During an interview, you may be asked to describe yourself. While it’s easy to give generic answers, such as “I am a hard worker,” you can answer with more impact by using words that are specific and that paint an accurate picture of who you really are.
Identify personality traits that are unique to you, such as being a night owl, or a good planner. Look at lists of personality characteristics online to find ones that are applicable to you. Ask family and friends to share the words they use to describe you, and consider what words come up frequently. For example, if your friend always says you’re comical, include that word in your list.
If you’re applying for a job in the field of information technology, it’s likely that the interviewer will be interested in how well you work with others. You can also expect questions that are designed to gauge your communication skills, such as how well you listen to others and whether you can work under pressure.
In addition to asking about teamwork, employers often want to know how ambitious you are and what you’re looking to achieve. Be sure to share examples of your work that demonstrate how you are a goal-orientated, driven and focused person who is committed to the company’s mission and future.
It’s a common misconception that being shy or introverted is an automatic negative in the workplace. However, it is possible to be a confident introvert. You just need to be creative in finding ways to make your strengths shine while balancing out your weaknesses.
You can take steps to better understand your personality, including how you work with others, through self-reflection and exploration. Read personal development books, attend seminars and retreats or try out a variety of methods for understanding yourself, such as self-assessments or quizzes. Ultimately, the most important thing is to be true to yourself. The more honest you are during the interview, the more authentic and positive your portrait will be of yourself to your audience, whoever that is. A good way to do this is to avoid using describing words that are too vague, such as “sociable” or “energetic.” Instead, use specific descriptors that will accurately convey who you are. If you’re not sure what to choose, consult a dictionary or a thesaurus for a list of synonyms and see what evokes the best image of you.