40 Words to Describe Yourself in a Job
Interview
You’ve probably spent time researching
the company and rehearsing answers to the most common interview questions.
Maybe you assume that you can skip practicing this one. After all, you already
know the subject.
Don’t do it! A lack of preparation
might find you stating you were more dedicated than everyone at your last job.
Hmmm…sounds like you’re difficult to work with.
Or you might start rambling about how
you’re super friendly when actually, you’re starting to appear unorganized.
Worse yet, you can start blurting out words that almost guarantee no callback.
Instead, spend some time creating a
list of words that appropriately describe you, and then jot down a few notes or
experiences that support your claim to them.
What Skill Set Should You Showcase in a Job Interview?
Similar to how you would tailor your
resume for each job, study the job description and what kind of characteristics
will be considered a great fit. Pick three specific traits and rehearse them.
Which ones should you choose? Well, it depends.
An accounting firm, for example, might
be looking for someone organized, diligent, and hardworking, whereas a sales
team may be more impressed with someone flexible and resilient. Consider
commonly-used adjectives that are often used to describe individual roles.
Best Words to Describe Your Leadership Qualities (Examples)
Most companies are seeking common
traits in their leaders. Contrary to what you might think, it’s not just about
the results but also about how you got there. Consider the nuances of
showcasing how you support and empower your team, rather than enforcing
discipline and boundaries. Great leaders understand that inspiring others will
yield better results.
·
Proactive
·
Confident
·
Diligent
·
Patient
·
Supportive
·
Creative
·
Adaptable
·
Organized
·
Impartial
·
Thorough
·
Dedicated
·
Empathetic
·
Resourceful
·
Resilient
Be cautious that you are describing
leadership rather than management. If your answers are bold, take-charge, and
assertive, you might give the impression that you’ll get the job done at any
cost. When considering how you’ll lead a team, the company may be more
impressed with someone confident, proactive, and supportive.
Best Words to Describe Your Work Ethic (Examples)
One of the reasons employers ask you to
describe yourself is to understand how you’ll fit into the team culture. For
example, someone who enjoys routine and clearly-defined boundaries may struggle
in a remote company with flexible schedules. Highlight how you work within a
team.
·
Reliable
·
Dedicated
·
Punctual
·
Motivated
·
Focused
·
Industrious
·
Disciplined
·
Professional
·
Accountable
·
Enthusiastic
·
Mindful
·
Responsive
·
Flexible
Best Words to Describe Your Soft Skills (Examples)
When showcasing your soft skills,
remember to avoid sounding arrogant. While certain terms might be justified and
earned, they can come across the wrong way if you apply them to yourself.
Maybe your coworkers always comment on
how humble or charismatic you are. But saying you’re humble makes you sound
like the opposite.
·
Energetic
·
Dependable
·
Sincere
·
Friendly
·
Team-minded
·
Respectful
·
Personable
·
Collaborative
·
Enthusiastic
·
Adaptable
·
Receptive
·
Approachable
·
Outgoing
·
How to Describe Yourself:
Support the Words You Choose With Stories
When compiling your list of words to
describe yourself, choose words that you can back up with an example. For
instance:
“I’d describe myself as mindful, responsive,
and focused. In my most recent role, I helped lead the transition to a new
software system. Being mindful that many team members were uncomfortable
changing from their familiar system, I was intentionally responsive during the
transition. I quickly answered their questions, and I focused on addressing
common struggles so they could feel comfortable supporting one another.”
This answer showcases empathy with the
team, a big-picture perspective, and an organized approach to a situation.
While you need both hard and soft skills to succeed, soft skills showcase your
personality and people skills in ways that a certificate can’t demonstrate.
Prepare and Practice for Successful Job
Interviews
What is seemingly the easiest question
to answer can be the most difficult without preparation. However, this is an
opportunity to showcase skills that might not be as obvious from your resume.
When you are beginning a job search,
create a list of your professional traits and keep it organized with the rest
of your job-hunting materials. For each interview, pull out the three most
applicable traits and rehearse them. With careful preparation, you can help
show you’re the best fit for the role.
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