“How Would You Describe Yourself?” (+ Examples)
How can you convey what makes you unique in just a few sentences? When you’re in an interview, and you’re asked to describe yourself, that is the conundrum you face. As one of the most open-ended interview questions, it is challenging to answer. You might not know where to start or, perhaps more importantly, what the interviewer actually wants to know.
Luckily, we’ve got the answers you’ve been looking for. In the following guide, we will take a look at how to answer the “How would you describe yourself” interview question with some examples, including the different angles you can take and the common mistakes that you need to avoid. Read on to learn how to ace this tricky little question.
Why do interviewers ask this question?
Before we look at how you can answer this question, let’s talk about why the interviewer asks it in the first place. Not only does this question get you to speak openly about yourself, but it also gives the interviewer an insight into what you value professionally. How you choose to construct your answer lets them know what you think is important. For that reason, it’s essential to consider both the role and the business when answering.
Examples of how to describe yourself professionally
When faced with the “How would you describe yourself?” question, you don’t need to stumble over your words. The key to perfecting your answer and impressing the interviewer is choosing a solid angle. Stick to one core message about your professional persona and emphasize why it makes you well-suited to the role. Let’s take a look at some of the best “about me” examples you can use in an interview scenario:
1. Showcase your ambition
Ambition is a valuable trait. So, if you’ve got it, it’s time to flaunt it. If you’re going for a job in a startup business or a company that is likely to expand, highlighting your ambitious side will hit the mark. This answer tells the employer that you are a smart investment. You will continually be looking for ways to develop and grow with the company.
Example:
“I have big ideas for my professional future, and I’m not afraid to push toward them. I’m not comfortable staying still, and I’m always looking for opportunities to progress in my work. In my previous role, I undertook optional, additional training to level up my skill set.”
2. Highlight your value
When a hiring manager is interviewing candidates, they are looking for one thing: value. What is it that you are bringing to the table? How will you make the manager’s job easier? What unique skills do you have? When you are asked this question, seize the opportunity to highlight what makes you unique and sets you apart from the competition.
Example:
“I’m an excellent writer with a proven track record of high-quality content production. I am well-versed in the latest SEO practices and make a point of keeping up to date with any changes. In addition, I am constantly looking for ways to improve and expand my skills.”
3. Focus on your reliability
Spoiler: Employers value reliable employees. When you’re looking for a new job, it’s smart to show the hiring manager that you’re in it for the long haul. You may want to delve into your time in previous roles, your track record, and your general work ethic. Try to give examples that support your main point and show that you are a reliable candidate.
Example:
“I believe in growing and developing with the businesses for which I work. I was in my previous role with L.P. Miller for 11 years, and, in that time, I climbed the ranks of the company to become a manager. My time working within the business gave me a solid understanding of the brand, and this resonated throughout the work I undertook.”
4. Show off your personality
Your personality alone won’t win you the job. However, if you’re looking for a way to get ahead of the competition, it may help. When asked, “How would you describe yourself,” you can focus on how you gel with others. If the hiring manager is wondering how you will slide into the company culture, a well-constructed answer will put their mind at ease.
Example:
“I am a natural people person and pride myself on collaborating well with others. In previous roles, I have relished the chance to get to know my fellow coworkers and establish excellent working relationships with each of them. I love learning from others, hearing about their unique experiences, and sharing my knowledge with them.”
5. Talk about your success rate
Let’s not beat around the bush – this question gives you an excuse to brag. Don’t be afraid to toot your own horn. When the interviewer asks you to tell them about yourself, you have the opportunity to talk about your previous triumphs. You might want to have a few in mind before you head to the interview that you can whip out for this question.
Example:
“In my last role with Red House Agents, I boasted a 93% sales conversion rating and a 98.5% customer satisfaction rating. I pride myself on my ability to turn inquiries into sales and work hard to meet each customer’s needs. In my opinion, the fact that I take the extra time to get to know what a customer is looking for and understand their needs is what makes me an exemplary salesperson.”
How to describe yourself in three words?
Now that we’ve covered some of the main “about me” examples let’s take things one step further. What if the interviewer asks you to describe yourself in just three words?
This common interview question tends to catch some candidates off guard. Summarizing your value in a soundbite can be an intimidating feat. Luckily, there’s a trick you can use.
When picking each of your words, add a quick sentence to explain yourself. That way, you have the chance to put your adjectives into context and share more about yourself. Not sure what we mean? Here are some examples that will help you along the way:
Reliable — I am always consistent in keeping up-to-date records
Ambitious — I am eager to develop my skill set and expand my duties
Approachable — I work well with others and relish the chance to collaborate
Energetic — I love my work and believe that comes across in my energy for it
Motivated — I always keep my eyes on the prize and hit those deadlines
Empathetic — I understand customers’ needs and work to help them
Whichever words you choose to describe yourself, consider ways you can expand on them and explain what you mean by them. Offering the interviewer a brief explanation of your word choice will strengthen your answer and give them more context.
Common mistakes to avoid when you describe yourself
By this point, you should have a good idea of how to answer this question. However, there are some final things that you might want to consider. When you’re asked to describe yourself, you can make some obvious mistakes along the way.
Here are three common problems that people come up against and how you should avoid each of them:
Adding irrelevant detail
“How would you describe yourself” may sound like an invitation to wax lyrical about your hobbies, but it is not. If you’re adding in that you’re a huge Taylor Swift fan or that you love the Twilight series, it’s unlikely to impress the hiring manager. In fact, you need to avoid irrelevant details when you are coming up with an answer here. Ask yourself what each piece of information tells the hiring manager and whether it will strengthen your chances.
Not backing up your points
If you say that you’re an “excellent communicator,” can you prove it? When you’re describing yourself, it’s important to offer up some evidence for each point. You might want to talk about your previous jobs or other experiences you have had as examples. Don’t simply make blanket statements. Instead, look for ways to support everything that you say.
Rambling for too long
Do you love talking about yourself? That’s great! However, you might want to slow down when you’re in an interview. Rambling on about yourself, your history, and your future plans may put the hiring manager off. When you’re coming up with an answer to this interview question, be sure to keep it short, sweet, and to the point.
Planning equals pro-level answers
The “how would you describe yourself” interview question can throw you. However, so long as you’ve planned ahead for this one, you should have no problem answering it like a pro. Follow the advice that we’ve outlined in this guide and pick a strong message to focus on. You can even use the “about me” examples as inspiration when coming up with yours.
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Written by
Charlotte Grainger, Editor & Content Writer, Charlotte Grainger, Editor & Content Writer
Charlotte Grainger is a freelance writer living and working in Sheffield, UK. She has a passion for career development and loves sharing tips and advice. Follow her on Twitter
