3 words describe yourself interview: Interview Question: ‘Describe Yourself in Three Words.’

Опубликовано: April 30, 2023 в 7:23 pm

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Категории: Miscellaneous

Interview Question: ‘Describe Yourself in Three Words.’

Replying to ‘Describe yourself in three words.’

At the beginning of an interview, it’s likely that an employer will ask you questions to learn more about your personality. For instance, they may say ‘Describe yourself in three words,’ to get a quick understanding of how you view yourself. When answering this interview question, it’s wise to tie in a few attributes that would make you a good fit for the role. Learn more about why employers ask you to describe yourself and how to successfully answer this question.

Why employers ask you to ‘Describe yourself in three words.’

Employers ask you to ‘Describe yourself in three words.’ to get a quick idea of how you see yourself. When asking this question, it’s likely that they are looking for adjectives that can align with the role they are filling. These three words are essentially your personal brand and should be a way to define your personality along with your professional side.

How to respond to ‘Describe yourself in three words.’

Follow these steps to prepare for when employers say ‘Describe yourself in three words’:

1. Create a list of words

Prior to preparing your response, start writing down any word that comes to mind when you think of yourself. Don’t think too deeply at first, and just see what you initially think of. As you write your list, you may think of more nuanced adjectives that describe who you are. If you’re feeling stuck, ask family or friends to think of a few words.

2. Choose three that embody your brand

Take a look at your list and begin to cross out words that seem shallow or pretentious. Instead, highlight words that represent your personal, authentic brand. Then, look at the job description again and think of which words best relate to it. This can help you guide your answer to one that is relevant to the job while still being true to yourself.

3. Explain why you chose them

After listing the three words, give a brief explanation as to why you chose each one. Find ways you can relate them to how you’ll use them in this position. This is also supposed to be a lighthearted question, so use it as an opportunity to let your personality shine.

What to avoid when responding to ‘Describe yourself in three words.’

Avoid these things when describing yourself in an interview:

  • Showing too much ego: Although you should show some confidence when answering this question, you should also be a bit humble. Words like amazing, or awesome don’t really mean anything and may come off wrong.
  • Being too timid: Likewise, you should show that you do have self-confidence when answering this question. Instead of saying I’ve never thought about it, or I’m unsure try to come up with responses that show why you’re a great person to hire.
  • Choosing irrelevant words: Although certain words may perfectly describe your personality outside of work, they may not offer much value to the interview. Pick words that both embody your personality and describe your professional self.

Words you can use to describe yourself

  • Adventurous
  • Ambitious
  • Analytical
  • Attentive
  • Balanced
  • Communicative
  • Creative
  • Curious
  • Dedicated
  • Driven
  • Dynamic
  • Empathetic
  • Engaged
  • Energetic
  • Flexible
  • Helpful
  • Insightful
  • Inquisitive
  • Organized
  • Passionate
  • Patient
  • Reliable
  • Responsible
  • Thoughtful
  • Witty

Example answers to ‘Describe yourself in three words.’

Use these examples as inspiration when replying to ‘Describe yourself in three words.’:

Example 1

I would describe myself as driven, helpful, and reliable. I chose driven because I am always working toward a new goal and trying to achieve more. Even though I set out to accomplish my own goals, I make sure to stop and help others, which is why I chose that word too. I think that in order for a company to succeed, we need to lend a hand to one another. Finally, I chose reliable because I stick to my promises. If I say I’ll do it, you don’t have to remind me. I’ll get it done promptly.

Example 2

First, I am thoughtful. I have a habit of always thinking of others and finding ways to make their days better or to lighten their load. Second, I am organized. I thrive off planners and sticky notes to ensure I am getting all of my work done on time. Finally, I am empathetic. I can easily understand other’s perspectives and find ways to find common ground.

Example 3

I am curious, insightful, and passionate. By always exploring the world around me and researching new things, I find that I often have a lot to contribute to a conversation or brainstorming session. When I am interested in something, I become truly passionate about digging into it as much as possible. These three words are why I have so much research experience and am looking for more.

Example 4

Creative, flexible, and adventurous are three words I’d use to describe myself. My creativity helps me think of new things to make along with finding out-of-the-ordinary solutions to complex problems. I often go with the flow when a situation is out of my control, making me a rather flexible person. In a fast-paced work environment, it’s important to adapt rather than dwell on the situation. Finally, my adventurousness always leads me to accept new challenges. That’s why I am hoping to move onto a senior-level position.

Example 5

The first word I’d use to describe myself is witty. That’s why I enjoy writing so much. Finding a fun pun or reference is what I do best. I am also quite patient. If an idea isn’t coming to me, I don’t give up. Instead, I keep chewing on it until something great arises. Lastly, I am dynamic, meaning that I have a lot of skills to offer to this position.

Example 6

I am communicative, meaning that I always want there to be a clear line of communication. It’s better to clarify than to be confused. I am also engaged. I love throwing myself into a project and making it an important part of my life. Finally, I am inquisitive. I am always asking questions to learn more.

Interview Question: ‘Describe Yourself in Three Words.’

Replying to ‘Describe yourself in three words.’

At the beginning of an interview, it’s likely that an employer will ask you questions to learn more about your personality. For instance, they may say ‘Describe yourself in three words,’ to get a quick understanding of how you view yourself. When answering this interview question, it’s wise to tie in a few attributes that would make you a good fit for the role. Learn more about why employers ask you to describe yourself and how to successfully answer this question.

Why employers ask you to ‘Describe yourself in three words.’

Employers ask you to ‘Describe yourself in three words.’ to get a quick idea of how you see yourself. When asking this question, it’s likely that they are looking for adjectives that can align with the role they are filling. These three words are essentially your personal brand and should be a way to define your personality along with your professional side.

How to respond to ‘Describe yourself in three words.’

Follow these steps to prepare for when employers say ‘Describe yourself in three words’:

1. Create a list of words

Prior to preparing your response, start writing down any word that comes to mind when you think of yourself. Don’t think too deeply at first, and just see what you initially think of. As you write your list, you may think of more nuanced adjectives that describe who you are. If you’re feeling stuck, ask family or friends to think of a few words.

2. Choose three that embody your brand

Take a look at your list and begin to cross out words that seem shallow or pretentious. Instead, highlight words that represent your personal, authentic brand. Then, look at the job description again and think of which words best relate to it. This can help you guide your answer to one that is relevant to the job while still being true to yourself.

3. Explain why you chose them

After listing the three words, give a brief explanation as to why you chose each one. Find ways you can relate them to how you’ll use them in this position. This is also supposed to be a lighthearted question, so use it as an opportunity to let your personality shine.

What to avoid when responding to ‘Describe yourself in three words.’

Avoid these things when describing yourself in an interview:

  • Showing too much ego: Although you should show some confidence when answering this question, you should also be a bit humble. Words like amazing, or awesome don’t really mean anything and may come off wrong.
  • Being too timid: Likewise, you should show that you do have self-confidence when answering this question. Instead of saying I’ve never thought about it, or I’m unsure try to come up with responses that show why you’re a great person to hire.
  • Choosing irrelevant words: Although certain words may perfectly describe your personality outside of work, they may not offer much value to the interview. Pick words that both embody your personality and describe your professional self.

Words you can use to describe yourself

  • Adventurous
  • Ambitious
  • Analytical
  • Attentive
  • Balanced
  • Communicative
  • Creative
  • Curious
  • Dedicated
  • Driven
  • Dynamic
  • Empathetic
  • Engaged
  • Energetic
  • Flexible
  • Helpful
  • Insightful
  • Inquisitive
  • Organized
  • Passionate
  • Patient
  • Reliable
  • Responsible
  • Thoughtful
  • Witty

Example answers to ‘Describe yourself in three words.’

Use these examples as inspiration when replying to ‘Describe yourself in three words.’:

Example 1

I would describe myself as driven, helpful, and reliable. I chose driven because I am always working toward a new goal and trying to achieve more. Even though I set out to accomplish my own goals, I make sure to stop and help others, which is why I chose that word too. I think that in order for a company to succeed, we need to lend a hand to one another. Finally, I chose reliable because I stick to my promises. If I say I’ll do it, you don’t have to remind me. I’ll get it done promptly.

Example 2

First, I am thoughtful. I have a habit of always thinking of others and finding ways to make their days better or to lighten their load. Second, I am organized. I thrive off planners and sticky notes to ensure I am getting all of my work done on time. Finally, I am empathetic. I can easily understand other’s perspectives and find ways to find common ground.

Example 3

I am curious, insightful, and passionate. By always exploring the world around me and researching new things, I find that I often have a lot to contribute to a conversation or brainstorming session. When I am interested in something, I become truly passionate about digging into it as much as possible. These three words are why I have so much research experience and am looking for more.

Example 4

Creative, flexible, and adventurous are three words I’d use to describe myself. My creativity helps me think of new things to make along with finding out-of-the-ordinary solutions to complex problems. I often go with the flow when a situation is out of my control, making me a rather flexible person. In a fast-paced work environment, it’s important to adapt rather than dwell on the situation. Finally, my adventurousness always leads me to accept new challenges. That’s why I am hoping to move onto a senior-level position.

Example 5

The first word I’d use to describe myself is witty. That’s why I enjoy writing so much. Finding a fun pun or reference is what I do best. I am also quite patient. If an idea isn’t coming to me, I don’t give up. Instead, I keep chewing on it until something great arises. Lastly, I am dynamic, meaning that I have a lot of skills to offer to this position.

Example 6

I am communicative, meaning that I always want there to be a clear line of communication. It’s better to clarify than to be confused. I am also engaged. I love throwing myself into a project and making it an important part of my life. Finally, I am inquisitive. I am always asking questions to learn more.

“Describe yourself in 3 words” • BUOM

January 3, 2022

During the interview, the hiring manager may ask you a series of questions to get to know you better. One such question might be, “Can you describe yourself in three words?” Knowing how to answer this question can help you show a potential employer your authenticity and self-awareness. In this article, we’ll discuss why interviewers ask you to describe yourself in three words, provide a list of steps to effectively answer this question, and provide some sample responses you can use as a reference.

Why do employers ask you to describe yourself in three words?

Employers may ask you to describe yourself in three words during an interview because they want to know more about your personality. This question helps them understand how you see yourself. Companies want to hire someone who matches their culture and values. Interviewers usually look for answers that include adjectives appropriate for the role they are trying to fill. These three words reflect your personal brand and can also help you define your professional identity.

How you approach this question can give the employer information about your thought process. This can help them get an idea of ​​what you consider to be the most important qualities in an employee. The adjectives you choose can give you an idea of ​​your style of work. The way you describe yourself often indicates whether you understand the requirements of the role and what you consider to be your best qualities. Employers often ask this question to give you a chance to stand out from other candidates.

How to answer the “Describe yourself in 3 words” interview question

Here are some helpful steps you can follow to answer this interview question:

to review your personal and professional qualities so you can select characteristics that highlight your qualifications for the position.

Make a list of some valuable characteristics that you could use if you were hired for this position. You can ask your friends or family to describe you to get an idea of ​​some of the other words to add to your list.

Use one of the three words to show how your mind works. For example, you might choose words like “creative”, “analytical”, “curious”, “contemplative”, or “logical”. You can also use one of the three words to give an idea of ​​your personality. For example, you might use words like kind, patient, determined, or steady. Consider using the third option to explain some of your unique qualities. For example, you might use words like “enterprising”, “generous”, “resourceful”, “sociable”, or “thoughtful”.

2. Research the company to hire

The interviewer may ask this question to assess whether your personality and qualities are consistent with the values ​​of the company. Be sure to research the recruiting organization before the interview to get an idea of ​​its culture. You can view the description of the position you are applying for to learn more about the business.

Consider searching the company’s website and social media profiles for more information about its brand identity. This can help you select qualities that indicate you are a good fit for the organization’s culture. For example, if a company’s mission statement on its website speaks of its commitment to spreading positivity through its activities, you might choose the word “upbeat” to describe yourself.

3. Give a sincere answer

Answer this question with an answer that accurately reflects your qualities. While it is important that your answer to this question contains information about your personality, it is important that you remain honest about your characteristics. This can help both you and the potential employer determine if you are a good fit for a particular position. You can think of the following questions to help you give a sincere answer when the interviewer asks you to describe yourself in three words:

  • What qualities are you proud of?

  • How would a previous colleague describe you?

  • What attributes are required for this role?

  • What is unique about you?

  • How do you solve problems?

4.

Explain the meaning of the words you have chosen

After listing the three descriptors, be sure to give a brief explanation of their meaning. Discuss how each word reflects your personality and individuality. Try to include a description of how these qualities would help you if you were offered the position.

Example responses for “Describe yourself in 3 words”

Here are some examples of effective responses you can refer to in answering this query:

Example 1

“I would describe myself as driven, outgoing and reliable. I consider myself purposeful because I am always striving for a new goal and I refuse to give up if I meet any obstacles. I chose Outgoing because I enjoy working collaboratively and I would love to have the opportunity to learn from others if I were given this position. Finally, I chose a reliable one because I stick to my obligations. If I volunteer to do something, you can guarantee that I will do it to the best of my ability.

Example 2

“I am organized, patient and helpful. I pride myself on my time management skills and ability to meet multiple deadlines. When I have writer’s block, I don’t give up. Instead, I remain patient and continue to work on the piece. until I come up with a great idea. I also enjoy helping my team members approach their projects in different ways. I often find happiness in helping others.”

Example 3

“First of all, I’m passionate. I have always been interested in science and I like to learn as much as possible about new topics. Secondly, I am sensitive. I always try to understand other people’s points of view and find ways to relate to them. Finally, I am inquisitive. I enjoy exploring the world around me and finding meaningful ways to contribute to conversations.”

Example 4

“The first word I would use to describe myself is available. I pride myself on always going the extra mile to make the client feel comfortable trying to help. I am also quite observant. I pay attention to small details that others might not notice. Finally, I am open-minded. I enjoy trying new approaches and methods of customer service.”

Example 5

“Enthusiastic, confident and friendly are three words I would use to describe myself. My enthusiasm for health allows me to stay motivated at work and find value in what I do. My confidence helps me recognize my abilities and also know that there is always room to learn more. I also consider myself an incredibly friendly person as I enjoy interacting with my patients and colleagues every day.”

How to properly describe yourself in a resume or interview :: Infoniak

Useful tips

We have collected detailed material for you on how to correctly describe yourself in a resume in order to attract the attention of HR.

We guarantee that you will hear this question when you come to the interview: “How would you describe yourself?”.

Read also: How to pass any interview and get a job – step by step instructions

For an unprepared candidate, this seemingly banal question will cause a stupor. This will be followed by attempts to remember unique suitable words to describe yourself in the best light. You need to do this in a matter of seconds, before the HR manager loses interest…

So what’s the best way to describe yourself at work?

The best way to show yourself is to give specific examples of what you did in your last jobs and what results you got . If you need to describe your personal qualities, then these should be traits that will set you apart from other candidates.

Before you are invited for an interview, you must complete your resume . This is a great exercise for your self-description skills. When you write a CV, you carefully think over the words, add something, delete something as unnecessary.

But any description, whether on a resume or in a live meeting, is never an easy task. You may randomly select adjectives or phrases that are not important, positive, or professional to the interviewer. Or start talking non-stop when asked to describe yourself in just a few words.

But don’t worry, in this article we will train you!

Consider:

  • How to describe yourself profitably: 3 main rules

  • Examples of how to describe myself in different situations

  • Sample answers for resumes and interviews

  • Words that should not be used to describe yourself

How to best describe yourself in a resume and at an interview: 3 main rules

Rule #1: Know your audience

To identify the best words to use to describe, consider what your goal is and who you are talking to. Do you describe yourself to get a job or introduce yourself in front of recruiting social networks? Each script has a specific audience, and so you should use different words when describing yourself.

Read also: How to answer interview questions to get a job – detailed advice

For resumes and cover letters, use words that highlight your skills and accomplishments.

During interviews, you may be asked to describe yourself briefly or in detail. Or sometimes you may be asked to describe yourself in one word, three or five.

First, pay attention to the question and answer exactly the one being asked. Before you start speaking, think about what skill/trait is most desired for this position. Start with a short sentence showing that you have this skill.

And in social networks, in order to attract recruiters, it is better to clearly define your professional qualities and the direction of the career that interests you in your description. Choose words that showcase your professionalism and ability, and weave in the general skills and personality traits that are considered essential to your career.

Rule #2: Know how you want to present yourself

Once you’ve figured out who you’re writing to, think about how to present yourself effectively. For example, if you’re interviewing for the role of an IT engineer, you might want to focus on your problem-solving skills and ability to work under stress. And give a real example from practice.

Or, if you want to demonstrate your leadership skills, then choose words like: strategic thinking, ability to motivate and build teamwork, experience in eliminating communication difficulties, work for results.

To imagine yourself as a creative thinker, try to include these phrases in your answer: the ability to generate ideas, an open mind to other people’s creativity, keeping track of new industry trends, a versatile approach to the problem.

Rule #3: Different words can create different impressions

Be careful when choosing adjectives to describe yourself because many words can have the same meaning but give different impressions. For example, “ambitious” and “aggressive” can be used to describe someone who wants to achieve a lot. But the word “aggressive” can give the wrong impression in certain situations.

Focus on the impression, not just the meaning the word creates. Find out as much as you can about the company you’re applying to beforehand – to learn about the culture, company rules, and decide which words are safe to use when you describe yourself.

Suitable words to describe yourself in different job search situations

Just like doing the right thing at the right time, you need to choose the best way to describe yourself in a given situation.

We have prepared word lists that will come in handy in three job search scenarios: when writing a resume, at an interview, or when filling out a profile on recruiting sites.

Be sure to remember the most important rule – think about what qualities a potential employer wants to see in this place . If this is a job that provides for clarity of action, knowledge of technical issues, etc., then it is unlikely that the employer is interested in knowing about your interests in esotericism and a penchant for psychology. But in the customer support service or on the helpline, such qualities are very useful. Therefore, this table is primarily needed in order to find the right words that will make a strong impression on those who are looking for precisely these qualities.

How to describe yourself at work, writing a resume or going to an interview

adaptable

Assess risks appropriately

Ambitious

Decisive

Disciplined

dynamic

Vigorous

Enthusiast

Equal predisposition to individual and team work

stress resistant

Independent

unbiased

Motivated

Objective

Reliable

Loyal

Attentive

A meticulous eye for detail

Resourceful

Diversified personality

Deep dive into tasks

Communicable

Creative approach to tasks

Practical mindset (analytical, etc. )

Ability to think outside the box

strategic thinking

Diplomacy

Ability to remain calm

good listener

Good sense of humour

Critical thinking

humanitarian mindset

The ability to understand people from a half-word

The capacity for compassion

Ability to work on multiple tasks at the same time

Ability to prioritize

open to new ideas

creative storyteller

Talent for learning languages

Level of proficiency … in the language – C2

Strict adherence to deadlines

Ability to self-organize (organization)

Experienced software user

Strong leadership qualities

Ability to independently master new topics (quickly understand new topics)

Constant pumping of professional qualities

Emergency problem solving specialist

The ability to keep a cool mind when you need to make a quick decision

Quickly adapt to the team

Ability to cooperate

Enthusiasm

Workaholic, ability to work extra hours to meet goals

Proactive

Team player

Responsible

Organized

The words used in the resume should be effective and concise, no need to write huge sheets of text, because. a recruiter, as a rule, does not stay too long on one resume. Where possible, use numbers and clear statistics. They can help the recruiter measure your abilities and accomplishments.

There are many examples of how to write a resume, but all have sections that are mandatory. For example, experience, skills, personal qualities.


Is there a difference between CV (Curriculum Vitae), Resume and Portfolio?

  • Yes, CV is your CV with a focus on your professional life. It contains information about your family, etc. status, training, hobbies, etc.

  • Resume is a summary of your professional achievements and abilities. You can include a track record in it and make it so that you can see how you moved up the career ladder.

  • Creative professions have another type of professional document – portfolio . It includes mainly examples of the most significant works. Biographical details are usually not given, and professional life is described very briefly.

By the way, work experience is a great topic for describing yourself in a very attractive and extended way. For example, when describing experience in the field of collecting and processing data, you can note “careful attention to detail” and tell which programs you are a confident user of.

When you come to an interview, be prepared for unexpected personal questions. Keep a “cheat sheet” to quickly navigate.

Examples of how to describe yourself in a few sentences when you come to an interview


Situation: “Describe your main (professional) quality”

    Answer:

    I would say that I am a great team player. I feel very comfortable working with people and always bring a new, unexpected perspective and positive energy to the team. I also have a good understanding of team dynamics and can organize the process to ensure smooth performance and achievement of goals. As a Digital Marketing specialist, I often collaborate with people both in team projects and with individual specialists and skillfully build communication with everyone.

    Look, when you are asked to define yourself by one quality, you do not just name this quality, but you also provide evidence and clear examples that you have this valuable attribute.


    Situation: What three qualities describe you?

      Answer:

      The first word I would use to describe myself is curiosity. I love to explore the world and new things, especially technology. That’s why I decided to pursue a career in IT. I am also quite flexible and adaptive. I can easily multitask even when the flow of tasks is out of my control. Finally, I decisively and adequately approach any task and do not give up so easily.

      Keep in mind – do not describe yourself in three words that contradict each other. For example, it makes no sense to say that you are stress-resistant and at the same time emotional and take team tasks to heart. Moreover, choose the three characteristics that are most valuable for the position you are applying for.

      Situation: Describe yourself in five words
      Answer:

      If I have to describe myself in five words, I would say that I am enthusiastic about my work, I pay great attention to detail, I am motivated to achieve results and I equally appreciate the practical and creative approach to problem solving. I don’t even mind staying in the office after work to get things done because it’s in my best interest.

      In this case, you do not need to explain each of your qualities and provide them with examples, but the conclusion still does not hurt here.

      Keep in mind that if interviewers ask short-answer questions, it means they don’t have much time. Therefore, keep in mind a concise and capacious answer.

      And finally, here are the taboo words that will significantly lower your bar in the eyes of a potential employer.

      Words that should not be used to describe yourself

      Avoid them when talking about yourself.

      1. General features

      Most candidates usually choose the following words:

      • Calm

      • Careful

      • Ethical

      • Hardworking

      • Honest

      • Intellectual

      • Patient

      • Punctual

      • Serious

      Of course, in ordinary life, such traits are quite good. But for the employer they are too general. They will not help you show yourself as a unique specialist who stands out from the rest of the candidates.

      2. Negative characteristics

      It’s always great to be honest and stay true to yourself, but don’t talk negatively about yourself (and your former employers). You may come across as a toxic person that you don’t want to deal with. Some of the words on the list do not have a negative meaning, but still look disadvantageous for the candidate

      Some words, such as showing your religious or political beliefs, will indicate to the employer that you will be difficult to work with.