How To Describe Yourself in a Job Interview
Learning how to describe yourself in three words during a job interview can be essential to landing the position you want. Employers are often looking for specific traits in candidates, but having the right qualities won’t matter if you can’t effectively communicate them. By preparing in advance, you can confidently describe yourself and show why you’re the best fit for the role.
Why Interviewers Ask "How Would You Describe Yourself in 3 Words?"
This question can be phrased in a variety of ways, such as “How would you describe yourself?” or “How would others describe you?” A common variation is the classic: “Use three words to describe yourself.”
This isn’t just a casual question. Employers ask it to assess your self-awareness, confidence, and cultural fit within their company. How you describe yourself also gives them a glimpse into your personality and how well you may mesh with their team.
A well-prepared response can help guide your interview in a positive direction, catch the interviewer’s attention, and set you apart from other candidates.
How to Prepare Your Answer (With Examples)
To prepare, start by brainstorming a list of adjectives that describe you generally. For example, if you want to highlight your work ethic, you might choose words like dependable, motivated, or analytical. Consider both strengths and weaknesses, as this can help in addressing other common interview questions. [link: strength and weaknesses blog]
Next, tailor your list to the specific job by carefully reading the job description and researching the company. Identify which qualities align with the role and the company’s culture.
Once you have a set of adjectives, think of examples that demonstrate each one. Simply stating “I’m a problem solver” isn’t enough—you need to back it up with a concrete example of a time you demonstrated that trait.
Sample Traits and How to Illustrate Them
Here are a few examples to inspire your preparation. These can serve as building blocks to help you find three adjectives that describe yourself:
Team Player
Perhaps you participate in a recreational sports league. You can share an example where you helped ensure the team worked well together—not just on the field, but by organizing transportation or coordinating practice schedules. This shows your ability to bring people together toward a common goal.
Self-Starter
Think of instances at previous jobs where you identified and addressed a problem without being asked. For example, you might have noticed outdated equipment piling up at your company and proposed a profitable solution for reselling it, demonstrating initiative and resourcefulness.
Driven
If you’re pursuing a career as an actuary, you could highlight your efforts to become proficient in actuarial software or discuss internships where you gained relevant experience. Showing steps you’ve taken to build industry-specific skills demonstrates your commitment to success.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
While it’s important to describe yourself confidently, there are some mistakes to avoid:
Avoid irrelevant details: Stick to traits that are directly related to the role. Sharing personal information or unrelated anecdotes can detract from your qualifications.
Avoid unsupported claims: Words like “intelligent” or “successful” are difficult to substantiate without sounding boastful. Instead, let the interviewer draw their own conclusions about these traits through the examples you provide.
Don’t undersell yourself: Be careful not to downplay your abilities. Confidence is key to communicating your value, so choose adjectives that truly reflect your strengths.
Understanding How Your Skills Transfer to Insurance
It’s also important to understand how your past experiences translate into the new role. For example, if you’re interviewing for an underwriter position, you could mention your strong attention to detail developed through prior jobs, a solid math background from your education, and your IT skills gained from personal experience.
Conclusion: Getting the Job
The “describe yourself in three words” question is a valuable tool for interviewers to gauge how well you align with their organization. It’s worth the time and effort to prepare a thoughtful answer. By doing so, you’ll ensure that your qualities are communicated clearly, helping you stand out as a qualified and self-aware candidate.
Additional MyPath Resources
For more interview preparation advice, check out the MyPath blog to learn:
- How to Tackle the "Strengths and Weaknesses" Interview Question Like a Pro
- How to Craft a Follow-up Email After Your Interview
- The Top Behavioral-based Interview Questions