What one word describes you as a person

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?
  • Author
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Matthew Chulaw

Matthew has been working in international recruitment since 2008. He helps job seekers from all walks of life to pursue their career goals, and to prepare for their interviews. He is the founder of InterviewPenguin.com website.

Matthew Chulaw

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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 !

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 
  • 45 Words to Describe Yourself in a Job Interview
  • 40 Words to Describe Yourself in a Resume
  • 40 Words to Describe Yourself on a College Application
  • Words NOT to Describe Yourself

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
  • Vibrant
  • Warmhearted
  • Wise

job interview masterclass

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.  

What car would you drive?

Do you know your country’s laws?

Which one would you rather do?

Which website are you on most of the time?

What did you do when you last saw a homeless person?

Whatever you do inspires others! You are a work of art! You are loved by everyone around you because you are fun to hang out with. People give you respect because you do the same!

Share this with your friends and tell them you got inspiring! Find out what they get too!

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You’re not only smart but you are a loving person. You are very creative in you work. You always think before you speak because you’d rather avoid mistakes at all times!

Share this with your friends and tell them you got intelligent! Find out what they get too!

For more personality quizzes, go to www.MoneyProbs.com & don’t forget to FOLLOW us on facebook www.Facebook.com/moneyprobs Thank You!

You are passionate in everything you do. You are very active and such an adventurous person! You love having fun at all times!

Share this with your friends and tell them you got passionate! Find out what they get too!

For more personality quizzes, go to www.MoneyProbs.com & don’t forget to FOLLOW us on facebook www.Facebook.com/moneyprobs Thank You!

You care for the things you own and the people you love. You are such a responsible person. You’re always careful and try your best not to make any mistakes!

Share this with your friends and tell them you got responsible! Find out what they get too!

For more personality quizzes, go to www.MoneyProbs.com & don’t forget to FOLLOW us on facebook www.Facebook.com/moneyprobs Thank You!

The only way to earn respect is to give respect. That’s all you. You’re very respectful to others!

Share this with your friends and tell them you got respectful! Find out what they get too!

For more personality quizzes, go to www.MoneyProbs.com & don’t forget to FOLLOW us on facebook www.Facebook.com/moneyprobs Thank You!

You like going around anywhere and you are an adventurous person!

Share this with your friends and tell them you got outgoing! Find out what they get too!

For more personality quizzes, go to www.MoneyProbs.com & don’t forget to FOLLOW us on facebook www.Facebook.com/moneyprobs Thank You!

You are a very shy person, you should try going out more and hanging out with more people as well. Take more steps in your life.

Share this with your friends and tell them you got shy! Find out what they get too!

For more personality quizzes, go to www.MoneyProbs.com & don’t forget to FOLLOW us on facebook www.Facebook.com/moneyprobs Thank You!

You are very creative! You’re smart in your own way!

Share this with your friends and tell them you got inventive! Find out what they get too!

For more personality quizzes, go to www.MoneyProbs.com & don’t forget to FOLLOW us on facebook www.Facebook.com/moneyprobs Thank 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

 Positive Words to Describe Yourself

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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.

WRONG
I’m reliable, cheerful, and … shy.

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

EXAMPLE
Let’s see. I’m reliable—I was so consistent in updating patient’s charts that I was promoted to a position responsible for training new hires. I’m very cheerful—Studies show that positivity can have a huge effect on patient recovery times, so I smile often and crack jokes whenever the time is right. And I’m energetic—In my last position at a long-term care facility, I was single-handedly caring for up to 15 patients per shift. That required me to move fast while still paying attention to small details.

Wow—Now that’s an answer. 

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

Example of an answer to what are 3 words to describe yourself

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

Words to Describe Yourself on a Resume

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:

matching set of resume and cover letter

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!

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