words to describe yourself in an essay

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School Education /

Essay on Myself: 100 Words, 250 Words and 300 Words

Updated on
Mar 12, 2024

We are all different from each other and it is important to self-analyze and know about yourself. Only you can know everything about yourself. But, when it comes to describing yourself in front of others many students fail to do so. This happens due to the confusion generated by a student’s mind regarding what things to include in their description. This confusion never arises when someone is told to give any opinion about others. This blog will help students and children resolve the confusion and it also includes an essay on myself.

While writing an “essay on myself” you should have a unique style so that the reader would engage in your essay. It’s important to induce the urge to know about you in the reader then only you can perform well in your class. I would suggest you include your qualities, strengths, achievements, interests, and passion in your essay. Continue Reading for Essays on myself for children and students!

Quick Read: Essay on Child Labour

Table of Contents

1 Long and Short Essay on Myself for Students
2 Tips to Write Essay on Myself
3 100 Words Essay on Myself
4 250 Words Essay on Myself
5 10 Lines on Myself Essay for Children
6 300 Words Essay on Myself

Quick Read: Trees are Our Best Friend Essay

Long and Short Essay on Myself for Students

Mentioned below are essays on myself with variable word limits. You can choose the essay that you want to present in your class. These essays are drafted in simple language so that school students can easily understand. In addition, the main point to remember while writing an essay on myself is to be honest. Your honesty will help you connect with the reader.

Tell me about yourself is also one of the most important questions asked in the interview process. Therefore, this blog is very helpful for people who want to learn about how to write an essay on myself.

Tips to Write Essay on Myself

Given below are some tips to write an essay on myself:

Prepare a basic outline of what to include in the essay about yourself.
Stick to the structure to maintain fluency.
Be honest to build a connection with the reader.
Use simple language.
Try to include a crisp and clear conclusion.

Quick Read: Speech on No Tobacco Day

100 Words Essay on Myself

I am a dedicated person with an urge to learn and grow. My name is Rakul, and I feel life is a journey that leads to self-discovery. I belong to a middle-class family, my father is a handloom businessman, and my mother is a primary school teacher .

I have learned punctuality and discipline are the two wheels that drive our life on a positive path. My mother is my role model. I am passionate about reading novels. When I was younger, my grandmother used to narrate stories about her life in the past and that has built my interest towards reading stories and novels related to history.

Overall I am an optimistic person who looks forward to life as a subject that teaches us values and ways to live for the upliftment of society.

250 Words Essay on Myself

My name is Ayushi Singh but my mother calls me “Ayu”. I turned 12 years old this August and I study in class 7th. I have an elder sister named Aishwarya. She is like a second mother to me. I have a group of friends at school and out of them Manvi is my best friend. She visits my house at weekends and we play outdoor games together. I believe in her and I can share anything with her.

Science and technology fascinate me so I took part in an interschool science competition in which my team of 4 girls worked on a 3-D model of the earth representing past, present, and future. It took us a week to finish off the project and we presented the model at Ghaziabad school. We were competing against 30 teams and we won the competition.

I was confident and determined about the fact that we could win because my passion helped me give my 100% input in the task. Though I have skills in certain subjects I don’t have to excel in everything, I struggle to perform well in mathematics . And to enhance my problem-solving skills I used to study maths 2 hours a day.

I wanted to become a scientist, and being punctual and attentive are my characteristics as I never arrive late for school. Generally, I do my work on my own so that I inculcate the value of being an independent person. I always help other people when they are in difficult situations.

Also Read: Essay on the Importance of the Internet

10 Lines on Myself Essay for Children

Here are 10 lines on myself essay for children. Feel free to add them to similar essay topics.

My name is Ananya Rathor and I am 10 years old.
I like painting and playing with my dog, Todo.
Reading animal books is one of my favourite activities.
I love drawing and colouring to express my imagination.
I always find joy in spending time outdoors, feeling the breeze on my face.
I love dancing to Indian classical music.
I’m always ready for an adventure, whether it’s trying a new hobby or discovering interesting facts.
Animals are my friends, and I enjoy spending time with pets or observing nature’s creatures.
I am a very kind person and I respect everyone.
All of my school teachers love me.

300 Words Essay on Myself

My name is Rakul. I believe that every individual has unique characteristics which distinguish them from others. To be unique you must have an extraordinary spark or skill. I live with my family and my family members taught me to live together, adjust, help others, and be humble. Apart from this, I am an energetic person who loves to play badminton.

I have recently joined Kathak classes because I have an inclination towards dance and music, especially folk dance and classical music. I believe that owing to the diversity of our country India, it offers us a lot of opportunities to learn and gain expertise in various sectors.

My great-grandfather was a classical singer and he also used to play several musical instruments. His achievements and stories have inspired me to learn more about Indian culture and make him proud.

I am a punctual and studious person because I believe that education is the key to success. Academic excellence could make our careers shine bright. Recently I secured second position in my class and my teachers and family members were so proud of my achievement.

I can manage my time because my mother taught me that time waits for no one. It is important to make correct use of time to succeed in life. If we value time, then only time will value us. My ambition in life is to become a successful gynaecologist and serve for human society.

Hence, these are the qualities that describe me the best. Though no one can present themselves in a few words still I tried to give a brief about myself through this essay. In my opinion, life is meant to be lived with utmost happiness and an aim to serve humanity. Thus, keep this in mind, I will always try to help others and be the best version of myself.

Kajal Thareja

Hi, I am Kajal, a pharmacy graduate, currently pursuing management and is an experienced content writer. I have 2-years of writing experience in Ed-tech (digital marketing) company. I am passionate towards writing blogs and am on the path of discovering true potential professionally in the field of content marketing. I am engaged in writing creative content for students which is simple yet creative and engaging and leaves an impact on the reader's mind.

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250+ Words to Describe Yourself in Any Situation

General Education

One skill everyone should have, whether you’re applying to college or for a job, is how to describe yourself in a way that's both accurate and unique. In other words, what are some interesting, eye-catching words to describe yourself with?

We list more than 250 describing words and give you tips for figuring out how to pick words that best suit you and your personality. But first, what are some situations in which you’d need to know describing words?

Why Might You Need to Describe Yourself?

Before we dive into our list of words to describe yourself, let's answer an important question: why would you actually need to know any of these words? Put differently, in what situations would you need the following words to describe someone or yourself?

Here are some key instances you’ll want to use these words to describe yourself:

Cover letter: A cover letter is required for most job applications; it emphasizes the best and most impressive aspects of yourself as a job candidate. As a result, you'll need to pick words that really make you stand out in a positive light.
Job interview: It’s common for an interviewer to ask you to describe yourself in a number of words; therefore, it’s important that you know some unique words you can use if you end up getting asked this basic interview question.
College application/personal essay: Most college applications require applicants to submit a personal statement (though not all do !). Your essay will stand out if you have some original and interesting words to describe yourself.
Online profile: Spice up your personal online profile, such as a dating profile or social media profile, by sprinkling in a few eye-catching adjectives.

Furthermore, if English is not your native language, this list of words to describe yourself can be a really great study resource you can use to learn some new vocabulary words!

List of 250+ Words to Describe Yourself

Most of these words are adjectives, but you’ll also come across some nouns, too. We’ve divided up our list of words to describe someone in the following categories:

Cover Letter/Job Interview
College Application
Online Profile

All words are listed in alphabetical order.

Words to Describe Yourself in a Cover Letter/Job Interview

You can use these professional words to describe yourself on a cover letter or in a job interview.

Interviewers often ask candidates to describe themselves in one to three words , so familiarizing yourself with some particularly interesting (and, of course, truthful!) words you can use to describe yourself should give you a leg up in the interview process.

We’ll also give you a list of words you should not use to describe yourself on a cover letter and in a job interview.

Accomplished
Accountable
Adept [at something]
Collaborative
Communicative
Community-minded
Compassionate
Conscientious
Constructive
Cooperative
Customer-focused
Detail-oriented
Encouraging
Enterprising
Entrepreneurial
Experienced
Extroverted
Goal-oriented
Hardworking
High-achieving
Imaginative
Independent
International
Introverted
Knowledgeable
Level-headed
Multilingual
Open-minded
Perfectionist
Perseverant
Problem solver
Professional
Receptive [to criticism]
Resourceful
Responsible
Results-driven
Revenue-focused
Self-disciplined
Self-reliant
Self-starter
Team player
Trustworthy
Understanding

Words to NOT Use to Describe Yourself in a Job Interview

All the words above are fair game for a cover letter and/or job interview, just as long as they’re true about you and you use them in a way that doesn’t make it come across like bragging .

Now, here are some words you should avoid using in a professional situation, as they can make you sound self-centered, pretentious, or simply unoriginal:

Intelligent

In addition to these words, you should avoid any words with a clearly negative connotation , such as "lazy," "loud," "moody," and so on.

Words to Describe Yourself on a College Application

College applications are all about showcasing your biggest strengths, how you'll fit with the school, and your authentic self.

Unlike job interviews and cover letters, you’re typically allowed (and encouraged) to get a little more personal on college applications , especially with the personal essay, which highlights your positive qualities and who you are as a person.

Here are some words to describe yourself on a college application. (Note that many of these words overlap with those on the list above.) Afterward, we’ll give you some examples of words you should avoid in your college application.

Down-to-earth
Enthusiastic
Social butterfly
Strong-willed

Words to NOT Use to Describe Yourself on a College Application

Deserving [of something]
Noncommittal
Unmotivated

Words to Describe Yourself in an Online Profile

This last set of words to describe yourself can be used in more casual, relaxed spaces, such as an online dating profile or a social media account .

You could also use these words to describe someone else, such as a character in a work of fiction you’re writing.

Adventurous
Affectionate
Alternative
Approachable
Competitive
Conservative
Considerate
Controversial
Family-oriented
Good listener
Instinctive
Interesting
Kindhearted
[Noun] lover
Philosophical
Progressive
Self-assured
Soft-spoken
Sophisticated
Spontaneous
Traditional
Unconventional
Warmhearted

Words to NOT Use to Describe Yourself in an Online Profile

How you talk about yourself in an online profile is really up to you and can be pretty casual, too (as long as it’s not a professional LinkedIn profile). You’ll want to stick to predominantly positive words, but sometimes words that describe your funny or entertaining flaws could be worth including.

That said, here are some words you should never put down in a profile as they can make you come across as highly self-centered, rude, and frankly unapproachable !

Inconsiderate
Thoughtless

How to Describe Yourself: 4 Tips for Finding the Right Words

It’s not easy choosing the right words to describe yourself —b ut knowing exactly what you want to highlight about yourself can help you figure out the best describing words to use, whether they're for a cover letter, personal essay, or online dating profile.

Here are four tips to help you brainstorm and find the right words to describe yourself with.

#1: Consider Your Audience

One of the most important things you’ll need to consider before writing down tons of adjectives to describe yourself is your audience, or the person/people who will be hearing or reading the words you choose to use.

Your audience will play a fairly significant role in the words you ultimately choose, as you’ll need to make sure you’re coming across to them the way you want to.

For example, if your audience is a potential employer, you should use describing words that make you sound like an ideal fit at the company and that help you stand apart from other candidates (if you’re not memorable, you likely won’t get the job!).

Here are the general types of describing words different audiences will want to hear when it comes to describing yourself:

For job interviews/cover letters: Positive describing words that emphasize your (relevant) skills, experience, professional interests, and company fit
For college applications: Positive words that express your authentic personality, academic accomplishments/skills, ambitions, and overall school fit
For online profiles: Positive words (though it might be worth throwing in some "flaws" for humorous effect or to stand out from others!) that stress your individual personality traits, skills, and interests — keep it casual, too!

Once you’ve got your audience down, it’s time to start thinking about your biggest strengths and most prominent personality traits.

#2: Think About Your Biggest Strengths

Whenever you’re describing yourself, you should always emphasize your biggest strengths, that is, your very best qualities!

These can be any describing words that you personally see as strengths (even if others don’t think the same — it’s OK to try to change their minds). More importantly, these should be words that you feel best encapsulate who you are .

For example, I was once asked to describe myself in three words during a job interview. One of the words I used was "introverted" because I’ve always felt a strong connection to this word.

Though the word tends to have a slightly negative connotation, I took a bit of time to explain to my interviewers exactly why I saw introversion as a strength and how this trait would actually help me effectively perform my job.

So what’s the lesson? Don’t be afraid to be yourself — use words that reflect what you value in life and what you like most about yourself.

#3: Ask Others How They Would Describe You

If you’re struggling to figure out how to describe yourself, it’s a great idea to ask others close to you how they would describe you if asked by somebody else. Doing this can give you a clearer, more objective view of your strengths (and weaknesses) and help you figure out what types of words are most applicable to you.

If possible, ask a range of people to describe you, from family and friends to former coworkers.

For example, if you’re applying to college, it'll help to get describing words about you from those connected to the college application process , such as your teachers and recommendation letter writers .

Simply ask them to write down a few words (adjectives or nouns) that best describe you and your academic or personal strengths, based on what they know about you.

#4: Be Careful Not to Exaggerate

Finally, take care to avoid any describing words that exaggerate your strengths or make you seem different from who you really are.

Remember that the point of describing yourself is to paint an authentic, positive portrait of yourself to your audience , whoever they are. If you lie or exaggerate something about yourself, then you're not accurately revealing who you are, which could confuse, anger, or disappoint your audience.

For instance, you probably wouldn’t (and shouldn't) use the word "artistic" to describe yourself if you only ever painted a few pictures for an art class years ago and didn’t enjoy the process.

Think of your interests and any personality traits or skills that come with these; this could help narrow down specific traits that are more relevant to you.

What’s Next?

Applying to college? Then you'll need to know what a personal statement is . Once you've got the gist of it, check out our guide to how to write a great college essay and look at our compilation of 100+ college essay examples .

Got an interview coming up for a job or for college? It's important to be prepared. Aside from being asked to describe yourself, you might get asked any of these 14 questions .

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Hannah received her MA in Japanese Studies from the University of Michigan and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California. From 2013 to 2015, she taught English in Japan via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel.

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How to Describe Yourself In an Essay: Guide, Tips, and Free Sample

“Tell me about your self.” As a rule, this phrase makes us forget pretty much every fact about our life, goals, qualities, and other essential things. And we start mumbling, sweating, and shivering. Ironically, we have to describe ourselves during the most important meetings – job interviews or college application interviews.

A bit of practice won’t hurt, so we want to teach you how to describe yourself in an essay. When you get used to writing about yourself, talking about yourself becomes much easier. Also, a describe yourself essay sample may become a great foundation for your admissions essay. Actually, these essay types are similar, but admissions essays are more formal.

So, let’s start with a helpful guide and tips from EssayBulls essay writer, and then we’ll be glad to share our sample with you.

How to Write a Describe Yourself Essay: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Define your goal

What are you writing your describe yourself essay sample for? Maybe you want to impress an admissions board? Or perhaps you just need to analyze your goals and accomplishments? Your goal defines the topic, tone, and structure of your essay, so defining it is crucial.

2. Narrow your topic

You can’t fit your entire life in one page. Lengthy essays turn into memoirs, and that’s a totally different genre. According to your goal, pick the topic that seems the most important in this particular case.

3. Write down your ideas

You might have thousands of ideas in your head, and you’ll never be able to structure them without notes. Write down your thoughts and divide them into various categories. This exercise will help you to select the ideas that are compatible with each other.

4. Make an outline

This step is also about structuring your ideas. Remember that this type of essay doesn’t need to stick to academic requirements, but it still should be logical and consistent. Decide what you want to write first to grab the attention of your readers, and then how you’re going to finish your essay for a good aftertaste.

5. Compose the first draft

Overcoming the fear of a blank page can be hard, especially if you’re not in the right mood. But you don’t have to be strict toward yourself! Try to draw inspiration from your favorite song or take a nice walk. The first draft doesn’t have to be perfect, as you’ll have much time to polish it.

6. Take a deep breath

In other words – have some rest. Your brain can’t work for hours and remain concentrated. Make a nice cup of tea and watch one episode of your favorite TV show. You don’t have to hurry – let your muse take a nap.

7. Read and rewrite

Admitting our mistakes isn’t easy. But people aren’t perfect, just face it. You should reread and rewrite your sample until you are 100% satisfied with its quality. We also recommend you to use online services that help students to correct grammar and spelling mistakes.

8. Format your paper

If you’re planning to send your describe yourself essay sample somewhere, make sure that it’s formatted properly. No one will give grades to your essay, but you still want to make a good impression, don’t you?

9. Get feedback

Comments from your friends or family will help you to notice inaccuracies or mistakes that you’ve missed. They may also give you a hint on how to make your essay more exciting.

We’re sure that you want to know not only how to write a describe yourself essay, but also how to make it brilliant. Below, you’ll find a bunch of quick-fire tips that will be helpful.

How to Describe Yourself in an Essay: Useful Tips

• Ask questions

As a rule, you don’t know or realize all of the truths about your personality. Perhaps, you have priceless qualities that you don’t notice, or your parents have exciting stories about your childhood hobbies. Before starting the writing process, do your research. Ask yourself and ask everybody else what is special about you.

• Pick the main aspects

As we mentioned earlier, you can’t fit your entire life in one page. You should choose two or three main aspects that you’ll include in your essay. We hope that our list will help you:

Work Experience
Passion/hobby
Important event
Life-changing challenge

• Make it interesting

Add details that make your sample unique. Nobody is interested in your GPA when they read your personal essay – they want to hear your personal voice! For example, when you prepare a describe yourself essay sample for the application process, this paper is the only way for admissions officers to see who is hiding behind the grades and academic accomplishments. Give them this chance!

• Express your personality

Don’t be afraid of showing your inner world! That’s what these essays are for. Your readers won’t be happy if they see an ideal portrait with nothing that gives away your personality.

• Avoid sensitive issues

However, you shouldn’t cross the line. You never know who is going to read your essay, so avoid the following sensitive topics: religion, politics, race, abortion, gender equality, sexual identity, etc.

Your essay will shine like a diamond if you use all of our tips! The most important thing is to believe in yourself and your writing skills. To give you more confidence, we’ve prepared a describe yourself essay example. You can get ideas and inspiration from it, or use it as a template. But we kindly ask you not to copy our sample, as it’ll be considered plagiarism.

Describe Yourself Essay Sample

Your passion can tell a lot about your personality. An indecisive person would never practice extreme sports, and an environmentalist would not collect butterflies under any circumstance. We can pretend to be someone else in many aspects, but our passions will always give us away. My passion is reading. And you may laugh and say that it’s too basic to be someone’s passion. I’ve heard many times that an applicant should never include reading in his or her “interests” section in a CV because there is no way it will attract the attention of the employer. But I think this is not fair. Reading has been my passion for nearly 15 years now. I had learned how to read when I was 5, and now I’m almost 20. And I don’t really know how many books I’ve actually read. I have tried to keep a journal, but it hasn’t helped. In my opinion, reading is the most exciting thing in this world. No history, anthropology, or psychology lessons will let you see the world through the eyes of another person the way books let you. Your life isn’t limited to your existence if you read books. Your mind and heart absorb the emotions and ideas of hundreds of characters, and your worldview becomes broader. Fortunately, my parents are bookworms just like me. Our house looks more like a library than a normal home. And we’re totally fine with this. I think that without parental support and approval, my dream wouldn’t seem that real to me. My passion has led me to a logical decision. I want to become a professional publisher because I want to have a job that doesn’t make me feel miserable. At the same time, I believe in my abilities, so I have no concerns about my income. When I was 17, I started an online magazine dedicated to literature and criticism. This hobby has helped me to enter Emerson College and start my publishing program. I also work as a part-time editor in the Boston Herald. My college has strong connections with various publishing houses, and I hope that this fact will help me to get my first full-time job, or at least an internship. I don’t know what my future will bring. But I’m sure that any dream, even the most ordinary or boring, at first sight, can turn into something great if you don’t give it up.

Describe Yourself Essay Help

That’s all. Our article on how to write a describe yourself essay is complete. We hope that you have no question about this essay type and are ready to start the writing process. In case you need more help with your admissions essay, or want to buy personal statements online to get 100% positive result, EssayBulls is always ready to provide assistance. We’re available 24/7, so apply to us at any time. Buy essay for college from our experts and simplify your college life now!

Write more such articles). Thanks.

Oh! that’s nice! I was looking for a guide how to describe yourself and this is the most helpful!

Sometimes all that you need to start writing is posts like this one…

Do you help people with describing essays?

Yes, our writer will help you with a descriptive essay. All you have to do is to place an order on https://essaybulls.com/ .

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15 Tips for Writing a College Essay About Yourself

What’s covered:.

What is the Purpose of the College Essay?
How to Stand Out Without Showing Off
15 Tips for Writing an Essay About Yourself
Where to Get Free Feedback on Your Essay

Most students who apply to top-tier colleges have exceptional grades, standardized test scores, and extracurricular activities. How do admissions officers decide which applicants to choose among all these stellar students? One way is on the strength of their college essay .

This personal statement, along with other qualitative factors like teacher recommendations, helps the admissions committee see who you really are—the person behind the transcript. So, it’s obviously important to write a great one.

What Is the Purpose of the College Essay?

Your college essay helps you stand out in a pool of qualified candidates. If effective, it will also show the admissions committee more of your personality and allow them to get a sense of how you’ll fit in with and contribute to the student body and institution. Additionally, it will show the school that you can express yourself persuasively and clearly in writing, which is an important part of most careers, no matter where you end up.

Typically, students must submit a personal statement (usually the Common App essay ) along with school-specific supplements. Some students are surprised to learn that essays typically count for around 25% of your entire application at the top 250 schools. That’s an enormous chunk, especially considering that, unlike your transcript and extracurriculars, it isn’t an assessment of your entire high school career.

The purpose of the college essay is to paint a complete picture of yourself, showing admissions committees the person behind the grades and test scores. A strong college essay shows your unique experiences, personality, perspective, interests, and values—ultimately, what makes you unique. After all, people attend college, not their grades or test scores. The college essay also provides students with a considerable amount of agency in their application, empowering them to share their own stories.

How to Stand Out Without Showing Off

It’s important to strike a balance between exploring your achievements and demonstrating humility. Your aim should be to focus on the meaning behind the experience and how it changed your outlook, not the accomplishment itself.

Confidence without cockiness is the key here. Don’t simply catalog your achievements, there are other areas on your application to share them. Rather, mention your achievements when they’re critical to the story you’re telling. It’s helpful to think of achievements as compliments, not highlights, of your college essay.

Take this essay excerpt , for example:

My parents’ separation allowed me the space to explore my own strengths and interests as each of them became individually busier. As early as middle school, I was riding the light rail train by myself, reading maps to get myself home, and applying to special academic programs without urging from my parents. Even as I took more initiatives on my own, my parents both continued to see me as somewhat immature. All of that changed three years ago, when I applied and was accepted to the SNYI-L summer exchange program in Morocco. I would be studying Arabic and learning my way around the city of Marrakesh. Although I think my parents were a little surprised when I told them my news, the addition of a fully-funded scholarship convinced them to let me go.

Instead of saying “ I received this scholarship and participated in this prestigious program, ” the author tells a story, demonstrating their growth and initiative through specific actions (riding the train alone, applying academic programs on her own, etc.)—effectively showing rather than telling.

15 Tips for Writing an Essay About Yourself

1. start early .

Leave yourself plenty of time to write your college essay—it’s stressful enough to compose a compelling essay without putting yourself under a deadline. Starting early on your essay also leaves you time to edit and refine your work, have others read your work (for example, your parents or a teacher), and carefully proofread.

2. Choose a topic that’s meaningful to you

The foundation of a great essay is selecting a topic that has real meaning for you. If you’re passionate about the subject, the reader will feel it. Alternatively, choosing a topic you think the admissions committee is looking for, but isn’t all that important to you, won’t make for a compelling essay; it will be obvious that you’re not very invested in it.

3. Show your personality

One of the main points of your college essay is to convey your personality. Admissions officers will see your transcript and read about the awards you’ve won, but the essay will help them get to know you as a person. Make sure your personality is evident in each part—if you are a jokester, incorporate some humor. Your friends should be able to pick your essay from an anonymous pile, read it, and recognize it as yours. In that same vein, someone who doesn’t know you at all should feel like they understand your personality after reading your essay.

4. Write in your own voice

In order to bring authenticity to your essay, you’ll need to write in your own voice. Don’t be overly formal (but don’t be too casual, either). Remember: you want the reader to get to know the real you, not a version of you that comes across as overly stiff or stilted. You should feel free to use contractions, incorporate dialogue, and employ vocabulary that comes naturally to you.

5. Use specific examples

Real, concrete stories and examples will help your essay come to life. They’ll add color to your narrative and make it more compelling for the reader. The goal, after all, is to engage your audience—the admissions committee.

For example, instead of stating that you care about animals, you should tell us a story about how you took care of an injured stray cat.

Consider this side-by-side comparison:

Example 1: I care deeply about animals and even once rescued a stray cat. The cat had an injured leg, and I helped nurse it back to health.

Example 2: I lost many nights of sleep trying to nurse the stray cat back to health. Its leg infection was extremely painful, and it meowed in distress up until the wee hours of the morning. I didn’t mind it though; what mattered was that the cat regained its strength. So, I stayed awake to administer its medicine and soothe it with loving ear rubs.

The second example helps us visualize this situation and is more illustrative of the writer’s personality. Because she stayed awake to care for the cat, we can infer that she is a compassionate person who cares about animals. We don’t get the same depth with the first example.

6. Don’t be afraid to show off…

You should always put your best foot forward—the whole point of your essay is to market yourself to colleges. This isn’t the time to be shy about your accomplishments, skills, or qualities.

7. …While also maintaining humility

But don’t brag. Demonstrate humility when discussing your achievements. In the example above, for instance, the author discusses her accomplishments while noting that her parents thought of her as immature. This is a great way to show humility while still highlighting that she was able to prove her parents wrong.

8. Be vulnerable

Vulnerability goes hand in hand with humility and authenticity. Don’t shy away from exploring how your experience affected you and the feelings you experienced. This, too, will help your story come to life.

Here’s an excerpt from a Common App essay that demonstrates vulnerability and allows us to connect with the writer:

“You ruined my life!” After months of quiet anger, my brother finally confronted me. To my shame, I had been appallingly ignorant of his pain.

Despite being twins, Max and I are profoundly different. Having intellectual interests from a young age that, well, interested very few of my peers, I often felt out of step in comparison with my highly-social brother. Everything appeared to come effortlessly for Max and, while we share an extremely tight bond, his frequent time away with friends left me feeling more and more alone as we grew older.

In this essay, the writer isn’t afraid to share his insecurities and feelings with us. He states that he had been “ appallingly ignorant ” of his brother’s pain, that he “ often felt out of step ” compared to his brother, and that he had felt “ more and more alone ” over time. These are all emotions that you may not necessarily share with someone you just met, but it’s exactly this vulnerability that makes the essay more raw and relatable.

9. Don’t lie or hyperbolize

This essay is about the authentic you. Lying or hyperbolizing to make yourself sound better will not only make your essay—and entire application—less genuine, but it will also weaken it. More than likely, it will be obvious that you’re exaggerating. Plus, if colleges later find out that you haven’t been truthful in any part of your application, it’s grounds for revoking your acceptance or even expulsion if you’ve already matriculated.

10. Avoid cliches

How the COVID-19 pandemic changed your life. A sports victory as a metaphor for your journey. How a pet death altered your entire outlook. Admissions officers have seen more essays on these topics than they can possibly count. Unless you have a truly unique angle, then it’s in your best interest to avoid them. Learn which topics are cliche and how to fix them .

11. Proofread

This is a critical step. Even a small error can break your essay, however amazing it is otherwise. Make sure you read it over carefully, and get another set of eyes (or two or three other sets of eyes), just in case.

12. Abstain from using AI

There are a handful of good reasons to avoid using artificial intelligence (AI) to write your college essay. Most importantly, it’s dishonest and likely to be not very good; AI-generated essays are generally formulaic, generic, and boring—everything you’re trying to avoid being. The purpose of the college essay is to share what makes you unique and highlight your personal experiences and perspectives, something that AI can’t capture.

13. Use parents as advisors, not editors

The voice of an adult is different from that of a high schooler and admissions committees are experts at spotting the writing of parents. Parents can play a valuable role in creating your college essay—advising, proofreading, and providing encouragement during those stressful moments. However, they should not write or edit your college essay with their words.

14. Have a hook

Admissions committees have a lot of essays to read and getting their attention is essential for standing out among a crowded field of applicants. A great hook captures your reader’s imagination and encourages them to keep reading your essay. Start strong, first impressions are everything!

15. Give them something to remember

The ending of your college essay is just as important as the beginning. Give your reader something to remember by composing an engaging and punchy paragraph or line—called a kicker in journalism—that ties everything you’ve written above together.

Where to Get Free Feedback on Your College Essay

Before you send off your application, make sure you get feedback from a trusted source on your essay. CollegeVine’s free peer essay review will give you the support you need to ensure you’ve effectively presented your personality and accomplishments. Our expert essay review pairs you with an advisor to help you refine your writing, submit your best work, and boost your chances of getting into your dream school. Find the right advisor for you and get started on honing a winning essay.

How to Masterfully Describe Your Personality in an Essay: A Step-by-Step Guide 2023

Introduction

Step 1: self-reflection and introspection, step 2: identifying core values and beliefs, step 3: gathering evidence and examples.

Step 4: Show, don't tell

Step 5: Structuring your essay effectively

Step 6: balancing self-awareness and humility, step 7: seeking feedback and editing.

Describing your personality in an essay is not simply an exercise in self-expression; it is a transformative process that allows you to artfully communicate and convey the intricate nuances of your character to the reader. By delving into the depths of your self-awareness, personal growth, and the values that serve as the compass guiding your actions and decisions, you embark on a journey of self-discovery and introspection. In this comprehensive step-by-step guide , we will navigate the intricacies of crafting a compelling personality description in your essay, providing you with the necessary tools to masterfully articulate your unique qualities, experiences, and perspectives.

At its core, the act of describing your personality in an essay is an opportunity to authentically showcase who you are. It is a platform to illuminate the multifaceted nature of your being, unveiling the layers that make you distinct and individual. Through self-reflection and introspection , you delve into the recesses of your soul, gaining a deeper understanding of your own personality traits and characteristics. This process of self-exploration allows you to unearth the strengths that define you and the weaknesses that provide opportunities for growth.

Identifying your core values and beliefs is another essential step in effectively describing your personality. By exploring your fundamental principles and ideals, you gain insight into the motivations behind your actions and the driving force behind your decisions . These values serve as the undercurrent that weaves together the fabric of your personality, giving coherence and purpose to your thoughts and behaviors. Understanding how your personality traits align with your core values enables you to articulate a more comprehensive and authentic depiction of yourself.

To breathe life into your personality description, it is crucial to gather evidence and examples that showcase your traits in action. Recall specific instances where your personality has manifested itself, and examine the behaviors, thoughts, and emotions that were present. By drawing on these concrete examples, you provide tangible proof of your personality claims, allowing the reader to envision your character in vivid detail.

However, it is not enough to simply tell the reader about your personality traits; you must show them through vivid and descriptive language. By employing sensory details and evocative storytelling, you paint a vibrant picture that engages the reader’s imagination. It is through this artful depiction that your personality comes to life on the page, leaving a lasting impression.

Crafting an effective structure for your essay is also paramount to conveying your personality in a coherent and engaging manner. A well-structured essay captivates the reader from the outset with an engaging introduction that sets the tone and grabs their attention. Organizing your essay around key personality traits or themes creates a logical progression of ideas, enabling a seamless flow from one aspect of your personality to the next. This careful structuring enhances the readability and impact of your essay, allowing the reader to follow your journey of self-expression with ease.

In describing your personality, it is essential to strike a delicate balance between self-awareness and humility. While it is important to acknowledge your strengths and accomplishments, it is equally crucial to avoid sounding arrogant. Honesty about your weaknesse s and areas for growth demonstrates humility and a willingness to learn from experiences, fostering personal growth and development.

Also, seeking feedback and diligently editing your essay play a vital role in refining your personality description. Sharing your work with trusted individuals allows for constructive criticism, providing valuable insights into how effectively your personality is being portrayed. By carefully incorporating this feedback and paying attention to grammar, punctuation, and clarity, you can ensure that your essay is polished and ready to make a lasting impression . Below are the step by step guide on how to masterfully describe your personality in an essay

How to Masterfully Describe Your Personality in an Essay: A Step-by-Step Guide

Before diving into writing, take the time to deeply understand your own personality traits and characteristics. Reflect on your strengths and weaknesses , considering how they have influenced your actions and interactions with others. Additionally, contemplate significant life experiences that have shaped your personality, providing valuable insights into who you are today.

Your core values and beliefs are the guiding principles that define your character. Explore what truly matters to you and the ideals that drive your decisions . By connecting your personality traits to these fundamental values, you create a more comprehensive understanding of yourself, providing a solid foundation for your essay.

To effectively describe your personality, draw upon specific instances where your traits were on display. Recall experiences that highlight your behavior, thoughts, and emotions. By utilizing concrete examples, you lend credibility to your claims about your personality, allowing the reader to envision your character in action.

Step 4: Show, don’t tell

Avoid falling into the trap of generic and vague descriptions. Instead, use vivid language and sensory details to bring your personality to life. Engage the reader’s imagination by painting a clear picture through storytelling. Let them experience your traits firsthand, making your essay more engaging and memorable.

Crafting a well-structured essay is crucial for conveying your personality in a coherent and engaging manner. Begin with an attention-grabbing introduction that captivates the reader’s interest. Organize your essay around key personality traits or themes, ensuring a logical progression of ideas. Maintain a smooth flow between paragraphs, enhancing the overall readability of your essay.

While it’s essential to highlight your strengths, be careful not to come across as arrogant. Emphasize your accomplishments and positive attributes without boasting. Simultaneously, be honest about your weaknesses and areas for growth , demonstrating humility and a willingness to learn from experiences. This balance showcases maturity and self-awareness.

Sharing your essay with trusted individuals can provide valuable perspectives and constructive criticism. Seek feedback from mentors, teachers, or friends who can offer insights into your essay’s strengths and areas that need improvement. Revise and refine your essay based on this feedback, paying close attention to grammar, punctuation, and clarity.

Incorporating these steps and techniques will allow you to masterfully describe your personality in an essay, capturing the essence of who you are in a compelling and authentic manner. Whether you are writing personality essays, an essay about personalities, or an essay on personality, the introduction of your personality essay should create a strong impression. It serves as a gateway for the reader to delve into your unique characteristics and perspectives. By effectively integrating these steps and maintaining a balanced approach, you can create a personality essay introduction that sets the stage for a captivating exploration of your individuality. So, how would you describe yourself? Use these guidelines and examples to express your personality with confidence and authenticity in your essay.

Mastering the art of describing your personality in an essay allows you to authentically express yourself and connect with readers on a deeper level. By embracing self-reflection and emphasizing personal growth, you create a c ompelling narrative that showcases your unique qualities. So, embark on this journey of self-expression and let your personality shine through your writing. Embrace authenticity, as it is through effective self-expression that personal growth and understanding can flourish.

If you’re looking for professional essay writing and editing services, GradeSmiths is here to help. With a team of experienced writers and editors, GradeSmiths offers reliable and high-quality assistance to students in need of essay support. Whether you need help with essay writing, editing, proofreading, or refining your content, GradeSmiths can provide the expertise you require. Their dedicated team is committed to delivering well-crafted essays that meet academic standards and showcase your unique ideas and voice. With GradeSmiths, you can trust that your essay will receive the attention and care it deserves.

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Frequently asked questions

How do i write about myself in a college essay.

Most importantly, your essay should be about you , not another person or thing. An insightful college admissions essay requires deep self-reflection, authenticity, and a balance between confidence and vulnerability.

Your essay shouldn’t be a résumé of your experiences but instead should tell a story that demonstrates your most important values and qualities.

Frequently asked questions: College admissions essays

When writing your Common App essay , choose a prompt that sparks your interest and that you can connect to a unique personal story.

No matter which prompt you choose, admissions officers are more interested in your ability to demonstrate personal development , insight, or motivation for a certain area of study.

The Common App essay is your primary writing sample within the Common Application, a college application portal accepted by more than 900 schools. All your prospective schools that accept the Common App will read this essay to understand your character, background, and value as a potential student.

Since this essay is read by many colleges, avoid mentioning any college names or programs; instead, save tailored answers for the supplementary school-specific essays within the Common App.

When revising your college essay , first check for big-picture issues regarding your message and content. Then, check for flow, tone, style , and clarity. Finally, focus on eliminating grammar and punctuation errors .

If your college essay goes over the word count limit , cut any sentences with tangents or irrelevant details. Delete unnecessary words that clutter your essay.

If you’re struggling to reach the word count for your college essay, add vivid personal stories or share your feelings and insight to give your essay more depth and authenticity.

If you’ve got to write your college essay fast , don’t panic. First, set yourself deadlines: you should spend about 10% of your remaining time on brainstorming, 10% on outlining, 40% writing, 30% revising, and 10% taking breaks in between stages.

Second, brainstorm stories and values based on your essay prompt.

Third, outline your essay based on the montage or narrative essay structure .

Fourth, write specific, personal, and unique stories that would be hard for other students to replicate.

Fifth, revise your essay and make sure it’s clearly written.

Last, if possible, get feedback from an essay coach . Scribbr essay editors can help you revise your essay in 12 hours or less.

Avoid swearing in a college essay , since admissions officers’ opinions of profanity will vary. In some cases, it might be okay to use a vulgar word, such as in dialogue or quotes that make an important point in your essay. However, it’s safest to try to make the same point without swearing.

If you have bad grades on your transcript, you may want to use your college admissions essay to explain the challenging circumstances that led to them. Make sure to avoid dwelling on the negative aspects and highlight how you overcame the situation or learned an important lesson.

However, some college applications offer an additional information section where you can explain your bad grades, allowing you to choose another meaningful topic for your college essay.

Here’s a brief list of college essay topics that may be considered cliché:

Extracurriculars, especially sports
Role models
Dealing with a personal tragedy or death in the family
Struggling with new life situations (immigrant stories, moving homes, parents’ divorce)
Becoming a better person after community service, traveling, or summer camp
Overcoming a difficult class
Using a common object as an extended metaphor

It’s easier to write a standout essay with a unique topic. However, it’s possible to make a common topic compelling with interesting story arcs, uncommon connections, and an advanced writing style.

Yes. The college application essay is less formal than other academic writing —though of course it’s not mandatory to use contractions in your essay.

In a college essay , you can be creative with your language . When writing about the past, you can use the present tense to make the reader feel as if they were there in the moment with you. But make sure to maintain consistency and when in doubt, default to the correct verb tense according to the time you’re writing about.

The college admissions essay gives admissions officers a different perspective on you beyond your academic achievements, test scores, and extracurriculars. It’s your chance to stand out from other applicants with similar academic profiles by telling a unique, personal, and specific story.

Use a standard font such as Times New Roman or Arial to avoid distracting the reader from your college essay’s content.

A college application essay is less formal than most academic writing . Instead of citing sources formally with in-text citations and a reference list, you can cite them informally in your text.

For example, “In her research paper on genetics, Quinn Roberts explores …”

There is no set number of paragraphs in a college admissions essay . College admissions essays can diverge from the traditional five-paragraph essay structure that you learned in English class. Just make sure to stay under the specified word count .

Most topics are acceptable for college essays if you can use them to demonstrate personal growth or a lesson learned. However, there are a few difficult topics for college essays that should be avoided. Avoid topics that are:

Overly personal (e.g. graphic details of illness or injury, romantic or sexual relationships)
Not personal enough (e.g. broad solutions to world problems, inspiring people or things)
Too negative (e.g. an in-depth look at your flaws, put-downs of others, criticizing the need for a college essay)
Too boring (e.g. a resume of your academic achievements and extracurriculars)
Inappropriate for a college essay (e.g. illegal activities, offensive humor, false accounts of yourself, bragging about privilege)

To write an effective diversity essay , include vulnerable, authentic stories about your unique identity, background, or perspective. Provide insight into how your lived experience has influenced your outlook, activities, and goals. If relevant, you should also mention how your background has led you to apply for this university and why you’re a good fit.

Many universities believe a student body composed of different perspectives, beliefs, identities, and backgrounds will enhance the campus learning and community experience.

Admissions officers are interested in hearing about how your unique background, identity, beliefs, culture, or characteristics will enrich the campus community, which is why they assign a diversity essay .

In addition to your main college essay , some schools and scholarships may ask for a supplementary essay focused on an aspect of your identity or background. This is sometimes called a diversity essay .

You can use humor in a college essay , but carefully consider its purpose and use it wisely. An effective use of humor involves unexpected, keen observations of the everyday, or speaks to a deeper theme. Humor shouldn’t be the main focus of the essay, but rather a tool to improve your storytelling.

Get a second opinion from a teacher, counselor, or essay coach on whether your essay’s humor is appropriate.

Though admissions officers are interested in hearing your story, they’re also interested in how you tell it. An exceptionally written essay will differentiate you from other applicants, meaning that admissions officers will spend more time reading it.

You can use literary devices to catch your reader’s attention and enrich your storytelling; however, focus on using just a few devices well, rather than trying to use as many as possible.

To decide on a good college essay topic , spend time thoughtfully answering brainstorming questions. If you still have trouble identifying topics, try the following two strategies:

Identify your qualities → Brainstorm stories that demonstrate these qualities
Identify memorable stories → Connect your qualities to these stories

You can also ask family, friends, or mentors to help you brainstorm topics, give feedback on your potential essay topics, or recall key stories that showcase your qualities.

Yes—admissions officers don’t expect everyone to have a totally unique college essay topic . But you must differentiate your essay from others by having a surprising story arc, an interesting insight, and/or an advanced writing style .

There are no foolproof college essay topics —whatever your topic, the key is to write about it effectively. However, a good topic

Is meaningful, specific, and personal to you
Focuses on you and your experiences
Reveals something beyond your test scores, grades, and extracurriculars
Is creative and original

Unlike a five-paragraph essay, your admissions essay should not end by summarizing the points you’ve already made. It’s better to be creative and aim for a strong final impression.

You should also avoid stating the obvious (for example, saying that you hope to be accepted).

There are a few strategies you can use for a memorable ending to your college essay :

Return to the beginning with a “full circle” structure
Reveal the main point or insight in your story
Look to the future
End on an action

The best technique will depend on your topic choice, essay outline, and writing style. You can write several endings using different techniques to see which works best.

College deadlines vary depending on the schools you’re applying to and your application plan:

For early action applications and the first round of early decision applications, the deadline is on November 1 or 15. Decisions are released by mid-December.
For the second round of early decision applications, the deadline is January 1 or 15. Decisions are released in January or February.
Regular decision deadlines usually fall between late November and mid-March, and decisions are released in March or April.
Rolling admission deadlines run from July to April, and decisions are released around four to eight weeks after submission.

Depending on your prospective schools’ requirements, you may need to submit scores for the SAT or ACT as part of your college application .

Some schools now no longer require students to submit test scores; however, you should still take the SAT or ACT and aim to get a high score to strengthen your application package.

Aim to take the SAT or ACT in the spring of your junior year to give yourself enough time to retake it in the fall of your senior year if necessary.

Apply early for federal student aid and application fee waivers. You can also look for scholarships from schools, corporations, and charitable foundations.

To maximize your options, you should aim to apply to about eight schools:

Two reach schools that might be difficult to get into
Four match schools that you have a good chance of getting into
Two safety schools that you feel confident you’ll get into

The college admissions essay accounts for roughly 25% of the weight of your application .

At highly selective schools, there are four qualified candidates for every spot. While your academic achievements are important, your college admissions essay can help you stand out from other applicants with similar profiles.

In general, for your college application you will need to submit all of the following:

Your personal information
List of extracurriculars and awards
College application essays
Transcripts
Standardized test scores
Recommendation letters.

Different colleges may have specific requirements, so make sure you check exactly what’s expected in the application guidance.

You should start thinking about your college applications the summer before your junior year to give you sufficient time for college visits, taking standardized tests, applying for financial aid , writing essays, and collecting application material.

Yes, but make sure your essay directly addresses the prompt, respects the word count , and demonstrates the organization’s values.

If you plan ahead, you can save time by writing one scholarship essay for multiple prompts with similar questions. In a scholarship tracker spreadsheet, you can group or color-code overlapping essay prompts; then, write a single essay for multiple scholarships. Sometimes, you can even reuse or adapt your main college essay .

You can start applying for scholarships as early as your junior year. Continue applying throughout your senior year.

Invest time in applying for various scholarships , especially local ones with small dollar amounts, which are likely easier to win and more reflective of your background and interests. It will be easier for you to write an authentic and compelling essay if the scholarship topic is meaningful to you.

You can find scholarships through your school counselor, community network, or an internet search.

A scholarship essay requires you to demonstrate your values and qualities while answering the prompt’s specific question.

After researching the scholarship organization, identify a personal experience that embodies its values and exemplifies how you will be a successful student.

A standout college essay has several key ingredients:

A unique, personally meaningful topic
A memorable introduction with vivid imagery or an intriguing hook
Specific stories and language that show instead of telling
Vulnerability that’s authentic but not aimed at soliciting sympathy
Clear writing in an appropriate style and tone
A conclusion that offers deep insight or a creative ending

While timelines will differ depending on the student, plan on spending at least 1–3 weeks brainstorming and writing the first draft of your college admissions essay , and at least 2–4 weeks revising across multiple drafts. Don’t forget to save enough time for breaks between each writing and editing stage.

You should already begin thinking about your essay the summer before your senior year so that you have plenty of time to try out different topics and get feedback on what works.

Your college essay accounts for about 25% of your application’s weight. It may be the deciding factor in whether you’re accepted, especially for competitive schools where most applicants have exceptional grades, test scores, and extracurricular track records.

In most cases, quoting other people isn’t a good way to start your college essay . Admissions officers want to hear your thoughts about yourself, and quotes often don’t achieve that. Unless a quote truly adds something important to your essay that it otherwise wouldn’t have, you probably shouldn’t include it.

Cliché openers in a college essay introduction are usually general and applicable to many students and situations. Most successful introductions are specific: they only work for the unique essay that follows.

The key to a strong college essay introduction is not to give too much away. Try to start with a surprising statement or image that raises questions and compels the reader to find out more.

The introduction of your college essay is the first thing admissions officers will read and therefore your most important opportunity to stand out. An excellent introduction will keep admissions officers reading, allowing you to tell them what you want them to know.

You can speed up this process by shortening and smoothing your writing with a paraphrasing tool . After that, you can use the summarizer to shorten it even more.

If you’re struggling to reach the word count for your college essay, add vivid personal stories or share your feelings and insight to give your essay more depth and authenticity.

Most college application portals specify a word count range for your essay, and you should stay within 10% of the upper limit to write a developed and thoughtful essay.

You should aim to stay under the specified word count limit to show you can follow directions and write concisely. However, don’t write too little, as it may seem like you are unwilling or unable to write a detailed and insightful narrative about yourself.

If no word count is specified, we advise keeping your essay between 400 and 600 words.

In your application essay , admissions officers are looking for particular features : they want to see context on your background, positive traits that you could bring to campus, and examples of you demonstrating those qualities.

Colleges want to be able to differentiate students who seem similar on paper. In the college application essay , they’re looking for a way to understand each applicant’s unique personality and experiences.

You don’t need a title for your college admissions essay , but you can include one if you think it adds something important.

Your college essay’s format should be as simple as possible:

Use a standard, readable font
Use 1.5 or double spacing
If attaching a file, save it as a PDF
Stick to the word count
Avoid unusual formatting and unnecessary decorative touches

There are no set rules for how to structure a college application essay , but these are two common structures that work:

A montage structure, a series of vignettes with a common theme.
A narrative structure, a single story that shows your personal growth or how you overcame a challenge.

Avoid the five-paragraph essay structure that you learned in high school.

Campus visits are always helpful, but if you can’t make it in person, the college website will have plenty of information for you to explore. You should look through the course catalog and even reach out to current faculty with any questions about the school.

Colleges set a “Why this college?” essay because they want to see that you’ve done your research. You must prove that you know what makes the school unique and can connect that to your own personal goals and academic interests.

Depending on your writing, you may go through several rounds of revision . Make sure to put aside your essay for a little while after each editing stage to return with a fresh perspective.

Teachers and guidance counselors can help you check your language, tone, and content . Ask for their help at least one to two months before the submission deadline, as many other students will also want their help.

Friends and family are a good resource to check for authenticity. It’s best to seek help from family members with a strong writing or English educational background, or from older siblings and cousins who have been through the college admissions process.

If possible, get help from an essay coach or editor ; they’ll have specialized knowledge of college admissions essays and be able to give objective expert feedback.

When revising your college essay , first check for big-picture issues regarding message, flow, tone, style , and clarity. Then, focus on eliminating grammar and punctuation errors.

Include specific, personal details and use your authentic voice to shed a new perspective on a common human experience.

Through specific stories, you can weave your achievements and qualities into your essay so that it doesn’t seem like you’re bragging from a resume.

When writing about yourself , including difficult experiences or failures can be a great way to show vulnerability and authenticity, but be careful not to overshare, and focus on showing how you matured from the experience.

First, spend time reflecting on your core values and character . You can start with these questions:

What are three words your friends or family would use to describe you, and why would they choose them?
Whom do you admire most and why?
What are you most proud of? Ashamed of?

However, you should do a comprehensive brainstorming session to fully understand your values. Also consider how your values and goals match your prospective university’s program and culture. Then, brainstorm stories that illustrate the fit between the two.

In a college application essay , you can occasionally bend grammatical rules if doing so adds value to the storytelling process and the essay maintains clarity.

However, use standard language rules if your stylistic choices would otherwise distract the reader from your overall narrative or could be easily interpreted as unintentional errors.

Write concisely and use the active voice to maintain a quick pace throughout your essay and make sure it’s the right length . Avoid adding definitions unless they provide necessary explanation.

Use first-person “I” statements to speak from your perspective . Use appropriate word choices that show off your vocabulary but don’t sound like you used a thesaurus. Avoid using idioms or cliché expressions by rewriting them in a creative, original way.

If you’re an international student applying to a US college and you’re comfortable using American idioms or cultural references , you can. But instead of potentially using them incorrectly, don’t be afraid to write in detail about yourself within your own culture.

Provide context for any words, customs, or places that an American admissions officer might be unfamiliar with.

College application essays are less formal than other kinds of academic writing . Use a conversational yet respectful tone , as if speaking with a teacher or mentor. Be vulnerable about your feelings, thoughts, and experiences to connect with the reader.

Aim to write in your authentic voice , with a style that sounds natural and genuine. You can be creative with your word choice, but don’t use elaborate vocabulary to impress admissions officers.

Admissions officers use college admissions essays to evaluate your character, writing skills , and ability to self-reflect . The essay is your chance to show what you will add to the academic community.

The college essay may be the deciding factor in your application , especially for competitive schools where most applicants have exceptional grades, test scores, and extracurriculars.

Some colleges also require supplemental essays about specific topics, such as why you chose that specific college . Scholarship essays are often required to obtain financial aid .

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17+ Great Ideas for an Essay About Yourself

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

Learn about our Editorial Process

An essay about yourself should present you in a positive light, but also leave your reader with a greater understanding of what it is that makes you tick. What’s your inspiration and motivation?

In this article, I’ll give you a range of ideas to include in your essay about yourself. These ideas will show you how to tell a compelling story about who you are.

Pick one or more of these ideas and use it in your essay to improve its quality.

1. Come up with One Word about Yourself and Put it in your Title

Your essay heading sets the tone for the rest of the essay.

One way to get yourself started on the right track for your essay describing yourself is to ensure you have the one key word that describes you in the title.

How would you describe yourself in one word?

Here’s a few ways I’d describe myself:

Introverted

Now, if you need to write your essay in a way that presents you in the best way possible, then of course you’d select the one that does that!

So for me, that’d be ‘optimistic’.

I could then set my title to something like: “An Essay About Chris, the Eternal Optimist.”

Here, your reader has been introduced to the central trait I want to reinforce in the essay right away. You’ve set the tone now.

Now that you’ve used that key term at the start, make sure you follow-up by using that same term a few more times throughout the piece so that you keep it as a clear motif throughout. I’d recommend at least using it in the introduction, body and conclusion.

2. Make it Personal using Anecdotes

The difference between a good and great essay about yourself is the use of personal anecdotes.

You want your essay to stand out because it’s thoughtful and unique.

Anyone can tell a story of who they are. Anyone can say: “Here’s who I am and here’s what’s good about me.”

Not everyone can tell a detailed, thoughtful and personal story that’ll show (and not tell) people who you are.

Personal anecdotes might include:

A discussion about your ancestry;
A story about how your ancestors came to your country;
A story about how your parents came up with your childhood nickname;
An important story from your childhood;
A personal challenge that you currently face;
A personal challenge from the past that you’ve overcome

Or anything else that shows your personality! So, let’s zoom in and take a look at how you could write about each of the points from above.

3. Describe your Ancestry

Dig deep – way back. Who are your ancestors?

Two of the best questions you can ask to tell a really good story about yourself are these:

Who are your ancestors?

How did your ancestors shape who you are.

What is your connection to them?

Let’s take them one at a time.

Your ancestors might be Greek, or Scottish, or Irish, or Italian. Maybe you have some Native American ancestors or maybe they were Pioneers heading to America?

You can start this essay by explaining your ancestry to really start shaping a quality story about yourself. One example is to tell a story about how your ancestors came to your country.

For me, I’d talk about how my Ancestors were a loose collection of quirky characters who came to Australia for a better life. Some were “10 Pound Poms” – British people seeking a better life. The paid 10 pounds to get on a boat and head to a new world. And others were convicts, sent out for stealing sheep.

Is there an interesting hook about your ancestry to start your essay?

Your ancestors should mean a lot to you. They should show you the path to a better life. What sacrifices did they make for you to be who you are today?

I could talk about how they had a tough life to come from working-class backgrounds. They worked the land and battled hardship to give me what I’ve got.

Now, I’m a happy, free, relatively wealthy person because of their hard world.

Who you are is because of your ancestors.

For me, they are the reason I value hard work. I also know my grandfather fought hard for a good wage for people on the railways. So, I have a sense of solidarity with hard-working working-class people because of him.

I also believe strongly in the importance of living a free and happy life because my ancestors are Australians. We’re Aussies! We work hard and have fun. That’s something my ancestors gave me, and I’ll carry all those values forward for my children one day, too.

Can you see that telling a story of your ancestors can really reveal a lot about what’s deep inside you? They show you your values and they’re your guiding star.

4. Tell the story of how you got your Childhood Nickname

Here’s another interesting story idea that can get your essay started on the right track.

How about telling the story of how you got your childhood nickname?

Here’s an example: My sister’s nickname was Boo Boo.

(She’d be made at me if she knew I told you that!)

She was called Boo Boo because she was always hurting herself! She was always having “boo boos”, which was our slang for “mistakes”.

Here, her nickname tells a story about herself. It tells a story about how she can sometimes be a little bit clumsy. This could be a good personal story to use to introduce herself to the reader.

Do you have a unique nickname story?

5. Tell an Important Story from your Childhood

Do you have any childhood stories that really reflect who you are?

This story might be:

Tell the story of a childhood family holiday: Your story of your family holiday might highlight how important family is to your sense of who you are. Did the family holiday show you how much family is important to you?
Tell the story of a time you realized something: I remember seeing a kid at school being bullied once and feeling really uncomfortable about it. I ended up sitting with him during the lunch period because he was upset. That was the day I really realized that something deep inside me is a sense that kindness is one of the most important things in the world.

Have a think. Are there any stories from your childhood that you can tell that reveal something about who you are and what your values are?

6. Start with “When I’m old I will look back and reflect on…”

Here’s a strategy that works really well.

When you start from the perspective of someone looking back, you often reflect on the things that are most important.

Have you ever seen an older person telling a story? It’s often a story told from the perspective of wisdom . We might call this 20/20 hindsight.

So, start your story by discussing what you’ll look back on about your life: what will you be proud of? What parts of your personality would you want to reflect on with pride?

It might be:

“When I’m old I will look back and reflect on the things I did to help other people. For example, one time I … [did this]”
“When I’m old I will look back and reflect on the quality time I spent with my family. My family is the most important thing in my life. One of these quality times is when …”
Any other ideas you have?

7. Or, Start with “In ten years I will be…”

We can flip Step 6 on its head, and talk about where you want to be in 10 years. This will force you to reflect upon what’s most important to your future.

When talking about your goals and how those goals are linked to your values.

Here’s some examples:

“In ten years time I will be just returning from an amazing trip around the world. I have a strong sense of adventure and I want to spend the next 10 years fulfilling my dream of adventure.”
“In ten years time I want to be busy working in a not-for-profit doing something for people less fortunate than me. This vision drives my decisions that I make today. It drives my desire to … [study a course?]”
What will you say if you start with “In ten years time…”?

8. Describe your Interests

No matter how you start your essay, you need to make sure that your story shows what you are interested in.

Your interests are what you do in your spare time

You might, for example, be interested in a particular topic. This will show how you’re set apart from others. We all have different interests.

Here’s a few examples of people’s interests:

Dinosaurs: Ross Gellar from the TV show Friends would write in his story that one of his biggest interests is dinosaurs!
Sports: Many people put sports at the center of their interests and motivations. Are you passionate about a sport that you watch or play? This could be included in your essay about yourself.
Reading: Many young people love to read. You can talk about this as something you love, and then discuss how reading helps you think more deeply about issues in this world.

What are your interests? Could you use these as the basis of your essay about yourself?

9. Describe what Motivates You

Right at the core of your essay about yourself should be a message about your motivations. What is it that you dream about? What is it that gets you out of bed in the morning?

A motivation is different to an interest. Your interest is what you do in your part-time. Your motivations are your long-term goals that will give you fulfillmen t.

People want to see what makes you tick.

Your motivations don’t have to be for money or a career. A lot of people are deeply motivated by their passions like:

Getting fit, or pursuing fitness goals;
Being a part of a community;
Helping others out, especially the less fortunate;
Making their family proud;
Seeing amazing, remarkable things;
Inventing or discovering something that improves the world

For me, my biggest motivation is my blog. I take pride in it and how it helps people out. So maybe I’d tell the story of my blog, and how it reflects my intrinsic desire to help people learn new things.

So, what motivates you?

10. Identify your Current Personal Challenges

Teachers like to see that you are taking a proactive role to address or overcome personal challenges. So, you can base your essay about yourself on a current personal challenge.

The important thing for an essay on a current personal challenge is this:

Identify what your challenge is; and
Explain how you are working hard to address it.

Your challenge might be a personal disability, a setback you’ve recently had, or a goal that you’re working towards achieving.

Wanting to join the military: You could talk about your major challenge being a career goal like getting accepted into the military. Then, you’d need to show something about how you are addressing this by, for example, following a rigorous exercise regime.
Living with a disability: Maybe you have a disability or medical problem that you need to address. You could talk about how it hasn’t stopped you from believing in your ability to achieve. While it might make life harder, show how you’re a determined person who won’t let adversity get in your way.

By revealing how you are overcoming your challenges, you’re revealing something about yourself. You are showing your marker that you’re a hard, diligent worker. That you have resilience and drive. And that you’re someone who strives to achieve.

11. Identify the Biggest Challenge you’ve Overcome

If there’s challenges in your rear-view mirror that you have already overcome, you can also talk about that.

Pause for a moment and think about the biggest achievement of your life. Was it getting that score you wanted in a science test? Was it making it into the football team after a lot of training and practice?

By telling the story of a personal challenge that you have already overcome, you’re showing how you’re a competent, capable and resilient person.

Here’s some examples of overcoming challenges:

Winning a team sport: Talk about all the work you did as a team in the lead-up to the win. Did you take advice from the coach and use it to become better? Did you learn that you had to work as a group to succeed?
Getting an award: Were you awarded once for your skills? What did you need to do to win the award? Was it hard work that paid off?

12. Be Humble

It’s important to strike the appropriate tone for your essay about yourself.

One of the biggest mistakes people make is that they too hard to sell themselves. This usually makes you sound arrogant and self-absorbed.

One of the best ways to sound humble is to express gratitude. When discussing who you are, what you achieved and what your strengths are, remember to mention who it was who helped you get there.

People you might be grateful for include: parents, teachers, siblings, friends, your country and mentors. Talk about how they were instrumental in your success. Maybe they were patient with you, presented opportunities for you, or forgave your mistakes.

It’s also good to make sure you don’t compare yourself to others. It’s not a good idea to say “I achieved better than anyone else.” Focussing on how you worked hard for your achievements is enough: there’s no need to talk about how you’re better or the best. Focus on the effort you put in, not the fact that you’re better than anyone.

To learn more about tricks on being humble, I recommend this good summary of ways to be humble from Forbes.

13. Describe your Personality Type

Here’s another interesting way of approaching the essay.

If you’re struggling to explain yourself, you can take a quiz that tells you what your personality type is. Something really nice about these quizzes is they not only give you words to explain what your personality type is, but they also give you some ideas to talk about.

Here’s a few good personality type quizzes:

16 Personalities : This quiz decides which personality you are from 16 types, such as debater, entrepreneur, adventurer and entertainer. I got the ‘Advocate’ meaning I am driven by “idealism and morality” and am mainly an introvert. What are you? Share in the comments below!
Learning Styles : This quiz finds out how you learn. Are you the sort of person who learns in solitude or with others? Are you an introvert or extrovert? Another alternative is the VARK quiz which sees which sort of category of learner you are: Visual, Auditory (sound), Read/Write, or Kinesthetic (using your body).
Career Quiz : This quiz asks you a range of personality questions to give you ideas about what you want to talk about. Then, it’ll suggest the ideal career for you based on your personality!

14. Include Details you’d put on a CV

You want your essay to tell a story about yourself.

But you also need to include hard, solid details.

So once you’ve told your story of yourself, go through your CV (or ‘resume’) and see what else you can include. Can you include details about your strengths that you have listed on your CV?

Maybe you can also include points about your previous jobs or education achievements that you have listed on your CV.

This will help back up your story with hard evidence.

You might also find out that there are a lot of details on your CV that will give you story ideas. You might not think you’ve achieved remarkable things until you look at your CV and reflect on the hard work you put into each of the jobs or achievements you have listed there.

15. Describe your Physical Attributes

Another thing you can weave into your story is an outline of what you look like!

It’s one of the first things you read about someone in any story.

Here’s how Mr. and Mrs. Dursley in Harry Potter is introduced:

“Mr Dursley was the director of a firm called Grunnings, which made drills. He was a big, beefy man with hardly any neck, although he did have a very large moustache. Mrs Dursley was thin and blonde and had nearly twice the usual amount of neck, which came in very useful as she spent spent so much of her time craning over garden fences, spying on the neighbours.”

How would you describe your physical attributes? Remember not to be negative about yourself, but you could describe yourself as tall, short, stocky, or lanky. How about your hair? Is it frizzy or straight, long or short?

16. Explain who is your Biggest influence and Why

The person who is your biggest influence would reveal a lot about who you are. Are you influenced by someone because of their power and strength, or wisdom and insight? Are you influenced by people for their nobility and patriotism, or their sense of adventure?

This will show your reader what makes you tick.

One of my big influences is Alex Honnold. He is a famous rock climber. What does that reveal about me? Well, it shows that I admire adventurous people and people who follow unconventional careers.

Who is your biggest influence? What does this reveal about you? Can you weave this into your essay about yourself?

17. Conclude by Returning to your Opening Hook

In this article I’ve shared with you a ton of ideas that you can use for your essay about yourself.

No matter which idea you select, I recommend including this last tip.

You should start your essay with an interesting ‘hook’ or anecdote about yourself.

I recommend concluding your essay by returning to this opening hook. We call this the ‘closing the loop’ method. You can start it something like this:

“I began this essay by telling the story of how I’m inspired by my father. I want to return to this point, as it’s the most important point in this essay. All of the points in this essay about myself have highlighted how I’m driven and motivated to live up to his amazing example. I have discussed…”

…And then you’d sum up what you discussed!

I outline the exact process of how to conclude an essay using this ‘closing the loop’ method in this post on how to write great conclusions .

Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 10 Reasons you’re Perpetually Single
Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 20 Montessori Toddler Bedrooms (Design Inspiration)
Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 21 Montessori Homeschool Setups
Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 101 Hidden Talents Examples

Essay Papers Writing Online

Learn the best tips and techniques for crafting a compelling and engaging essay about myself.

When it comes to talking about oneself, it can be quite a challenge to find the right words to express our thoughts and emotions. Writing an essay about oneself is an opportunity to not only showcase our personality, but also our experiences and achievements. It allows us to reflect on our journey and share our unique perspective with the world. Crafting an essay about oneself requires careful consideration of the words we choose and how we structure our thoughts. In this guide, we will explore effective tips and strategies to help you write an exceptional essay that truly captures who you are.

Understanding yourself is the first step. Before diving into writing, take some time to reflect on your experiences, values, and beliefs. Consider the moments that have shaped you and the lessons you have learned along the way. Think about your passions, strengths, and weaknesses. Understanding yourself will help you create a more authentic and compelling essay. Don’t be afraid to dig deep and explore your innermost thoughts and feelings. This self-reflection process will provide a solid foundation for your essay.

Show, don’t tell. Instead of simply listing your accomplishments or personality traits, strive to illustrate them through vivid anecdotes and specific details. This will make your essay more engaging and memorable. Use descriptive language and paint a picture for your readers. For example, if you want to showcase your leadership skills, don’t just say, “I am a great leader.” Instead, share a story of how you organized and successfully led a team to accomplish a challenging task. By providing concrete examples, you will leave a lasting impression on your readers.

Tactics for Crafting a Personal Account: Step-by-Step Manual

Constructing a narrative about oneself can often present a challenge. In order to produce an effective personal essay, it is crucial to employ certain strategies that lend authenticity and engage the reader. This section will outline a step-by-step guide for writing a compelling essay that highlights personal experiences and insights.

Use Personal Anecdotes and Examples

When crafting an essay about yourself, it is important to make it engaging and relatable to your audience. One effective way to achieve this is by using personal anecdotes and examples. These storytelling elements can bring your essay to life and make it more memorable.

Instead of just stating facts about yourself, try incorporating specific instances or events from your life that illustrate your qualities, experiences, or perspectives. For example, if you are writing about your leadership skills, you can share an anecdote about a time when you successfully led a group project or organized a community event.

Personal anecdotes not only add depth and authenticity to your essay, but they also help to showcase your unique personality and differentiate you from other applicants. They provide concrete evidence of your abilities, allowing the reader to form a better understanding of who you are as an individual.

Furthermore, using examples is an effective way to support your claims and arguments. Whether you are discussing your academic achievements, personal growth, or career goals, providing specific examples or evidence can strengthen your essay and make it more persuasive.

Remember to choose anecdotes and examples that are relevant to the points you are trying to make in your essay. They should effectively support your main ideas and contribute to the overall coherence of your piece.

In conclusion, incorporating personal anecdotes and examples in your essay can make it more engaging, relatable, and persuasive. By sharing specific instances from your life, you not only showcase your unique qualities and experiences, but also provide evidence to support your claims. So, don’t be afraid to share your personal stories and experiences – they can make your essay truly standout.

Highlight Your Achievements and Accomplishments

When it comes to writing an essay about oneself, it is essential to showcase your achievements and accomplishments. This section allows you to underscore your skills, experiences, and noteworthy moments in your personal and professional life. By highlighting your accomplishments, you not only demonstrate your abilities but also provide evidence of your dedication, hard work, and commitment to success.

Begin by reflecting on your accomplishments in various areas of your life. Look beyond the obvious academic or professional achievements and consider personal milestones, volunteer work, leadership roles, or any significant challenges you have overcome. These accomplishments can range from winning a sports competition to completing a project successfully or receiving recognition for your contributions.

When describing your achievements, aim to be specific and provide relevant details. For instance, instead of simply stating that you won an award, elaborate on the specific award, including the criteria, the competition or event, and possibly how you felt when you received it. This level of detail helps the reader get a clear sense of your accomplishment and its significance.

Moreover, don’t shy away from discussing challenges you have faced during your journey to highlight your accomplishments. Sharing the obstacles you have overcome demonstrates resilience, determination, and the ability to adapt and grow.

In addition to showcasing your accomplishments, it is pivotal to connect them to your personal and professional goals . Highlight how these achievements have shaped you as an individual and how they relate to your aspirations. Discuss how each accomplishment has contributed to your growth, development, and the acquisition of specific skills or qualities that are relevant to your essay’s overall theme or purpose.

Remember, while it is important to present your achievements, do so humbly and avoid sounding boastful. Instead, focus on conveying your passion, the lessons you have learned, and the positive impact these accomplishments have had on your life.

By highlighting your achievements and accomplishments, you will showcase your abilities, experiences, and the unique qualities that make you stand out. This section allows you to provide a well-rounded view of yourself while demonstrating your potential for future success.

Discuss Your Goals and Aspirations

When writing an essay about yourself, it is important to discuss your goals and aspirations. This section allows you to express your hopes and dreams for the future, showcasing your ambition and drive. By sharing your goals, you provide insight into your motivations and what you hope to achieve in life.

One way to discuss your goals is by highlighting specific career aspirations. You can mention the profession or field you aim to pursue and explain why it is meaningful to you. Perhaps you have always had a passion for science and hope to become a research scientist, or maybe you dream of being a lawyer and fighting for justice. By discussing your career goals, you demonstrate your focus and determination.

Furthermore, it is important to discuss personal goals unrelated to your career. These could include aspirations in areas such as personal growth, relationships, and health. For example, you may have a goal to become a better communicator, to build stronger relationships with loved ones, or to prioritize self-care and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Sharing these goals provides a well-rounded picture of who you are and what you value in life.

In addition to discussing your goals, it is beneficial to explain the reasons behind them. What has influenced or inspired you to set these aspirations? Did a personal experience or role model shape your goals? By providing context, you give your readers a deeper understanding of your motivations and what drives you to pursue these aspirations.

In conclusion, discussing your goals and aspirations in your essay about yourself allows you to showcase your ambition, drive, and motivations. By discussing both career and personal goals, you provide a well-rounded perspective of who you are and what you hope to achieve in life.

Be Honest and Authentic in Your Writing

When it comes to writing about yourself, it is important to be truthful and genuine in your words. Being honest allows you to connect with your readers on a deeper level and creates a sense of authenticity in your writing.

Authenticity in writing means presenting your true self and conveying your thoughts and experiences sincerely. It involves revealing your strengths, weaknesses, successes, and failures without any embellishment or exaggeration. Your readers will appreciate your genuine approach and will be able to relate to you on a personal level.

Being honest in your writing also means being true to yourself. Don’t try to mold your story or experiences to fit a specific narrative or expectation. Instead, embrace your uniqueness, quirks, and individuality. Your personal voice and perspective are what make your essay stand out and resonate with your readers.

In addition to being honest, it is important to be mindful of the tone and language you use in your writing. Be respectful and tactful when discussing sensitive or challenging topics. Maintain a balance between vulnerability and professionalism to ensure your message is conveyed effectively.

Remember, the purpose of writing about yourself is to share your story and experiences, not to impress or gain approval from others. Stay true to yourself and allow your authenticity to shine through your words. By being honest and authentic in your writing, you will not only create a meaningful essay, but also connect with your readers on a deeper level.

Be truthful, genuine, and authentic in your writing, and your essay about yourself will be compelling and impactful.

Revise and Edit Your Essay for Clarity and Coherence

Once you have completed the initial draft of your essay, it is important to carefully revise and edit it to ensure clarity and coherence. Revising and editing involves carefully reviewing your essay for any errors or areas of confusion, and making necessary changes to improve the overall flow and organization of your ideas.

One important aspect of revising and editing is to ensure that your essay is clear and easy to understand. This involves checking for grammar and spelling errors, as well as refining your sentence structure and word choice. By using clear and concise language, you can ensure that your ideas are communicated effectively to your reader.

In addition to clarity, coherence is another key element to consider when revising and editing your essay. Coherence refers to the logical and smooth flow of ideas within your essay. To achieve coherence, you should ensure that your paragraphs are well-organized and that each paragraph links to the next in a logical manner. Transitions and topic sentences can help to achieve this, providing a clear connection between ideas and guiding your reader through your essay.

When revising and editing, it can also be helpful to read your essay out loud. This can help you to identify any awkward or confusing sentences, as well as to check the overall rhythm and flow of your writing. Pay attention to any areas that seem disjointed or difficult to follow, and make changes to improve the overall coherence of your essay.

Finally, it is important to take the time to review and polish your essay before submitting the final version. This involves checking for any remaining errors, refining your language and style, and ensuring that your essay is well-structured and organized. By thoroughly revising and editing your essay, you can ensure that your ideas are presented clearly and coherently, leaving a strong impression on your reader.

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328 Adjectives to Describe Yourself for College

by Talha Omer, M.Eng., Cornell Grad

In adjectives.

Some of my favorite words to describe yourself for college are:

Knowledgeable

Resourceful

In the competitive world of college admissions, effectively describing oneself using personal adjectives is crucial. These adjectives will help you stand out among similarly qualified candidates by creating a vivid, engaging self-portrait that aligns with a college’s ethos. Consistent use of these descriptors enhances the coherence and genuineness of your application, highlighting unique qualities like resilience, creativity, or leadership.

Below is a long list of adjectives, words, and superlatives that you can use to describe yourself for college. These words have been divided into categories, each listing the adjectives that convey your personality and strengths.

In this Article

Words to describe your Intellectual Qualities

Words to describe your academic skills, words to describe your leadership qualities, words to describe your personal traits, words to describe your creative attributes, words to describe your social skills, words to describe your emotional intelligence, words to describe your work ethic and determination, words to describe your adaptability and flexibility, words to describe your cultural awareness, words to describe your problem-solving skills, words to describe your interpersonal skills, words to describe your moral and ethical traits, words to describe your passion and enthusiasm, adjectives to avoid when describing yourself for college.

Inquisitive

Intellectual

Philosophical

Perspicacious

Disciplined

Detail-oriented

Critical (as in critical thinking)

Innovative (if it relates to new ideas in academic work)

Questioning

Charismatic

Influential

Authoritative

Motivational

Collaborative

Mentorship-oriented

Goal-oriented

Conscientious

Compassionate

Independent

Introspective

Imaginative

Unconventional

Avant-garde

Experimental

Approachable

Communicative

Accommodating

Facilitative

Harmonizing

Negotiating

Understanding

Emotionally aware

Nonjudgmental

Considerate

Emotionally intelligent

Industrious

Hardworking

Persevering

Unrelenting

Open-minded

Change-embracing

Transformative

Multifaceted

Acclimatizing

Culturally competent

Global-minded

Appreciative

Multicultural

Ethnically aware

Enlightened

Progressive

Cosmopolitan

Culturally sensitive

Socially conscious

Broad-minded

Integrative

Solution-oriented

Investigative

Troubleshooting

Encouraging

Team-oriented

Sympathetic

Trustworthy

Integrity-driven

Responsible

Enthusiastic

Wholehearted

When describing yourself in a college application, it’s important to avoid adjectives that might be perceived negatively, are overly vague, or could be misinterpreted. Here are the adjectives that are generally best to avoid:

Perfectionist: Can imply that you’re unable to accept mistakes or imperfections.

Obsessive: Might suggest an unhealthy focus on certain tasks or subjects.

Laid-back: Could be interpreted as a lack of motivation or seriousness.

Stubborn: Indicates inflexibility or unwillingness to consider other viewpoints.

Aggressive: Can be seen as confrontational or hostile.

Shy: While not necessarily negative, it might suggest a lack of confidence or difficulty in social interactions.

Overconfident: Can come off as arrogance or a lack of self-awareness.

Impulsive: Might suggest a lack of planning or forethought.

Sarcastic: While it can be humorous in social contexts, it might not convey the right tone in an application.

Unconventional: Although it can be positive, without context, it might imply nonconformity in a negative way.

Average: Undermines your unique qualities and achievements.

Lazy: Directly implies a lack of effort and motivation.

Indecisive: Suggests difficulty in making decisions, which can be a drawback in academic and social settings.

Cynical: Can convey a negative or overly skeptical worldview.

Naive: Implies a lack of experience, wisdom, or understanding.

413 Adjectives that Begin with E

Some of my favorite adjectives that start with E are: Ethereal - Suggesting something so delicate and light, it seems not of this world. Ebullient - Overflowing with enthusiasm and excitement; bubbly. Effervescent - Vivacious and lively, often used to describe...

373 Adjectives in Spanish

Here are my 10 favorite Spanish adjectives that are versatile, expressive, and can add depth to a conversation or description. These adjectives not only enrich vocabulary but also capture a range of emotions and characteristics that can be universally appreciated....

300 Adjectives that Start with S

Some of my favorite adjectives that start with letter s include: Serendipitous - Occurring or discovered by chance in a happy or beneficial way. Scintillating - Sparkling or shining brightly; brilliantly and excitingly clever or skillful. Surreal - Having the...

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9 Tips for Writing an Essay About Yourself

You know yourself better than anyone else, but writing about yourself can still be tough! When applying for scholarships or to college, essay prompts can feel so general (and yet so specific!) that they leave us stumped. So we’ll show you 8 tips to write an essay about yourself, so that you can land more scholarships. (Psst – Going Merry makes applying easy .)

1. Create a List of Questions

2. brainstorm and outline, 3. be vulnerable, 4. use personal examples, 5. write in the first person, 6. don’t be afraid to show off…but stay on topic, 7. show personality , 8. know your audience, 9. proofread and edit.

Let’s start with some examples of personal essay prompts:

Tell me about yourself.
Describe a challenge or event that made you who you are today.
What are your short and long-term goals, and how do you plan to achieve them?
Write about a time you failed at something. How did it affect you?

These are just a few of many scholarship essay prompts that require you to look internally, to answer a question, solve a problem, or explain a scenario in your life.

We get it. You might not be a big fan of bragging about yourself, or you might want to keep your personal stories to yourself. But by opening up and sharing your story, you can show scholarship providers, colleges and universities who you are, and why you’re deserving of their scholarship.

(Don’t just take our word for it – check out our scholarship winners page full of students like you who were brave enough to share their stories with us).

To get started, check out these 9 tips on how to write an essay about yourself:

After reading through the scholarship essay prompt, breathe, and make a list of smaller questions you can answer, which relate to the big essay prompt question.

Let’s say the main essay prompt question asks you, “What were challenges or barriers you had to work to overcome?” Then the smaller questions might be something like:

What is your background? Family, finances, school.
What was challenging about that background?
What’s your greatest accomplishment? How did you get there? How have previous challenges influenced your goals?

Think of these questions as mini-prompts. They explain your story and help you answer the main essay prompt with more details than if you just answered it without a plan in place.

After considering smaller questions, it’s time to brainstorm your answers. Take out a pen and paper – or open up a document on a computer – and take your time in answering each mini-prompt. Organize your responses in order:

Intro to main essay prompt.
Answer about 3 mini-prompt questions.
Conclude by rewriting the answer to the main essay prompt with a summary of your mini-prompt answers.

This organization will help you stay on topic and answer the prompt directly. (Or check out these 6 scholarship essay examples for alternative essay structures.)

Don’t be afraid to let your strengths, challenges, and personal stories shine through in your essay! Scholarship and admissions committees love to see that you’re self-aware how you can improve as a person, or how you’ve grown because of your experiences. Honest writing can help tell the best stories (in this case, YOUR story).

Since this essay is all about you , you should make your answer as specific as possible! Avoid using generalizations (e.g., “I’m really good at music). Instead, go for more personalized statements (e.g., “My fourth-grade teacher Ms. Matay really inspired me to pursue my interest in the clarinet”). Your personal examples are what will help your scholarship essay stand out among the thousands of applicants..

You’re telling your story, so write from your perspective! You can narrate your story. You can provide an overview of what you learned from your experiences. However you choose to answer the prompt, we recommend writing in an active tone, and using “I” and “me” throughout your essay.

Most students worry about bragging in their essay, but we say go for it! This is your time to shine, so highlight your accomplishments and strengths. Review your essay to make sure that you’re keeping the tone informative and that you’re still on topic. (Brag while answering the essay prompt; don’t just mention random, unrelated but impressive facts about yourself!)You can use this brag sheet where you can brainstorm your accomplishments. While the worksheet is geared toward requesting letters of recommendation , you can still use it to write out your hobbies, interests, college list , and strengths to help you answer your scholarship essay prompt.

Just because it’s an essay doesn’t mean it has to be dry and boring. This essay is all about you, so let your personality shine through. If you’re the class clown, you can use a bit of humor. If you wear your heart on your sleeve, don’t be afraid to show emotion. Trying your best to express who you are as a person will have a huge effect on the admissions or scholarship committee!

If you’re applying for a scholarship, research the scholarship provider. If you’re applying to college, research the school. Understanding what makes the provider/college unique and what their motivations are, will allow you to incorporate that information in your essay. For example, many scholarships are funded by private companies that sell products. You might want to reference those products in your essay. A good example of this is Emily Trader’s essay for the Life Happens organization , where she uses her personal narrative to explain the importance of insurance planning, since that is the mission of the organization (which is funded by insurance companies).

The last step in answering your essay prompt is to double-check your work! One typo can be distracting and cause scholarship providers to scratch their head while reading the essay. ( Psst, humble brag: Going Merry’s application platform includes spellcheck because we’ve got your back .) In addition to proofreading for typos and grammatical errors, also consider whether the sentence or paragraph structure makes sense. Are you breaking paragraphs in the right place? Are you using topic sentences well to signpost your main ideas? Does the essay flow? Consider these “bigger” structural questions too. You might also want to ask a friend, family member, teacher, or guidance counselor to review your essay. They might catch something you didn’t see the first time around, and that can really help your essay! In fact, that is scholarship winner Daniel Gill ’s #1 tip. (Another tip is to apply for scholarships using Going Merry !)

Also, check out this helpful list of the 10 most common scholarship essay topics while you’re brainstorming!

Top 10 Most Common Scholarship Essay Prompts Graphic

Now that you know how to write an essay about yourself, it’s time to start applying for scholarships! Remember: You’ve got this.

Sign up for your free Going Merry profile . From there, you can easily upload and submit your essay for thousands of scholarships. We make it easy so you’ll only need to enter your profile information once! And then, you can apply away. In fact, we even have some bundled scholarships so that you only enter your essay once, to apply for multiple scholarships at the same time.

Or if you’re not ready to register, simply sign up to receive an email with 20 new scholarship opportunities each week. Just enter your email address below:

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, words to describe yourself for college applications.

So, I've been working on my college essays and I'm kinda stuck on how to describe myself in a way that stands out. Any ideas or suggestions on unique words or phrases to use when talking about my personality or experiences?

It's important to choose words that not only describe your personality and experiences but also resonate with the readers. Here are some suggestions for unique words and phrases that you can use when describing yourself in your college essays:

1. Tenacious: This word conveys that you're determined and persistent in your pursuits, illustrating your ability to overcome obstacles and see projects through to completion.

2. Empathetic: This shows your understanding and sensitivity to others' feelings and experiences, which can be particularly valuable in a diverse college environment.

3. Resourceful: Being resourceful demonstrates that you can think on your feet, adapt to different situations, and find creative solutions to problems.

4. Passionate: Passion is always an eye-catching trait; it shows that you're deeply committed to and engaged with your interests, which can be appealing to colleges seeking students who'll make a meaningful impact.

5. Altruistic: Altruism illustrates your selflessness, genuine concern for others, and willingness to act for the benefit of your community, which can be a big selling point for colleges focused on community involvement.

6. Analytical: Being analytical showcases your logic, critical thinking, and rational approach to problem-solving. This can be applied to both academic and personal areas of your life.

7. Inquisitive: Inquisitiveness conveys a genuine curiosity to learn, ask questions, and explore new ideas, which can be seen as an asset by colleges that value intellectual growth.

8. Assertive: Solidifying your assertiveness highlights your ability to communicate effectively, express your thoughts, and stand up for yourself when necessary.

9. Adaptable: An adaptable person is able and willing to adjust to change and new circumstances. This is a valuable trait in a fast-paced college environment.

10. Open-minded: Open-mindedness implies that you're receptive to new ideas, perspectives, and experiences, and can respectfully consider others' viewpoints, even when they differ from your own.

Remember that the words you choose should be an accurate representation of your personality and experiences. And be sure to also back them up with concrete examples from your life to give these descriptors more depth and context. Good luck with your essays!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

170+ Words to Describe Yourself in 2024 [Adjectives For Any Situation]

There are so many descriptive words out there…

And yet, you sometimes struggle to find the right words to describe yourself.

One of those situations? Your job interview. Once the interviewer says, “Describe yourself in a few words,” you can’t think of anything .

We don’t blame you. Choosing the right words to describe yourself can be tricky.

On the one hand, you want to show your positive traits. On the other hand, you don’t want to overdo it with self-praise.

That’s where we come in!

We’re going to help you find the right words to describe yourself in any situation, whether you’re getting ready for a college application, preparing a resume, or practicing for a job interview.

In this article, we’re going to cover:

When Do You Need to Describe Yourself?

Why Do Interviewers Ask This Interview Question?
10 Tips to Choose Words to Describe Yourself
170+ Words to Describe Yourself for Different Professions and Levels of Experience

There are a few situations when you'll be asked to describe yourself in just a few words. The most common include:

Job interviews. Some version of “How would you describe yourself in a few words?” is among the most common interview questions.
Writing your resume . Picking the right words for your resume can make or break a job application.
College applications. Personal statements, essays, and any other supporting documents are an important part of a college application, and they all rely on choosing the best words to describe yourself.
Cover letters. A compelling cover letter can set you apart from other candidates, and choosing the right words to describe yourself is essential to making a strong impression.

Let’s break down each of these situations.

Why Do Interviewers Ask This Question?

Let’s start with job interviews.

When an interviewer asks you to describe yourself in a few words, they’re looking to find out a few things about you, including:

How your qualities match the job you’re applying for.
If your personality aligns with their culture.
How you perceive yourself and if you’re down to earth.

You might hear a different version of this question, such as:

Can you describe yourself in three words?
How do other people describe you?
What are your best qualities?
Describe yourself in one sentence.

If you’re well-prepared, the way you answer this question can help you ace your job interview.

But if you’re nervous and can’t think of a solid answer, you might leave a bad impression.

So, this question is an excellent opportunity to showcase the qualities that make you a good fit for the position.

But unlike the similar job interview question, " Tell me about yourself, " describing yourself in a few words should be taken literally.

Your answer should be:

Brief. Shortlist a few choice adjectives that could describe you instead of making a full story. The hiring manager might ask you to elaborate on why you chose those words, but you don’t need to prepare a thesis to back up traits like “empathetic” or “resilient.”
Objective. Don’t try to make yourself sound too cool. Choose words that other people would actually use to describe you and that you could prove you have as qualities, such as “hard-working” or “curious.”
Relevant. Make sure the words you choose are related to the job you’re applying for. Being “meticulous” is a great quality if you work in accounting, but it’s bad if you’re trying to be an emergency medical technician.

This question could also pop up during college application interviews or interviews for a volunteer position you’re after.

10 Words to Never Describe Yourself As (Professionally)

As you can imagine, there are also words you shouldn’t use to describe yourself during a job interview, on a resume, or a college application.

It’s not that these adjectives are bad per se - on the contrary, a lot of them are great qualities to have. But they might not sound great in a professional context.

Let’s take the following example: you’re a hiring manager who is interviewing someone for a job. When you ask them to describe themselves, they say:

“How would I describe myself? Let’s see, I’m amazing, funny, and unique.”

That’s hardly someone you’d hire.

Now, it’d be more than OK if a coworker or friend described you this way. But calling yourself “amazing” in front of a hiring manager is too much without really saying anything at all.

So, here’s a list of our top ten words to avoid describing yourself with:

Intelligent

While none of these are bad traits, they can sound unprofessional, unfiltered, and even braggy.

Want to know what other mistakes you should avoid during your job interview? Check out our detailed article for more.

10 Tips for Choosing Words to Describe Yourself

We’ve covered the basics, so now let's look at ten tips to help you describe yourself perfectly, starting with:

#1. Tailor Them to the Role

When describing yourself, it's crucial to tailor your words to the specific role you're applying for.

If you’re applying for a job, start by thoroughly reviewing the job description and identifying the keywords , qualities, and skills the employer is looking for. Then, choose words that describe you while reflecting those requirements.

For example, if the job emphasizes teamwork and collaboration, you might describe yourself as "collaborative" or "team-oriented."

By aligning your description with the role's requirements, you can show the interviewer that you understand the job's demands and have the necessary qualities to succeed.

#2. Research the Organization

Understanding the organization's culture, values, and mission can help you choose the right words to describe yourself.

So, if you’re preparing your resume for a job application, take some time to research the company through its website, social media profiles, and any news that pops up about it. Look for recurring themes, such as innovation, customer focus, or sustainability.

Then, think of words to describe yourself that show you align with the company's values. For example, if the company prides itself on being innovative, you might describe yourself as "creative" or "forward-thinking."

We recommend doing research when you start putting your job application together, because whatever you find while researching the company can also be used to personalize your cover letter .

#3. Be Honest

It’s important to be honest when choosing words to describe yourself. While it might be tempting to exaggerate your qualities to fit the job, being honest goes a long way.

For starters, if you lie, the hiring manager will probably be able to tell, and the interview won’t go well.

So just choose words that genuinely reflect who you are and what you bring to the table. This way, you can back up your words with concrete examples.

Not to mention that being honest helps you find a job that truly matches your skills and personality, so you’ll be more satisfied and successful in the long run. It's better to be genuine and present a true picture of yourself than to risk being caught in a lie.

#4. Show Your Individuality

It’s a competitive job market out there, so it's important to stand out from other candidates and highlight what makes you different.

Think about the qualities, interpersonal skills , and experiences that set you apart. Maybe you have a unique background, a special skill set, or a distinctive approach to problem-solving that can make you stand out from other candidates.

For example, if you have a rare certification or an unconventional career path that has given you a broad perspective, you can choose words that reflect that and make you stand out.

If you started in the military as a logistics coordinator, moved on to a civilian role in supply chain management, and then moved into the tech industry as a data analyst, you’re going to have a unique perspective from all those diverse fields.

Words that could describe you are:

Multidisciplinary
Resourceful

Postgraduate programs are super competitive, so learn how to write a standout motivational letter for a Ph.D. with our detailed guide!

#5. Focus on Professional Qualities

While personal traits are important, you should focus on professional qualities to make sure that how you’re describing yourself is relevant to the role you’re applying for.

Highlight traits that are directly applicable to the job and show your ability to handle the responsibilities the role comes with.

Qualities like " organized, " "detail-oriented," "reliable," and "innovative" are all universal traits that employers value, since they provide a clear picture of how you operate in a professional setting.

Most importantly, always try to keep the conversation centered on how your most important skills and qualities will benefit the company since that’s what makes you a stronger candidate than people who only focus on their personalities.

#6. Keep Your Words Positive

When choosing words to describe yourself, always go for positive words.

Positive words have a stronger psychological impact and generally show a can-do attitude that employers prefer.

Negative phrases, on the other hand, can highlight shortcomings or weaknesses , which can leave a bad impression. You don’t want it to seem like you're focusing on what you can't do instead of on what you can do .

So, try to avoid negative phrases. For example, instead of saying "I'm not afraid of taking risks," reframe it to "I’m willing to take on challenges."

Even small changes to your tone can show employers that you’re someone who sees opportunities instead of obstacles and who’s likely to bring a positive attitude to the workplace.

#7. Be Clear and Concise

Avoid using overly complex words or long-winded explanations when describing yourself. You might end up confusing or boring the interviewer that way.

Instead, be straightforward and choose impactful words that clearly show your strengths .

For example, instead of saying, "I possess a great deal of enthusiasm and dedication to my work," you could just say, "I’m passionate and committed." This way, your message comes across loud and clear, and it can leave a much more memorable impression.

Not to mention, it shows that you have good communication skills , which are valuable in any professional setting.

#8. Highlight Your Skills and Experience

When choosing words to describe yourself, make sure you pick something that reflects your skills and experience.

When you describe yourself as "cautious" or "persuasive," make sure to follow up with specific examples that prove you have these qualities.

For example, if you describe yourself as "analytical," be ready to mention a project where your analytical skills led to a successful outcome if the interviewer wants more information

Being able to back up your traits with evidence makes your pitch more credible, and it makes it more likely for you to convince the interviewer.

#9. Show Confidence

It’s important to be confident during your job interview, especially when describing yourself. You don’t want to sound nervous when you’re describing who you are.

But it’s also important to find a balance and choose words that show confidence without making you sound arrogant.

For example, words like " adaptable " and "proactive" show you’re self-reliant and aware of your strengths. The more confident you are when describing yourself, the more confident the interviewer will be about your ability to perform the job.

Confident candidates tend to be seen as more capable and resilient, which makes interviewers like them more.

Just don’t be too confident. You want to show the interviewer that you believe in yourself and that you’re ready for the job, not that you think you’re the best candidate in the whole wide world.

#10. Avoid Clichés

There are a lot of overused phrases that we recommend you avoid. Words like "hard-working," "team player," or "problem solver" can make you sound generic.

Sure, you might have great teamwork skills , but you should still choose more specific words.

For example, instead of saying "I'm a hard worker," you could say you’re “determined,” “motivated,” or “serious.”

99+ Words to Describe Yourself for Any Situation

They say actions speak louder than words, but sometimes you can only rely on words to describe yourself.

For example, before you can prove your professional or academic capabilities, you have to express yourself through your college application , your interview with hiring managers, or your resume.

Your online persona, from your social media usernames to the adjectives you use to describe yourself on various platforms like dating apps, is also defined by your choice of words.

And considering how important all of the above is, there’s no doubt you’d want to nail the words you pick to describe yourself.

So, to help you pick the right words, we’ve compiled a list of the best 100 words to describe yourself in any situation!

Best Words to Describe Yourself:

Adventurous
Affectionate
Approachable
Broad-minded
Communicative
Compassionate
Competitive
Charismatic
Considerate
Constructive
Enthusiastic
Extroverted
Imaginative
Independent
Intelligent
Knowledgeable
Open-minded
Responsible
Self-reliant
Socially conscious
Straightforward
Sympathetic
Trustworthy
Understanding

50 Words to Describe Yourself in a Job Interview

You know the basics of how to describe yourself during a job interview, so now it’s time for some practical examples.

When picking words to describe yourself, we recommend the following:

Choose adjectives that are relevant to the position you’re applying for.
Be ready to back up your answer with examples to prove you’re being honest.

Say you’re applying to be a teacher , and the interviewer asks you, “What are three words you’d use to describe yourself?”

Here’s how not to answer the question:

“I’m creative, competitive, and tenacious.”

Now, there’s nothing technically wrong with these adjectives; they’re great qualities! However, there are two reasons this answer isn’t the best:

Competitiveness and tenacity are not the most sought-after skills for teachers.
The claims aren’t backed up with concrete examples. You could, for example, really be creative, or you could be exaggerating. Without backing up your claims with examples, the interviewer won’t be able to tell which one it is.

So, here’s a more interview-friendly way to answer this question:

“To begin with, I am creative - in my last school, I came up with an SAT exam preparation technique that raised the graduating class’s success rate by more than 30%. I am helpful, both to my students and coworkers - I often stay after class to clarify any questions students may have, and I fill in for other teachers whenever I can. Finally, I am very passionate about my work and my students. I’ve been in the field for over 10 years, and I plan on sticking with it for as long as I can.”

Now that’s a great answer!

To help you better prepare for your upcoming job interview, here’s a list of words you can use to describe yourself:

Collaborative
Cooperative
Detail-oriented
Disciplined
Experienced
Good listener
Industrious
Persevering
Professional
Results-oriented
Solution-oriented

Wondering what other questions might come up in a job interview? Check out our guide to 35+ interview questions and answers .

40 Words to Describe Yourself in a Resume

When it comes to your resume, you won’t be directly asked to find three words to describe yourself. However, you should still be careful about what adjectives you put on your resume.

Here’s why – before you even make it to a job interview, it’s your resume that will do the talking.

Of course, it’s not enough to just sprinkle in some adjectives here and there and call it a day. Instead, you need to find the right way to sell yourself as the ideal candidate.

Your resume only has about six seconds to impress the hiring manager, so what they read first has to be impactful.

This is where your resume headline comes in. This is a brief paragraph where you get to describe yourself, and it can be written in one of two ways:

Resume summary . This includes your years of experience and a two to three-sentence summary of your career so far.
Resume objective . This is a two to four-sentence paragraph that expresses your professional goals, aspirations, and any relevant skills you have for the job.

But just like with the interview, plugging in some random adjectives to describe yourself won’t cut it.

You need to choose words that are relevant to the job and include one or two of your most impressive achievements .

Even if you’re the most seasoned professional out there with tons of achievements to show off, you’ll need an adjective or two to describe yourself. In that case, we recommend sticking to a resume summary, like so:

Task-driven professional who’s experienced in data entry, customer service, and reception duties. Able to perform accurate and efficient entry of data into administrative software.

But, say you’re a recent college graduate applying as a Communications Assistant. In that case, you should go with a resume objective that would look something like this:

Hard-working and passionate college graduate looking to apply up-to-date skills and strategies as a Communications Assistant at the Regional Youth Cooperation Office. Over one year of practical experience as an intern at the Mayor’s Communications Office.

Get the idea? Here’s a list of more adjectives to choose from for your resume:

Accomplished
Accountable
Conscientious
Data-driven
Emotionally intelligent
Entrepreneurial
Hard-working
People person
Problem-solver
Self-assured
Self-starter
Team player
Troubleshooter
Unconventional

47 Words to Describe Yourself on a College Application

Most college applications require that you submit a personal statement .

Personal statements are a way to promote yourself and show why you are the right candidate for a certain program. Unlike motivational letters , where you’re supposed to explain your academic objectives, personal statements allow more space for creativity.

So, you can be more expressive and personal with the words you use to describe yourself in a college application, instead of your resume or job interview.

As an undergrad candidate, you’re supposed to highlight your strengths and show what makes you unique.

Here are some words you can use for inspiration:

Down-to-earth
Social butterfly

45+ Words to Describe Yourself in a Cover Letter

A cover letter is your opportunity to make a great first impression on a potential employer. It complements your resume by highlighting your personality, enthusiasm, and fit for the role.

Unlike a resume, which is more structured and fact-based, a cover letter lets you be more personal.

When writing one, it’s important to choose words that showcase your strengths, personality, and professional qualities. These words can help paint a picture of who you are and why you are the best candidate for the position.

Goal-oriented
Hardworking
Integrity-driven
Leadership-oriented
Motivational
Results-driven

170 Best Words to Describe Yourself Based on Profession

The words you choose to describe yourself should match the specific role or industry you’re aiming for as closely as possible.

So, to help you pick the right words, we’ve compiled a list of examples for different professions, starting with:

#1. Retail and Sales

Even with the rise of technology and digital communication channels, employers are still looking for the same traits when it comes to retail and sales professionals .

Some words that retail workers and sales associates might use to describe themselves include:

Customer-focused

Read a full sales associate resume example here.

#2. Customer Service

If you want to excel in customer service, you need the right skills and qualities to effectively address and resolve any customer concerns.

Here are some of the best words to describe yourself in the customer service industry:

Read a full customer service resume example here.

#3. Hospitality

The core of the hospitality industry is creating welcoming environments for guests, so, naturally, the best professionals in this industry should be warm and attentive.

That being said, as a hospitality professional, you should be:

Multitasker

Read a full receptionist resume example here.

#4. Food and Beverage

The food and beverage industry is all about speed, efficiency, and excellent service. Whether you want to be a line cook or a bar manager , you need to be able to withstand the heat and deliver perfect results.

Some of the best words to use to describe yourself in the food and beverage industry are:

Team-player

Read a full server resume example here.

#5. Marketing and Advertising

It takes more than know-how to be a marketing pro. New technologies and trends keep popping up, so professionals in the marketing and advertising industry need to be able to keep up.

You might describe yourself as:

Read a full digital marketing resume here.

#6. Administrative and HR

Administrative and HR professionals are the glue that keeps companies running smoothly. So, people working in these industries need to have traits that reflect how they can manage responsibilities and support teams.

If you work as an administrative or HR professional, you might describe yourself as:

Read a full administrative assistant resume example here.

#7. Business

Thriving in the business world requires a strategic mindset, innovative thinking, and strong leadership skills .

Some of the best words to describe yourself in the business industry include:

Read a full business analyst resume example here.

#8. Finance

A lot more goes into finance and banking than just numbers. While there are a lot of tools finance professionals should know how to use, their personal traits can be equally important.

Anyone working in the field of finance should be:

Read a full financial analyst resume example here.

#9. IT and Software Development

Technology changes rapidly, so working in IT and software development requires innovative and analytical employees.

Consider using some of the following words to describe yourself:

Read a full IT resume example here.

#10. Nursing and Healthcare

Healthcare professionals are among the most important workers, so it’s no surprise that they need to be updated on the latest tech, treatments, or best practices.

So, the most useful words to describe yourself with are:

Read a full nurse resume example here.

#11. Art and Design

If you’re looking for a job as an artist or designer, talent isn’t the only thing you’re going to need. Creative projects require teams that work together to deliver the final product, so there are a lot of qualities hiring managers are on the lookout for.

Think of the most crucial traits for working in this field and describe yourself as:

Read a full graphic designer resume example here.

#12. Writing and Editing

To succeed as a writer or editor, you need a combination of creativity, attention to detail, and analytical skills.

So, some of the best words to describe yourself in this field include:

Read a full writer resume here.

#13. Journalism

To succeed in journalism you’re going to need more than great presentation skills .

If you’re applying for a job as a journalist, some of the best words to describe yourself are:

Inquisitive

#14. Education

Working in the education field requires the right knowledge as much as the right qualities. Educators need to be able to effectively support their students' learning journeys while maintaining discipline in the classroom.

So, professionals working in education should be:

Read a full academic CV example here.

#15. Science

Science is all about innovation and discoveries.

If you’re looking for a career in this field, you need to be:

Read a full research assistant resume example here.

#16.Social Work

One of the most challenging fields is social work, and hiring managers want to make sure you can navigate the challenges it comes with.

Think about the essential qualities a social worker should possess and describe yourself as:

Read a full social worker resume example here.

#17. Management

Regardless of the industry, management roles require a lot of the same transferable skills and personal qualities. If you’re up for a role as a manager, you need to be ready to manage people, resources, and procedures, as well as time, plans, and projects.

Here are some of the most useful words to describe yourself as a manager:

Read a full project manager resume example here.

Key Takeaways

And that’s a wrap! We hope that by now you’re confident and equipped with tons of words to describe yourself.

Let’s go over some of the main points we covered in the article:

A lot of situations will require that you find the right words to describe yourself. These include writing a resume, preparing a college application, or doing a job interview.
For job interviews and resumes, make sure to use words to describe yourself that are relevant to the role you’re applying for, and be ready to back up your claims with specific examples.
Your resume headline is your chance to make a memorable first impression on the hiring manager. Carefully choose adjectives that are relevant to the position after researching the company and scanning the job ad for clues.
There are some words you should avoid when describing yourself because they’re either too generic or unprofessional.

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

Me, Myself, and I: How to Describe Yourself in College Application Essays

A Student’s College Application Essay Is One Of Their Best Opportunities To Stand Out…

After all, a well-written personal statement can be the difference between acceptance or receiving a waitlist letter. Often, the best essays are those that go into detail about the student themselves. A descriptive essay that shows how a student’s personal hobbies, interests, values, and career goals interconnect goes much farther than just a list of their extracurricular activities.

However, many students find it difficult to break the habit of being humble and write about themselves. In this article, we cover five different ways students can reframe the challenge of writing about themselves to make their college essays feel more personal.

The Importance Of Sharing Your Story

With over 3 million students expected to graduate from high school this year , the pool of college applicants will continue to grow. Because of this, colleges are increasingly seeking ways to adapt the college admission process to allow students the opportunity to share their unique stories.

Across the country, from small liberal arts colleges to leading research universities, schools are increasingly moving in the direction of a holistic admission process . A holistic approach to college admissions goes beyond a student’s test scores and grade point averages to take into account all that a student achieves inside and outside of school.

Because of this shift in approach, it’s never been more necessary for students to share their personal stories however they can in their college application. Most often, students are given the opportunity through essay prompts that ask questions about the student’s views, values, or interests as they relate to the institution.

While many students find these prompts uncomfortable, they are one of the only ways students can take control of the application process by choosing to put themselves in the spotlight. The person who reads a student’s college application and personal statement has no idea who they are; it’s up to each student to leave them with a good first impression.

5 Tips For Writing About Yourself On College Applications

Show personal depth.

While students may be tempted to state just the facts of their background, encourage depth and description in their application. A holistic admissions process loves to see students with interests that interconnect, especially when provided with a record of extracurricular involvement to back it up . Providing detail gives the reader the context they’ll need to get a clear picture of the student.

In other words, students shouldn’t be afraid to nerd out and get passionate! If their interest in political activism is driven by the field they’re most interested in studying, such as climate science, encourage them to work all aspects of their character into their application. Same with art, social justice, psychology, and more! Colleges provide students with essay prompts that invite them to get personal for a reason - they love the inside look at what qualities your student will bring to their campus.

However, students should be careful to not merely rewrite a list of accomplishments, extracurriculars, or commitments that can be found elsewhere on their college applications. A student’s personal essay can lean on these parts of the application by focusing on the most important accomplishments rather than trying to list all of them within a small word count limit.

DESCRIBE YOUR BACKGROUND

Today, it’s possible for students from all walks of life to attend college, each bringing their own unique perspective and background to create more diverse campuses than ever . As this diversity is continually being recognized as a driver of innovation and equality, colleges are giving applicants more chances than ever to describe their background and what factors have shaped them into the person they are today.

Therefore, if there’s a unique aspect of your student’s background that you believe is worth highlighting in their college application, don’t hesitate! Colleges are eager to hear from applicants with experiences during their upbringing that reveal grit, determination, or ambition.

MAKE USE OF STORIES

To this end, students should make use of stories in their personal statements, if given a prompt where a story would make sense. Past experiences that show personal growth, dedication to values or ethics, or willingness to reach out and help those in need can all do more to tell a college about an applicant’s potential as a student than a grade point average ever could.

Shockingly, sometimes the most powerful stories to tell in a personal statement are those where a student has failed, lost, or made a mistake. In these stories, students are not only given the opportunity to display humility and the capability for growth, but also many other soft skills often associated with success in higher education.

Even if the essay prompt doesn’t invite your student to share a story, look for ways to naturally incorporate small anecdotes. Past experiences and stories, even summarized in a few sentences, can add a personal touch to an essay that college admissions officials will notice.

CONNECT TO THE SCHOOL

Students should always aim to be truthful in their college applications and should avoid making themselves seem more connected to the college they apply to than they really are. However, if a student’s interests, values, or experiences align with a college’s, then making an effort to genuinely connect with the school in their college essay can give students an edge.

For example, a student with a nearly life-long passion for debate would be well served to mention it when applying for a school where their debate team has received national recognition.

Additionally, if your child has had positive experiences with a school, whether through official programs or interactions with current students or alumni, a brief mention of this can work well in their college essay. When a student is unsure of how to answer “why this college” essay prompts , this tactic can be a great way to bridge the gap between what first drew a student toward a school and what convinced them to apply.

ASK FOR AN OUTSIDE OPINION

If your student finds themselves struggling to weave their personal story into the essay prompt, one way to spark ideas is to ask a trusted outsider for help. From a counselor to a teacher or fellow student, chances are your student will know someone who is willing to give them an idea of how they’d describe them to others. These outside looks will do wonders for your child’s confidence, creativity, and perspective when it comes to writing their “me, myself, and I” personal statement.

Depending on who your student asks, they may even be reminded of past experiences where they showed personal growth, committed to their values, or helped someone in need. Hearing stories from a different perspective may make it easier to write about them in a way that doesn’t feel self-aggrandizing. If they’ve already written a rough first draft of the story, their helper may be able to fill in details that add strength to the essay.

Make Your Personal Statement Personal

Many students struggle with the idea of writing about themselves. However, the perception that describing your past or telling a meaningful story about yourself is “bragging” couldn’t be further from the truth. Colleges are eager to hear stories that give insight into who a student is beyond their grades and test scores, and students would be wise to take advantage of the opportunities to do so. Yet, even the most accomplished adults struggle with describing themselves and their own accomplishments. It can be difficult to sell yourself, no matter how much value you bring to the table!

If your student is having a difficult time portraying themselves in their college application, we’d love to hear from you and see where our WeAdmit counselors can help. Our counselors are experienced in helping guide students toward submitting the best possible college applications, exploring all their options, and putting their best first impression forward. We would love to hear from you and see how our team can help your student get into their dream college!

Unlocking Potential through Essential Questions: 18 Inquiries for Campus Tours and Info Sessions

Unlocking the Secrets of Campus Tours and Info Sessions: Unveiling 18 Essential Questions for Prospective Students and Parents. Don't miss out on this valuable guide to making the most of your college visits. Explore the right questions to ask, gain valuable insights, and empower yourself to make informed decisions about your future undergraduate program.

Expressing Gratitude to Forbes for Recognizing WeAdmit's Commitment to Quality College Counseling

WeAdmit expresses gratitude to Forbes for recognizing our commitment to quality college counseling and accessible guidance. We are honored to empower students and shape a brighter future through education. Thank you, Forbes, for your support.

Need more Information?

Gain all the information you need by getting in touch with our admissions team or booking a free 30-minute counseling session.

Home — Essay Samples — Life — About Myself — Describing Myself: What Shapes Me

Describing Myself: What Shapes Me

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Published: Sep 7, 2023

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Chapter 1: the canvas of experiences, chapter 2: the palette of skills, chapter 3: the portrait of personality and values, conclusion: the mosaic of identity.

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50 Words To Describe Yourself In An Interview [+Examples!]

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If you're like most people, you probably find it difficult to describe yourself in just a few words. After all, there are so many qualities that make up a person!

Luckily, there are some tried and true ways to make sure you put your best foot forward when it comes time to describe yourself.

In this blog post, I'll share 50 words to describe yourself in an interview and 8 example answers that you can use as inspiration to help get your message across clearly.

I recommend reading this piece from top to bottom. However, if you're interested in specific topics, just jump to the following sections:

Finding Words To Describe Yourself: Start By Thinking About The Qualities That Make You Unique

Best Words To Describe Yourself On A Resume

Best Words To Describe Yourself In An Interview (With Examples!)

By following the tips in this post, you'll be able to present yourself in the best possible light and make a great impression on potential employers.

Let's get started!

What makes you unique? Are you creative? Passionate? Driven? These are just a few of the many qualities that make people who they are. When you know what makes you special, you can start to focus on how you can use those qualities to achieve your goals.

Let's say you have an interest in arts, for instance, and have pursued a career in graphic design. You might be described as someone creative.

Or, maybe, you're the type of person who fights for a cause you think is worth fighting for. One might describe you as passionate.

If you have a background in entrepreneurship, on the other hand, you might be described as driven.

No matter what qualities make you unique, remember that they can be used to help you achieve success.

How To Describe Yourself In 55 Words Or Less

Describing yourself in less than 55 words can feel like a challenge. The trick here is to grab a unique trait that best describes you and bring in some examples that validate this trait. For instance, let's say you want to describe yourself as productive . Here's what an answer could look like:

My best trait is productivity. For example, in my previous role as a Marketing Manager at BlueCode, our department was often bottlenecked due to new campaign requests coming from Product and Sales. I used a free project management tool to streamline workflows and managed to boost deliverables by 20% in the first quarter of 2023.

See? The 55 words above effectively describe the candidate as productive using a specific example!

Best Words To Describe Yourself on a Resume

Describing yourself in your resume and describing yourself during an interview are two very different things.

During an interview, you will want to focus on more aspects of your personality; however, for your resume, you'll need to use words that are mostly related to your skills, like proactive, committed, and consistent.

And the best way you can do this is by scanning your resume and matching it with the job description you are applying for. This way, you can fill in the gaps with words that describe yourself and have a good fit with the job!

Words to Describe Yourself On Your Resume Examples

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During an interview, it's also important to think about what in-demand soft skills you have, and how you will convey those traits to a recruiter or hiring manager.

For instance:

Example #1: Describing yourself as Creative : I am creative and passionate about my work. I am always looking for new ways to express myself and I strive to create the best work possible through graphic design. I believe that art should be accessible to everyone, and I strive to make my work available online to as many people as possible on platforms like Behance and Dribbble, as well as open-source communities. I am always learning and growing as an artist – I’ve recently completed my Graphic Design Certification with Adobe, and I hope to continue to develop my skills for years to come.

Notice how, in the example above, this candidate didn’t limit their answer to: “I am creative”, period. Instead, they used this opportunity to also share what drives them and what skills they use to exercise their creativity. Then, they wrap up by stating their desire to continuously improve!

If you’re still struggling to find the best words to describe you, don’t worry. We’ve crafted a few tips to help inspire you.

And our first tip is…

#1 Use Adjective Words To Describe Yourself

When you're describing yourself, it's important to use positive words such as “hard-working,” “driven,” and “creative”. After all, you want to make a good impression.

These words will show potential employers that you are a go-getter who is willing to put in the work to achieve success. Associating yourself with positive words is a powerful way to communicate your soft skills to a potential employer.

Here's a list of 30+ words to describe yourself through adjectives:

Self-Starter
Hard-working
Collaborative
Team-Player
Considerate
Resourceful
Disciplined
Trustworthy

When you start to use these words to describe yourself, be sure to use your experiences to back up your adjectives. Words alone will not be enough to convey your value and experience to a hiring manager.

Example #2: Describing yourself as Trustworthy :

My team could always count on me to get the job done. I try my best to never miss a deadline and always stay on time by communicating honestly and transparently with both my teammates and the department manager. I remember there was this one time in my previous role when we were working on a report to present to our CEOs and I collected the data from a different period, which not only led to misleading results but also delayed the workflow and conclusion of the report. Once I realized this, I immediately spoke to my colleagues and owned up to my mistakes, then negotiated with my manager a deadline extension so I could re-run the data. Since then, I’ve added a revision step in my work process so I can flag any issues before moving forward, and I’m now the go-to person on my team for quality control.

Notice how this candidate uses past experiences to best illustrate their personality trait. They also let the hiring manager know what they've learned from this experience. That's way better than simply answering “I am a trustworthy person”!

To craft answers like the one above, you can brush up on your Star Interview Method skills to better incorporate these describing words into your career stories. Be as clear as possible with your language, and make sure your stories illustrate the qualities you want to highlight.

#2 Share A Personal Story To Illustrate One Of Your Qualities

Be specific when you're describing your accomplishments and qualities. For example, if you say that you are “hard-working,” share a story about a time when you went above and beyond the call of duty to get a project done.

This will help potential employers see that you are not just saying that you are hard-working, but that you have actual proof to back up your claim.

Example #3: Sharing a personal story, describing yourself as Resourceful : As a Customer Success Manager at TechVista, I was tasked with creating a presentation to show the board of directors how we might improve client education during onboarding to help improve downstream feature adoption. At the time, I didn't have much experience in onboarding, so I was a bit overwhelmed with where to start. But I wasn't going to give up. First, I set up meetings with everyone in our Implementation team to understand how we are currently educating customers, as well as the tools and resources available to us. Next, I performed competitive analyses on the onboarding process for three of our competitors. I combed through YouTube tutorials, customer reviews, and even booked demos with the competitor's sales teams to ask more about what onboarding would look like. In the end, the board actually recommended adopting my strategies. We rolled it out across our Implementation and CS teams and saw an 17% increase in client retention over the next 12 months. My manager promoted me to Senior Customer Success Manager that year as a result!

Example #4: Describing your work experience using the word Innovative : At my previous job, I was tasked with coming up with a new marketing campaign that would help increase sales. I brainstormed for days, but I just couldn't come up with anything that felt fresh and new. I decided to partner with a stop-motion video maker who was able to showcase our products innovatively. I crafted the script for the video and sat side-by-side with them for a week so we could design the storyboard. Then, I set up a meeting with the Marketing team to set up a distribution strategy centered around digital channels like social media, online communities, and paid media. I presented the strategy to our Marketing Manager and it was approved with minor changes. The campaign was launched in the following quarter and lasted eight weeks. By the end of that period, we increased Sales-Qualified Leads by 38%, which helped generate six-figure revenue!

Both of these examples show how you can describe specific experiences in your career. Whether you came up with a new marketing campaign or found a new way to do something, sharing your success stories in an interview will help a recruiter or hiring manager see your value and what you could bring to their company.

No matter what your unique qualities are, remember that you can use them to your advantage. Be specific when you're describing your accomplishments and qualities, and use your experiences to back up your claims. With a little effort, you can use your unique qualities to stand out from the crowd and land the job you've always wanted.

#4 Talk About Your Professional Experience And Accomplishments

When you're asked to describe yourself, it's important to include both your professional and personal experiences. After all, your potential employer will want to know not only what qualities you have, but also how you've used those qualities to achieve success in your career. It's likely that you will be asked, What is your greatest accomplishment ?” in an interview, so you'll want to be prepared ahead of time!

Four things you might want to include are:

Your professional experience – What results did you drive in your previous role?
Your accomplishments – How did you help your team/customers/company succeed?
Any awards or recognition you've received – Were you recognized for anything specific?
What you've learned in your career so far – How did you grow professionally in your career?

Here's 10+ action words to describe your accomplishments and experience:

Example #5: Using the action word Developed to describe an accomplishment: As a Sales Manager at my previous job, I was always challenged to find new ways to increase sales. One of our sales pitches at my previous company focused on how our solution could help businesses reduce marketing costs by 20% in the first month, but it was difficult for leads to visualize this in a single meeting. I collaborated cross-functionally with the Software Engineering and Marketing teams to develop and market a free online calculator that showed how our tools helped companies leverage more cost-efficient paid media campaigns, dropping their CPC while simultaneously increasing impressions. The feature was launched ten weeks later and, by the end of that quarter, the company was able to increase sales by 32% using this resource.

Example #6: Describing your professional experience using the word Organized : I am an organized and detail-oriented person, which has helped me excel in my career as an events planner. No matter how big or small the event is, I always use the same system to keep track of all the details. Last year, for instance, I was responsible for planning a corporate event with 500+ attendees. The client was holding a cocktail party and hosting ten different panel discussions. So, along with setting the decorations, catering, audio-visual, and managing the staff at the event, I also had to organize the speakers’ agendas so everything would run smoothly. I started planning months ahead of the event and set up a collaborative board in Trello, a project management tool, where I could set up deadlines and keep track of the status of each task. By adopting this system, I was able to have everything set two weeks prior to the event!

Both of these examples show how you can use your professional experiences to demonstrate your qualities. When describing your accomplishments, be sure to include specific details and use action words.

If you're struggling to think of specific examples, take a look at your resume. Chances are, you've already listed some of your professional accomplishments there. You can also think about a time when you went above and beyond at work or helped solve a problem.

Once you have a few examples in mind, take some time to brainstorm how you would describe each experience. Remember to use action words and be as specific as possible. By doing this, you'll be able to paint a picture of yourself as a competent and successful professional.

#4 Words To Describe Yourself That Focus On The Future

It's important to focus on the future as this shows potential employers that you are always looking for ways to improve and grow.

When you're interviewing for a job, let the hiring manager know what your career goals are and where you see yourself in the future. It shows them that you care about your career and are looking for a long-term opportunity. It also gives them a better idea of where you see yourself fitting in at their company.

Your short- or long-term goals – What career goals do you have now and in the future?
What you are hoping to achieve in your career – What is your career path ?
What skills you want to learn – Be specific!
How you plan on developing your abilities – Courses, side projects, on the job training, etc.

Here are a few words to describe your future plans:

Example #7: Your plans to Advance in your career path: I am always looking for ways to advance in my career. In the next three years, I see myself as a Director of Sales, and, to achieve this goal, I am currently working towards getting my MBA. I’m also taking courses on leadership and management to expand my skill set. However, I understand that this role also requires experience, so I’ve been spearheading new projects in my current position at ByteBurst to gain more experience in leading and motivating a Sales team. For instance, I recently built a squad within the Sales team dedicated to an upselling strategy that aims to upgrade our SaaS customers from the Basic plan to the Premium plan. To exercise my leadership skills, I’ve set up bi-weekly meetings so the squad can share their insights with the ongoing strategy and so I can support them in any way I can to achieve our goals as a team.

Example #8: Your plans to Develop your abilities: I am always looking for ways to improve my skills. In my previous job, the company was migrating its servers to AWS, and I began to develop an interest in cloud computing. After several courses, I was able to take an AWS Certification, and I am now preparing to take my certification as a Professional Cloud Architect with Google Cloud.

In conclusion, when you are asked to describe yourself, it's important to use positive words, share a personal story, focus on your professional experience and accomplishments, and focus on the future. Doing so will give potential employers a well-rounded picture of who you are and what you can bring to the table.

Looking for more interview tips? These posts will help you prepare for your next interview:

Interview Preparation: The Key To A Successful Job Interview
“Tell Me About Yourself!” How To Impress Your Interviewer
How To Ace Your Answer To “What Is Your Greatest Weakness?”

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How to Describe Yourself: 20 Smart Examples for Job Interviews

By Status.net Editorial Team on July 26, 2023 — 14 minutes to read

How to Describe Yourself: Self-Evaluation Part 1
How to Describe Yourself: Example Answers Part 2
Words That Can Be Used to Describe Oneself Part 3
Highlighting Achievements and Qualifications Part 4
Discussing Your Passions and Drive Part 5
Some Ideas for Describing Yourself in a Job Interview Part 6
How to Craft a Concise and Direct Response Part 7
How to Answer Additional Questions Part 8

Describing yourself in a way that showcases your skills, personality, and experience effectively can make a significant difference in whether you land the job or not. In this article, we will provide examples and insights on how to describe yourself effectively to leave a lasting impression on potential employers.

First, it’s crucial to know your strengths and weaknesses to effectively describe yourself in an interview. Think about your personality traits, past accomplishments, and skills you’ve gained through your professional and personal experiences to create a compelling description that highlights who you are and what you bring to the table.

Part 1 How to Describe Yourself: Self-Evaluation

Traits to consider.

When describing yourself in a job interview, consider your personality traits, strengths, and values . Focus on highlighting positive traits that are relevant to the job. For example:

Adaptability : You can adjust to changing situations and working conditions.
Problem-solving : You can identify and work through challenges efficiently.
Communication : You can effectively convey information and ideas to others.

Related: What Are Soft Skills? (and How to Showcase Them)

“What Sets You Apart”: 5 Smart Answers

Aligning with Company Culture

Another aspect to consider when describing yourself is how your qualities align with the company culture. Research the organization beforehand, familiarize yourself with their values, and describe how your own characteristics fit with those values. For example:

If the company values teamwork , mention how you enjoy collaborating with others and offer examples of successful group projects.
If the company values innovation , discuss how you are open to new ideas and enjoy thinking creatively to find solutions.
If the company values integrity , share instances where you’ve demonstrated honesty and ethical behavior in the workplace.

By aligning your traits with the company’s culture, you demonstrate that you’re not only a good fit for the role but also for the organization as a whole.

Part 2 How to Describe Yourself: Example Answers

Describing your personality.

“I am someone who is very organized and detail-oriented. I like to plan ahead and make sure everything is in order before starting a project. I am also a good communicator and enjoy working with others to ensure everyone is on the same page. Overall, I am someone who takes pride in their work and strives for excellence.”

“I am a creative problem solver who enjoys thinking outside the box. I am not afraid to take risks and try new things, which has led me to some of my greatest successes. I am also a good listener and am always open to feedback and constructive criticism. In short, I am someone who is always looking for ways to innovate and improve.”

“I would describe myself as a highly motivated person who is always looking for ways to improve and grow. I’m a team player who enjoys collaborating with others to achieve common goals. I’m a quick learner and am always eager to take on new challenges.”

“I’m someone who is very organized and detail-oriented. I like to plan ahead and make sure everything is in order before starting a project. I’m also a good communicator and enjoy working with others to ensure everyone is on the same page. Overall, I’m someone who takes pride in their work and strives for excellence.”

“I’m a creative problem solver who enjoys thinking outside the box. I’m not afraid to take risks and try new things, which has led me to some of my greatest successes. I’m also a good listener and am always open to feedback and constructive criticism. In short, I’m someone who is always looking for ways to innovate and improve.”

“I’m a highly adaptable person who can work well under pressure. I’m able to prioritize tasks effectively and manage my time efficiently. I’m also someone who is very detail-oriented and always strives for accuracy in my work.”

“I’m a confident and outgoing person who enjoys meeting new people and building relationships. I’m a good listener and am able to communicate effectively with others. I’m also someone who is very organized and can manage multiple tasks simultaneously.”

“I’m a self-starter who is always looking for ways to improve processes and increase efficiency. I’m able to work independently and am comfortable taking on new challenges. I’m also someone who is very analytical and enjoys problem-solving.”

“I would describe myself as a highly motivated individual who is always looking for ways to improve and grow. I am a team player who enjoys collaborating with others to achieve common goals. Additionally, I am a quick learner and am always eager to take on new challenges.”

“I’m a team player who values collaboration and open communication. I’m able to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and am always willing to lend a helping hand. I’m also someone who is very creative and enjoys thinking outside the box.”

Describing Your Professional Experience

Example (sales).

“I’m a results-driven sales professional with over 5 years of experience in closing complex deals. I pride myself on my ability to build strong relationships with clients and understand their needs to deliver tailored solutions that exceed expectations.”

Example (Marketing)

“I’m a creative marketer with a passion for storytelling. I have experience in developing and executing successful campaigns across various channels, including social media, email marketing, and events.”

Example (Finance)

“I’m a detail-oriented financial analyst with a solid understanding of accounting principles and financial modeling. I have experience in analyzing financial data to identify trends and provide insights that help drive business decisions.”

Example (Human Resources)

“I’m a people-focused HR professional with experience in recruiting, onboarding, and employee relations. I enjoy working with individuals to help them reach their full potential and contribute to the success of the organization.”

Example (Information Technology)

“I’m a tech-savvy IT professional with experience in managing complex systems and networks. I have a passion for staying up-to-date with the latest technology trends and finding innovative solutions to solve business challenges.”

Example (Education)

“I’m a dedicated educator with a passion for helping students learn and grow. I have experience in developing engaging lesson plans and creating a positive learning environment that fosters student success.”

Example (Healthcare)

“I’m a compassionate healthcare professional with experience in providing high-quality patient care. I have a strong understanding of medical terminology and procedures, and I’m committed to providing personalized care to each patient.”

Example (Legal)

“I’m a detail-oriented attorney with experience in drafting legal documents and providing legal advice to clients. I have a strong understanding of the law and a passion for advocating for my clients’ rights.”

Example (Engineering)

“I’m a problem-solving engineer with experience in designing and implementing complex systems. I have a strong understanding of engineering principles and enjoy finding innovative solutions to challenging problems.”

Example (Hospitality)

“I’m a customer-focused hospitality professional with experience in providing exceptional service to guests. I have a passion for creating memorable experiences and ensuring that each guest feels valued and appreciated.”

Part 3 Words That Can Be Used to Describe Oneself

When you need to describe yourself in job interviews, use words that showcase your strengths. Feel free to choose words that fit your personality and skills.

Here are 50 words that can be used to describe oneself:

Collaborative
Detail-oriented
Enthusiastic
Goal-oriented
Hardworking
Interpersonal
Multitasker
Perseverant
Problem-solver
Quick learner
Responsible
Resourceful
Self-motivated
Self-sufficient
Team-player
Trustworthy
Well-organized

Related: Core Values List: 150+ Awesome Examples of Personal Values

Part 4 Highlighting Achievements and Qualifications

Relevant work experience.

When mentioning your work experience, focus on showcasing the accomplishments that best align with the job posting’s requirements. Describe the specific results you achieved and quantify them whenever possible. For example:

“Increased sales by 20% in my territory as a sales manager”
“Improved customer satisfaction ratings by 15% as a customer service representative”

This way, you demonstrate your ability to deliver results and prove that your past experience is relevant to the position you’re applying for.

Cover Letter Connections

In your cover letter, connect your accomplishments and qualifications to the employer’s needs. A great strategy is to pick key points from the job description and provide examples of how you’ve successfully tackled similar challenges in your career. For example:

“Your job posting mentions a need for strong project management skills. As a marketing coordinator, I’ve managed successful campaigns that led to a 25% increase in the company’s online engagement.”

By making these connections, you’ll show the hiring manager that you understand the company’s needs and why you’d excel in the position.

Incorporating Skills

Highlight your relevant skills and explain how they’ve contributed to your achievements. If the job posting lists specific skills as requirements, make sure to mention the ones you possess. For example:

“As a web developer with expertise in JavaScript, I redesigned our company’s website, which boosted its traffic by 30% in just three months.”
“My strong negotiation skills allowed me to secure favorable contracts for our team, reducing costs by 10%.”

Part 5 Discussing Your Passions and Drive

Showing enthusiasm.

When explaining your passions during a job interview, emphasize how these passions align with the company’s culture and mission. Be specific and demonstrate that you’ve done your research. Explain how your enthusiasm for their vision and what they stand for will benefit the company. For example, if you are applying to a sustainable fashion brand, mention how you’re passionate about ecological and ethical practices in fashion.

Sharing Hobbies and Interests

Talking about your hobbies and interests adds a personal touch to your self-description and enables the interviewer to get to know you better. Choose a select few hobbies that link to the job or showcase transferable skills. For instance, if you enjoy photography, mention how this helps you to develop a keen eye for detail and creativity which can translate to your job performance. If you’re an avid reader, discuss how regularly indulging in literature helps you improve your analytical and critical thinking abilities. Make sure to balance your personal passions with professional relevance to ensure a well-rounded and engaging self-description.

Part 6 Some Ideas for Describing Yourself in a Job Interview

First, consider your background and how it has shaped you. For example, maybe you grew up in a multilingual household, which cultivated your open-mindedness and understanding towards various cultures. Demonstrate how these qualities would make you an asset to the company, especially when working with diverse customers or teams.
Being organized is a highly sought-after trait. You can showcase this by sharing examples of how you manage deadlines, balance multiple priorities, and maintain your workspace or how you’ve improved a process to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.
Confidence is vital in the workplace. You can display this by discussing how you’ve successfully tackled challenging projects, made effective decisions, and taken calculated risks.
Collaboration is key, so you can highlight your interpersonal skills. You can share instances when you’ve built strong relationships, provided helpful feedback, or worked successfully in a group setting. Being empathetic, patient, and diplomatic are other essential qualities, as they showcase your ability to put yourself in others’ shoes and navigate tricky situations.
Being honest and genuine demonstrates that you are trustworthy and reliable. You can share stories about how your integrity helped you make difficult decisions or maintain strong professional relationships.
Results-driven and resourceful traits are highly valued. You can explain how your hard work, persistence, and creative problem-solving strategies led to tangible results in past roles. Also, show how your ambition and motivation to succeed continue to push you to excel in your career.
Customer service skills are in high demand across industries. If you’re outgoing and attentive, discuss how you’ve provided excellent support and made customers feel valued. Try to share specific examples or feedback you’ve received from happy clients.
As an independent worker, you might excel at handling tasks with minimal supervision. You can explain how your ability to stay focused and disciplined allows you to get the job done efficiently. However, being a committed team player is also crucial, so find a balance between showcasing autonomy and adaptability.
Finally, a positive attitude can work wonders in the workplace. You can show that you’re optimistic, cheerful, and capable of bringing a sense of joy to any work environment. Share how your uplifting energy has made a difference in your colleagues’ experiences or increased overall morale.

Part 7 How to Craft a Concise and Direct Response

Structuring your answer.

Begin with a strong opening statement: Start by sharing a brief overview of who you are as a professional. Highlight your role, field, or expertise to give the interviewer a clear understanding of your background.

For example: “As a seasoned project manager, I have successfully led numerous software development projects from inception to completion.”

Discuss your key strengths: Focus on the qualities that make you an ideal candidate for the position. Choose 2-3 strengths that align with the job requirements, and talk about how these skills have helped you achieve success in previous roles.

For example: “My organization skills and ability to prioritize tasks have allowed me to consistently deliver projects on time and within budget.”

Give real-life examples: Try to showcase specific instances where your strengths and skills were put into action. Briefly explain the situation, the actions you took, and the positive outcome of your efforts.

For example: “In my previous position, I was given the responsibility of managing a high-priority project with a tight deadline. By carefully delegating tasks and maintaining open communication with my team, we not only met the deadline but exceeded the client’s expectations.”

Be genuine: While it’s important to showcase your strengths, it’s equally essential to be authentic and true to yourself. Avoid making exaggerated claims and focus on sharing information that genuinely reflects who you are.

Part 8 How to Answer Additional Questions

If asked specific questions about your skills, it is preferable to structure your response in a particular way. To structure an effective response, use either the STAR method or the SOAR framework.

The STAR Method

The STAR method is an effective and widely used way to describe your experiences and skills during job interviews. It helps you structure your answers when presenting relevant examples. STAR stands for:

S ituation: Describe the situation or context in which you encountered a challenge, problem, or opportunity.
T ask: Elaborate on the task you were responsible for or the goal you aimed to achieve.
A ction: Explain the actions you took to address the challenge or achieve the goal.
R esult: Share the outcome of your actions, focusing on the positive impact you had on your team or company.

For example, if asked about your time management skills, you could say:

Situation : During my time at X Company, I was responsible for managing multiple high-priority projects with tight deadlines. Task : To ensure all projects were completed on time and met the required standards. Action : I created a detailed project plan outlining priorities, resources, and deadlines. I regularly monitored progress, communicated with team members, and made adjustments as needed. Result : All projects were delivered on schedule and received positive feedback from clients.

The SOAR Framework

The SOAR framework is another useful format for structuring your answers during job interviews. It allows you to showcase your successes by focusing on what you did well. SOAR stands for:

S ituation: Provide the context for the particular success or achievement to be discussed.
O bstacles: Mention any challenges or obstacles you faced in achieving your goal.
A ctions: Describe the specific actions you took to overcome the obstacles and achieve your goal.
R esults: Highlight the positive outcomes resulting from your actions, such as increased productivity or improved customer satisfaction.

An example of using the SOAR framework might be when discussing your problem-solving skills:

Situation : As a sales representative at X Corporation, I was tasked with increasing our sales in a highly competitive market. Obstacles : The primary challenge was overcoming potential customers’ loyalty to well-established competitors. Actions : I conducted thorough market research to understand the pain points of our target audience, developed tailored sales pitches, and forged strong relationships with key stakeholders in their organizations. Results : Over a six-month period, I successfully closed deals with 15 new clients, resulting in a 20% increase in our company’s market share.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i give a brief description of myself for a job application.

To give a brief description of yourself for a job application, focus on your skills, experience, and personal qualities relevant to the position. Tailor your description to show how you’re a good fit for the company’s needs.

What are some examples of describing your personality?

When describing your personality, consider using adjectives that reflect your temperament, work style, and how you interact with others. For instance, you may describe yourself as adaptable, proactive, and empathetic.

How can you describe yourself in 5 words during an interview?

Describing yourself in 5 words during an interview requires choosing words that showcase your most valuable qualities. For example: “Dependable, innovative, resourceful, team-player, and versatile” .

Can you provide sample answers for ‘Tell me about yourself’?

“I’m a graphic designer with over seven years of experience in designing branding materials and websites for a variety of clients. My attention to detail and creativity have led to successful projects for both small businesses and large corporations.”
“As a dedicated human resources professional with a passion for employee engagement and development, I have eight years of experience working in various industries. I pride myself on my strong communication skills, which enable me to foster positive relationships and cultivate a productive work environment.”
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“Describe yourself in 3 words?” A common question that all interviewers ask! This is a usual question that looks like a hard nut to crack. However, it is actually an excellent opportunity to give an outstanding reply. In this post, we will detail why interviewers ask this, demonstrate how to craft an answer, and give you 50 ideas to get started.

The Significance of the “Describe Yourself in 3 Words” Question

Here are some reasons why employers prefer asking the ‘describe yourself in 3 words’ question:

A. Assessing your self-awareness and ability to communicate concisely

You can see yourself through it! Are you able to summarize your strong points in a concise message? This question evaluates your comprehension of your presentation and your communication skills .

B. Evaluating your fit for the role and company culture

To get a quick look at you, they ask you to “describe yourself in 3 words”! It helps them determine whether your work style and strengths match the requirements of the post and whether the team culture fits well with your personality. It’s a fast method to find out if you fit!

C. Gaining insights into your personality and values

Interviewers may ask you to describe yourself in 3 words when evaluating your self-attending. These powerful words give them an idea of what motivates you. This, in turn, gives them a glimpse of how you would do your work and fit in with their team.

D. Testing your ability to think on your feet and handle open-ended questions

Although it may seem simple, the “describe yourself in three words” question gives employers a quick indication of how you think under pressure. It assesses your ability to condense your strengths and modify them for the position you’re interviewing for. Put simply, it’s an early look at your reflexive thinking!

How To Craft Your “Describe Yourself in 3 Words” Answer

Some of the best ways to craft the ‘describe yourself in 3 words’ answer are:

A. Be honest and authentic

When asked to sum yourself up in three words, being honest is essential. Clichés quickly become stale. Pick phrases that accurately convey your advantages. Being genuine starts a conversation, showcasing your individuality and leaving a lasting impact.

B. Choose words that align with the job requirements and company values

Answering the “describe yourself in 3 words” interview question correctly can help you create a great first impression . In a few words and a positive tone, give them a summary of how you are perfect for the job. Use the company’s values and the skills mentioned in the job ad to frame the answer.

C. Provide context and examples to support your chosen words

Describe yourself in three words or less at an interview to make an impression. However, giving each word context and instance gives it life and helps the message be understood fully. It turns your general response into a clear picture of your abilities and their application.

D. Practice your answer to deliver it confidently and naturally

It is advisable to practice answering the “three-word self-description” question to ensure you speak clearly and precisely, successfully showcasing your talents.

50 Powerful “Describe Yourself in 3 Words” Answers

1. detail-oriented, innovative, and adaptable.

These three words are a great answer if you can work well in conditions with new changes. Also, it shows your creative thinking skills while being precise.

2. Results-driven, collaborative, and analytical

These three words show your potential to solve problems and to work with others to accomplish objectives.

3. Reliable, creative, and ambitious

It displays your enthusiasm, inventiveness, and reliability.

4. Articulate, empathetic, and proactive

It indicates your ability to introduce yourself adequately, comprehend your requirements, and foresee solutions.

5. Assertive, strategic, and team-oriented

It reflects your ability for original thought and your appreciation of teamwork.

6. Committed, resourceful, and versatile

It presents an image of a committed, flexible team player.

7. Communicative, organized, and persistent

This illustrates your efficiency in working in a team and getting things done.

8. Solution-focused, entrepreneurial, and confident

It gives an image of an organized and assertively active individual who will seek to solve any arising problem.

9. Conscientious, flexible, and tech-savvy

It shows your work accomplishment flexibility and willingness to accept change and new technologies.

10. Curious, self-motivated, and resilient

It is the materialization of your desire to learn, independence, and ability to push through hardships.

11. Dedicated, efficient, and growth-minded

Telling these words reflects your commitment to your work and desire for success.

12. Forward-thinking, ethical, and diligent

It shows your intent, ethical standards, and creativity.

13. Driven, agile, and customer-centric

It resembles your commitment, flexibility, and needs-based perspective.

14. Dynamic, influential, and emotionally intelligent

It clearly shows your ability for flexibility, leadership, and engagement.

15. Energetic, positive, and data-driven

It demonstrates your energy, optimism, and fact-based methodology.

16. Engaging, persuasive, and culturally aware

It reflects your ability for intercultural communication and influence.

17. Entrepreneurial, adaptive, and quality-focused

It shows that you perform outstandingly in environments that require quick decision-making .

18. Process-oriented, disciplined, and focused

It shows you:

time management skills ,
work ethic,
and ability to deliver high-quality work on time.

19. Hardworking, humble, and collaborative

It demonstrates your willingness to learn, competence and capacity to excel in a group environment, and passion for the field.

20. Honest, dependable, and results-oriented

It draws attention to dependability, honesty, and a desire to succeed.

21. Imaginative, intuitive, and socially responsible

It reflects your creativity, excellent judgment, and considerate behavior toward others.

22. Insightful, decisive, and growth-oriented

It represents your ability for analysis, reasoned decision-making, and constant striving for advancement.

23. Inventive, passionate, and globally minded

It shows your inventiveness, passion for bringing them to life, and ability to see the broader picture.

24. Logical, meticulous, and team-focused

It successfully conveys your ability for accuracy assurance, problem analysis, and teamwork.

25. Service-oriented, cooperative, and organized

It demonstrates your systematic approach, capacity for teamwork, and commitment to going above and beyond.

26. Motivated, analytical, and socially adept

It expresses your motivation, aptitude for overcoming problems, and interpersonal abilities.

27. Optimistic, resilient, and customer-focused

It emphasizes a positive outlook, overcoming obstacles, and committing to clients’ success.

28. Organized, adaptable, and emotionally stable

It shows your ability for task management, adaptability to change, and poise under duress.

29. Perceptive, articulate, and strategic

It demonstrates your ability for situational analysis, effective communication, and thoughtful planning.

30. Persistent, creative, and culturally sensitive

It displays your knack for problem-solving, original thought, and environment navigation.

31. Personable, resourceful, and quality-driven

It shows your ability to establish rapport, resolve issues, and provide top-notch outcomes.

32. Proactive, flexible, and research-oriented

It shows you appreciate solving problems with a solid research base and that you do well in fast-paced circumstances.

33. Problem-solver, communicator, and ethically minded

A problem-solver encounters issues, a communicator stills information, and an ethical thinker exhibits the correct behavior.

34. Productive, collaborative, and tech-savvy

It shows that you can work in teams and at the same time learn how to use technology.

35. Quick learner, team player, and detail-oriented

It shows your ability to learn new things and be fit for new conditions, work with others, and be precise in your work.

36. Reliable, innovative, and customer-centric

It symbolizes your pledge to dependability, creativity, and a focus on the consumer.

37. Resourceful, adaptable, and results-focused

This is about the capacity of decision-making, versatility, and accomplishment of tasks.

38. Responsible, analytical, and interpersonally skilled

It emphasizes your dependability, your ability to solve problems, and the possibility of your cooperation.

39. Self-aware, empathetic, and continuous learner

It proves your proactive nature, self-learning, self-development, handling and learning from others, and many more.

40. Self-directed, persuasive, and quality-focused

It shows that you are capable of assuming responsibility for projects and being able to initiate and complete them.

41. Self-motivated, organized, and socially conscious

It shows that you are a self-starter, efficient, and strategic thinker.

42. Self-starter, strategic thinker, and emotionally intelligent

This reveals that you can develop concepts, think about implementing them, and even address people-related challenges while implementing a project.

43. Solution-oriented, communicative, and adaptable

They also demonstrate your solving skills, your teaming skills, and your skills in managing new challenges that come up.

44. Strategic, collaborative, and culturally competent

It shows your ability to be an individual practitioner, an organizer, and a performer within the sphere of a particular environment.

45. Strong communicator, problem-solver, and innovator

It shows that you can work in a team, are innovative, and are capable of solving a particular issue.

46. Team-oriented, resourceful, and customer-focused

It reveals that you can work with others, be a team player, solve problems, and assist your clients.

47. Tenacious, analytical, and socially responsible

It shows that you are ready to stick with your words and commit to the agreed-upon initiatives, solve issues with a proactive attitude, and be a valuable team member.

48. Thorough, flexible, and results-driven

This proves the devotion to delivering the quality and the capacity to adapt to the goals and objectives.

49. Visionary, passionate, and interpersonally adept

It focuses on your planning, creativity, and group work skills.

50. Well-organized, innovative, and growth-oriented

It has shown skills in handling tasks, innovation, and overall improvement.

Tailoring Your Answer to Different Industries and Roles

Here’s how to customize your answer for ‘describe yourself in 3 words’ according to industry and job role:

A. Highlighting technical skills for IT and engineering positions

For IT and engineering positions, stressing technical capabilities like (name a relevant skill) demonstrates your ability to jump right in and contribute, even though good communication and problem-solving abilities are also crucial.

B. Emphasizing creativity and innovation for marketing and design roles

This combo demonstrates your capacity to come up with original ideas (creative), turn them into workable solutions (innovative), and weave gripping tales to captivate listeners (storytellers). It stays under the allotted three words and emphasizes highly sought-after abilities in these domains.

C. Focusing on leadership and communication for management positions

A communicative leader is how you must characterize yourself while applying for management positions. Show that you ensure everyone is motivated and aligned by giving clear vision-setting and encouraging open communication a top priority. Mention how this collaborative approach has produced excellent results for you in past roles.

D. Showcasing empathy and patience for customer service and healthcare roles

When applying for customer service or healthcare roles, answer the ‘describe yourself in 3 words’ question focusing on empathy and patience. For instance, you can say ‘Empathetic, Helpful, and Patient. These words show your understanding of needs, ability to find solutions for yourself and others, and ability to work calmly.

E. Demonstrating attention to detail and organization for administrative and financial positions

If the employer throws this question while applying for an administrative role, you must emphasize your attention to detail and organizational skills. A keen eye for detail ensures precision in your work, and practical organizational skills help you stay on top of projects and deadlines. This will show your ability to deliver the best results regularly.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Your “Describe Yourself in 3 Words” Answer

Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when crafting the answer to the ‘describe yourself in 3 words’ question:

1. Using clichéd or generic words that lack impact

The “3-word self-description” might be a trap during an interview. Phrases like “team player” or “hardworking” are too generic. Instead, highlight powerful verbs or particular attributes that clearly illustrate your unique advantages.

2. Choosing words that are irrelevant or contradictory to the role

The “describe yourself in three words” question in an interview is an opportunity to shine. Say nothing that contradicts or is irrelevant! Select words that best describe your abilities or attributes to the position. It’s a concise approach to leave a lasting impression.

3. Failing to provide supporting examples or context

A professional introduction using a “3-word” self-description can be pretty effective. But keep in mind that context is everything! ‘Creative, motivated, results-oriented’ is a vague description that leaves the listener with many questions. Giving a brief example that exemplifies such attributes will have a more significant impact.

4. Appearing boastful or insincere in your self-description

The “ describe me in 3 words ” question might be challenging to answer in an interview. Cliques are forgettable, and boasting comes out as arrogant. Pay attention to the true strengths that fit the position. Use terms that are professional yet conversational!

Following Up Your “Describe Yourself in 3 Words” Answer

Once you tell the answer to ‘describe yourself in 3 words,’ you must follow up. Here’s how:

1. Elaborating on your chosen words with specific achievements or experiences

Even though the ‘3 words’ are a great place to start, adding particular accomplishments to your “3 words” is a terrific way to bring your description to life. Consider it as a detailed painting that effectively highlights your abilities and experiences!

2. Tying your answer back to the job requirements and company mission

It displays fit. By including such components, you show that you have done your homework on the position and business. It demonstrates that you fit their demands and objectives rather than simply another generic applicant.

3. Asking the interviewer for their perspective on the essential qualities of the role

It demonstrates your interest and desire to customize your credentials. You can show that you are actively listening and that you want to make sure your abilities are precisely in line with their priorities by following up.

4. Showing genuine enthusiasm and interest in the opportunity

Express sincere enthusiasm when you follow up on your “describe yourself in 3 words” response. It demonstrates to the interviewer your sincere interest in the position and active participation in the discussion. This communicates that you are applying with specific interest to this job rather than merely applying to any old position.

Real-Life Examples of Successful “Describe Yourself in 3 Words” Answers

Here are some actual, real-life examples of successful, compelling, and practical answers to the commonly asked ‘describe yourself in 3 words’ question:

1. Anecdotes from job seekers who landed the role

Have you ever wondered what makes a “Describe Yourself in 3 Words” response stand out? Marketer Sarah used “Creative, Data-Driven, Problem-Solver” to obtain her ideal position. It brought attention to her abilities and started discussing her earlier assignments.

2. Insights from hiring managers on impactful answers they’ve heard

During “Describe Yourself” interviews, hiring managers uncover hidden gems! One applicant stood out for being a “Curious Learner, Builder” and demonstrating strong work ethics and hunger for information.

3. Case studies of how the answer can demonstrate fit and potential

Beyond personality, the “Describe Yourself in 3 Words” prompt reaches out. It offers insight into an applicant’s awareness of themselves and how they relate to the principles of your business. “creative, analytical, and collaborative” suggests creativity and cooperation for a design role. Select wise words, as they can serve as a potent catalyst for discussion.

Combine all three of these words to create one brief phrase that sums up your value offer for a firm conclusion. For instance, “My [word 1] and [word 2] nature, combined with my [word 3] approach, enable me to consistently deliver exceptional results.” This highlights your strengths and creates a lasting impression.

Additionally, review the examples in this article to determine the optimal course of action based on the specific situation. All the best

FAQs on Describe Yourself in 3 Words

Q1. how would you sum up your interview responses.

A1. Here are some ways to sum up your interview response:

Use narration and rehearse your response.
Emphasize relevant experiences and strengths.
Give a professional narrative and useful anecdotes.

Q2. In an interview, how should I introduce myself?

A2. To present yourself professionally at an interview, begin with a kind greeting, use your entire name, describe your training and relevant job experience, emphasize your strongest points, briefly discuss your career goals, and show your appreciation for the chance.

Q3. Which three terms sum you up the best?

A3. Use words like “kind,” “patient,” “determined,” or “resilient.” Think about elaborating on some of your distinctive traits utilizing your third choice.

Q4. How would I introduce myself?

A4. Say hello to everyone and start your self-introduction by stating your name.

Q5. What best characterizes my personality?

A5. You could describe yourself as kind, understanding, obstinate, driven, ambitious, diligent, and trustworthy.

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Given below are some tips to write an essay on myself: Prepare a basic outline of what to include in the essay about yourself. Stick to the structure to maintain fluency. Be honest to build a connection with the reader. Use simple language. Try to include a crisp and clear conclusion. Quick Read: Speech on No Tobacco Day. 100 Words Essay on ...
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This last set of words to describe yourself can be used in more casual, relaxed spaces, such as an online dating profile or a social media account. You could also use these words to describe someone else, such as a character in a work of fiction you're writing. Active. Adventurous.
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How to Describe Yourself In an Essay: Guide, Tips, and Free Sample. "Tell me about your self.". As a rule, this phrase makes us forget pretty much every fact about our life, goals, qualities, and other essential things. And we start mumbling, sweating, and shivering. Ironically, we have to describe ourselves during the most important ...
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While "I" and "we" are both in the first person, "you" is used in the second person. Remember this rule, and you'll come up with an interesting essay or even a short story about yourself. You may even want to consider becoming a novel writer in the future after doing it. 3. Stick with "he," "she," "it," and "they".
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2. Make it Personal using Anecdotes. The difference between a good and great essay about yourself is the use of personal anecdotes. You want your essay to stand out because it's thoughtful and unique. Anyone can tell a story of who they are. Anyone can say: "Here's who I am and here's what's good about me.".
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Adjectives to describe your conscientiousness. Highlighting your work ethic, organizational skills, and problem solving abilities is a great way to show hiring managers that you'd be a dedicated employee: Diligent. Attentive. Responsible. Enthusiastic. Industrious. Keen. Observant.
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5. Write in the First Person. You're telling your story, so write from your perspective! You can narrate your story. You can provide an overview of what you learned from your experiences. However you choose to answer the prompt, we recommend writing in an active tone, and using "I" and "me" throughout your essay. 6.
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From a counselor to a teacher or fellow student, chances are your student will know someone who is willing to give them an idea of how they'd describe them to others. These outside looks will do wonders for your child's confidence, creativity, and perspective when it comes to writing their "me, myself, and I" personal statement ...
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Example 9. "I would describe myself as a highly motivated individual who is always looking for ways to improve and grow. I am a team player who enjoys collaborating with others to achieve common goals. Additionally, I am a quick learner and am always eager to take on new challenges.".
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How To Craft Your "Describe Yourself in 3 Words" Answer. Some of the best ways to craft the 'describe yourself in 3 words' answer are: A. Be honest and authentic. When asked to sum yourself up in three words, being honest is essential. Clichés quickly become stale. Pick phrases that accurately convey your advantages.