3 adjective that describe you

100 Words & Adjectives to Describe Yourself [Interview Tips]

Whether you’re preparing for the classic interview question “Tell me about yourself” or writing your resume profile, describing yourself can be tricky. You want to be honest, but not brutally so. You want to impress, but without coming off as narcissistic.

Fortunately, as long as you follow a few guidelines when choosing the right words to describe yourself, you can create a great, long-lasting first impression.

Read on to learn pick the best words to describe yourself and see lists of: 

• Positive words to describe yourself in any situation
• Words to describe yourself in an interview
• Words to describe yourself on a resume

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Looking for other word lists? Check out:

• Resume Action Words, Power Verbs, and Adjectives
• Resume Keywords to use
• Skill Words for Resume
• Strengths for Resume

Describing yourself in a few words to someone who doesn’t know you is tough. It’s worth spending some time figuring out how you can make a great first impression, because once formed, first impressions are hard to shake. 

Regardless of the situation, the key to describing yourself is to stay upbeat and positive. Now is not the time for humility. The best words to describe yourself will be those that honestly capture your positive qualities. 

Here’s a list of positive words that can be used to describe yourself for any situation:

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One common interview question goes something like this: “What are 5 words to describe yourself?”. The stakes are higher, but the same rules from above apply (stay positive and be honest). The only difference is now you have to be more specific. 

When the hiring manager asks this question, they are trying to assess whether you have the personality and the skills needed to excel on the job. The key to nailing this job interview question is to stay relevant and provide evidence. 

If the adjectives you use to describe yourself are irrelevant to the job, chances are the HR manager won’t be impressed. Likewise, anyone can say they are creative and hardworking. You need to follow up the adjectives with examples of how you demonstrate that quality. 

Let’s say a nurse is applying for a job at a hospital and the interviewer asks “What are three good words to describe yourself?” Let’s see an example that misses the mark.

Cue the awkward pause when the HR manager is waiting for a follow-up that never comes. 

And of course there’s nothing wrong with being shy, but shyness is irrelevant to the position at hand.

Okay, how can we improve the above response?

EXAMPLE

Let’s see. I’m reliable—I was so consistent in updating patient’s charts that I was promoted to a position responsible for training new hires. I’m very cheerful—Studies show that positivity can have a huge effect on patient recovery times, so I smile often and crack jokes whenever the time is right. And I’m energetic—In my last position at a long-term care facility, I was single-handedly caring for up to 15 patients per shift. That required me to move fast while still paying attention to small details.

Wow—Now that’s an answer. 

Highly relevant, honest, solid work experience and with evidence to back it all up. 

Here’s a list of professional words to use in case you’re asked “What are the three best words to describe yourself?” in an interview:

Read more: How to Answer the "Tell Me About Yourself" Interview Question

3. Words to Describe Yourself on a Resume

No matter what type of resume you’re writing, a short resume profile at the top can be a great way to make an elevator pitch that you’re the right candidate for the job. After all, recruiters are pressed for time. According to hiring statistics, corporate job offers receive 250 applications on average.

The secret to describing yourself in a resume introduction is to use adjectives relevant to the job and mention achievements that will wow the recruiter. You also want to tailor your resume introduction to the job posting, but don’t copy the job ad word for word! A survey found that 44% of hiring managers automatically reject resumes that appear to duplicate the job posting. 

Here’s a list of positive words to describe yourself on a resume:

Read more: "What's Your Greatest Weakness" Interview Question: How to Answer

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here's what it may look like:

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That’s a wrap! Do you have any questions regarding these words to describe yourself? How do you describe yourself in interviews or on a resume? I’d love to hear from you. Let’s chat in the comment section!

120+ Words to Describe Yourself [Adjectives For Any Situation]

There are so many descriptive words out there…

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

Hey, we don’t blame you. Choosing the words to describe yourself can be a tricky task.

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

Things get even trickier when you’re applying for college or a job and you need to find the most suitable words to describe yourself.

Honestly, we know the struggle - this is why we wrote this article.

• 95+ Best Words to Describe Yourself 
• 45 Words to Describe Yourself in a Job Interview
• 40 Words to Describe Yourself in a Resume
• 40 Words to Describe Yourself on a College Application
• Words NOT to Describe Yourself

95+ Best Words to Describe Yourself 

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 first have to express yourself through your college application, your interview with recruiters, or your resume. 

Your online personae - from your social media usernames to the adjectives you use to describe yourself on various platforms (e.g. a dating app) - is also defined by your choice of words. 

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

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

• Adaptable
• Adept
• Adventurous
• Affectionate
• Ambitious
• Artistic
• Assertive
• Attentive
• Authentic
• Approachable
• Balanced
• Bright
• Broad-minded
• Candid
• Cheerful
• Chill
• Clever
• Communicative
• Compassionate
• Competitive
• Charismatic
• Considerate
• Constructive
• Courageous
• Creative
• Curious
• Dependable
• Determined
• Direct
• Dynamic
• Easygoing
• Eclectic
• Emotional
• Energetic
• Enthusiastic
• Extroverted
• Exuberant 
• Fearless
• Flexible
• Forgiving
• Friendly
• Fun
• Funny
• Generous
• Genuine
• Joyful
• Happy
• Helpful
• Honest
• Imaginative
• Independent
• Romantic
• Risk-taker
• Intelligent
• Intuitive
• Inventive
• Inspiring 
• Knowledgeable
• Kind
• Logical
• Loyal
• Loving
• Mature
• Modest
• Motivated
• Open-minded
• Optimistic
• Original
• Outgoing
• Passionate
• Patient
• Perceptive
• Persistent
• Pleasant
• Practical
• Reliable
• Respectful
• Responsible
• Self-reliant
• Sensible
• Sensitive
• Sincere
• Sociable
• Socially conscious 
• Straightforward
• Strong
• Successful
• Sympathetic
• Tenacious
• Thoughtful
• Tolerant
• Tough
• Trustworthy
• Understanding
• Upbeat
• Versatile
• Vibrant
• Warmhearted
• Wise

45 Words to Describe Yourself in a Job Interview

A common job interview question is “what are 3 words to describe yourself?” 

When recruiters ask you to describe yourself, they are looking to find out two things: 

• Do your personality and skills match the job requirements? 
• Are you honest in your answers? 

Keep this in mind and it will be much easier to answer this typical interview question successfully.  

Now, if you’re wondering how, exactly, you should answer this question, here’s what we recommend:

1. Choose adjectives that are relevant to the position you’re applying for (as long as they fit you, of course). 
2. Back up your answer with examples of how you embody the quality or skill. This will prove that you are answering honestly.

Let’s see how this works through an example. Say you’re applying to be a teacher and you’re asked “what are three words to describe yourself?”   

Here’s how NOT to go about it: 

• I am creative, competitive, and tenacious.

Now, there’s nothing technically wrong with these adjectives; however, the answer isn’t the best possible for two main reasons: 

1. Competitiveness and tenacity are not the most sought-after skills for teachers. 
2. The claims are not backed up with concrete examples. You could really be creative, or you could be exaggerating. Without backing it up, the recruiter can’t tell which one it is.

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 colleagues - 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.

Here’s a list of words you can use to describe yourself in a job interview: 

Words to Describe Yourself in a Job Interview 

• Attentive
• Artistic
• Ambitious
• Analytical
• Caring
• Committed
• Consistent
• Cooperative
• Devoted
• Diplomatic
• Experienced
• Extroverted
• Focused
• Good listener
• Hardworking
• Helpful
• Insightful
• Innovative
• Methodical
• Meticulous
• Motivated
• Objective
• Observant
• Organized
• Persevering 
• Persuasive
• Proactive
• Problem solver
• Productive
• Professional
• Proficient
• Resourceful
• Results-oriented
• Disciplined
• Team player
• Thorough
• Tireless
• Trustworthy
• Sociable 
• Skilled
• Strategic
• Systematic

Note

Wondering what other questions might come up in a job interview? Check our list of 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. That doesn’t mean, however, that you shouldn’t care about the adjectives you choose to describe yourself on your resume. 

On the contrary - before even inviting you at the job interview, it’s your resume that speaks for you. So, your choice of words to describe yourself there is arguably even more important.

Of course, it’s not enough to just insert some adjectives here and there and call it a day. Instead, you need to find the right way to “sell yourself.” In this section, we’ll teach you just how you can do that.

Your resume profile is the first place to add the right words to describe yourself. Be it through a resume summary, or a resume objective, you’ll need to find at least one strong adjective to describe yourself and make a good - and lasting - impression. 

If you ask us, that’s pretty essential, considering that most recruiters spend an average of 7. 4 seconds skimming through a resume. Talk about first impressions mattering, right?

Keep in mind, though - 

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

• First, you should make sure to choose adjectives relevant to the job. 
• Second, remember to always back up your claims with examples - or, in this case, achievements. 

Let’s assume that you’re a recent college graduate applying as a Communications Assistant. Your resume objective 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. 1+ years of practical experience as an intern at the Mayor’s Communications Office.  

Even if you’re a seasoned professional with many achievements to show, you’ll need an adjective to describe yourself. In such a case, your resume summary would look something like this: 

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

Get the idea? Here are some more adjectives to choose from: 

Words to Describe Yourself in a Resume

• Accomplished
• Accountable
• Bold
• Collaborative
• Competent
• Confident
• Conscientious
• Cooperative
• Data-driven
• Detail-oriented
• Eager
• Efficient
• Emotionally intelligent
• Entrepreneurial
• Ethical
• Experienced
• Expert
• Flexible
• Gregarious
• Motivated
• Organized
• People person
• Persistent
• Personable
• Professional
• Proficient
• Resourceful
• Self-assured
• Self-starter
• Skilled
• Skillful
• Sociable
• Strategic
• Team player
• Thoughtful 
• Tireless
• Unconventional

40 Words to Describe Yourself on a College Application

The majority of 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 motivation letters, where you’re supposed to explain your academic objectives, personal statements allow space for creativity. 

Thus, you can get more expressive and personal with the words to describe yourself in a college application, as opposed to your resume or job interview. As an undergrad candidate, you are supposed to highlight your strengths and show what makes you unique. 

Here are some adjectives you can use for inspiration:

Words to Describe Yourself in a College Application 

• Artistic
• Athletic
• Authentic 
• Brave
• Committed
• Compassionate
• Courageous
• Curious
• Daring
• Dedicated
• Diligent
• Down-to-earth
• Enthusiastic
• Extroverted
• Fearless
• Generous
• Genuine
• Go-getter
• Idealistic
• Imaginative 
• Independent
• Inspired
• Loyal
• Motivated
• Musical
• Open-minded
• Outdoorsy
• Positive
• Productive
• Resilient
• Respectful
• Risk-taker
• Scholarly
• Self-reliant
• Sincere
• Social butterfly
• Studious
• Supportive
• Unique

10 Words NOT to Describe Yourself (Professionally)

As you can imagine, there are also words you should refrain from using to describe yourself - especially in the professional context.  

Not that these adjectives are bad per se - however, they might not arouse the expected reaction when you use them out of context. What do we mean?

Take the following example. Imagine using these words to describe yourself in a job interview: 

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

Now, it’d be more than OK if a colleague - or anyone, for that matter - described you this way. Calling yourself amazing in front of recruiters, however? Might be a bit too much, without really saying anything at all.

Here’s a list of our top 10 words NOT to describe yourself (outside of your friends’ circle):

1. Amazing 
2. Awesome 
3. Dynamic 
4. Funny
5. Honest
6. Humble
7. Intelligent 
8. Talented
9. Visionary
10. Unique

Key Takeaways 

And that’s a wrap! We hope that by now you’re equipped with many more words to describe yourself. 

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

• Many situations will require that you find the right words to describe yourself. A resume, job interview, or college application are among the most common. 
• During a job interview, make sure to use words to describe yourself that are relevant to the job and to back up your claims with examples. 
• Your resume profile is your chance to make a memorable first impression - scan the job ad to choose adjectives that are relevant to the position and back them up with your achievements. 
• There are some words you should not use to describe yourself - if it can’t be backed with concrete examples if it sounds generic, or if it’s an adjective that makes more sense being said for you (and not by you), then stay away.  

Adjectives characterizing a person from the good side

Here is the most complete list of adjectives that positively characterize a person. The list does not include obscene words and words that are professional terms used by a narrow circle of people for professional purposes (not in colloquial speech).

The list does not include such words as: “beautiful”, “blue-eyed”, “stately”, “slender” and the like. They describe appearance, but (although they are adjectives used to describe a person) they are not related to character and are unable to shed light on personality traits.

Please note: the list contains words that can be both an adjective and participle (depending on the context in which the word is used at any given time).

Also, remember that some words are neutral in color and characterize a person from the good side only depending on the context in which it is used. But in the same way, it can be used not as a characteristic of positive personality traits, but simply as a statement of fact (without a specific coloring).

If you need the most complete list of adjectives that characterize a person (both positively and negatively), you can find it at the link above.

A

• Adventurous (positively characterizes if used in a good way)
• Adequate
• Gambling (here in the meaning - a positively gambling person, for example - an athlete or passionate about study, work, i. e. - very enthusiastic)
• Active
• Neat
• Altruistic (altruistic)
• Ambitious (if positively ambitious, in a good sense, we are talking about healthy ambitions of an adequate person)
• Apolitical
• Ascetic without violating the rights of others)
• Artistic
• Aristocratic

B

• Alert
• Harmless
• Fearless

g

• Galant
• harmonious
• Brilline
• Heroic
• Thunder
• Deep (here is not empty, filled person)
• Talking
• Golovasty
9001
• Hot (if used positively)
• Hospitable
• Literate
• Humane
• Gutta-percha

D

• Forethly
• Darovite
• Delicate
• VELE
• Business
• Democratic
• Daring (sometimes insolence is required for the implementation of bold plans and this personality quality becomes positive)
• limy (cm above. as daring)
• Active
• Diplomatic
• Disciplined
• Valiant
• Kind
• Kindest
• Companion
• Social
• Comfortable (for example: Comfortable in communication, in solving disputed issues, etc.)
• specific
• competitive
• Conservative
• Creative Creative Creative Creative Creative
• Painstaking
• Meek
• Cultural

L

• Laconic
• Gentle
• Light (here, not light by weight. For example: easy to communicate, easy to get on with, etc.)
• Lyrical (neutral characterizes, but in some cases is a positive property)
• Loyal
• Loving
• Affable
• Inquisitive
• Curious (for some situations, professions, this personality trait is positive)
• Loving

М

• Slow-speaking
• Insensitive (under certain circumstances, such a character trait can be positive)
• Mannery
• Skillful
• Seasoned (here in the meaning - very experienced, knowledgeable in something)
• Melancholic (neutrally characterizes In some cases, it is a positive characteristic. For example, when it is required to exclude people of choleric temperament from the candidates under consideration ... in this case, characterizing him as "melancholy" will do him good)
• Powerful
• Fashion
• Moral
• Motivated
• Wise
• Wise
• Wisdom
• Musical
• Cweaty - Simple. Completely. Completely. description, sometimes - can serve as a negative feature)
• Thinking
• Soft (here in the meaning - soft in character, not to the touch)
• Soft -hearted

N

• Ertheated
• Reliable
• Nacked
• assertive
• Potter (in a good sense. assertiveness)
• Well-read
• Not indifferent
• Not indifferent
• Undemanding
• Unflappable
• NOT Military
• Infant (a useful property for ... for example - a surgeon and other specialists where a certain share of insensibility is required to fulfill their professional tasks)
• Nejadema
• Non -dry
• Negloor
• Non -Wire useful property for a man, for a woman - rather negative)
• Gentle
• Independent
• Disinterested (a useful feature when it is required to be disinterested in something in order to be objective)
• Principly
• Unfinous
• Large
• Extraordinary
• Non -sound
• Non -sound
• Non -melodious one, a produced and one -mights and in the same way. cockroaches")
• Innocent
• Uncorrupted
• Incorrigible
• Non-contentious
• Unselfish
• Unnecessary
• Unkind
• unemotional (it can positively characterize a person if the lack of emotionality, equanimity, excerpt, etc.)
• Normal

Constant (here in the meaning - constant in its views, principles, attitude, etc. )

С

• Original
• Self-sufficient
• Self-forgetful
• Strong (not necessarily physically strong, for example: a strong person, mentally strong, mentally strong, etc.) e.)
• Skeptical
• Modest
• Scrupulous
• Loquacious
• Complicated (for example, complexly organized, etc. this can be both a negative characteristic and a positive one. This word can be described from a good side only if attached to it positive coloring in the context)
• Stable (constant, durable, sensible, emotional-stabil, socially stable, etc.)
• Stepnoy
• Strongy
• Passionate
• Strong-resistant
• Happy
Happy Happy
• Tactful
• Talented
• Solid (here it means a reliable, stubborn, courageous, inflexible person)
• Creative
• Lucky
• amazing
• Squeezing
• Smiling
• Skillful
• Moderate
• Pacified
• Smart
• Unique
• CAN TREED OF THE COMMUNITURED (WHOS CAN TREE OF THE CAN depends on the context and circumstances)
• Balanced
• Diligent
• Diligent
• Helpful
• Successful
• Blonding
• Sophisticated
• Frontier
• Scientist
• Calid
• Sustainable (for example: mentally, emotionally, professionally, etc. )

f

• Fanatic (for example, fanatically brought to work, children, children, children etc.)
• Fantasizing
• Lucky (from the word "luck")
• Fatish (depending on the context - in some cases it serves as a positive, negative or neutral characteristic)
• Philosophical (for example: philosophically minded, philosophically reasoning, etc.)
• Phlegmatic (neutral characteristic, but phlegmatic can be considered a virtue when a person of exactly the phlegmatic type is required, and all other types are undesirable)
• Photogenic
• Fundamental (here in the meaning - strong, strong)

X

• Charismatic
• Cold-blooded
• Hospitable
• Economically competent (economically prepared)
• Expert
• Extravagant (sometimes this word can be positively characterized, sometimes - negatively. Depends on the context)
• Energetic
• Emotional
• Empathetic (capable of empathy)
• Extraordic
• Outrageous
• Elite
• Spectacular

Yu

• Humorous
• Homornaya
• Young
• Legally competent/illiterate
• Yurkiy

I

• Language
• Bright
• Yariy (On any inclinations , an ardent hater of fools)
• Furious (here, as above - a fierce fan of his profession, for example)
• Clairvoyant
Note:
• All of the above words can positively characterize both a man and a woman, a teenager and in many cases a child. To do this, you need to change the ending of each word, changing the gender of the word from masculine to feminine.
• This list of words is useful when creating a profile, resume, self-presentation, cover letter (when looking for a job), essays and is applicable wherever it is required to describe a person (his character traits, behavioral characteristics, personality traits, etc.).
• The collection of words was collected manually by the author of the site. And the author has copyright. Use the list for personal non-commercial purposes and do not use it for reprinting and publication (in whole or in separate fragments) on any media (electronic, paper, etc.).

Similar items

Adjectives for a Job Resume [110 Best Examples of Yourself]

Svetlana Sviridova

Career Consultant

Adjectives are used in Russian, English and other languages ​​to make the text vivid and expressive. Their application is wide: from literary works to questionnaires for employment. Descriptive words allow candidates for vacancies to effectively talk about their abilities, more fully reveal their talents and qualities. Without them, the document seems "dry" and "uninteresting". Let's talk about what resume adjectives will help you get closer to the position you want.

Why use adjectives in resumes

Descriptive words make text more capacious. They give the applicant the opportunity to competently make accents in the resume: emphasize important information about experience, character, skills.

Adjectives are the story of my life. If I were to write a biography, I would call it The History of an Adjective. I. E. Babel

A vivid description of qualities and competencies attracts the attention of recruiters. But in order for you to be remembered on the positive side, it is important to choose the right words. See how the candidate for vacancy English Teacher did it.

Which adjectives to use in your resume

Each profession values ​​its main qualities and skills. For example, an ideal salesperson for an employer should be honest, a rescuer should be hardy, a lawyer should be competent, and an accountant should be punctual.

The best way to find out the list of personality traits in demand in the specialty is to carefully study the vacancies. As a rule, recruiters list them in the text of ads. But you can pick up adjectives yourself using the examples below.

Attitude towards work and general job characteristics of the candidate

Adjectives help a person to tell in detail about personal qualities that make him successful in his career. Each candidate will find up-to-date descriptions for his specialty in the list. When filling out the questionnaire, it is not necessary to use the entire list, it is enough to indicate 3-4 positions. Customer-oriented Qualified

Candidate's leadership qualities in resume

Leading people requires a certain temperament. Otherwise, there is a great risk that the team will not accept a new manager, and the candidate will not cope with the tasks assigned to him. Adjectives will help convince an employer that a potential employee is capable of leading a team and directing staff towards achieving the goal

Qualities of candidates in advanced fields of science, IT and economics

Creators of commercial products, developers of IT solutions need an interest in innovation. For a good orientation in the market, specialists cannot do without erudition in their field. To succeed, employees have to constantly develop, read technical texts, attend conferences. The words in the table will help candidates for positions in the field of innovation effectively describe their talents.

Qualities of a candidate to work in a team

The success of the company largely depends on the relationship in the team. Conflicts and squabbles reduce the effectiveness of the team.

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