Whether you’re applying for a new job or looking to make a career change, interviewers ask the question “who are you?” to learn how well you understand yourself and your strengths. It’s a good idea to have a few positive words in mind when answering this question, so you can position yourself as the best fit for the job’s requirements. However, it’s important to be careful not to fritter away your interview time by listing adjectives that don’t genuinely describe you or have no bearing on the work.
It’s also essential to have a professional context for the words you choose. For example, if you say that you’re creative, you can follow up with a story about how your original ideas have helped solve problems or create solutions in your past workplaces.
Employers are looking for candidates who are passionate about their jobs and committed to performing well. Choosing words like motivated, energetic and enthusiastic can help demonstrate this quality. It’s also important to explain how these qualities have led to successful past results, such as delivering on your promises or exceeding expectations.
Another word to consider is proactive. This attribute emphasizes your ability to anticipate or respond to situations quickly and effectively, which can be useful in many roles. It’s also a great way to show that you are self-starter who can take initiative and work independently without direct supervision.
In addition to proactive, other words that can highlight your ability to succeed include:
Analytical, detail-oriented and organized are also good choices when it comes to describing yourself. Companies want to hire employees who can be productive and effective, especially in high-stress or deadline-driven situations. These adjectives can highlight your skills and abilities in these areas, such as your attention to detail, efficiency and ability to think strategically.