90+ Words to Describe Yourself
Finding the right words to describe yourself in a job interview or personal statement can be tough. This list of eye-catching adjectives can help!
Finding the right words to describe yourself in a job interview or personal statement can be tough. This list of eye-catching adjectives can help!
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Whether you are writing a CV, creating a cover letter, or preparing for a job interview, knowing just how to describe yourself can be tricky. But knowing the best words to use to show yourself in the best light is key!
The process of finding a new job or securing a place in a university requires you to be your own biggest cheerleader. You will be asked to describe yourself over and over again. In fact, on the list of common interview questions, “tell me about yourself” is near the top. Being able to describe yourself in a way that suits the needs of the role you are applying for is important if you want to stand out.
When you describe yourself, you should be aiming to represent your best qualities to whoever you are pitching to. Identifying good words to use in different settings is a matter of practice, but this list of words offers examples of descriptive words that will catch a hiring manager’s attention:
While it will be appropriate to use different words for a college application, a university application or a CV, all of these words are positive and evocative. Knowing how to use them for the best effect is all-important.
Making the right first impression starts with describing yourself and your skill set perfectly in your job application or CV. When describing yourself in your CV you should focus on your skill set and how you work rather than your personality.
“Creative, friendly, and enjoy working with others.” While these are all positive words to describe an employee, they do not tell a recruiter whether or how you are suitable for the job description. Instead, read the job posting thoroughly and tailor your CV summary to suit the job.
“Detail-oriented, passionate, and ambitious chef.” This describes how the job seeker works as well as gives a sense of who they are. In the culinary profession, being ambitious and passionate are key because of the long hours and fast-paced nature of the role.
“Tell me about yourself” is a common job interview question, so you should be prepared to answer it. Though you should focus on your skills and competency in your CV, by the time you get an interview the recruiter will be looking to gauge what kind of employee you will be.
“I’m chatty and fun! I like to go out with friends and have a good time.”
While this candidate sounds like a friendly person this answer will not give hiring managers what they need. You should focus on the positive qualities you will put to use at work.
“I’m a compassionate person. I work well in teams and I get enjoyment out of finding creative solutions to daily issues.”
This answer indicates a similar personality to the first, but it’s geared towards a working environment and shows that the candidate has thought about how they will be of value to the company.
As well as asking you to describe yourself, hiring managers may also ask you to explain why you want to work for the company or ask why you feel you are right for the job. Recruiters may also ask you to identify your greatest strengths or give examples of times when you used key skills such as problem-solving or conflict resolution.
Your cover letter should be a supplementary document that adds context to your CV. You should focus on showcasing your skills, achievements, and professional experience in your cover letter, which means describing yourself using the positive terms on this page.
While not all hiring managers will check your social media accounts, some will. Therefore, it is best to set your social media to private settings or ensure that your professional social media profiles, such as your LinkedIn profile, reflect the kind of person you are describing in your CV and interviews. This is more important in traditional or sensitive professions, such as law and social work.
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