The Best Words to Describe Yourself in Any Situation

Eric Ciechanowski
By Eric Ciechanowski | Career Expert
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Whether it’s a resume, job interview or a college application, knowing how to describe yourself sets the tone for the rest of the conversation. Learning how to self-promote shows confidence and helps you connect with the right people. In this section, we provide you with the best words to describe yourself in any situation.
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100 Positive Words to Describe Yourself

Promoting your best qualities and characteristics is an essential aspect of convincing others they should believe in you. It draws attention to your strengths and the value you bring.

To help you pick the right words, we’ve compiled a list of the best 100 words to describe yourself in any situation:

  • Accomplished
  • Accountable
  • Ambitious
  • Approachable
  • Articulate
  • Assertive
  • Attentive
  • Authentic
  • Balanced
  • Collaborative
  • Competitive
  • Confident
  • Considerate
  • Cooperative
  • Courageous
  • Courteous
  • Creative
  • Decisive
  • Dedicated
  • Dependable
  • Detailed
  • Determined
  • Diligent
  • Direct
  • Driven
  • Dynamic
  • Easygoing
  • Educated
  • Efficient
  • Empathetic
  • Encouraging
  • Energetic
  • Engaged
  • Enthusiastic
  • Entrepreneurial
  • Ethical
  • Experienced
  • Family-oriented
  • Fast
  • Fearless
  • Flexible
  • Focused
  • Friendly
  • Funny
  • Generous
  • Genuine
  • Goal-oriented
  • Grateful
  • Hard-working
  • Helpful
  • Honest
  • Independent
  • Insightful
  • Inspired
  • Intelligent
  • Intuitive
  • Kind
  • Knowledgeable
  • Leader
  • Learner
  • Loyal
  • Mediator
  • Mentor
  • Methodical
  • Meticulous
  • Modest
  • Motivated
  • Objective
  • Optimistic
  • Organized
  • Original
  • Particular
  • Passionate
  • Patient
  • Peaceful
  • Perceptive
  • Perfectionist
  • Persistent
  • Personable
  • Persuasive
  • Positive
  • Practical
  • Proactive
  • Productive
  • Professional
  • Proficient
  • Progressive
  • Punctual
  • Qualified
  • Receptive
  • Reflective
  • Reliable
  • Resourceful
  • Respectful
  • Responsible
  • Serious
  • Sincere
  • Skilled
  • Strategic
  • Visionary

Keywords to Describe Yourself in a Resume

Hiring managers spend just a few seconds scanning a resume. If your resume doesn’t have the right words to grab their attention, you won’t get an interview.

Keep in mind, every job requires different qualities in the person that’ll get hired. When it comes to your resume, use keywords specific to the job for which you are applying.

Review the postings to identify those job-specific keywords that will target what employers want.

For instance, a job posting for a data analyst may list analytical skills as part of their requirements. This is your opportunity to include relevant analytical skills in your resume and cover letter to demonstrate that you are a critical thinker and an experienced data analyst.

Matching the right keywords with the job description will convince the employer you’re a great candidate. If you’re stumped for what to include, we made a list of the top keywords to make your resume stand out.

Check out these 20 remarkable words to describe yourself professionally:

  • Analytical
  • Committed
  • Confident
  • Dedicated
  • Dependable
  • Determined
  • Devoted
  • Diligent
  • Disciplined
  • Driven
  • Ethical
  • Methodical
  • Meticulous
  • Objective
  • Organized
  • Proactive
  • Reliable
  • Sincere
  • Strategic
  • Unique

The keywords in your resume are used not only to attract recruiters but also to pass the applicant tracking system or ATS, software used to scan resumes. For more on ways to make your resume stand out, check out how to Keep your Resume In Demand for 2024.

Top Self-Promoting Words for a Powerful LinkedIn Bio

Having a good LinkedIn summary is the key to connecting with other professionals. Better yet, it’s also a great way to stand out from competing candidates when it comes to applying for jobs.

Each section of your LinkedIn profile should demonstrate your personality and experience.

A LinkedIn bio is made up of the following essential sections:

  • Headline, name and current job title
  • Summary
  • Skills
  • Profile picture
  • Experience
  • Education
  • Connections
  • Volunteer Experience

Here are 20 self-promoting words for a powerful LinkedIn bio:

  • Analytical
  • Bilingual or Multilingual
  • Consistent
  • Decisive
  • Dependable
  • Diligent
  • Disciplined
  • Ethical
  • Experienced
  • Innovative
  • Insightful
  • Logical
  • Organized
  • Precise
  • Proactive
  • Reliable
  • Specialized
  • Thorough
  • Versatile
  • Visionary

By using the right keywords, you increase the chances of your LinkedIn becoming searchable. This will not only help expand your network, but it will also make your profile rank better when recruiters search for new hires.

By writing a keyword-rich LinkedIn summary, you can become more visible to potential prospects in search results.

Words to Describe Yourself in an Interview

Many candidates stumble for words when asked, “How would you describe yourself?” This question is actually an ideal opportunity to market your best abilities.

To avoid scrambling for words, prepare ahead of time. Research the company and your interviewers. Be prepared with examples of your best accomplishments and practice your answers out loud.

When deciding which words to use, always choose words that create a sense of dedication and loyalty. Employers look for candidates that are passionate about their career because it shows commitment.

Here is a list of 20 outstanding words you can use to describe yourself during an interview:

  • Considerate
  • Determined
  • Disciplined
  • Dynamic
  • Enthusiastic
  • Flexible
  • Friendly
  • Genuine
  • Hard-working
  • Honest
  • Kind
  • Passionate
  • Patient
  • Reliable
  • Resourceful
  • Self-confident
  • Sincere
  • Sympathetic
  • Thoughtful
  • Versatile

Examples of the right words to describe yourself in an interview:

“I am confident.”

“I am qualified.”

“I am result-driven.”

When speaking about yourself, it is important to provide examples of past experiences and accomplishments that can show measured results. “I pioneered a new strategy for email marketing that doubled sales.”

Examples of the wrong words to describe yourself in an interview:

“I have a lot of anxiety.”

“I’m a nervous person.”

“It's on my resume.”

“I lack experience.”

Describing yourself correctly can make a difference in the hiring process. For more expert knowledge on how to talk about yourself using the best words, check out our page on How to Describe Yourself at a Job Interview.