If you’re like most people, you probably spend a lot of time thinking about how other people are affecting you and your own actions. But it’s important to remember that “it’s not all about you.” Sometimes the things that happen in life simply have nothing to do with your actions or words. They are just something that happens in the world and that would happen whether or not you were there.
If an interviewer asks you to describe yourself, focus on your positive attributes. The last thing a hiring manager wants to hear is negative qualities. Playing up your positive attributes can make you seem more likable and help you stand out from the competition.
You can also highlight your strengths by describing how you’ve used them in previous jobs to accomplish certain tasks. For example, if you’re a great team player, mention how you’ve worked well with your coworkers to achieve results in the past. This will show that you’re a good fit for the company culture and can contribute to its success.
Use specific adjectives that will evoke the right tone, images or emotions. Avoid generic descriptors like “nice” or “dependable.” Be careful not to sound too stuffy, however. A hiring manager could misread your attempt at using high-class vocabulary as a sign of a lack of enthusiasm for the job.
Employers want to know that you’re interested in improving and growing as a professional. They also want to see how you’ll adjust as conditions in the workplace change. You can showcase these qualities by explaining how you’ve learned from your mistakes in the past and how you’ve developed flexible work habits.
A hiring manager may ask you to describe yourself as a person to see how well you communicate and relate to others. Use this opportunity to show how you can build rapport with others in the workplace and how your communication skills will benefit the company. This can help you stand out from the competition and get ahead of other candidates.
Another way to show you’re a good communicator is to talk about your personal and professional interests outside of work. You can share how you enjoy spending time with your family, your hobbies or volunteering with the community. This shows that you’re a well-rounded person who has a good balance in life and can add value to the organization.
Using the right words can help you stand out from other candidates when it comes to answering the question, “Tell me about yourself.” However, choosing the best adjectives can be challenging. To narrow down your list, consider asking friends or family members how they’d describe you and which positive attributes they think are most important. You can also research a company before an interview to learn what traits they value and how you can demonstrate these qualities during the interview. By preparing ahead of time and practicing your response, you can ensure that the interviewer gets an accurate picture of who you are as a person.