Which word best describes you at work

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.

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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.”

how-to-describe-yourself

Introductions are a way to break the ice and establish the tone of your interview. You can’t be completely candid, but you can be a little personal.

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.”

how-to-describe-yourself

This is your first chance to impress your interviewer and show that you’ll add value to their organization.

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.

how-to-describe-yourself

Think about your best traits before the interview, so you’re prepared when you’re asked to describe yourself.

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.”

how-to-describe-yourself

Instead of saying you’re “hardworking”, use words that imply more about “how” you’re committed to your job and organization’s goals.

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.”

adjectives-to-describe-yourself

Interviewers want to know if you can empathize and click with your teammates.

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”.

adjectives-to-describe-yourself

Avoid using the words “fired” or “dismissed”, too! These words might flag you and hurt your chances.

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.

how-to-describe-yourself

Be engaged when your interviewer speaks to you, and adapt questions you’ve prepared beforehand to what you learn during the interview.

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.

Being asked to describe yourself is a very common interview question.

The hiring manager may ask something like, “How Would You Describe Yourself” or, “Tell Me Five Adjectives That Describe You”.

The average person will list a few adjectives and be done with their answer. Then they’ll wonder why they never got the job offer.

Saying you are smart, loyal, organized, and creative holds little weight. Anyone can say these things.

If you want the job, it’s essential that you use these words to tell a story.

In this article, we’ll share some of the best words to describe yourself in an interview, but more importantly, we’ll show you how to turn these words into a compelling story.

We’ve also broken down these words into professions to help you better choose the adjectives that are fitting for your line of work.

If you just came here looking for some good adjectives to describe yourself in an interview, check out our list below.

But remember, the best answer to this interview question goes beyond the words you choose. It’s all about the story you tell!

Once you have your words chosen, you can focus on finding real-life stories that back up those traits you portray.

List of Words to Describe Yourself in an Interview

Good Words To Describe Yourself In An Interview

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Top Tip

If you are struggling to figure out words to describe yourself, ask the people who know you best. Simply text, call, or email a few friends and family members and ask them, “What are five words that describe me well? And do you have any stories that support them?”

Job-Specific Words to Describe Yourself (+Stories)

Let’s say you can think of a handful of good adjectives to describe yourself on the spot.

That’s great! You’re halfway there.

Again, you want to avoid simply giving a list of words to describe yourself. Instead, give a short story to support your claim.

Below is a list of example answers to the interview question, “What are 3 words to describe yourself?”

Keep in mind that the same story can be used for different words. It’s more about the positive story you tell than the specific words you choose.

In the examples below, the interviewee gave one of the descriptive words and then added a short (and true) story to back it up.

We’ve included samples for most professions including: administrative, sales & marketing, customer service, healthcare, finance & accounting, operations, managers & leaders, IT & software, educators, human resources, and design/creative.

Words to Describe Administrative Professionals

Here’s how administrative professionals might reply to the question focusing on the words cool-headed, organized, resourceful:

I always try to maintain my cool when I deal with heated situations. Recently, my apartment complex towed my car because I was not given notice to move it for asphalt repairs. Communication to residents had been an on-going problem. I had been carefully documenting my multiple attempts to request information from the community directors. After calmly presenting my proof, the complex was happy to refund the towing fees.

Words to Describe Sales & Marketing Professionals

Here’s how sales & marketing professionals might reply to the question focusing on the words friendly, personable, and extrovert:

I’ve always enjoyed meeting new people. It comes naturally to me to pour a lot into my relationships with all kinds of people. I’m your typical extrovert, which has really helped me in my career. My natural networking abilities have enabled me to excel in sales roles such as this one.

Words to Describe Customer Service Professionals

Here’s how customer service professionals might reply to the question focusing on the words diligent, loyal, and reliable:

I am the first person my friends call because they know I am always there for them. Night or day, I make sure to take care of the people in my life. I put the same effort into making sure my work is done correctly and being available to help my team members.

Words to Describe Healthcare Professionals

Here’s how healthcare professionals might reply to the question focusing on the words empathetic, patient, and adaptable:

I always try to make my patients as comfortable as possible. One time, we had a patient that was presenting some unusual symptoms. After multiple tests, we didn’t have a proper diagnosis and the patient was getting irritable. To ease their mind, I asked more questions and offered some advice based on my personal experience. This allowed us to determine their care needs, set a plan to improve their health, and earn the patient’s trust.

Words to Describe Finance & Accounting Professionals

Here’s how finance & accounting professionals might reply to the question focusing on the words ethical, organized, and thorough:

I’ve always put an emphasis on details and identifying issues. Recently, I found a key data discrepancy that directly led to a large accounting error. To prevent any financial loss, I took initiative to review all the data sets to find where the initial error occurred. I also recommended a new quality control process so that moving forward we would not have the same issue and would eliminate any negative financial impact to the company.

Words to Describe Operations Professionals

Here’s how operations professionals might reply to the question focusing on the words critical-thinking, collaborative, and efficient:

I tend to be the go-to for solving problems. As a volunteer for my local youth sports team, I recently had to put my skills to good use. We lost a contract with one of our vendors, leaving us without some equipment right before the start of the season. I reached out to local businesses to secure donations while working with my peers to find a new vendor. The season started on time and we were able to save some extra funds to send the team to the championship game.

Words to Describe Managers & Leaders

Here’s how managers & leaders might reply to the question focusing on the words motivated, ambitious, and leader:

I tend to be very driven in my approach to life and work. Throughout college, I was active in three clubs, worked full time, and still managed to graduate at the top of my class. As the oldest sibling, I have always been somewhat of a leader. My brothers and sisters look up to me for advice. I try to be someone that others would feel confident following.

Words to Describe IT & Software Professionals

Here’s how IT & software professionals might reply to the question focusing on the words analytical, innovative, and resourceful:

I’m someone who loves a challenge. One of my friends needed a new system for processing orders at their company. I asked what they were ideally looking for and realized that there wasn’t any existing software on the market that met both their needs and their budget. I built a new software program that integrated with their other existing systems, solving all their business needs using a single technical solution.

Words to Describe Teachers & Educators

Here’s how teachers & educators might reply to the question focusing on the words attentive, disciplined, and supportive:

I’ve always been one to pay attention to the people around me. One time, I noticed that a student of mine was getting into a lot of trouble. It was strange, since I never knew him to misbehave. So, after detention, I reached out to him to see what was wrong. He opened up about what he was going through, and I offered him some advice and resources. He was able to get the much-needed help he needed.

Words to Describe Human Resources Professionals

Here’s how human resources professionals might reply to the question focusing on the words analytical, collaborative, and decisive:

I have always thought of myself as a team player. My traveling softball team had to choose which tournaments we would play in for the season. Everyone had differing opinions and the group was pretty divided on where we would travel to. We were closing in on our deadline to decide, so I volunteered to plan the season. I collected my teammates’ suggestions, organized the information, and was able to include everyone’s first or second choice. We ended up having our best season yet!

Words to Describe Creative & Design Professionals

Here’s how creative & design professionals might reply to the question focusing on the words imaginative, passionate, and proactive:

I thoroughly enjoy using my imagination. Seeing my ideas go from concept to creation is the greatest accomplishment. In my most recent position, there was a failed marketing project that the company was ready to give up on it. Knowing that it would be very helpful for business growth, I came up with a new idea and headed up  the project. With my team, we were able to bring the plan to reality and not only successfully complete the project, but helped create new revenue opportunities.

Words to Describe Yourself on a Resume

Now that you’ve found the best words to describe yourself in an interview, take a look at your resume. 

As with an interview, it’s important that your resume describes you with more than adjectives. Tell a story!

List of Words to Describe Yourself on a Resume

Good Words to Describe Yourself on a Resume

Please note that this list is not extensive. There are hundreds of words you can use to describe yourself on a resume. 

With the right story, just about any word can be effective.

Next, let’s look at a few resume examples using some of the adjectives from the list above.

Words to Describe Yourself on a Resume (+Stories)

Just like describing yourself in an interview, your resume should tell a story. More often than not, this story will be under your work experience section.

While it is possible to add some of these adjectives to the “Skills” section of your resume, it’s better to list hard skills in this section.

Soft skills such as “analytical, diligent, and strategic” are better shown in a story than listed as keywords.

Below, we provide a few examples from real resumes written by Certified Professional Resume Writers at Find My Profession.

Accomplished

Accomplished leader with demonstrated background applying innovative ideas to drive growth, productivity, and profitability for both Fortune 500 corporations and private equity-backed start-ups.  

Versatile

Versatile change agent and executive leader with strengths in encouraging buy-in amongst all levels of an organization and utilizing communication skills and a well-developed sense of humor to drive collaboration across all business units.

Strategic

Strategic advisor across all business functions with advanced ability to build and manage partnerships with stakeholders, board members, and fellow executive leaders to support strategic planning and drive continuous improvement.

Such powerful words are sure to make you the favorite candidate of the hiring manager!

Key Takeaways

There are hundreds of words you could use to describe yourself in an interview, but more important than the adjectives you use is the story you share to drive your point home.

  1. Pick relevant words for the job you’re applying for. An accountant may not need to say they are an extrovert. A word like “analytical” might be a better choice.
  2. Tell a story that backs your words up. This can be one story that encompasses all 3-5 words or it can be a unique story for each word.
  3. Stay positive and brief. Your story should remain positive, avoid sharing too many personal details, and remain under two minutes long.

You can find more interview questions to study in our list of the 50 Top Job Interview Questions and Answers.

Good luck with that interview! You are going to do great. You are ambitious, confident, and resourceful!

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…»


Remember to answer each interview question behaviorally, whether it is a behavioral question or not. The easiest way to do this is to use an example from your background and experience. Then use the S-T-A-R approach to make the answer a STAR: talk about a Situation or Task (S-T), the Action you took (A) and the Results achieved (R). This is what makes your interview answer uniquely yours and will make your answer a star!


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

Struggling to find the words to describe yourself and enhance your résumé? Then try out our CV buzzwords, key adjectives and examples, which will boost your chances of getting your dream job.

Positive Words to Describe Yourself on Your CV

These are great adjectives to describe yourself:

1. Able

I am able to handle multiple tasks on a daily basis.

2. Creative

I use a creative approach to problem solving.

3. Dependable

I am a dependable person who is great at time management.

4. Energetic

I am always energetic and eager to learn new skills.

5. Experience

I have experience working as part of a team and individually.

6. Flexible

Positive Words to Describe Yourself on Your CV

I am flexible in my working hours, being able to work evenings and weekends.

7. Successful

I have successfully met deadlines on every project I’ve worked on.

8. On Time

I am always on time for organized events, work-related or otherwise.

9. Honest

I am honest and trustworthy when I am counting money after our church bake sales.

10. Imaginative

I work with the team to provide imaginative solutions for our customers.

11. Innovative

I am always coming up with innovative ideas.

12. Motivated

I am motivated to go to the gym before work to stay fit and healthy.

13. Organized

I have organized the staff functions for the last four years with great success.

14. Reliable

Co-workers rely on me to be on time.

15. Sense of Humour

Even though I take my work seriously, I do have a good sense of humour.

For more advice about embedding these words into your CV, read our article: A Guide to Writing a Successful CV

Positive Words to Describe Your Day-to-Day Work on Your CV

These are great words to help you describe your daily tasks in a variety of ways:

16. Delivered

I delivered all projects in a timely fashion.

17. Helped

I helped out at the local care home during my spare time.

18. Identified

In the role, I identified a need for a new system and, with management backing, it has since been implemented.

19. Managed

I’ve managed the team through several large projects.

20. Participated

I participated in my local Race for Life 10k charity run.

21. Supervised

Positive Words to Describe Your Day-to-Day Work on Your CV

During this time, I supervised swimming galas at my local pool.

22. Presented

I presented my analysis findings to the wider business to achieve buy-in for positive change.

23. United

I united several teams in a large project to achieve real change for our customers.

24. Led

I led the project team in delivering a successful outcome.

25. Provided

I provided much-needed support to my team through the pandemic.

26. Proved

I proved my case for introducing a new system through extensive research and analysis.

27. Ran

I ran weekly project meetings to make sure work was delivered on time and to a high standard.

28. Responded

I responded to unexpected events with speed and professionalism to ensure a positive outcome for our customers.

29. Reported

I reported directly to the Board of Directors…

I reported directly to the Board of Directors with any changes in customer behaviour, along with proactive suggestions on how to address them.

30. Gained

I gained first-hand experience of customer challenges by running a series of face-to-face workshops.

31. Tested

I tested a range of products to determine which ones were most suitable for our clients.

32. Balanced

I balanced my time successfully across 3 key projects in the business, delivering results in a timely manner.

33. Conducted

I conducted several investigations to find out where there were opportunities for cost savings.

34. Focused

I focused much of my time and energy on driving improvements across the contact centre.

Positive Words to Show How You Went Above and Beyond in Your Role

These are great words to include in your CV to highlight where you’ve really added value in your role:

35. Supported

I supported junior team members to help them achieve their longer-term career goals.

36. Modernized

I modernized the customer complaints process to help make efficiency savings across the business.

37. Saved

I saved time across the business by analysing key business processes and identifying improvements.

38. Volunteered

I volunteered to take the lead in a mental health and wellbeing project, above and beyond my core duties, to help improve the working environment for my colleagues.

39. Developed

I developed a new process to address a gap in the customer experience.

40. Won

I won gold in my very first cross-fit competition.

Positive Words to Show How You Went Above and Beyond in Your Role

41. Secured

I secured funding from the Board of Directors for a new WFM system.

42. Savings

I made cost savings on our products by using local manufacturers.

43. Enhanced

I enhanced the leadership team by going on a mental health awareness course and bringing my learnings back into the business.

44. Implemented

I implemented a new WFM system, following several months of research and cost analysis.

45. Nominated

I was nominated for an industry award following the work I did on improving the customer experience.

46. Launched

I launched a new product to market which exceeded sales targets for that quarter.

47. Increased

I increased profits across a variety of products through cost-saving changes to our manufacturing processes.

48. Campaigned

I campaigned for positive changes to our health and wellbeing programme throughout my time at the company, resulting in new initiatives being introduced which helped boost our staff retention rates.

49. Achieved

I achieved a pass grade for my Level 2 Management course.

50. Competed

I competed at industry events for a sought-after ‘best in show’ award and won several times.

Using these words is a great way to describe yourself and your achievements and make your CV stand out. For more tips like this, read our article: How Do I Make My CV Really Special?

☆☆☆☆☆

Example Personal Statement:

I am a talented, ambitious and hardworking individual, with broad skills and experience in digital and printed marketing, social media and leading projects. Furthermore, I am adept at handling multiple tasks on a daily basis competently and at working well under pressure.

A key strength is communication; building strong relationships with people in order to deliver the best results.

Recently, I completed an Open degree, including Business and Design modules at the Open University and I am now fully employed by Clearly Presented as a Digital Media Manager.

Find even more positive words and phrases to build enthusiasm, in our article: Top 25 Positive Words, Phrases and Empathy Statements

☆☆☆☆☆

15 More Words From Our Experts

Expert Advice Written on Post It Note

Not quite what you are looking for? Then have a look at these words that you can use in the “about me” section on your résumé.

We asked expert customer service recruiters for their advice on which other words to use on a CV. These recruiters responded with the list below:

51. Articulate

I am an effective and articulate communicator with all levels of employees.

52. Confidence

I instil confidence in others and approach new challenges with an open mind.

53. Commercial

I have a strong commercial outlook…

54. Consistent

I have been able to deliver a consistent approach throughout a challenging period of development.

55. Driven

I am extremely driven, with a clear goal to succeed.

I used the advice passed on by my supervisors to mentor struggling individuals..

56. Enthused/Enthusiastic

I am always highly enthused about my work and tasks ahead.

57. Inspirational

I have been told that I am an inspirational coach and mentor.

58. Interactive

I understand the importance of being interactive and enjoy communicating with others for the benefit of the company.

59. Leader

I am a natural leader and developer of people.

60. Mentor

I used the advice passed on by my supervisors to mentor struggling individuals.

61. Personable

I am happy and extremely personable and excel in a positive work environment.

62. Safe Pair of Hands

I have been told that I provide a safe pair of hands in challenging times.

63. Self-Development

I am committed to learning and self-development so that I can consistently achieve better results.

64. Subject-Matter Expert

I am seen as a subject-matter expert within the field of workforce management and deployment.

65. Versatile

I have an extremely versatile skill set.

The Top Ten Words to Leave Off a CV

Whilst the words above can be great additions to a CV, our experts also have their bugbears about certain other words that candidates use.

Here is a list of our top ten words to avoid using on your résumé.

1. Seasoned

Using this will make you sound like you are a steak! Also, it is so dated. There are much better words to use!

2. Authoritative

Recruiters want a collaborator not a dictator, especially in the customer service field. So, replace a phrase such as “I was in an authoritative position…” with “I was in a position of leadership…”.

3. Think outside the box

Give examples of how you were made to think creatively and the benefits that such innovation brought to the company. To do this, it is important to avoid vague phrases such as “I think outside the box.”

4. Detail-orientated

There is a chance, no matter how excellent you believe your grammar to be, that you will make a mistake on your CV. Whilst many recruiters may overlook one minor error, pairing the mistake with the phrase “detail-orientated” could create problems.

5. Track record

If your CV is written correctly, the recruiter will be able to see your track record, so don’t waste your limited space with needless phrases like this.

6. Hard-worker

It is much more convincing to show the recruiter that you are a hard-worker than to tell them. Recruiters will draw their own conclusions from the evidence that you present, so don’t try to confuse them by using vague phrases… it won’t work.

7. Results-driven

Are results your only driver? Don’t limit yourself by using such language. Demonstrate how you are driven by purpose, personal development and colleagues/teammates, as well as by achievement.

8. Go-to person

Not only is this too informal for a CV, it takes focus away from how your skills align with those in the job description. Don’t distract yourself by trying to do everyone else’s jobs – they will be more experienced in these than you.

9. Passionate

This is so over-used. If you were not passionate about an aspect of the role, it is assumed that you would not be applying for the position. So, set yourself apart from the average candidate by trying something different, like noting how fulfilling the passion makes you feel.

10. Team player

It is important to note that you enjoy a collaborative atmosphere, but the phrase “team player” is contrived. Alternatively, refer to a success story of when you worked alongside someone else to bring great benefits to the workplace.

Find out more mistakes to avoid when writing a CV by reading our article: Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Job

What Else Should You Be Wary Of?

The advice above can help to shape a CV, but doing any of the following can seriously damage your chances of acquiring the customer service job that you crave.

Writing in Third Person

CVs should never be written in third person. Use first person and choose the present or past tense to showcase the most important and relevant information to your employment goals.

So, for example, do not say “James Bell is…”, instead state “I am…”.

Removing Personal Information

Things to include: your address, postcode, mobile number and email address! So many people are not including this information, making it very difficult for agencies and organizations to know where candidates are looking for work and also to register the CVs on their systems.

It also makes it impossible to find candidates again when searching in specific locations.

Including a Headshot/Photograph

This is just a waste of space, especially as you should already be aiming to cut your CV down into two pages.

Also, don’t save your CV as an infographic. These may look good, but they can’t be used by agencies and often won’t upload to company career sites. Send your CV as a PDF or Word document and keep the formatting simple!

Expanding Margins and Cutting White Space

No one wants to read a CV that is formatted with a tiny font and no white space! White space allows the eye to rest between reading and absorbing the content, and it acts as a cue to important information the employer should read with care.

At the same time, a CV with too much white space will look like you have no relevant experience or skills to offer the employer. Find a happy medium – keep the CV readable and clean, while filling the space.

Including Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation Mistakes

In this day and age there should be NO excuses, but it still happens, and more often than you would expect. These kinds of mistakes can get even the most qualified candidate’s CV thrown into the “no” pile.

Remember, the CV is an excellent way to demonstrate to potential employers or recruiters what type of employee you are, your attitude to work and, most importantly, your attention to detail!

After you have reviewed your CV carefully, have a friend – or two – review it again for you!

Heavily Detailing Secondary Experiences

It is very easy to keep adding a new job to your existing CV, but does your previous role still hold any relevance? Or, looking back, should your previous role actually be enhanced to support more of your present role?

I am responsible for the leadership, coaching and development of 100 FTE. In the past year we have seen an uplift of 5% on service level performance against the previous 5 years.

As your career progresses, your older jobs may not be as relevant as they once were.  Your CV is your opportunity to showcase your career and you need to highlight what is most important, taking space from less important detail that you may now be able to remove.

Listing Your Duties From a Previous Job

Everyone needs to see and understand what you do, but what is it that sets you apart from the crowd?

In addition to listing some, if not all, of your duties and responsibilities, try and include some achievements, tangibles, or context around the role. This could involve something like the following:

You may write: I am responsible for 100 + FTE.

You could write: I am responsible for the leadership, coaching and development of 100 FTE. In the past year we have seen an uplift of 5% on service level performance against the previous 5 years.

Thanks to both of the following recruitment experts for providing much of the information in this article. 

  • Francesca Randle at Cactus
  • Michelle Ansell at Douglas Jackson

We hope that all of these positive words to add to your CV will get you that all-important interview.

If so, come back to this page and check out the articles below, which provide some great advice for dealing with this next stage of the process:

  • Top 50 Customer Service Interview Questions – with Answers
  • Interview Dos and Don’ts
  • Ten Probing Interview Questions
describe-yourself-in-words-how-to-answer-this-interview-question

18th February 2022

Describe yourself in 3 words: How to answer this interview question 💬

We know from answering the interview question tell me about yourself that attempting to describe your personality in a graduate job interview can be tricky – and this is especially true when you are limited to just a few words.

It might seem simple, but the 3 words you choose to describe yourself can reveal a lot to a graduate employer about your personality, working style and priorities; so it is important to prepare your answer beforehand.

Read on to discover the reasons why employers ask this job interview question, and to brush up on your ‘describe yourself in 3 words’ best answers.

When you are fully up-to-scratch on how to answer this common graduate interview question, check out our complete guide to Interview Questions – or find out what graduate jobs we have live on our site.

Scroll straight to the bottom of the page to see a quick, summary video of how to answer!

Why do employers ask you to describe yourself in 3 words?

1. To find out how you think 

Potential employers will be interested to find out how your mind works, and therefore which 3 words you choose to describe yourself when put on the spot.

Unlike the question ‘tell me about yourself’ being asked to describe yourself using a limited number of words will require you to elaborate on your answer much less.

However, the 3 words you choose to describe yourself will help the employer gain a sense of what you think are the most important qualities (i.e. may indicate that you are business-minded, a people person, or a team player).

The 3 words you select to describe yourself will help the employer or hiring manager better understand the way that you think, and gain insight into what you see as the most important qualities in an employee.

2. To see whether you would be a good culture fit

Graduate employers will be keen to find out whether the characteristics you describe align with their team and general company culture.

The adjectives you choose to describe yourself will give them a good insight into your working style; helping them decide whether you would be the right fit for the role and the company.

Check out 10 things graduate employers find more impressive than your grades.

3. To find out your best qualities

Naturally, the 3 words you choose to describe yourself to a graduate employer will reflect what you believe to be your best attributes or characteristics.

The employer will want you to use this opportunity to show off your leading qualities, and those which will set you apart from other candidates.

When you are deciding how to describe yourself in an interview, the 3 words you choose will also indicate whether you understand the role; and should show that you have researched the employer, the team, the company, and what they are looking for.

Looking for graduate jobs? Search and apply for jobs today, and register to our website to receive job alerts tailored to your search preferences!

Feeling lucky? Enter one of our monthly competitions to win vouchers, cash prizes, and more! From student writing competitions to YouTube vlogging contests.

Describe yourself in three words best answers

When you are preparing for a graduate job interview and deciding how to describe yourself in an interview, try to choose words that are positive, professional, and easy-to-understand.

You will want to select the words that describe your personality, working style and priorities in the very best light; and it can be tempting to choose out-of-the-box adjectives that will make you stand out from other candidates interviewing for the role.

It is usually better, though, to stick to words that are uncomplicated, unpretentious, and that will present you as a well-rounded professional who will add value to their company.

Here are some great examples that will help to boost your employability and improve your chances of job interview success:

List of words to describe yourself in an interview

When planning your answer to describe yourself in 3 words, it is a good idea to choose more than 3 words so that you can ensure you are fully prepared in the interview.

Try to choose 5 or 6 possible answers, so that then in the interview you can choose the 3 best answers and most relevant attributes for the job you’re applying for.

– Organised
– Focused
– Analytical
– Problem-solver
– Methodical
– Thorough
– Observant
– Hard-Working
– High-achieving

– Outgoing
– Approachable
– Friendly
– Caring
– Thoughtful
– Sociable
– Down-to-Earth
– Trustworthy
– Positive

– Independent
– Ambitious
– Proactive
– Determined
– Committed
– Driven
– Motivated
– Respectful
– Upbeat

– Entrepreneurial
– Inventive
– Creative
– Artistic
– Musical
– Imaginative
– Team player
– Innovative
– Collaborative

– Open minded
– Laid back
– Reflective
– Enthusiastic
– Reliable
– Attentive
– Loyal
– Compassionate

– Professional
– Diplomatic
– Patient
– Mature
– Calm
– Conscientious
– Confident
– Adaptable

“Describe yourself in 3 words” – what to avoid!

  • Choosing words that are unprofessional or irrelevant

You may believe that your best quality is your ability to sleep for 12 hours a night, or your singing talents, or your sporting knowledge; but none of these will do much to impress a graduate employer.

When deciding how to describe yourself in an interview, stick to words you know are at least somewhat relevant to the role and the company, and as is the case with any interview question, remain professional at all times.

  • Picking skills only because you think they are desirable

Equally, it is tempting to choose words like ‘perfectionist’, ‘self-manager’ or ‘relentless’ just because that’s what you believe the employer will want to hear.

This isn’t true; if they can’t tell you’re lying in the interview, they certainly will if you do end up getting a job at their company.

  • Being too modest

You’re being asked to describe yourself in just three words; don’t be too humble!

A graduate job interview is your time to humblebrag – so leave adjectives like ‘nice’, ‘sensitive’ or ‘curious’ at the door.

When you’re preparing how to describe yourself in an interview, think about your best qualities, and remember to explain how they can add value to their company.

Variations of the interview question ‘describe yourself in three words’

  • How would your friends describe you?
  • How would your colleagues describe you?
  • How would your boss describe you?
  • Describe yourself in a few words
  • How would you describe yourself with just 3 words?
  • How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
  • What are 3 words to describe yourself?
  • Describe yourself in one word
  • Describe yourself in 5 words
  • Describe yourself in one sentence
  • How would you describe yourself?
  • Describe your personality in 3 words
  • Describe yourself in 3 words best answers
  • List 5 words that describe your personality

Summary video for “describe yourself in 3 words”

Tip: Change the playback speed in the settings at the bottom right corner, to suit your learning requirements! Please feel free to embed this video on your website (get in touch for more info), or for more great videos for graduates, subscribe to the Give A Grad A Go Recruitment YouTube Channel.

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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