Even when you’re feeling confident about an interview, the simplest questions can sometimes catch you off guard. One of those is, “Describe yourself in 3 words.” It sounds easy, but picking just three words to sum up who you are can be trickier than it seems.
Interviewers are trying to get a sense of who you are as a person, beyond just your skills so choosing the right words really matters here. Pick the wrong ones, and you might give the interviewer the wrong idea about you—and that could hurt your chances. But don’t worry! We’re here to walk you through how to handle this question like a pro. You’ll learn how to pick words that show off what makes you unique while also matching what the job needs.
What interviewers want to hear when describing yourself
When an interviewer asks you to describe yourself in three words, they’re doing more than just making small talk. The words you pick give them insight into how you see yourself, and that says a lot about what traits you think are important. Essentially, they’re learning what qualities you value most.
But it’s not just about what you think. Interviewers are also looking to see if those qualities match what they value. For instance, if you choose the word “funny,” it shows that you care about having a good sense of humor. Now, that could be great if you’re applying for a job in a creative or casual work environment where personality is key. But if you’re interviewing for a more serious or formal job, they might wonder if humor is the right fit for the role.
That’s why it’s so important to think carefully about the words you choose. You want to pick words that not only reflect who you are but also show you understand what qualities are valued in the workplace you’re aiming to join. For example, if the company emphasizes teamwork and collaboration, choosing words like “supportive” or “reliable” could show you’re a good match.
How to answer “Describe yourself in 3 words”
Be genuine
It’s tempting to try and impress your interviewer by choosing words you think they want to hear, but the best approach is to stay true to yourself. Pick words that genuinely reflect your personality. When you’re authentic, it’s easier to back up your answers with real-life examples, which makes your response more convincing.
One helpful trick is to ask family, friends, or even former coworkers how they would describe you in three words. If the same word keeps coming up, that’s probably a good indicator it’s a solid choice. For example, if multiple people describe you as “reliable,” that’s a great word to consider because it not only shows how you see yourself but also reflects how others see you, too.
Being genuine helps you avoid words that might sound impressive but aren’t really you. If you say you’re “outgoing” but prefer working independently, you might end up in a role that doesn’t suit you. So, stick with words that feel true to who you are.
Align with the company’s priorities
It’s important to choose words that not only reflect your character but also fit the job you’re applying for. Every company has its own values and culture, and you want to show that you understand what they care about. Start by researching the company’s mission and the specific traits they emphasize in their job descriptions or on their website. Then, pick words that highlight both your personality and what they’re looking for in a candidate.
For example, if you’re applying for a creative job, like a graphic designer, using words like “creative” or “imaginative” shows that you understand what the job needs. On the other hand, if you’re applying for a sales position, words like “confident” and “outgoing” might be more relevant, as they align with the skills needed to succeed in that environment.
Let’s say your top five words are creative, confident, outgoing, loyal, and independent. For a graphic design job, you’d likely want to highlight “creative” and maybe even “independent” if the role involves working on your own. For a sales role, “confident” and “outgoing” would make a stronger impact, showing you’re ready to engage with clients and close deals.
By aligning your words with the company’s priorities, you show that you not only understand the job but also how you can bring value to their team.
Expand your answer
Don’t stop after just listing three words—take your answer a step further by explaining why you chose those words. Give examples that show how you’ve demonstrated these traits in real situations. This not only backs up your choices but also shows the interviewer that you’re thoughtful and self-aware.
For instance, if you describe yourself as “organized,” don’t just leave it at that. You could say, “I chose ‘organized’ because in my last job as a project assistant, I was in charge of keeping track of multiple deadlines for our team. I created a system that helped us stay on top of tasks, and we ended up completing the project ahead of schedule.” This gives the interviewer a real-world example of how your organizational skills benefit the workplace.
Or, if you choose the word “creative,” you might say, “I’m really passionate about thinking outside the box. In my last internship, I helped design a social media campaign that boosted engagement by 40%. I’m always looking for new ways to solve problems and bring fresh ideas to the table.”
Giving context and examples helps the interviewer see how your traits will actually show up on the job. It also turns a basic answer into something memorable and specific to you.
How not to answer
Don’t use negative adjectives
Steer clear of words that give off a negative vibe, even if you think they might come across as honest or relatable. Words like “stubborn” or “impatient” may feel like they describe a real part of who you are, but they can leave the wrong impression. Interviewers are looking for positive traits that show you’re a good fit for the team and the job. Even if you’re trying to be humble or self-aware, using a negative adjective can make it seem like you’re highlighting a flaw rather than a strength.
For example, instead of saying “stubborn,” you could say “determined” or “persistent,” which shows that you stick to your goals without making it sound like you’re difficult to work with. If you think of yourself as “impatient” because you like to get things done quickly, a better word might be “efficient” or “driven,” which puts a more positive spin on the same idea.
Remember, this is your chance to shine! Highlight your strengths and avoid anything that could make an interviewer second-guess your fit for the job.
Don’t use clichés
Avoid words that feel overused or like you pulled them from a corporate buzzword generator. Words like “innovative,” “passionate,” or “motivated” are used so often in interviews that they’ve lost their impact. If you wouldn’t use the word in a regular conversation, it might not be the best choice to describe yourself. Instead, aim for something that feels genuine and reflects how you’d naturally talk about yourself.
For example, instead of saying you’re “innovative,” try saying you’re “creative” or “resourceful” and back it up with a quick example of how you came up with a clever solution in a past job or project. Instead of “passionate,” maybe say you’re “enthusiastic” or “dedicated” and explain why you’re so excited about the field or the job you’re applying for.
Using clichés can make your answer feel generic, so try to personalize your words and give examples that show your unique qualities. By avoiding overused terms and choosing more authentic words, you’ll stand out as a thoughtful and genuine candidate.
Sample answers to “Describe yourself in 3 words”
Example #1
“The three words I’d choose to describe myself are persistent, resourceful, and optimistic. These qualities are essential to being successful in sales because you often hear ‘no’ more than ‘yes,’ but you can’t lose your drive. I always try to think outside the box when approaching prospects, even when things seem tough. You never know what might work unless you give it a shot.”
Why this works: This answer is strong because it connects the candidate’s personal traits directly to the challenges of the job. The words “persistent,” “resourceful,” and “optimistic” show the interviewer that this person can handle setbacks and keeps pushing forward, which is key for sales roles. By explaining how these traits help in the sales environment, the candidate shows they understand what it takes to succeed.
Example #2
“The words that best describe me are patient, empathetic, and creative. These traits are important in teaching, especially when working with students who are struggling. I know that when a student doesn’t understand something, it usually means they need more time or a new way to approach the material, and I love finding those creative solutions to help them succeed.”
Why this works: This example highlights how the candidate’s personality traits directly impact their success as a teacher. “Patient” and “empathetic” demonstrate their ability to work with struggling students without frustration, while “creative” shows they can think of new ways to explain concepts. The combination of these traits aligns well with the role of a teacher, where understanding and adaptability are critical.
Example #3
“The three words I’d use to describe myself are curious, adaptable, and reliable. As a recent marketing grad, I’m constantly learning new trends and tools. I’ve had to quickly adapt to changes in technology, and I’m always looking for ways to apply what I learn. My team knows they can count on me to follow through, whether it’s meeting deadlines or jumping into a new project.”
Why this works: This answer works well for a recent graduate in marketing or any fast-changing industry. “Curious” shows that the candidate has a natural drive to learn, which is key in a field where staying current is important. “Adaptable” highlights flexibility, a critical trait in today’s evolving workplace. “Reliable” gives the interviewer confidence that this person is dependable and can be trusted with tasks and responsibilities, a trait any employer values.
By choosing words that are true to your character and relevant to the job you’re applying for, you’re not just listing qualities—you’re painting a picture of how those traits will make you a valuable addition to the team.