Writing a self-description is difficult, but it is even more difficult to find the right words to describe yourself verbally in social and professional situations. However, with careful consideration, reflection, and honesty, you can find words to highlight yourself and your personality. During the interview, prepare specific answers to the question “How would you describe yourself?” At networking events, practice "self-promotion" that can be tailored to the time and place. When looking for a date, you need to be honest, positive, and specific.
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Method 1 of 3: Describing Yourself in an Interview
Step 1. Practice answers to the question “How would you describe yourself?
” This question is almost always asked in different versions so you must prepare the answer. The more time you have to practice how to highlight positive qualities clearly and concisely, the more natural and confident your answers will be.
- Practice answering these questions and practicing general interviews with friends, or with colleagues who serve as interviewers at the campus career center.
- Usually, the answer should consist of 2-3 sentences. You can find a list of "recommended" answers online, but use your own words to make it sound natural.
Step 2. Create a glossary of terms declaring important attributes
As you practice and prepare for the days or weeks leading up to the interview, make a list of important characteristics about yourself, and another list of adjectives and descriptive terms that could be used in your answers.
- Consider the following terms: “enthusiastic”, “strong determination”, “ambitious”, “tidy”, “sociable”, “leadership”, “results oriented”, “flexible in communication”.
- The interviewer may ask you to “describe yourself in 3 words” or something. In such a case, take the best answer from the list you have compiled.
Step 3. Study the company and adjust your answer
Each company has its own characteristics and culture. By describing your attributes that match the company's values, you have shown interest and deep thought before the interview.
- For example, if you are applying for a position at a technology company, say: “I have a special desire to work collaboratively to find innovative solutions, such as when I simplify billing procedures by leading a team of IT and paid staff.”
- Not that you use the same answer in every interview, but design a unique answer.
Step 4. Study the position you are applying for and adjust the answers
Understand the job description which includes details of the duties and qualifications required. Describe yourself in words that show interest in the tasks and evidence of your abilities.
- If you are applying for a management position, describe yourself in terms of the leadership strategies you have implemented at a similar company. For example, “I am the sales director at my current company. I recently implemented new software to track our sales success.”
- You could describe yourself in terms of multitasking or organizational skills for an assistant position. For example, “I am currently helping four associates. They were very pleased with my organizational and interpersonal skills, and gave me all the responsibility for organizing office events.”
- As a lower-level candidate, consider describing your flexibility and ability to learn new roles. For example, “I just graduated from college and have an internship experience with a printing company, but I am looking for more experience and opportunities to develop my knowledge.”
Step 5. Provide examples of concrete actions that support the description
If you're skilled at hosting events, declaring yourself "creative and detail-focused" doesn't mean much. However, if you talk about the specific time you are given the task of organizing a large conference attended by hundreds of top executives, your skills will be much more scalable.
- Use terms like “enthusiastic” and “results-oriented” to start with specific examples, not as mere answers, unless you have to answer the question in 3 words!
- In most cases, the first sentence of the answer begins with "I", while the second sentence begins with "For example".
Step 6. Answer positively, confidently (but not arrogantly), concisely and concisely
Don't bring up negative qualities or criticize yourself, and don't act like you're shy about discussing accomplishments and qualities. Talking about the details of achievements and positive attributes that are true and relevant is a form of self-confidence.
- However, talking about accomplishments and positive qualities without evidence or connection with the conversation is simply arrogance.
- In 2–3 sentence answers, highlight 2–3 points about yourself and provide an example that illustrates an attribute that is useful in a specific situation. For example, “My interpersonal skills have helped to resolve disputes between our sales and service team.”
Method 2 of 3: Describing Yourself in Networking Events
Step 1. Set goals before the event starts
Networking events are opportunities to connect with people in your industry or the industry you wish to enter. If you just want to connect with people in similar roles in the same industry, your introduction and interactions may be different from those of job applicants talking to recruiters.
- When making connections with colleagues, focus the description on experiences in your field.
- If you're making connections to get a job interview, connect your experience with wanting to work for the company.
- Plan on giving the description in the form of a “self-promotion,” which should ideally be about 75 words and take 30 seconds to deliver.
Step 2. State key attributes about yourself in self-promotion
Provide a concise summary that describes who you are and what you do. This summary summarizes some of the most important and memorable things. Here are some things to think about when choosing key attributes:
- Who am I? "I'm a writer". "I'm a recruiter". "I'm the office administrator".
- What organization do I work for? “I work for an online art magazine”. "I work for a software company". “I work in a small for-profit business.”
- What do I do in my organization? “I reviewed the local art opening for an international online art magazine”. “I am seeking and hiring new talent for specialized software development roles”. “I work with business owners to hone their product launch strategy.”
Step 3. Complete your self-promotion by inserting your passion and purpose
Answers to common questions like “Who am I?” will help you identify your values and calling. Use this knowledge to organize short, concise answers, such as the following:
- “I am a writer for an online art magazine that has an international readership. The position was great because I had the opportunity to attend and review local art openings.”
- “I was a recruiter at a small software company. I have to find and be able to find new talent.”
- “I am an administrator at a small non-profit business. I provide support for new businesses honing their product launch strategies.”
Step 4. Practice your promotional words so that they sound natural
Even if everyone at the networking event knows you've practiced promoting yourself (because they have too), don't sound like an automated or soulless robot. At the same time, try not to stutter for words.
- Instead of just memorizing, it's a good idea to practice a few variations so you can improvise and add a touch of personality when needed.
- Here's an example of a self-promotion, “Hello! I'm Citra, nice to meet you. I work in Business Analytics and have 7 years of experience solving business problems with data-driven solutions. I am passionate about strategically evaluating data analysis, and successfully making it available to our executive staff. I also want to look for new opportunities to develop my skills. Can I call you next week to discuss an opportunity that might be on your team?”
Step 5. Find the right opportunity
Try to ask the other person first, don't immediately promote yourself, unless time is limited. With a slow pace, the other person will be more relaxed and you will have the opportunity to get to know him, his interests, and needs.
- For example, you might ask, “So what do you think about the new Data Analytics software?”
- By listening actively, you have the opportunity to construct meaningful answers. Listen to the other person's key messages and assess whether you can provide input or meet their needs.
- Adjust your description based on what the other person is saying.
- Willingness to listen and the ability to answer with wise input will have a big influence in forming business connections.
Method 3 of 3: Describing Yourself for Dating (in Real or Virtual World)
Step 1. Be honest, but don't go overboard with details
To avoid future hassles, don't start by lying or exaggerating information. On an online profile, for example, don't exaggerate how you look like a celebrity or model.
- If you're 45, try saying "40s." Follow it up with interesting facts, for example, “In your 40s, loves salsa dancing, rock climbing, and tasting new drinks.”
- If you have kids and it feels right to mention that fact, write “I'm 35 years old, mother of a cute 5 year old child.”
Step 2. Mention unique qualities and specific examples, not just general phrases
Vague descriptions like “adventurous” or “cheerful” don't make you unique. Try using a concrete description or provide an example.
- If you like to travel, describe a place you were last visited and why you would like to return there. Instead of simply saying “I love traveling”, try “My goal is to visit each continent at least twice.”
- If you like trying food, talk about some of your favorite restaurants, or the delicious food you cooked last weekend.
- If you're an art lover, talk about the type of art you like or the artist exhibitions you've been to.
Step 3. Focus on what you like and use positive language
Dating profiles are not a place for negativity, self-criticism, or embarrassment. When describing yourself, concentrate on what you like about yourself and about the world.
- While you should provide specific examples, use terms like “enthusiastic”, “wise”, “funny”, and “spontaneous” instead of “silent”, “simple”, “average”, or “normal”.
- Provide solid, positive descriptions of your appearance, such as “brown hair and plump body with clear eyes and an even clearer smile.”
- A little humor will make you stand out from the rest. Humor says a lot about your personality and makes you seem more grounded and approachable. For example, "34 years old, curly, cylindrical eyes, and dreams of having Doraemon's magic door."
Step 4. Talk about what you value most without appearing closed-minded
While you should avoid strong opinions about politics or religion, discuss things you value to help people understand who you are. If education or family is very important to you, write or talk about it so people can get to know you better.
For example, instead of directly giving your opinion about wildfires and vaccinations, say that you “want to make the world a safer and happier place for all children.”
Tips
- To practice self-description, try taking an online quiz. There may not be new information from there, but it can provide new vocabulary.
- Do not exaggerate. A social or professional self-description, in person or via the internet, should not be lengthy. This is an opportunity to start a conversation and allow the other person to get to know you slowly.
