How to Answer the Question “How Would You Describe Yourself” at Interviews

The questions of your experience, education, strengths and achievements may be walkovers for most people. However, this question often puts candidates in a tight corner. It’s hard because it is a loaded question; most people would become nervous.

The other ways of asking this question is, “Tell us about yourself”, “Describe yourself in three words”. Some can ask, “Describe yourself in one word”

How can you answer this question in two minutes without sounding like you want to impress the interviewers with the things they want to hear? How do you answer it truly and let it be memorable to the interviewers?

First, you should prepare adequately to answer this question in a manner the interviewers would say in their mind “great”. So, don’t leave preparing for it thinking that you’ll have the answer on the spot. Some hiring managers take this question as one of the key deciding factors to measure whether you’re a fit for the role.

Why they ask this question

First, don’t mistake that you need to tell the interviewers your life history from primary school to the present. Please!

Interviewers ask this question to assess whether what you describe yourself matches the essential skills (or candidates) they needed for that position. So, your answer can contribute to making or marring your overall success chances.

WORDS TO DESCRIBE YOURSELF AT INTERVIEWS

When you're asked, "Tell me about yourself."

When preparing for this question, know that the hints to the perfect response are often stated in the job description

Here are some adjectives to ‘boast’ about who you are. Two to four adjectives are enough!

To express CREATIVITY, use descriptive words such as I am: Adaptable, curious, dynamic, eclectic, imaginative, innovative, inventive, original, thoughtful, unconventional, unique, versatile

To show that you are FOCUSED, use descriptive words such as I am: Accurate, assiduous, attentive, careful, categorical, detail-oriented, diligent, methodical, meticulous, particular, patient, precise

To show your AMBITION, use descriptive words such as I am: Bold, committed, committed, courageous, dependable, determined, disciplined, driven, energetic, initiator, motivated, responsible

To show that you are OPEN-MINDED, use descriptive words such as I am: Approachable, balanced, broad-minded, easy-going, interested, observant, perceptive, understanding

To state that you’re DIRECT, use descriptive words such as I am: Asserted, candid, decisive, disciplined, honest, matter-of-fact, point-blank, prompt, real, realistic, responsible, straightforward

If you’re a PEOPLE-PERSON, use descriptive words such as I am: Active, collaborative, communicator, cooperative, fair, outgoing, receptive, respectful, sociable, supportive, trustworthy

Real-world examples of what to say:

? “People have often complimented me for how approachable I am.”

? “In the past, people have noticed that I'm a very direct communicator.”

? “People take me as a very committed person.”

I learned these from Natalie Fisher

Meanwhile, in describing yourself at an interview, you should prepare your stories that would mirror the adjectives you used in explaining who you are. Hints: Use the STAR framework to tell your story:

? Situation

? Task

? Action

? Result

Or the SARI formula to develop your storytelling strategy:

? Situation (or task)

? Action

? Result

? Interesting features (bonus!)

Here’s an example by Natalie Fisher:

“TELL US ABOUT A TIME YOU SHOWED CREATIVITY @ WORK.”

SITUATION:

“I was asked to do a presentation on behalf of the marketing department.”

ACTION:

“I saw this as an opportunity to think outside the box with the presentation, so I used different tools to keep the audience engaged: audience participation, funny video clips and photos, and hard data to make my points. While the rest of the departments were doing ‘death-by-PowerPoint’ presentations, I chose to get creative and actively engage the audience.”

RESULTS:

“We received the highest score amongst all other departments, and we were asked to do the same presentation (with some tweaks) for some of our clients at the next user conference.”

INTERESTING FEATURES: (Things you learned, or fun highlights you can share quickly)

“Engagement is something you can actively work into a presentation. Too often, I see people zoning out on their phones, and that’s something I successfully changed with this creative endeavour.”

Hope you like my explanations. Get it right at your next interview.

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