How to Use Accurate Self-Description in Job Interviews and Cover Letters

When asked to describe yourself, most people struggle with how best to respond. Choosing the right words to convey your strengths and abilities can help you leave a positive impression with hiring managers or potential business contacts. But the wrong adjectives can send the message that you are over-selling or insincere. In addition, it’s important to use the most accurate words for self-description in contexts such as job interviews and on resumes or cover letters.

What do you want to accomplish?

Employers want to know you are interested in growing and improving yourself. They will ask about your goals and your past accomplishments, but they will also want to hear how you are prepared to adapt to change in the future. If you can show employers you are flexible and resourceful, they’ll be more likely to hire you.

How do you like to work?

Your ideal workplace will have the same values and culture as you. It should be a place where you feel comfortable and can be your true self. It should be a team-oriented environment where you’ll be encouraged to share your ideas and contribute to the success of the company.

It’s important to understand the differences between different types of jobs, so you can choose the best fit for your personality and skills. This will allow you to feel happy in your career and avoid stress and burnout.

What do you love to do?

You should love what you do, because it will give you meaning and purpose in life. It will also make you more productive and happier at work. If you love your job, you’ll be more likely to put in the extra effort and work hard to achieve your goals.

What makes you unique?

Employers will ask how you’re different from other applicants. This is because they want to know that you are uniquely qualified for the position and will bring something new to the company. You can emphasize your individuality by describing the skills and experience you have that others don’t have, or by sharing an anecdote that demonstrates your personal quirks.

Do you know the difference between your and you’re?

It’s easy to confuse these two homophones, because they sound the same and have the same meaning. However, there are some key differences. Your is a possessive pronoun, used to show ownership of a person or thing: I’ll lend you my book, and I’m going to buy you a leopard-print bathing suit. You’re is a contraction of you are, and it’s used to indicate that you are doing or being something: I’m afraid you’re going to fall into the lake.

The distinction between the singular and plural you began to break down in early modern English, but familiar thou continued in polite if informal use into the 18th century before losing its respectability. It was replaced by special plural forms, including you-all, you-uns and youse, but none of them became standard.