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

13 June

15 min read

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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

When Do You Need to Describe Yourself?

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:

Amazing
Awesome
Dynamic
Funny
Honest
Humble
Intelligent
Talented
Visionary
Unique

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:

Adaptable
Strategic
Multidisciplinary
Analytical
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:

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:

Wrong Example:

“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:

Correct Example:

“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:

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:

Resume Summary Example:

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:

Resume Objective Example:

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:

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:

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.

Here are some words you can use for inspiration:

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:

Persuasive
Energetic
Outgoing
Customer-focused
Motivated
Goal-oriented
Adaptable
Reliable
Friendly
Resilient

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:

Empathetic
Patient
Communicative
Problem-solver
Attentive
Positive
Dependable
Friendly
Adaptable
Proactive

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:

Welcoming
Detail-oriented
Friendly
Attentive
Professional
Organized
Adaptable
Customer-focused
Multitasker
Dependable

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:

Efficient
Team-player
Detail-oriented
Passionate
Organized
Customer-focused
Multitasker
Reliable
Adaptable
Friendly

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:

Innovative
Strategic
Creative
Results-driven
Analytical
Persuasive
Collaborative
Insightful
Resourceful
Adaptable

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:

Organized
Detail-oriented
Professional
Reliable
Communicative
Discreet
Multitasker
Efficient
Supportive
Resourceful

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:

Strategic
Innovative
Goal-oriented
Leader
Analytical
Visionary
Collaborative
Decisive
Motivated
Resilient

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:

Analytical
Detail-oriented
Trustworthy
Organized
Strategic
Efficient
Responsible
Precise
Reliable
Diligent

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:

Analytical
Detail-oriented
Problem-solver
Innovative
Collaborative
Efficient
Reliable
Methodical
Adaptable
Logical

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:

Compassionate
Detail-oriented
Patient
Reliable
Empathetic
Professional
Adaptable
Communicative
Team-player
Resilient

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:

Creative
Innovative
Detail-oriented
Visionary
Imaginative
Expressive
Artistic
Resourceful
Collaborative
Passionate

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:

Articulate
Detail-oriented
Creative
Analytical
Diligent
Organized
Versatile
Resourceful
Thorough
Efficient

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
Detail-oriented
Ethical
Articulate
Resourceful
Analytical
Objective
Persistent
Communicative
Thorough

#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:

Patience
Engaging
Motivating
Supportive
Knowledgeable
Compassionate
Organized
Creative
Adaptable
Communicative

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:

Analytical
Curious
Methodical
Innovative
Detail-oriented
Persistent
Precise
Logical
Collaborative
Diligent

Read a full research assistant 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:

Strategic
Leader
Motivated
Decisive
Organized
Communicative
Collaborative
Resourceful
Visionary
Results-driven

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.