words to describe yourself 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.

Also Read: Speech on Discipline

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.

Also Read: Essay on Education System

A. Brainstorm Create a format Stick to the format Be vulnerable Be honest Figure out what things to include Incorporate your strengths, achievements, and future goals into the essay

A. In an essay, you can use words like determined, hardworking, punctual, sincere, and objective-oriented to describe yourself in words.

A. Use simple and easy language. Include things about your family, career, education, and future goals. Lastly, add a conclusion paragraph.

This was all about an essay on myself. The skill of writing an essay comes in handy when appearing for standardized language tests. Thinking of taking one soon? Leverage Live provides the best online test prep for the same. Register today and if you wish to study abroad then contact our experts at 1800572000 .

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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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.

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Essay on Yourself in English (150, 200, 250, 500 Words)

Understanding oneself is fundamental to personal growth and fulfillment. It involves introspection, reflection, and self-awareness, enabling individuals to navigate life’s challenges, capitalize on strengths, and pursue aspirations with clarity and purpose.

Here, we’ve presented essays on “Yourself” in 150, 200, 250 & 500 word samples. All the essays will be helpful for students of all classes i.e. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 & class 12.

Table of Contents

Essay on Yourself in 150 Words

Introduction.

As a student, understanding oneself is crucial for personal growth and academic success. Exploring my strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations shapes my journey towards self-discovery.

Exploring Strengths and Weaknesses

Identifying strengths helps me leverage them for achievements while recognizing weaknesses allows room for improvement. Reflecting on past experiences and feedback aids in understanding areas where I excel and those needing development.

Aspirations and Goals

Having clear aspirations motivates me to strive for excellence. Setting achievable goals empowers me to work towards realizing my dreams. Whether academic, personal, or career-oriented, aspirations drive me to push boundaries and reach new heights.

In conclusion, self-awareness is fundamental for navigating life’s challenges and maximizing potential. Embracing strengths, addressing weaknesses, and pursuing aspirations are key components of personal growth and success. By continually reflecting on my identity and aspirations, I strive to become the best version of myself.

Yourself Essay in 200 Words

Understanding oneself is pivotal for personal development and academic excellence. It involves introspection, recognizing one’s strengths, weaknesses, aspirations, and goals.

Self-Reflection

Self-reflection is the cornerstone of self-discovery. It entails assessing one’s thoughts, feelings, and actions to gain insight into oneself. Through introspection, I delve into my innermost thoughts and emotions, unraveling layers of my identity.

Embracing Strengths

Identifying and embracing strengths is empowering. It allows me to capitalize on my abilities and excel in various aspects of life. By acknowledging what I do well, I can confidently tackle challenges and pursue opportunities.

Addressing Weaknesses

Confronting weaknesses is essential for growth. It involves acknowledging areas where improvement is needed and taking proactive steps to enhance skills and knowledge. Embracing feedback and learning from setbacks are integral parts of this process.

Pursuing Aspirations

Having aspirations gives purpose and direction to life. They fuel motivation and drive me to pursue my dreams relentlessly. By setting concrete goals and striving towards them, I aim to turn my aspirations into reality.

In conclusion, self-understanding lays the foundation for personal growth and achievement. Through self-reflection, embracing strengths, addressing weaknesses, and pursuing aspirations, I embark on a journey of self-discovery and fulfillment. It is an ongoing process that shapes my identity and guides me towards realizing my fullest potential.

Essay Writing on Yourself in 250 Words

In the intricate tapestry of life, understanding oneself is akin to unraveling a unique thread. This journey of self-discovery is indispensable for navigating the complexities of existence and realizing one’s true potential.

Exploring Identity

Identity is a mosaic of experiences, beliefs, and values that shape who we are. It encompasses our cultural background, personal history, and individual quirks. By delving into the depths of my identity, I uncover the layers that define me.

Strengths: Unleashing Potential

Recognizing and harnessing strengths propels us towards success. Each individual possesses inherent talents waiting to be unleashed. By embracing my strengths, I unlock doors to opportunities and pave the way for personal and professional growth.

Weaknesses: Pathways to Improvement

Acknowledging weaknesses is a stepping stone to improvement. It requires humility and self-awareness to confront areas where we fall short. Through introspection and determination, I endeavor to transform weaknesses into strengths, overcoming obstacles along the way.

Aspirations: A Beacon of Hope

Aspirations are the guiding stars that illuminate our path. They fuel our ambitions and ignite the flame of purpose within us. My aspirations serve as a compass, directing me towards a future filled with fulfillment and achievement.

Setting Goals: Manifesting Dreams

Setting tangible goals is the roadmap to realizing aspirations. It involves breaking down dreams into manageable steps and taking proactive measures to turn them into reality. With perseverance and dedication, I navigate the journey towards my envisioned destination.

In conclusion, self-understanding is a voyage of self-discovery that unfolds throughout life’s myriad experiences. By exploring my identity, embracing strengths, addressing weaknesses, and pursuing aspirations, I embark on a transformative journey towards personal fulfillment and actualization.

Writing an Essay on Yourself in 500 Words

Understanding oneself is an intricate process that involves introspection, reflection, and self-awareness. It is the cornerstone of personal growth and development, essential for navigating life’s challenges and realizing one’s full potential.

Identity is multifaceted, encompassing various aspects such as cultural background, personal history, beliefs, values, and experiences. It is a complex amalgamation of factors that shape who we are as individuals. By delving into the depths of our identity, we gain insight into what makes us unique and how we perceive ourselves in relation to others.

Recognizing Strengths

Identifying and embracing strengths is crucial for capitalizing on our abilities and achieving success. Strengths can manifest in various forms, including intellectual, emotional, social, and physical capacities. By recognizing our strengths, we can leverage them to overcome obstacles, pursue opportunities, and make meaningful contributions to our personal and professional lives.

Confronting weaknesses requires humility and self-awareness. It involves acknowledging areas where we fall short and taking proactive steps to improve. While weaknesses may present challenges, they also provide opportunities for growth and development. By embracing feedback, seeking constructive criticism, and investing time and effort in self-improvement, we can transform our weaknesses into strengths.

Reflecting on Values and Beliefs

Our values and beliefs shape our perspectives, decisions, and actions. They serve as guiding principles that inform our behavior and interactions with the world around us. Reflecting on our values and beliefs allows us to align our actions with our core principles, fostering authenticity, integrity, and congruence in our lives.

Nurturing Aspirations

Aspirations are the fuel that drives us forward, motivating us to pursue our dreams and aspirations. They provide direction, purpose, and meaning to our lives, inspiring us to strive for excellence and make a positive impact in the world. Nurturing our aspirations involves setting ambitious yet achievable goals, cultivating a growth mindset, and persevering in the face of challenges and setbacks.

Setting Goals for Growth

Setting goals is essential for translating aspirations into actionable steps and tangible outcomes. Goals provide focus, clarity, and direction, guiding our efforts and priorities. By setting specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals, we can track our progress, stay motivated, and celebrate our achievements along the way.

Cultivating Self-Compassion

Self-compassion is the foundation of self-care and well-being. It involves treating ourselves with kindness, understanding, and acceptance, especially during times of difficulty or failure. Cultivating self-compassion enables us to embrace our imperfections, learn from our mistakes, and bounce back stronger with resilience and perseverance.

In conclusion, understanding oneself is a lifelong journey of self-discovery and personal growth. By exploring our identity, recognizing strengths, addressing weaknesses, reflecting on values and beliefs, nurturing aspirations, setting goals for growth, and cultivating self-compassion, we can cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness, fulfillment, and authenticity. As we continue to evolve and navigate life’s complexities, may we embrace the beauty and complexity of our true selves with curiosity, courage, and compassion.

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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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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!

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How to describe your personality in a paragraph – 7 example answers

The way we ourselves rarely mirrors the reality . We tend to see ourselves better, nicer, and perhaps also more attractive than others do see us- -if they actually care. At the end of the day everything is subjective, and each person sees the world–and each living creature they interact with–with a unique pair of eyes . Nevertheless, you will often face the question about your personality , be it on a job application, in an interview, or even on a dating website. Sometimes they ask you to describe yourself in one word only, sometimes they ask what three words would your friends use to describe you , and sometimes they ask you to describe your personality in one paragraph. What do they want to hear from you in this case?

Hiring manager want to hear that you have a fitting personality for the job . Or at least that you think so :). Of course, some things change from one job to another, but certain phrases will always work, such as that you are enthusiastic about work, show initiative, are attentive to the needs of your colleagues and so on. To make your answer sound more realistic , you should add also some neutral or even negative characteristics–perhaps you get angry easily, lose patience quickly, or are overly talkative at times. Just make sure to mention that you are aware of the issue and how it impacts you at work, and that you try to work on it. You can also opt for a more humble answer, or even for a philosophical one…

Let’s have a look at 7 sample answers right now. I tried to come up with some mix, and hope you will “find yourself” in at least one of the answers . Remember that this question isn’t the most difficult interview question you may ever face, and there’s no point in overthinking it. Just be yourself, show confidence and humility at the same time, and make sure that your personality is at least somehow fitting for the job.

7 example answers to “How to describe your personality in a paragraph” question

• I would describe my personality as outgoing, friendly, and talkative. I thrive when surrounded by other people, and find it easy to connect with anyone I meet. Always looking for bridges, not fences . I would also say that I have a good sense of humor, and people generally enjoy my company. Having said all of that, I realize that each coin has two sides, and sometimes I have to be careful to make sure that I do not talk more than work in the job.
• I am rather introverted , but that doesn’t mean that I do not like people. Just enjoy keeping things to myself, focusing on the job, and doing my best every day. Having said that, if someone invites me for a conversation or something I won’t say no. I try to be attentive to the needs of my colleagues , and if I feel someone may need a helping hand, I do not hesitate to offer it. Generally I am a hardworking person, but I tend to have a low day once or twice a month , and on such a day I typically do not get much done.
• I think what describes me the best is the expression “ creative mind “. Because I always enjoy to come up with new ideas, think outside the box, or even challenge the status quo. Now it doesn’t mean that I find it hard to oblige the rules. I do that. But I do not hesitate twice to share my feedback and suggest improvements . I hope you are looking for someone with this personality, and that’s one of the main reasons why I applied for your job offer.
• Energetic, motivated, enthusiastic about work and life. Just someone it is a pleasure to have in the workplace, since such a person always lifts the morale of the entire team . At least that’s the way I see it, and also what my former managers have told about me. Having said that, I understand that enthusiasm is not enough–one needs also skill and precision in this job, but I honestly believe to have both, and am ready to demonstrate it from day one, if you give me a chance in this job.
• A team player . That sort of sums it up. Someone who thrives in a team environment. Always interested in my colleagues, their needs and feelings. Always trying my best to not let the colleagues down . Of course, this also have some drawbacks, especially when I should work on something alone I may struggle with motivation. But it is a learning process, and I hope to improve on my weakness soon, and be someone that can thrive working both independently and in a team.
• My nickname can be “never gives up” , and that sort of characterizes who I am. Maybe I am not the most talented person in the world–when it comes to any tasks, but you can be sure I always give me 100% effort , and if I fail with something I try again. I am one of those guys who enjoy reinventing themselves, trying new hobbies, learning new skills. For example at the moment I am learning to play saxophone, and I enjoy it greatly. If I should point out something negative –because at the end of the day we all have some weaknesses, I’d say that I sometimes find it hard to bear with negativity at work . But that’s just the current state of things, and I hope to change it.
• I would describe myself as a very calm and balanced person . Always try to see the brighter side of things , always looking for the good in people and in events that happen to me. I very rarely complain about everything, and do the job without unnecessary stress. What’s more, people say I am a good companion for the talk about virtually any topic, and that my inner calm help them feel good and relaxed in the workplace . I sincerely believe your team can benefit from having me onboard, and cannot wait to start working here.

Ready to answer this one? I hope so! If you’re still not sure, you can check out 7 sample answers to similar interview questions:

• Tell me three your strengths and three areas for improvement .
• How would your colleagues describe your personality?
• Tell me about a time you used data to make a decision .
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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!

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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/ .

special thanks for the sample at the end!

The sample is large enough, do you think I can write a smaller essay? I just don’t know what else to add …

If you would like to write a larger essay, but do not know what to add, we can help you. You just need to place an order on EssayBulls.

Better guide I can’t imagine!!!

I noticed this post is written in simple and understandable way for anyone. By far the best tips!

Thank god I found myself a helpful guide to follow during writing…

I often come here to order essays but didn’t thin they have such posts to help with writing. My respect.

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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]

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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 .

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Who Am I Essay: Writing Tips and Sample

Your “Who am I?” essay is a paper where you describe yourself as a person. Mention what inspires and motivates you, what you love and don’t love, your goals and wishes, etc.

In this article, you’ll learn how to write this personal essay. (And please don’t miss a ready-made example to understand what to describe in your work!)

How to Write a “Who Am I” Essay

You’re that person who knows you best, but writing about yourself is still challenging:

You read a writing prompt for a college application or scholarship , and you aren’t sure if you understand it in detail. How do you know what exactly to mention in your essay? You can’t find words to describe your nature and skills. How do you know if that particular accomplishment or story from your life is worth including?

Stick with us here for practical tips on writing a “Who Am I” essay, with a free template to follow.

How to start?

Ask any writer, and they will tell you that the hardest part of the writing process is to start it. It’s a kind of writer’s block when you stare at a blank screen and don’t know what to write. Below are several ideas that can help you craft a compelling essay about yourself:

• Think about one sentence that would describe you best. (A technique some authors use for inspiration: Answer the question, “What would friends write on your grave?” or “What do you want the world to remember about you?” You can start an essay with that phrase.
• In the introduction, describe yourself in general . (Be truthful and honest.)
• Discuss one or two of your hobbies. (Choose those you’re most passionate about, those influencing your mood — and maybe your skills — most.)
•   Highlight your achievements but don’t boast. ( Be reflective by analyzing and evaluating what you’ve achieved.)
• Add some personality to the essay. (Tell anecdotes, include examples, and be creative to keep readers engaged with your story.)

Short Essay About “Who I Am” Sample

You’re welcome to use the below template from our professional writer for crafting your future “Who am I” essays. Here it goes:

Actionable Tips to Improve Your Paper

Ready to start writing? Consider these helpful tips on crafting a person essay about who I am:

1) Understand your audience

Who will read your essay? Is it a college admission officer who knows nothing about you? Or, maybe it’s your school teacher with some background of who you are? Do you plan to publish your reflection for your social media followers or blog readers?

Depending on the audience, your story may change. Add details about what interests your readers: What would they want to know? Understanding your readers will make your essay more compelling (1). It will be easier for you to engage them and make them emotionally connected to your story.

2) Don’t be afraid to look vulnerable

Allow the readers to see your inner feelings. Sincerity and reflection are the new black, you know. It’s okay to speak about your strengths, weaknesses, or worries to the audience. That’s what differentiates you from other people, thus making you an individual.

Here’s the big secret:

Admission committees appreciate students’ understanding of their weaknesses and areas to grow. Communicate the willingness to change and grow. You’re just a human, after all.

Write about what you want to develop in yourself. Or, tell about life experiences that have changed or influenced you most.

3) Proofread and edit your essay

Once your essay is ready, it’s time to proofread and edit it. Here’s a short checklist of the details to fix if any:

• Grammar and punctuation mistakes (verb tenses, sentence structure)
• Spelling errors and inconsistencies in names or terms
• Incorrect capitalization
• No logical flow or transitions between paragraphs
• Excessive wordiness and repetition
• Biased language
• Too much passive voice and redundant adverbs
• Too sophisticated words and phrases that have simpler alternatives

That’s It: Your “Who Am I” Essay Is Ready

In this blog post, we tried to cover all the core details of personal essay writing. Now you know how to start it, what elements to include, and how to craft it for better readability and emotional connection with the audience.

We hope our 500-word essay example will help you write your perfect story about yourself. If you still have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask our professional writers for help.

References:

• https://summer.harvard.edu/blog/12-strategies-to-writing-the-perfect-college-essay/
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250 words to describe yourself in different situations

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“Describe yourself in three words.”

I’m sure you’ve faced that challenge before.

It’s a common job interview question, but you might also hear it on dates or other situations where you are getting to know someone.

Heck, you may even make a discussion out of it with your friends.

And then there is the challenge of writing dating profiles, resumes, or other documents where you need to give the best first impression possible.

But what are the right words to describe yourself?

Which adjectives fit you down to a T?

To help you figure this out, we’ll explore a wide range of attributes that may apply to you.

We’ll provide 50 primary words along with alternatives for each, giving a total of 250 words to describe yourself as a person.

110 Words To Use In A Job Interview Or On A Resume

When you are trying to land a job and you want to impress the recruiter, you can integrate some of these words into your interview answers and/or your resume.

Remember, it is always best to use words that actually describe yourself – who you are and not who you think they want you to be.

Honesty is the best policy.

1. Conscientious – you take your duties seriously and take care to do things well every time.

Alternatives: diligent, meticulous, attentive, precise, dutiful.

2. Independent – you are able to work well by yourself and find solutions to any problems you encounter.

Alternatives: self-reliant, self-sufficient.

3. Creative – you are able to think outside the box and come up with ideas to drive the business forward.

Alternatives: inventive, imaginative, innovative, inspired, resourceful, unconventional.

4. Motivated – you have an inner drive to work hard, get the job done, and do well in your career.

Alternatives: driven, willing, ambitious, hungry, self-starter, determined, industrious.

5. Flexible – you are able to learn quickly and take on new duties with ease and as required.

Alternatives: adaptable, versatile, all rounder, dynamic.

6. Analytical – you have a talent for working with data and systems.

Alternatives: logical, inquisitive, detail-oriented , attentive.

7. Tenacious – you do whatever it takes to get something done.

Alternatives: persistent, dogged, steadfast, resolute, focused.

8. Trustworthy – you can be counted upon to do the right thing.

Alternatives: responsible, reliable, dependable, honest, principled, truthful.

9. Efficient – you get things done with the minimum of fuss and with the least wasted time or resources.

Alternatives: productive, organized, methodical, practical.

10. Cooperative – you are able to work harmoniously with others.

Alternatives: amiable, personable, friendly, sociable, easy going.

11. Articulate – you are able to communicate effectively.

Alternatives: expressive, persuasive, reasoned, well-spoken.

12. Assertive – you have leadership qualities that people are willing to follow.

Alternatives: confident, decisive, self-assured, strong-willed, firm.

13. Committed – you are willing to stick at something and are prepared to stay in for the long haul.

Alternatives: dedicated, loyal, faithful, devoted.

14. Positive – you have an attitude that looks for the good and promotes happiness.

Alternatives: constructive, optimistic, cheerful, hopeful.

15. Professional – you act in ways that best represent and promote the company you work for.

Alternatives: respectable, courteous, charming, polished.

16. Perceptive – you are able to quickly assess situations or people.

Alternatives: astute, insightful, incisive, sharp, shrewd.

17. Genuine – you are a straight talker and you don’t hide who you are. What you see is what you get.

Alternatives: sincere, candid, straightforward, blunt, plain-spoken.

18. Enthusiastic – you are very eager to be a part of the company and get involved in what it is doing.

Alternatives: passionate, excited, willing.

19.  Proactive – you are a doer. You don’t wait around for things to happen; you make them happen.

Alternatives: enterprising, daring, bold.

20. Composed – you stay cool and calm under pressure and don’t let your emotions get the better of you.

Alternatives: collected, unflappable, poised, self-assured, level-headed.

You may also like (article continues below):

• How To Talk About Yourself (+ 12 Good Things To Say)
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70 Words To Describe Yourself On Dates / A Dating Profile

If you are looking to impress a potential partner, it helps if you can talk about yourself in ways that best represent all the positive qualities you have.

Here are some examples of descriptive words that you can use both when talking to your date and on your profile for dating websites and apps.

If you use these words to describe yourself, you’ll stand a better chance of landing a date and then transitioning to something more serious.

1. Thoughtful – you look for ways to do nice things for people and you think before you speak/act to avoid causing upset.

Alternatives: considerate, attentive, courteous, compassionate.

2. Caring – you like to make sure people are well looked after.

Alternatives: loving, big-hearted, generous, warm-hearted, kind.

3. Adventurous – you like to try new things and expand your horizons.

Alternatives: daring, thrill-seeker, free-spirited, intrepid, spontaneous.

4. Cheerful – you like to look on the bright side of life and see the good in everything.

Alternatives: joyful, cheery, sunny, upbeat, chirpy.

5. Loyal – you can be trusted upon without question and will always have your partner’s back.

Alternatives: faithful, devoted.

6. Energetic – you have bags of energy and like to be active as much as possible.

Alternatives: spirited, lively, animated, tireless, vivacious.

7. Laid back – you don’t take things too seriously and are happy to go with the flow.

Alternatives: relaxed, light-hearted, easy-going, carefree.

8. Honest – you tell the truth, even when the truth is hard to say.

Alternatives: sincere, genuine, frank, straight.

9. Confident – you believe in yourself and the qualities you bring to the table.

Alternatives: self-assured.

10. Perceptive – you notice the little things and you pay attention to what people say.

Alternatives: observant, intuitive, sensitive.

11. Affectionate – you like to show people that they are loved.

Alternatives: tender, cuddly, emotionally expressive.

12. Intelligent – you know a thing or two and you don’t hide that fact.

Alternatives: smart, well-informed, bright, cultured.

13. Creative – you like to make things, come up with ideas, and express yourself in different ways.

Alternatives: free-thinker, artistic, imaginative.

14. Outgoing – you are someone who enjoys spending time with other people.

Alternatives: friendly, sociable, welcoming, cordial.

15. Optimistic – you believe that things will always work out for the best one way or another.

Alternatives: hopeful, sanguine.

70 Other Adjectives To Describe Yourself

There will be other times when you are telling people about yourself when you might wish to use some of these words to describe yourself too.

1. Open-minded – you are willing to listen to other perspectives, learn new things, and be open to different ways of doing things.

Alternatives: non-judgmental, unbiased, impartial, tolerant, accepting.

2. Entrepreneurial – you enjoy business and are willing to take risks to make a success of yourself.

Alternatives: enterprising, aspirational.

3. Competitive – you revel in going up against others and trying to win at whatever you do.

4. Diplomatic – you are good at managing conflict and bringing people together.

Alternatives: accommodating, obliging, tactful, amicable, peacemaking.

5. Gentle – you have a soft nature that seeks to get on with everyone.

Alternatives: mellow, placid, genial, soft-spoken, well-mannered.

6. Humble – you realize that you are not the center of the universe.

Alternatives: modest, unassuming, unpretentious.

7. Silly – you just like to have lots of fun and don’t mind how you do it or what you look like.

Alternatives: fun-loving, mischievous, playful.

8. Persuasive – you know how to get people to come around to your way of thinking.

Alternatives: convincing, influential, believable, credible, eloquent.

9. Contemplative – you like to sit and think about your life, your past, your future.

Alternatives: reflective, meditative, introspective, deep thinker.

10. Respectful – you treat people as you would wish to be treated.

Alternatives: polite , gracious, courteous.

11. Sensible – you act with thoughtful consideration of the consequences.

Alternatives: prudent, rational, wise, judicious.

12. Mature – you display behavior that shows you are a real grown up .

Alternatives: sophisticated, worldly, cultured, experienced.

13. Unique – because everyone is unique in their own way.

Alternatives: quirky, different, unusual.

14. Competent – you are skilled at a particular task or duty.

Alternatives: capable, proficient, accomplished, adept, qualified, talented.

15. Brave – you are willing to face your fears and take risks.

Alternatives: courageous, fearless, gutsy.

This list of words to describe yourself is not exhaustive by any means. There are endless possible ways to talk about yourself.

But these particular adjectives are both well understood by most people and will be enough for most situations.

Choose wisely as whether you are in a job interview situation, working the dating scene, or just chatting to people you meet, it’s important to be succinct.

When picking words to describe yourself, make sure they really reflect who you are as an individual and put you in the best light possible.

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About The Author

Steve Phillips-Waller is the founder and editor of A Conscious Rethink. He has written extensively on the topics of life, relationships, and mental health for more than 8 years.

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

Describing Myself: What Shapes Me

• Categories: About Myself Personality

About this sample

Words: 782 |

Published: Sep 7, 2023

Words: 782 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

Table of contents

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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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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• 40 Job Knowledge Self Evaluation Comments Examples

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.

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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!

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Describe yourself essay sample: Good personal reflection

Now you can stop looking for a sample essay about yourself for college as you will read the one that was successful and the student who wrote it got an excellent mark. Though, the present yourself essay sample is proposed only for your consideration. You can’t use it as your own essay should be unique, though there is always a way to get the paper that will succeed!

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Sample essay on describe yourself.

My name is Anthony, I’m 20 years old. I live with my family, which consists of dad, mom, and my sister Lisa, who is two years younger than me. I have brown hair and green eyes. My constitution is average and growth too. I’m quite likable externally, but not as handsome as I would like to be, unfortunately. I respect myself, although I do not try to make myself a leader or head of the company. At the same time, I will not let myself be offended and try to make sure that my opinion is respected by both relatives and friends. I often stand in my opinion. It’s not so easy for me to change it even under the weight of some respectable arguments. Someone can consider that it is wrong, but I like to be independent in everything I am doing. My close people and friends know this feature in me and consider it avoiding unnecessary arguments or conversations. ( free essay writing )

I studied at school on the average level not being a perfect pupil though trying not to be the last as well. From all of the subjects most of all I liked mathematics, biology, and geography. I like mathematics because it is connected with the logic to me. I enjoy logical games and everything connected to that. I like biology because it gives us insight into the world of creation of everything living on the Earth. It seems amazing and unknown, thus worth to be discovered. I like geography simply because I like to discover different cultures. I would not say that I am a devoted traveler as I mainly enjoy sitting in the comfort of my home. Though, I like to discover something new. Hopefully, nowadays we can travel virtually taking amazing 360-degree tours using smartphones or computers and thus “traveling” everywhere we want from the comfort of the sofa.

See also: How to Write ‘Describe yourself essay’ Without Sounding Egocentric

I have a hobby. I adore table games of different kinds: with figures, chips, cards, and everything else. I can play classical chess for many hours. This hobby we share with my father who makes the company for me. Also, I enjoy playing computer games but I don’t spend all my free time on them like many others. I also spend some time in our garage repairing or constructing something. I also have quite an unusual hobby. I like to make objects from the nails. Sometimes I can make rather big objects They are mainly imaginary figures or heroes of fantasy films.

With the younger sister, we brought the puppy Alma and take care, going out with her. Now Alma is 8 years old and she is also a member of our family. This dog is a rather devoted friend of mine. I can’t imagine my life without her funny barking and playing around.

I do not do sports purposefully, but I like to train with friends on bars or to work out on simulators. Although I understand that systematic sports are important for a guy. If there is an opportunity, I want to register in the gym or fight club this year. ( write my term paper )

I am a sociable person. I like to get acquainted with new people, communicate in a big company, participate in disputes. Among my friends, there are boys and girls. I would call myself a benevolent person, often I help my friends. If I can say that I have learned purposefulness from my father, the same I can admit that my mother learnt me to be helpful to people no matter of sex or race. I was brought up in a multi-cultured community and I consider the people of all nations to be equal. I have learned to accept the right both of men and women for independence and self-realization. I think that such understandings together with a willingness to help all the people in need make a socially responsible individual out of me.

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In spite that I try to be social sometimes, by my inner nature I am outwardly calm. I like to think and mark. But this does not mean that I can’t really worry. I just noticed that if I am internally excited, it’s not visible in my behavior. I would like to change this character trait a little. After all, often my friends and comrades just do not notice that I have some troubles, and thus do not offer help when I really need it. It’s so important to have someone to lean on sometimes. I try to be the one for my close friend and admire the same attitude in return.

Occasionally I am short-tempered if I am very irritated. Then I can pour out all my anger on the offender so that he does not seem a little. But then I’m able to make up because I’m not vindictive.

And yet I try to be a reliable person, real support for friends and family. I always try to help solve any problem, except contrived ones. Friends say that I am capable of leading when I need, to give a hand when someone is not capable to manage something. ( write my paper )

I believe that my friends respect me. Although I’m not the center of our company, friends like to come and usually get together at my house. I often help my friends: in studying something, at work, when someone needs to find a part-time job, etc. I always keep my hand on the pulse of events in our city. In this way, I can always propose my friends to go to one or another interesting event, concert, etc.

I do not set myself the goal of becoming a leader as many others do, but I know that I can make the right decision when necessary. I repeatedly took responsibility in difficult situations, when all the others were lost. For this I respect myself. For this, I am respected by other people.

I’m not one of those who suppress themselves or go beyond everywhere and every time. I usually say a little, but all my words are weighed. I prefer to act only when the situation requires it or circumstances force it. And it works! As at other times I can do my own affairs or just contemplate the world as it really is, revealing its real colors.

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I try to weigh everything rationally, but I often notice that I am giving in to emotions. Probably, a person’s behavior depends more on feelings than on his reasonable considerations. No wonder so often we are advised not to succumb to our feelings and emotions. So am I, I try to suppress emotions if they are negative, but they still breakthrough into the light. It happens in many ways: they control me, I control them, changing anger into repentance, hatred into love, and envy into admiration. I do not know if it’s good or bad, but at least I’m working on myself in this direction.

I study at Polytechnic University. I want to become a freelance programmer. I dream of working at home. I know that sometimes I can’t go out on the street if I have to finish some important projects. I am passionate about writing codes for programs for 10-12 hours in a row, if necessary. I think that working in this way, I will be able to provide everything needed for myself and my future family. ( best homework help )

You can even say that my goal in life is to become a successful person while preserving myself, my own habits and attachments. Although I understand that success is a rather subjective concept. Everyone understands it in his own way. For someone, success is a good career, promotion at work. For the others, it lies in the happiness of the family and the health of beloved ones. I used to think that success is something fleeting, today it exists, but tomorrow there is not. A well-done job is a success. Winning in lotto is a success. As they say, “came at the right time to the right place.” ( Programming help online )

For me, success is akin to good luck. I believe in luck, even if it is short-lived, comes, in my experience, only in those moments when you do not expect it at all. Well, or in critical situations. You are in a state of hysteria, nothing will help, you can’t get out of the situation. Suddenly something happens and everything is resolved well (even very well). Something similar happened to me, and it was definitely luck. 

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Many people think that luck is a gift of fate. It literally falls on you, it does not foresee. There are also those who believe in some magical essence of this concept – as through certain actions or spells, it can be called. Another opinion on this matter is the divine origin of luck (it is sent to people for good and righteous deeds). How many people, so many opinions.

But what is a success for me then? It definitely has something in common with luck. It is necessary to strive for it for a long time, work hard, set tasks. Luck can be in the form of an unexpected inheritance – distant relatives left you millions. This is luck. You have worked long hours, have not slept, being exhausted, and earned millions. This is a success. ( business writing services )

Maybe I am a philosopher inside of me. I often think about those concepts of luck and success. It is difficult to determine the limits of success. A man worked all his life in a small company and became its director: with average income, standard apartment, small family. In his understanding, he is successful – he has enough for everything, he feels comfortable. Another person earns millions but wants billions, but it does not work. He thinks he is not successful. I hope that I will soon determine for myself – what to consider a success. Life will show if I am right or wrong.

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