

Executive Level – Department Director

EXAMPLE ANSWER:

“I’m a strategic, results-oriented professional that understands the value of remaining open-minded. During my 15 years in the field, I’ve been fortunate to learn the ins and outs of the industry. However, I recognize that I don’t know it all. Success, in my opinion, is a team effort, relying on the expertise of everyone and not just my own. By embracing my open-mindedness, I capture opportunities others may miss, which I feel makes me an asset at any company.”

Putting It All Together

Now that we’ve covered some example answers for the “how would you describe yourself” interview question, explore your own qualities and characteristics so that you can create outstanding answers. With a bit of reflection and some research into the role, you can find the right words to describe yourself during an interview, allowing you to stand out from the competition with ease.

Good luck!

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P.S. Don’t forget we wanted to let you know that there are over 100 other difficult interview questions you could be asked in your job interview. Sounds stressful right?

Don’t worry, because we created a free PDF that outlines the most common questions and gives you word for word sample answers that you can use at your next interview. Click the link below to get your copy now!

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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.