Describing Words

Words to Describe Yourself in an Interview, CV, or Profile

18 hand-picked words

Whether it's a job interview, a CV, a dating profile, or an "about me" page, the words you choose to describe yourself shape the first impression you make. These are precise, credible adjectives — grouped by professional strengths, work style, and personality — so you can sound confident without sounding generic.

How to use these

Choose words you can back with a concrete example. "Resourceful" lands when you can name the time you solved a problem with what you had — otherwise it's just a buzzword. Pick three that are genuinely true of you, not the most impressive-sounding ones.

Professional strengths

For interviews and CVs.

Work style

How you get things done.

Personality

Who you are with people.

Continue exploring

Frequently asked

What are good words to describe yourself in an interview?

Lead with strengths the role actually needs — adaptable, resourceful, decisive, collaborative — and have a concrete example ready for each. Authenticity reads better than the most impressive-sounding word.

What words should I avoid when describing myself?

Avoid empty buzzwords you can't evidence ("hardworking", "perfectionist", "people person") and anything that isn't genuinely true of you — interviewers probe, and a claim you can't support undercuts the rest.