When interviewing for a job, you want to make a good impression on the hiring manager. One of the best ways to do this is by describing yourself in a positive light. A key part of this is choosing the right words to use when describing your personality and skills. While some adjectives are overused, others can help you stand out from the competition and leave a lasting positive impression.
A word to keep in mind when describing yourself is the difference between a countable noun and an uncountable noun. A noun that can be counted has a plural form, such as the names of countries, cities or organizations, which are spelled with capital letters. Countable nouns also have an irregular plural, such as yourselves, which can be used to refer to multiple people. An uncountable noun is a noun that cannot be counted, such as a flower, which does not have a plural form.
You can also use y’all, which is a common informal way to say you all. This is especially popular in the Southern United States, but can also be heard in other areas where African-American Vernacular English is spoken, such as in St. Helena, the Abaco Islands and Tristan da Cunha. Y’all is also a common informal way to address a mixed group of people, as in Are you guys coming with me? This use of you is problematically gendered and noninclusive of trans and nonbinary people, so it should be avoided by more progressive speakers.
Another word to keep in mind when describing yourself to an interviewer is the distinction between a and an. When a question begins with the phrase “how would your friends describe you,” it is important not to overemphasize one set of qualities or paint yourself as a caricature. For example, if you are known to be ambitious, it is important not to overemphasize that trait, as that might come across as too aggressive and pushy.
Passionate, energetic and motivated are words that can help you stand out from other candidates. Employers want to hire people who are energized and motivated by their work, so they can deliver strong performance consistently. It is also important for companies to know you will be a committed employee who will stick around for the long term.
In addition to describing your positive personal traits, you can add some depth and detail to your answer by telling a short story. While adjectives are cheap, a well-told anecdote can give your interviewer a more concrete idea of how you might be able to apply your strengths in the role. Make sure the story is relevant to the interview question, though, so that you don’t get caught up in a long-winded story that will bore the hiring manager. Alternatively, you could describe your personal traits by describing the positive impact they have had on your own career and the lives of those who you interact with.