They say actions speak louder than words, but there are situations where your ability to articulate yourself in a few choice words can be a game changer. Whether you’re writing your college application essay, answering interview questions in a job search, or drafting a professional cover letter, choosing the right adjectives to describe yourself can make all the difference.
It can be difficult to pinpoint your most important qualities and skills, but the best way to start is by thinking about the words that come to mind when others describe you. Once you’ve come up with a list of words, select those that you think are the most accurate and reflect your personality. If you feel like your choices could be misinterpreted or have negative connotations, try using different adjectives until you find ones that capture the true essence of who you are.
When Do You Need to Describe Yourself?
Interviewers and hiring managers ask this question primarily to see how well your personality, values, and experiences align with the company’s culture and role requirements. They also want to gauge your level of self-awareness, which employers value in candidates.
When you are asked to describe yourself, choose words that show how your experience and abilities will be beneficial to the company’s mission. For example, if an interviewer asks you to describe yourself as creative, use words that highlight your design skills and unique perspectives on problems. If they ask you to describe yourself as a leader, focus on your strong interpersonal communication and management skills.
In addition to the words you select, be sure to give some professional context for each adjective that you’ve chosen. If you say that you are a team player, for instance, explain how your previous work as a project manager or volunteer coordinator shows this skill. Similarly, when you say that you are a problem-solver, provide examples of how your analytical skills have helped you find creative solutions to difficult challenges.
Be careful not to overuse generic words such as “hard-working,” “team player,” and “problem solver.” These are common clichés that can leave a negative impression with interviewers or hiring managers. Similarly, if you say that you’re an optimist, interviewers may assume that you aren’t being truthful.