When hiring managers ask you to describe yourself, they’re not just making small talk. They’re looking for clues about whether your qualities and beliefs align with their company culture and if you’ll be a good fit.
The answer to this question is not a one-size-fits-all formula, but it is important that you think about the words you choose carefully and select those that genuinely capture your attributes and personality. It’s also worth remembering that hiring managers are looking for a broad range of skills and qualities that set you apart from other candidates, so it’s a good idea to consider if there are any experiences, qualifications, or qualities you’ve acquired through your career that make you stand out.
You can use your answers to this question in a variety of situations, such as when applying for jobs, writing college applications, and creating LinkedIn profiles or personal statements. In each of these situations, you need to be able to clearly and confidently convey the things that are most important to you in a short amount of space.
Start by thinking about the adjectives that best capture your personality and your unique traits. These could be your hard skills, such as the technical knowledge or skills that you have gained through experience and education, or more personal qualities, such as how you approach work and life in general. You may find it helpful to write a list of these qualities and pick the ones that resonate most with you.
During the process of choosing your adjectives, try to avoid using words that are overused. For example, “hard-working” is a common phrase that can be overused and isn’t as effective as more specific phrases like, “diligent,” or, “persistent.”
Finally, remember to consider how the words you select will make you appear in the context of the situation where you’re using them. For example, if you’re applying for a leadership role, it’s important to be able to describe yourself as a leader that is passionate about driving change and inspiring others. However, if you’re preparing to apply for a customer service role, it might be more appropriate to focus on the fact that you’re an excellent communicator who is able to resolve complex issues quickly and efficiently.