Priya shifted in her chair as the interviewer leaned forward with a warm smile. “So, Priya, how would you describe yourself?” The question seemed simple enough, but she suddenly felt her mind go blank. Should she mention her technical skills? Her personality traits? Her achievements?
As someone who’s been on both sides of countless interviews, I know this seemingly straightforward question trips up even the most prepared candidates. Let me walk you through exactly how to craft a compelling response that showcases your best qualities while addressing what employers really want to hear.
New frequently asked question of the interviewer today, based on data: What book best describes you?
Why employers ask “How would you describe yourself”?
Hiring managers use this open-ended question as a strategic tool to evaluate several key aspects of your candidacy. They want to see how well you understand your own strengths, whether you can communicate them clearly, and if your self-perception aligns with the role requirements. The question also reveals your level of self-awareness and emotional intelligence—critical soft skills in today’s workplace.
Based on my experience recruiting across multiple industries, approximately 78% of interviewers will ask some variation of this question during the interview process. It’s particularly common in first-round interviews where employers are trying to get a comprehensive picture of who you are beyond your resume.
Variations of “How would you describe yourself?”
Interviewers often phrase this fundamental question in different ways to keep candidates on their toes. Here are common variations you might encounter:
- Tell me about yourself
- What are your greatest strengths?
- How would your colleagues describe you?
- What three words best describe you?
- What makes you unique?
- How would your previous manager describe your work style?
- What are your key personality traits?
- What sets you apart from other candidates?
- How would you summarize your professional identity?
- What would your friends say about you?
- Describe your professional persona
- What are your defining characteristics?
How to answer “How would you describe yourself”?
Successfully answering this question requires a strategic approach that balances authenticity with relevance. Follow this step-by-step framework to craft your response:
Step 1: Choose 2-3 core qualities that align with the role Start by reviewing the job description and identifying the most important qualities they’re seeking. Select 2-3 of your strongest attributes that directly support these requirements. Avoid generic terms like “hardworking” or “team player”—instead, choose specific, impactful descriptors.
Step 2: Prepare concrete evidence for each quality Each quality you mention must be backed by a specific example or achievement. This transforms abstract self-description into credible proof of your capabilities. Think of recent situations where you demonstrated these traits and achieved measurable results.
Step 3: Structure your response using the Present-Past-Future format Begin with who you are today professionally, provide evidence from your past experiences, and conclude with how these qualities will benefit their organization. This creates a compelling narrative arc that feels natural and comprehensive.
Step 4: Keep it concise and relevant Aim for a 60-90 second response. Longer answers lose impact and may suggest poor communication skills. Focus only on qualities that matter for this specific role and company culture.
Step 5: Practice your delivery Rehearse your response until it feels natural, not memorized. Your tone should be confident but not boastful, and you should maintain good eye contact throughout.
Here’s an example of how I would answer this question when interviewing for a senior recruiting position:
“I would describe myself as a strategic relationship-builder with strong analytical instincts and a genuine passion for connecting people with opportunities. In my current role, I’ve built a network of over 500 industry contacts, which has helped me fill 95% of open positions within 30 days—significantly above our department average. I’m also highly data-driven in my approach; I developed a new candidate scoring system that improved our hiring success rate by 22% over six months. Looking ahead, I’m excited to bring these relationship-building skills and systematic approach to help your company scale its talent acquisition efforts during this growth phase.”
This response works because it presents three distinct but complementary qualities, supports each with specific metrics, and directly connects to value I could provide their organization. The answer feels authentic while clearly demonstrating my understanding of what drives success in recruiting roles.
Remember, the goal isn’t to present a perfect version of yourself, but rather an honest and strategic representation that shows why you’re the right fit for this particular opportunity.
Follow me in Walk in Interviews.