"How would you describe yourself?" is a common HR interview question.
Now, this interview question might seem easy but it can be difficult to answer, as you want to make sure you come across as confident and capable, without being too boastful or arrogant.
If you have a job interview lined up, then you must prepare to describe yourself.
In this article, we will discuss some tips on to describe yourself with examples to help you draft your unique reply.
Let’s begin!
Begin with your professional identity
You could answer this question by starting with your professional identity. Include your current or previous job title, education, or any relevant certifications or qualifications.
When asked to describe yourself, you can say,
"I am a marketing professional with over five years of experience in digital marketing and a Bachelor's degree in Marketing from XYZ University."
Highlight your strengths
Next, highlight your strengths when asked to describe yourself.
It is important to explain your USP that sets you apart from others. This could include skills such as strong communication, attention to detail, or being a great team player.
These are a few words to describe yourself to highlight your strengths
- Top performer
- Growth & development
- Goal oriented
- Self-driven
- Results-oriented
- Accountable
- Team player
- Customer focused
Here’s how you can describe yourself,
"I am a strong communicator and enjoy working collaboratively with others to achieve our goals."
Discuss your values
Another way to describe yourself is by discussing your values. This can give the interviewer an idea of what motivates you and what is important to you.
Here’s what you can say,
"I am someone who values honesty and integrity, and I strive to bring those qualities into everything I do."
Use the STAR method to explain
When describing yourself, it's always a good idea to describe a situation to demonstrate your qualities or skills.
This could be a specific project you worked on, a time you went above and beyond for a client or customer, or a situation where you had to use your problem-solving skills.
However, talking about such a situation can divert you from the point, and you might end up diverting from the point. So, use the STAR method to ace your answer.
By providing examples, you can give the interviewer a better understanding of your abilities and how you could contribute to their organization.
Avoid faking any information
Finally, it's important to be authentic when describing yourself. Avoid using clichés or buzzwords that don't describe who you are.
Instead, be honest about your strengths, weaknesses, and areas where you are still growing. This can show the interviewer that you are self-aware and willing to learn and improve.
How would you describe yourself examples
Here are a few sample answers to the question "How would you describe yourself?" based on the tips discussed above:
Sample Answer #1:
"I am a creative and strategic thinker with a passion for marketing and have over seven years of experience in developing and executing successful marketing campaigns. I hold a Master's degree in Marketing from ABC University.
I am a strong communicator and enjoy collaborating with others to achieve our goals. For example, in my last role, I worked closely with our sales team to create a targeted email campaign that resulted in a 25% increase in leads."
Sample Answer #2:
"I am a detail-oriented and organized individual who enjoys problem-solving. I have over five years of experience in project management, and I hold a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
I value transparency, and honesty and believe in taking ownership of my work. For example, in my last role, I was able to identify and resolve a major roadblock in a project, which ultimately saved the company over 50 Lakhs."
Sample Answer #3:
"I am passionate about learning and growth. While I may not have a lot of experience in this field, I am excited to learn and bring my skills and enthusiasm to the role.
I value collaboration and teamwork and am always willing to help out where needed. For example, in my previous role, I volunteered to lead a new project and was able to successfully deliver it on time and under budget."
Conclusion
"How would you describe yourself?" can be a great opportunity to break the ice with the recruiter. You can use this opportunity as an elevator pitch as well.
However, practice well to avoid feeling nervous or caught off-guard when asked to describe yourself in a job interview.
All the Best!
