how to describe yourself in a cover letter

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How to Show Your Personality in a Cover Letter

Write a Unique Cover Letter

Avoid clichés, try a creative first sentence, make a connection, think of unique examples.

• Show You’ll Fit the Company Culture

Tailor Your Tone to Fit the Industry

• Keep It Professional

Don’t Go Negative

More cover letter examples.

Hiring managers read dozens, if not hundreds, of applications for every job they post. If you want to get the job, you have to stand out. It’s important to show the hiring manager not only that you are qualified, but also that you are the best candidate for the position.

One way to get your application noticed is to write a unique, engaging cover letter that shows not only your qualifications but also your personality. Go beyond some of the clichéd, formulaic language found in many letters.

If you make your personality stand out in your letter, the hiring manager will more likely give your application a second look.

Of course, there is also such a thing as putting too much personality in your letter. You want to remain professional, and focus on what makes you an ideal candidate. Find the right balance between showing your personality and being professional in your cover letter, and you will be on your way to a job interview.

The best way to show who you are to the company is to avoid writing one generic cover letter for every job listing . Instead, tailor your letter to the specific job and company.

You can write a targeted cover letter in a number of ways:

• Include keywords from the job listing in your letter.
• You can also reference the company itself–for example, mention a particular success the company has had, or explain why you are interested in working for the company.
• Perhaps most importantly, send your letter to a specific person , if possible.

If you have to, do some digging to find the name of the hiring manager, and address your letter to them.

Avoid the phrase “ To whom it may concern ” unless you can't find a contact. It's important to do your best to show a hiring manager that you have taken the time to write a unique cover letter for the specific job.

One of the best ways to avoid sounding like everyone else in your cover letter is to leave out some of the most overused phrases in cover letters. For example, don’t say you are a “hard worker” or that you “go above and beyond.” Try to find unique ways to explain who you are. One way to do this is to focus on particular examples —show them who you are, rather than tell them.

So many cover letters start with the sentence, “I am applying for X position.” While this is a fine way to start, the hiring manager has likely seen this sentence hundreds of times. Try starting with a more engaging first sentence (or first sentences) that shows who you are.

You might express why you are passionate about the job or the company. For example, you could start, “I have always been a storyteller. As a child, I would write countless stories about princes and princesses. Now, I have turned my passion for storytelling into a career in marketing.” Or, “When I first researched your company for a project in a business class over five years ago, I became inspired by your mission to provide low-cost tech solutions.”

A great “hook” will keep the hiring manager reading and will show him or her a bit about why you are a good fit for the job and company.

If you know anyone at the company, or if someone at the company referred you to the job , mention this early on in your cover letter (ideally in the first couple of sentences).

This humanizes you, and makes you seem more like you are already a part of the company culture . It also shows that someone in the company already thinks you are qualified for the job.

Remember that a cover letter should not simply restate your resume. While your resume lists your qualifications, your cover letter goes deeper, providing examples of times you demonstrated particular skills and abilities necessary for the job.

One way to show your personality is to include some unique, even surprising, examples that demonstrate your skills. For example, if you are applying for a job that requires organizational skills, you might mention how you accurately manage and process dozens of monthly shipments from your Etsy account. These kinds of examples are particularly useful if you do not have much relevant work experience.

Of course, only include examples that are relevant—they need to connect back to a skill or trait necessary for the job.

Show You’ll Fit in With the Company Culture

Hiring managers want to know not only that you are qualified, but also that you will fit in with the company culture. Before writing your letter, research the organization. Check out the company’s website, and talk to anyone you know who works there. Then you can mention ways that you might fit into the culture.

For example, if you know they do a lot of after-work team sports, you might briefly mention at the end of the letter that you would love to put your pitching skills to good use.

Some job listings also give you a peek into the company culture . For example, if the listing itself is very silly or funny, feel free to add a little humor to your letter, if that feels natural.

Similarly, you can tailor your letter to fit the personality of the industry. If you are applying for a corporate job, for example, you might want to write a more traditional cover letter. You can still include some personal examples, and maybe a catchy first sentence, but you should avoid too much humor or zaniness.

If you are applying for a job in an industry that is a bit more informal—say, a tech startup company—you can get a little bit more creative. Your tone can be more lighthearted, and you can include some creative examples.

If you’re applying for a job in a visual, creative field, consider showing your personality through the form of your letter. You might include bullet points , or even a visual (such as an infographic). You can include some of these nontraditional elements in your resume too.

Keep It Professional 

No matter how much of your personality you decide to put into your cover letter, keep the letter professional. It needs to be well written and error-free. It also needs to stay focused on the main topic: why you are a terrific fit for the job.

Some people try to add personality by using phrases like “I know you hate reading cover letters, but…” or “I know I am one of many candidates, but…” Avoid any phrases that sound negative.

Also, avoid phrases that imply you know how the hiring manager feels. You don’t actually know whether he or she hates reading cover letters, and you don’t know how many candidates applied for the job. Focus on the positive, and don’t make assumptions about the hiring manager, the job, or the company.

Sample Cover Letter Showing Personality

Sara Jones 7 Chestnut Street Anytown, Anystate Zip Code 555-555-5555 email@email.com

January 5, 2019

John Wilson Editorial Director XYZ Magazine 5 Main Street, Suite 1 Anytown, Anystate Zip Code

Dear Mr. Wilson,

I’m writing this cover letter to you at 11 pm. Why? Because I just finished speaking with my former coworker, Jane Smith, who tells me that you’re hiring for the position of editorial assistant, and I wanted to apply immediately.

Jane will tell you that I’ve been eager to apply for a role at XYZ Magazine since we worked together, first at our student magazine, where I was managing editor and she was editor in chief, and then at ABCmag.com as assistants. I’ve always valued XYZ’s showcase for diverse and emerging voices, as well as its commitment to fact-checking and copyediting.

In fact, my desire to work for your magazine informed my studies at Large Public University. I took several copyediting and multimedia graphic design courses in my last year and have continued taking classes after graduation.

In addition to my background in multimedia design and copyediting – and my passion for XYZ – I have:

• Three years of experience brainstorming, pitching, and assigning stories
• Excellent research and reporting skills
• Extensive experience analyzing traffic trends with Google Analytics
• Expert-level social media management skills
• An intense love affair with the Oxford Comma (which I know you share)

I’ve also had a few bylines on XYZ over the years:

I’d love to speak with you about the role. Please feel free to contact me at 555-555-5555 or email@email.com to discuss it or to arrange an interview.

Thanks, and best regards,

Sara Jones [signature for hard copy]

Review cover letter examples for many different types of jobs and get templates you can use to write your own letters.

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Best Words To Describe Yourself (For Resumes, Cover Letters, and Interviews)

• How To Write A Resume
• Free Resume Templates
• How To Build A Resume
• Specific Resume Words
• Action Verbs On A resume
• Words To Describe Yourself
• Resume Outline
• How To Make A Resume
• How To Make A Resume On Word
• How To Write A Resume Profile

Using the right words can make a huge difference in a resume, cover letter , or interview. You only get a show time to sell yourself as a candidate, meaning that picking the right descriptors can make a huge difference. Make sure to use strong adjectives, action words, power words, and language specific to your industry when describing yourself.

Word choice in a resume and cover letter are extremely important, as they’re both short documents that need to impress a hiring manager in a hurry. If you’re writing a resume, cover letter, or going to an interview and want to know the right adjectives to use, then keep reading.

Key Takeaways

You can use action verbs, industry-specific skill words, and powerful adjectives to describe yourself in resumes, cover letters, and interviews.

Stay away from buzzwords, slang terms, and hyperbolic descriptors.

Incorporate keywords from the job description into your resume and cover letter in order to get past ATS filters and to a real person.

Power words are words that evoke an emotional reaction. They’re often used in marketing techniques, but can also be useful for resumes, cover letters, and interviews.

The best words to use to describe yourself

Tips for using power words in your resume, tips for incorporate power words into your cover letter, how to answer “how would you describe yourself” at a job interview, example answers to “how would you describe yourself”, resume-killing phrases to avoid, best words to describe yourself faqs, ask the experts.

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It’s important to use evocative words when describing your personality, skills, or accomplishments. You have to make sure you don’t go overboard, but be sure to use active voice and powerful adjectives. You want to sound proactive and results-oriented.

Emphasize using these types of words:

Strong verbs. On your resume, you want to make sure that you start your sentence with a verb, and the stronger the better.

For instance: Arranged and organized weekly team meetings.

Rather than: Responsible for arranging and holding weekly meetings.

The first once sounds much more proactive and punchier, emphasizing the active part of your duties. A well-written cover letter will prioritize stronger verbs as well, as will an interviewer . For instance, replace commonly used verbs with stronger one, such as:

Change cut costs to decreased, streamlined, economized, reduced expenses, or controlled costs

Replace led with: orchestrated, conducted, directed, or spearheaded

Created with designed, crafted, developed, formulated, or conceptualized

Boosted with increased, accelerated, drove, improved, or optimized

Improved with advanced, enhanced, increased, or strengthened

Trained with facilitated, educated, instructed, taught, guided, or coached

Industry skill words

If you want to catch a recruiter ’s attention, consider what industry you’re in. There are certain skills or keywords that show your expertise in a particular industry and are likely to be skills that hiring managers are looking for. It also shows that you’re familiar with the skills and expertise required in the job you’re applying for.

Here are a few examples:

Sales: relationship building, negotiation, persuasive communication, prospecting, closing, territory development

Management: leadership, supervisory skills, coaching, mentoring

Marketing: SEO, conversion optimization, email marketing, content marketing

Accounting: taxation compliance, automatic data processing (ADP), reconciliation, accounts payable, accounts receivable , return on assets

Project management: budget management, proposal writing, compliance, vendor management, risk mitigation

Administration: attention to detail, creating macros, confidentiality, Microsoft Office suite, scheduling

Engineering: quality control , troubleshooting, materials management, research and development, systems integration

Web development: graphic design, user experience, e-commerce, web design, front end/back end, Java, HTML/CSS

Finding these industry-related keywords is easier than you think. Just do a quick Google search for the job openings in that industry. Read the job descriptions and look for any keywords that stand out. Jot down any that describe the qualifications and skills that you have.

Or, even better, identify keywords from a specific job description. Then include these keywords in your resume. When you know what your potential employers are looking for , it’s easy to reverse engineer your resume to show you are a perfect match for their needs.

Powerful Adjectives

When you are writing your resume you want to come across as a rock star, but not sound like a commercial. You need to strike that perfect balance between strong and enticing and blatantly promotional. Choosing the right adjectives for your resume summary statement and the body of your resume will help you find that sweet spot.

Employers are looking to attract and retain top talent. Leadership shows that you have initiative and can drive results for their organization.

You don’t want to use the word leadership over and over. You want to vary it a bit. Here are some words to describe your leadership qualities. Below are a couple of examples. Leadership Adjectives:

Authoritative

Goal-Oriented

Teamwork Adjectives:

Deadline Driven

Detail Oriented

Communication Skills

Collaborative

Cross-functional

Team-player

Using power words, strong verbs, and powerful adjectives are a great way to catch a recruiter’s attention — so long as you don’t overdo it. There are ways that you can incorporate strong language into a resume more effectively, and here are tips to writing up an excellent resume.

Be concise. Short pithy sentences beat longer sentences. Simple direct sentences have more power.

Keep bullet points to one line. Try not to have bullet points wrap around. Shorten them to one line if possible.

Eliminate any widows. A widow is a single word that is wrapped around and is alone on the next line. Don’t do this:

Spearheaded initiative to go green and eliminate delivery truck gas emissions by August 2021

Include ATS friendly words. You may have the best resume in the world, but if your resume is not ATS-friendly , it may never be seen by the potential employer. ATS stands for applicant tracking system and is the robot filter that companies use to handle large amounts of resumes — you need to make it past the filter to be seen.

If you want to get your resume seen, you’ll want to include the right ATS keywords. You write resumes both for people and for the applicant tracking system. Many bigger companies scan and search through resumes pulling top applicants to the top. If your resume doesn’t make it through the ATS system, it may never be seen by a recruiter or hiring manager.

The keywords that the ATS system checks for are determined by the future employer. That’s why it’s important to closely read a job description, look for keywords, and include these keywords in your resume.

Cover letters are where you showcase both your writing skills and other interests and skills that don’t fit well into your resume. That means that it’s your employer’s first introduction to you as more than just a list of skills. Here are some ways to use power words to ensure you have an engaging cover letter.

Focus on the opening line . The first line of the cover letter is where you can hook your reader . Make sure that it’s powerful and gives them an idea of why you’re interested in the job. Don’t be afraid to be enthusiastic, so long as you maintain professionalism.

Don’t just rehash your resume. Your cover letter isn’t just your resume in paragraph form. Make sure to include skills and interests that aren’t in the cover letter. Once again, pay attention to industry skills, and the verbs and adjectives you use.

Showcase your passion. Part of a cover letter’s job is making you interesting. Don’t list any interesting thing about yourself — try to make it relevant to the job. But beyond that, draw in whatever passion or interest you have and make it applicable to the job you’re applying for.

Add a call to action. Don’t forget to add a call to action. This can be as simple as saying you look forward to hearing from them, or it can be that you are excited to discuss your qualifications in an interview. But make sure to use strong verbs and active voice.

Make sure it’s ATS friendly. Not every ATS will scan cover letters, but that does’t mean that you should overlook the importance of keywords. Make sure to put both industry specific keywords as well as ones listed on the job description. If the ATS does scan your cover letter, it’ll show you to be eminently qualified.

It’s always difficult to balance being underprepared for an interview and coming off overly scripted. That means that you need to consider what you know about the position and the company and come up with good off-the-cuff answers, which is a difficult skill to master. But here are some ways to help you answer this question.

Get to the point and stay relevant. It can be easy to go off on a tangent when this question comes up. Get straight to the point and give one or two personality traits that showcase the professional skills you feel the employer values most.

Be honest. Of course, it’s not just about telling the interviewer what you think they want to hear. You’re not doing anyone any favors by lying about your personality or work style . Answer honestly so that both you and the hiring manager can decide whether the job is a good fit for you.

Pick universally likeable traits. Words like “authoritative” or “tolerant” might be positive to some, but others might read negative traits into them. Instead, stick with personal qualities that everyone can agree are positive, like “collaborative,” “curious,” or “diligent.”

Give context. This is the most important part of your answer. It’s not enough to simply rattle off a few adjectives and call it a day. The interviewer will appreciate a story in which the descriptive words come to life.

For example, if you describe yourself as persistent, describe a professional situation in which your persistence paid off with fantastic results.

I would describe myself as a team player who always puts big-picture objectives over personal gain. When I was working on a design project with other graphic designers, we realized late in production that there a number of small, difficult-to-ingrain elements that we failed to implement. While it was a group mistake, I took up the extra work to make sure that the other designers could start work on the client’s next project. That client ended up being impressed with our attention to detail and remains a customer to this day.

Persistence is what sets me apart. When I had a dream for a social media marketing campaign, I worked tirelessly at it. For months, we saw no traction as posts went un-shared and engagement was rock bottom. While I was by no means an expert on this part of digital marketing, I made it a goal to seek out advice and study up on best practices. After six months and countless trials and errors, I was able to earn us over 15,000 subscribers and engagement had gone up by over 1000%. When I know an idea is a winner, I’ll stop at nothing to make it a reality.

My biggest asset is my creativity, and it’s a word my former supervisor used to describe me a lot. We once had a project that involved coding multiple landing pages with similar assets. When I saw that this was going to be a long-term project, I took a few hours to write a Python script that could automate a lot of the grunt work while ensuring consistency. Nobody had approached the problem that way or indicated that this was a possible solution, but my manager was impressed. She credited this creative idea as saving over $10,000 in hours of labor.

As an executive assistant , I find that organization is the trait that defines me in my professional life. When you have a boss who handles dozens of client accounts worth over $1M, you need to make sure that each and every client is receiving the attention they need, when they need it. By creating a master spreadsheet that included all important information, and condensing that master list into highly readable notes for the VP of sales, I was able to streamline client meetings and account management.

You know the feeling you get when your parents try to use phrases to be cool? Like when your mom is hanging out with you and your friends and says something is “sick”. It’s kind of icky, inappropriate, and disgusting. That’s how hiring managers feel when you use buzzwords on a resume.

Are resume buzzwords worth it ? Many of these phrases were cool in their day, but now, these cliches have seriously lost their staying power and it’s time to retire them.

Are you guilty of using any of the following outdated terms? Here are the resume buzzwords and things to avoid putting on a resume .

If you don’t want to make recruiters cringe, explain what you mean in engaging conversational language. Don’t lean on these overused terms.

How do you describe yourself in a resume?

You describe yourself in a resume by using action words, industry-specific skills, and powerful adjectives throughout it. By making the most of the words you use to describe your goals and accomplishments, you can give hiring managers a solid understanding of who you are and what you’re about.

What are three words to describe yourself for a job?

Three words to describe yourself for a job are “motivated,” “reliable,” and “strategic.” There are plenty of other words out there to describe you as well, but these are likely to please almost any employer (just make sure they actually describe you before you use them).

How can I describe myself in one word?

You can describe yourself in one word by choosing a word that can be applied to you in many situations. For example, “tenacious” and “positive” are both words that you can exemplify in a variety of settings.

What are good action words to use on a resume?

Good action words to use on a resume include words like “achieved,” “conducted,” and “assisted.” Use stronger words that evoke more specific meanings, and avoid more bland terms like “managed” or “worked on.”

University of Colorado Boulder – Action Verbs to Use on Your Resume

Harvard Business Review — How to Respond to “So, Tell Me About Yourself” In a Job Interview

Forbes — 34 Words and Phrases That Scream ‘I’m a Leader’ on Resumes

What tips would you give to optimize a resume?

Bill Gutches The Path To Inkc

In an Overview or Value Proposition, use power verbs to start each bullet or statement and be sure to quantify the amount of benefit your client / employer received as a result of your work.

Make sure the Start and Stop dates for each Employer or Contract are contiguous: that there are no gaps in the work timeline.

Create a unique resume with appropriate key phrases for each application so that the words in the resume match as closely as possible to the job description you are applying for.

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Hope Stebbins is an experienced writer and editor within the field of finance and contracts, sales, and business operations. She combines operational analysis with creativity to develop compelling written content. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Eastern University.

Don Pippin is an executive and HR leader for Fortune 50 and 500 companies and startups. In 2008, Don launched area|Talent with a focus on helping clients identify their brand. As a Certified Professional Resume Writer, Certified Digital Career Strategist, and Certified Personal Branding Strategist, Don guides clients through career transitions.

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How to Describe Yourself: 20 Smart Examples for Job Interviews

• How to Describe Yourself: Self-Evaluation Part 1
• How to Describe Yourself: Example Answers Part 2
• Words That Can Be Used to Describe Oneself Part 3
• Highlighting Achievements and Qualifications Part 4
• Discussing Your Passions and Drive Part 5
• Some Ideas for Describing Yourself in a Job Interview Part 6
• How to Craft a Concise and Direct Response Part 7
• How to Answer Additional Questions Part 8

Describing yourself in a way that showcases your skills, personality, and experience effectively can make a significant difference in whether you land the job or not. In this article, we will provide examples and insights on how to describe yourself effectively to leave a lasting impression on potential employers.

First, it’s crucial to know your strengths and weaknesses to effectively describe yourself in an interview. Think about your personality traits, past accomplishments, and skills you’ve gained through your professional and personal experiences to create a compelling description that highlights who you are and what you bring to the table.

Part 1 How to Describe Yourself: Self-Evaluation

Traits to consider.

When describing yourself in a job interview, consider your  personality traits, strengths, and values . Focus on highlighting  positive traits  that are relevant to the job. For example:

• Adaptability : You can adjust to changing situations and working conditions.
• Problem-solving : You can identify and work through challenges efficiently.
• Communication : You can effectively convey information and ideas to others.

Related: What Are Soft Skills? (and How to Showcase Them)

“What Sets You Apart”: 5 Smart Answers

Aligning with Company Culture

Another aspect to consider when describing yourself is how your qualities align with the company culture. Research the organization beforehand, familiarize yourself with their values, and describe how your own characteristics fit with those values. For example:

• If the company values  teamwork , mention how you enjoy collaborating with others and offer examples of successful group projects.
• If the company values  innovation , discuss how you are open to new ideas and enjoy thinking creatively to find solutions.
• If the company values  integrity , share instances where you’ve demonstrated honesty and ethical behavior in the workplace.

By aligning your traits with the company’s culture, you demonstrate that you’re not only a good fit for the role but also for the organization as a whole.

Part 2 How to Describe Yourself: Example Answers

Describing your personality.

“I am someone who is very organized and detail-oriented. I like to plan ahead and make sure everything is in order before starting a project. I am also a good communicator and enjoy working with others to ensure everyone is on the same page. Overall, I am someone who takes pride in their work and strives for excellence.”

“I am a creative problem solver who enjoys thinking outside the box. I am not afraid to take risks and try new things, which has led me to some of my greatest successes. I am also a good listener and am always open to feedback and constructive criticism. In short, I am someone who is always looking for ways to innovate and improve.”

“I would describe myself as a highly motivated person who is always looking for ways to improve and grow. I’m a team player who enjoys collaborating with others to achieve common goals. I’m a quick learner and am always eager to take on new challenges.”

“I’m someone who is very organized and detail-oriented. I like to plan ahead and make sure everything is in order before starting a project. I’m also a good communicator and enjoy working with others to ensure everyone is on the same page. Overall, I’m someone who takes pride in their work and strives for excellence.”

“I’m a creative problem solver who enjoys thinking outside the box. I’m not afraid to take risks and try new things, which has led me to some of my greatest successes. I’m also a good listener and am always open to feedback and constructive criticism. In short, I’m someone who is always looking for ways to innovate and improve.”

“I’m a highly adaptable person who can work well under pressure. I’m able to prioritize tasks effectively and manage my time efficiently. I’m also someone who is very detail-oriented and always strives for accuracy in my work.”

“I’m a confident and outgoing person who enjoys meeting new people and building relationships. I’m a good listener and am able to communicate effectively with others. I’m also someone who is very organized and can manage multiple tasks simultaneously.”

“I’m a self-starter who is always looking for ways to improve processes and increase efficiency. I’m able to work independently and am comfortable taking on new challenges. I’m also someone who is very analytical and enjoys problem-solving.”

“I would describe myself as a highly motivated individual who is always looking for ways to improve and grow. I am a team player who enjoys collaborating with others to achieve common goals. Additionally, I am a quick learner and am always eager to take on new challenges.”

“I’m a team player who values collaboration and open communication. I’m able to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and am always willing to lend a helping hand. I’m also someone who is very creative and enjoys thinking outside the box.”

Describing Your Professional Experience

Example (sales).

“I’m a results-driven sales professional with over 5 years of experience in closing complex deals. I pride myself on my ability to build strong relationships with clients and understand their needs to deliver tailored solutions that exceed expectations.”

Example (Marketing)

“I’m a creative marketer with a passion for storytelling. I have experience in developing and executing successful campaigns across various channels, including social media, email marketing, and events.”

Example (Finance)

“I’m a detail-oriented financial analyst with a solid understanding of accounting principles and financial modeling. I have experience in analyzing financial data to identify trends and provide insights that help drive business decisions.”

Example (Human Resources)

“I’m a people-focused HR professional with experience in recruiting, onboarding, and employee relations. I enjoy working with individuals to help them reach their full potential and contribute to the success of the organization.”

Example (Information Technology)

“I’m a tech-savvy IT professional with experience in managing complex systems and networks. I have a passion for staying up-to-date with the latest technology trends and finding innovative solutions to solve business challenges.”

Example (Education)

“I’m a dedicated educator with a passion for helping students learn and grow. I have experience in developing engaging lesson plans and creating a positive learning environment that fosters student success.”

Example (Healthcare)

“I’m a compassionate healthcare professional with experience in providing high-quality patient care. I have a strong understanding of medical terminology and procedures, and I’m committed to providing personalized care to each patient.”

Example (Legal)

“I’m a detail-oriented attorney with experience in drafting legal documents and providing legal advice to clients. I have a strong understanding of the law and a passion for advocating for my clients’ rights.”

Example (Engineering)

“I’m a problem-solving engineer with experience in designing and implementing complex systems. I have a strong understanding of engineering principles and enjoy finding innovative solutions to challenging problems.”

Example (Hospitality)

“I’m a customer-focused hospitality professional with experience in providing exceptional service to guests. I have a passion for creating memorable experiences and ensuring that each guest feels valued and appreciated.”

Part 3 Words That Can Be Used to Describe Oneself

When you need to describe yourself in job interviews, use words that showcase your strengths. Feel free to choose words that fit your personality and skills.

Here are 50 words that can be used to describe oneself:

• Collaborative
• Detail-oriented
• Enthusiastic
• Goal-oriented
• Hardworking
• Interpersonal
• Multitasker
• Perseverant
• Problem-solver
• Quick learner
• Responsible
• Resourceful
• Self-motivated
• Self-sufficient
• Team-player
• Trustworthy
• Well-organized

Related: Core Values List: 150+ Awesome Examples of Personal Values

Part 4 Highlighting Achievements and Qualifications

Relevant work experience.

When mentioning your work experience, focus on showcasing the accomplishments that best align with the job posting’s requirements. Describe the specific results you achieved and quantify them whenever possible. For example:

• “Increased sales by 20% in my territory as a sales manager”
• “Improved customer satisfaction ratings by 15% as a customer service representative”

This way, you demonstrate your ability to deliver results and prove that your past experience is relevant to the position you’re applying for.

Cover Letter Connections

In your cover letter, connect your accomplishments and qualifications to the employer’s needs. A great strategy is to pick key points from the job description and provide examples of how you’ve successfully tackled similar challenges in your career. For example:

• “Your job posting mentions a need for strong project management skills. As a marketing coordinator, I’ve managed successful campaigns that led to a 25% increase in the company’s online engagement.”

By making these connections, you’ll show the hiring manager that you understand the company’s needs and why you’d excel in the position.

Incorporating Skills

Highlight your relevant skills and explain how they’ve contributed to your achievements. If the job posting lists specific skills as requirements, make sure to mention the ones you possess. For example:

• “As a web developer with expertise in JavaScript, I redesigned our company’s website, which boosted its traffic by 30% in just three months.”
• “My strong negotiation skills allowed me to secure favorable contracts for our team, reducing costs by 10%.”

Part 5 Discussing Your Passions and Drive

Showing enthusiasm.

When explaining your passions during a job interview, emphasize how these passions align with the company’s culture and mission. Be specific and demonstrate that you’ve done your research. Explain how your enthusiasm for their vision and what they stand for will benefit the company. For example, if you are applying to a sustainable fashion brand, mention how you’re passionate about ecological and ethical practices in fashion.

Sharing Hobbies and Interests

Talking about your hobbies and interests adds a personal touch to your self-description and enables the interviewer to get to know you better. Choose a select few hobbies that link to the job or showcase transferable skills. For instance, if you enjoy photography, mention how this helps you to develop a keen eye for detail and creativity which can translate to your job performance. If you’re an avid reader, discuss how regularly indulging in literature helps you improve your analytical and critical thinking abilities. Make sure to balance your personal passions with professional relevance to ensure a well-rounded and engaging self-description.

Part 6 Some Ideas for Describing Yourself in a Job Interview

• First, consider your background and how it has shaped you. For example, maybe you grew up in a multilingual household, which cultivated your open-mindedness and understanding towards various cultures. Demonstrate how these qualities would make you an asset to the company, especially when working with diverse customers or teams.
• Being organized is a highly sought-after trait. You can showcase this by sharing examples of how you manage deadlines, balance multiple priorities, and maintain your workspace or how you’ve improved a process to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.
• Confidence is vital in the workplace. You can display this by discussing how you’ve successfully tackled challenging projects, made effective decisions, and taken calculated risks.
• Collaboration is key, so you can highlight your interpersonal skills. You can share instances when you’ve built strong relationships, provided helpful feedback, or worked successfully in a group setting. Being empathetic, patient, and diplomatic are other essential qualities, as they showcase your ability to put yourself in others’ shoes and navigate tricky situations.
• Being honest and genuine demonstrates that you are trustworthy and reliable. You can share stories about how your integrity helped you make difficult decisions or maintain strong professional relationships.
• Results-driven and resourceful traits are highly valued. You can explain how your hard work, persistence, and creative problem-solving strategies led to tangible results in past roles. Also, show how your ambition and motivation to succeed continue to push you to excel in your career.
• Customer service skills are in high demand across industries. If you’re outgoing and attentive, discuss how you’ve provided excellent support and made customers feel valued. Try to share specific examples or feedback you’ve received from happy clients.
• As an independent worker, you might excel at handling tasks with minimal supervision. You can explain how your ability to stay focused and disciplined allows you to get the job done efficiently. However, being a committed team player is also crucial, so find a balance between showcasing autonomy and adaptability.
• Finally, a positive attitude can work wonders in the workplace. You can show that you’re optimistic, cheerful, and capable of bringing a sense of joy to any work environment. Share how your uplifting energy has made a difference in your colleagues’ experiences or increased overall morale.

Part 7 How to Craft a Concise and Direct Response

Structuring your answer.

• Begin with a strong opening statement: Start by sharing a brief overview of who you are as a professional. Highlight your role, field, or expertise to give the interviewer a clear understanding of your background.

For example: “As a seasoned project manager, I have successfully led numerous software development projects from inception to completion.”

• Discuss your key strengths: Focus on the qualities that make you an ideal candidate for the position. Choose 2-3 strengths that align with the job requirements, and talk about how these skills have helped you achieve success in previous roles.

For example: “My organization skills and ability to prioritize tasks have allowed me to consistently deliver projects on time and within budget.”

• Give real-life examples: Try to showcase specific instances where your strengths and skills were put into action. Briefly explain the situation, the actions you took, and the positive outcome of your efforts.

For example: “In my previous position, I was given the responsibility of managing a high-priority project with a tight deadline. By carefully delegating tasks and maintaining open communication with my team, we not only met the deadline but exceeded the client’s expectations.”

• Be genuine: While it’s important to showcase your strengths, it’s equally essential to be authentic and true to yourself. Avoid making exaggerated claims and focus on sharing information that genuinely reflects who you are.

Part 8 How to Answer Additional Questions

If asked specific questions about your skills, it is preferable to structure your response in a particular way. To structure an effective response, use either the STAR method or the SOAR framework.

The STAR Method

The STAR method is an effective and widely used way to describe your experiences and skills during job interviews. It helps you structure your answers when presenting relevant examples. STAR stands for:

• S ituation: Describe the situation or context in which you encountered a challenge, problem, or opportunity.
• T ask: Elaborate on the task you were responsible for or the goal you aimed to achieve.
• A ction: Explain the actions you took to address the challenge or achieve the goal.
• R esult: Share the outcome of your actions, focusing on the positive impact you had on your team or company.

For example, if asked about your time management skills, you could say:

Situation : During my time at X Company, I was responsible for managing multiple high-priority projects with tight deadlines.  Task : To ensure all projects were completed on time and met the required standards.  Action : I created a detailed project plan outlining priorities, resources, and deadlines. I regularly monitored progress, communicated with team members, and made adjustments as needed.  Result : All projects were delivered on schedule and received positive feedback from clients.

The SOAR Framework

The SOAR framework is another useful format for structuring your answers during job interviews. It allows you to showcase your successes by focusing on what you did well. SOAR stands for:

• S ituation: Provide the context for the particular success or achievement to be discussed.
• O bstacles: Mention any challenges or obstacles you faced in achieving your goal.
• A ctions: Describe the specific actions you took to overcome the obstacles and achieve your goal.
• R esults: Highlight the positive outcomes resulting from your actions, such as increased productivity or improved customer satisfaction.

An example of using the SOAR framework might be when discussing your problem-solving skills:

Situation : As a sales representative at X Corporation, I was tasked with increasing our sales in a highly competitive market.  Obstacles : The primary challenge was overcoming potential customers’ loyalty to well-established competitors.  Actions : I conducted thorough market research to understand the pain points of our target audience, developed tailored sales pitches, and forged strong relationships with key stakeholders in their organizations.  Results : Over a six-month period, I successfully closed deals with 15 new clients, resulting in a 20% increase in our company’s market share.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i give a brief description of myself for a job application.

To give a brief description of yourself for a job application, focus on your skills, experience, and personal qualities relevant to the position. Tailor your description to show how you’re a good fit for the company’s needs.

What are some examples of describing your personality?

When describing your personality, consider using adjectives that reflect your temperament, work style, and how you interact with others. For instance, you may describe yourself as adaptable, proactive, and empathetic.

How can you describe yourself in 5 words during an interview?

Describing yourself in 5 words during an interview requires choosing words that showcase your most valuable qualities. For example: “Dependable, innovative, resourceful, team-player, and versatile” .

Can you provide sample answers for ‘Tell me about yourself’?

• “I’m a graphic designer with over seven years of experience in designing branding materials and websites for a variety of clients. My attention to detail and creativity have led to successful projects for both small businesses and large corporations.”
• “As a dedicated human resources professional with a passion for employee engagement and development, I have eight years of experience working in various industries. I pride myself on my strong communication skills, which enable me to foster positive relationships and cultivate a productive work environment.”
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The Best Words to Describe Yourself on a Resume

In This Guide:

Use power adjectives and action verbs, words to describe yourself, words not to describe yourself with, tips and tricks.

Quick Answer: To describe yourself in the best way possible, use powerful adjectives and action verbs, but provide proof to avoid coming across as self-praising. For leadership positions, highlight traits such as rationality, charisma, and decisiveness. For teamwork, emphasize observance, organization, and personability. Avoid words like amazing, awesome, humble, and visionary. Use concise sentences and keywords from the job listing, and take your time to perfect your description. Remember, your resume is an extension of you.

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One of the most tricky parts of the job-seeking process is using the right words to describe yourself. You would want to show your positive traits, but you need to be careful with borderline self-praising.

You need to make your words show who you are in the best possible light. Just like resume action verbs , the words you use to describe yourself are extremely influential, and it is important to make them strong enough to be remembered.

But how to do so? There are over one million words in the English language. It might seem near impossible to pick the right words to describe yourself.

Lucky for you, we got you covered. In this article, we are going to examine topics like:

• How to choose the best words to describe yourself
• Different words you can use for different effect

And, of course, we are going to wrap things up with some great tips and tricks . If you first want to make your resume stand out , check out our Resume Builder . But if you really want to work on the words you describe yourself with, stick around.

One of the most essential things you need to do when describing yourself is use powerful adjectives. But don’t overdo it. Don’t forget that the hiring manager doesn’t really know you that well.

If you praise yourself too much, you might blow your chances of getting the job. But the more important thing you need to remember here is to provide proof.

Whatever powerful adjective you use for yourself, you need to show some proof that it is in fact real. Anyone can say that they are detail-oriented, but without proof, that means nothing to the hiring manager.

Even more importantly, you would want to use action verbs . The main idea is to sprinkle a few powerful adjectives to help you out, but let action verbs do the heavy lifting.

As we mentioned, there is a great variety of words you can describe yourself with. Luckily, the list drastically shrinks when we want words that would match a specific skill or ability needed for a job position

So the first thing you need to think about is what are the words you would want your potential employer to remember you by. It may sound hard and scary, but that’s why we have a few examples for you to get you started.

Words to describe yourself for leadership

If you are applying for any kind of leadership role, you should be really careful with the words you use to describe yourself.

The hiring manager would be on the lookout for some specific ones. Let’s go through the most important ones and get you ready to nail them.

That’s a trait possessed largely by extroverts. Using it to describe yourself shows the hiring manager not only that you are extroverted, but also that you are outgoing, cheerful and joyful.

That would be of great importance in order to create a sustainable team that would achieve all the company’s goals. But don’t forget to provide some proof, as it would be extremely easy for the hiring manager to catch you with a lie with this one.

Describing yourself with this adjective shows the hiring manager that you are driven by logic and reasoning.

That would be really important when you are in a place to make an important decision. A rational thinker would depend on their logic, rather than emotions, when it comes to tough situations

self-motivated

Describing yourself as self-motivated shows the hiring manager that you are self-driven. That means that you require no external pressure or monitoring to see out a project. That would be really significant for a leadership role, as you would be more independent than most employees.

This trait is extremely important, no matter the position. Being ethical shows that you have a high professional moral standing. It would be fair for the hiring manager to assume that you are honest and have the ability to know what’s right and wrong professionally.

Charismatic

In order to be charismatic, you are quite definitely emotionally intelligent. Furthermore, it shows the hiring manager that you have the ability to earn love, trust and affection of others with ease.

You most certainly need this trait if you are applying for a leadership position.

Being decisive is another trait that is a must for leadership roles. It shows the hiring manager that you are a spontaneous thinker and can make accurate decisions on the go. Being able to act quickly and accurately in tough spots would really raise your score in the eyes of the hiring manager.

Imaginative

While this one is not a must for a leadership role, the hiring manager would probably look for it. It would show them that you are very ingenious and clever in your dealings.

If you don’t feel right using that adjective, you can switch with creative or innovative, which are just as strong.

Words to describe yourself as a team player

For a great deal of professions, being a team player is crucial. That’s why it is important to catch the hiring manager’s attention with some teamwork adjectives.

And we have some of the most essential ones here for you.

This adjective might sound negative at first, but hiring managers don’t see it that way.

If you describe yourself as persistent, they would assume that you are very determined, relentless and tenacious in your pursuit of anything, but without losing your positive mindset.

This trait would be helpful for lots of things.

It shows the hiring manager that you have the ability to notice details and compose logical analysis. And that would always be appreciated.

That shows one of the most influential traits you can show for yourself - discipline. A discipline to plan and execute strategies correctly is greatly appreciated by hiring managers.

Being personable is great not only for leadership, but also to show that you are a team player. Once again - that trait shows the hiring manager that you are both extroverted, and that you are really outgoing and cheerful.

This is a trait that should be possessed not only by the leader of the team, but also by every team member.

That’s another trait that is applicable to both leadership and teamwork.

In this case, its importance is mostly because of the emotional intelligence of the person, as it is extremely important for team work.

Other words you can describe yourself with

As words have started repeating, we need to save some time for those we have not yet mentioned, but are extremely significant.

Here is a list you might want to consider when describing yourself:

This is always a good trait to assign to yourself, if you have anything to back it up with. It shows the hiring manager that you have a high level of trust and honesty. Usually such a trait is built over the years, especially with positions like finance executive, marketing executive, etc.

This is one of the adjectives that one could use, no matter the job position. It shows the hiring manager that you have determination to grow and survive, no matter the job, and no matter the organization.

It is a really great quality to have, if you really strive for growth.

Compassionate

This trait is typically used in healthcare and in the legal system, but it wouldn’t hurt to describe yourself with it otherwise as well.

It shows the hiring manager that you are caring and concerned for others by default.

That’s one more trait that could be applicable no matter the position and the organization.

Interestingly enough, it is important just because the position and the organization matter to you.

It shows that you have unending commitment to a cause and a leader.

Describing yourself as practical can quite often be a pleasant surprise for the hiring manager.

It shows them that you are guided by experience, rather than mere theories or ideas.

straightforward

And last, but not least, being straightforward. That trait shows the hiring manager that you understand and value integrity. People possessing that trait are usually very understandable.

It would not surprise you that there are also words that you should absolutely stay away from. When it comes to your professional description, these, and many similar adjectives, would probably be misunderstood.

And you don’t want that, you want to present yourself in the best light possible. So, what are these adjectives that you should stay away from?

Here is a short list, but keep in mind that there are many similar ones to these:

• Intelligent

You get the idea, you wouldn’t want to give such an impression to the hiring manager.

As promised, we are going to leave you off with some tips and tricks to use when describing yourself.

First, be concise. Keep your sentences short and to the point. Short, concise sentences have more power.

And, as we mentioned earlier, provide some proof. Any catchy word without context is meaningless to the hiring manager.

And last, but not least, make sure you use any keywords you have seen on the job listing. That’s why it’s important to closely read the job description and include any keywords you find in your resume.

We are all done. Now you know what words to use to describe yourself in the best possible way. You are now ready to show yourself in the best possible light in front of the hiring manager.

Take your time and have a closer look at the job position, so that your description would include more keywords, that the hiring manager would be looking for.

Don’t forget to use action verbs and powerful adjectives, but also give them some context. Keep our example words in mind and make your description perfect for the job you seek.

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How to Show Your Personality in a Cover Letter

Have you ever had a work break? We don’t mean just a weekend off. We mean a real one. Like where you took off a year or so and spent your time making sock puppets, riding a horse, or surfing. Maybe you introduced a beautiful new soul in the world, and you took maternity leave that went on for a little longer than expected. Perhaps you decided to travel the world, or, maybe, just maybe, you just haven’t set foot in a real-time job yet.

No matter your reason, you’re probably reading this because you’re looking to get to work. But of course, you’re now wondering what the best way to write a cover letter is when you want to show personality , and how to describe yourself in a cover letter.

Here, we’re going to discuss how to make a cover letter stand out. Whether you’re looking for stay at home mom resume cover letter examples, or you’re going back into the world of work for any other reason – this article should help you set things straight.

Why Is It Important to Show Personality In a Cover Letter?

Put simply: it shows your enthusiasm. When looking into how to describe yourself in a cover letter, you don’t want it to be generic. The recruiter is screening hundreds of applications for every job they post, and a generic cover letter won’t make the cut.

By showing the hiring manager your shining personality, they will be more likely to notice you when you reach the interview stage of the hiring process. It is basically giving you a “thumbs up” from the recruiter in advance. If they think you’re a good candidate, then they’ll probably make a mental note of the fact that you took the time to express yourself in a positive light.

In addition to this, it gives the hiring manager an idea of who you are, your previous experiences, thought process, and interest. Often when hiring managers first read a job application, they notice how concise the candidate is.

All in all, when looking into how to make a cover letter stand out – all you have to do is show a little personality and share previous experiences in the best possible way.

How to Show Personality

When looking at how to describe yourself in a cover letter, you don’t have to take the boring route. Whether you’re somebody who has experienced a lot in their life through travels, or you’re just looking for a stay at home mom resume cover letter – you can make your words shine through.

Try to think of a few personality quirks or things that make you unique, and word it in a way that’s brief, yet fun to read.

Try a Creative First Sentence

The best cover letters out there are organic, funny, well-written and seemed to have been written by someone who has a new reason for living: to work for the company. Their voices filled the letter, and you could see how fun their office culture was going to be.

Stay away from generic opening sentences like ‘’I’m applying for position XYZ because’’. While this is a fine way to begin, the recruiter has sure enough already seen this hundreds of times. Try to be more engaging and show precisely where your passions lie.

Tell a Story

Don’t just duplicate your resume – tell the hiring manager a story! Once you have come to terms with your voice and style, it’s time to start writing. Sure, following your resume can always be an easy way to start and structure, but it can also come across as impersonal and bland. Instead of just repeating what’s on your resume, use the cover letter to reflect and connect your experience to who you are as a person.

Fake It Till You Make It

The biggest challenge when looking for the best way to write a cover letter is that you’re always trying to sell yourself to a stranger. Get your mind out of the gutter, that’s not what we mean!

What we’re trying to say is that the person reading your cover letter has no idea who you are; they don’t know anything about you. When you add it all up, it can lead to an overly formal cover letter that’s jam-packed full of skills, job titles, and overused phrases that all say nothing about you.

Try flipping the switch and instead, pretending that the recruiter already knows you’re amazing, that you’re worthy of working for their company – and of course, that you’re exactly what they need

Having this mindset from the get-go allows you to climb out of the drudgery that is listing all your skills, and will teach you a thing or two in how to make a cover letter stand out from the rest.

Receive Automated Help

If you’re not sure where to start in the best way to write a cover letter, check out our AI robot that is built to help you improve your writing skills. Cowrite’s service helps you to create high-quality texts in a concise period of time. All you have to do is answer several questions about what you want to write about, then Cowrite suggests pieces of text based on your choices. You can vary all the elements of text and thus create the perfect cover letter for you.

Karen Maristani

Karen invented writing, the airplane, and the internet. She was also the first person to reach the North Pole. She has flown to Mars and back in one day, and was enthusiastically greeted by Aliens. She has also worked as a copywriter and journalist for many years and has helped hundreds of people writing the perfect job application.

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The Right (and Wrong) Way to Include Personality in Your Cover Letter

Writing a cover letter that shows off your personality might feel like a high-risk-high-reward strategy. That’s because, if you stick with outdated advice and lean on classic go-to lines , you won’t have to worry about saying anything that’ll make you look bad.

But, if we’re being honest, playing it safe isn’t going to help you reach your goals, either. You want the hiring manager to call you in for an interview. And if your application’s forgettable, that’s probably not going to happen.

So, when you think about it that way, it’s actually a lot riskier to take the exact same approach as everyone else.

With that in mind, you’ve got to add some personality. And you know that, to you, it’s going to read a little strange to you no matter what (just because it’s different). So, if you’re feeling uncertain whether or not it’s working, ask yourself the following questions:

1. Am I Being Rude?

Clearly, you’d never talk down to the hiring manager on purpose. But sometimes, in an effort to lighten the tone, applicants end up doing that by accident.

One of the reasons, “I hate writing cover letters and you hate reading them…” doesn’t land is that you’re making an assumption.

Maybe the hiring manager does like reviewing materials. Maybe he’s in HR because he’s passionate about connecting the right people with a company he believes in. I’ve personally read hundreds of cover letters and I’ve enjoyed those with powerful stories, with an anecdote that made me feel like I knew the candidate better, and with accomplishments that made me think: This person could be exactly who we’re looking for!

You don’t want to kick things off by minimizing what the other person does. So, skip any lines that combine “you and I both know…” and then putting down the whole process.

2. Am I Sharing the Right Stuff?

Another reason those kinds of lines don’t work is that they’re not actually injecting any personality. If you were meeting someone new and describing yourself, I doubt you’d fold in, “Also, you should know I hate writing cover letters.”

Whatever you share should say something about who you are—something you actually would share with a new contact.

The good news is: This means you can cut anything that makes it sound more personable, but that you’d never actually say.

As far as what to add in its place, ask...

3. Am I Still Highlighting My Skills?

There’s no reason that sections with personality should distract from the rest (where you actually sell your abilities). These lines should add to the story you tell—and make it even stronger. Realizing this can be a game-changer.

So, let’s say you have two activities that jump to mind: cooking and binge-watching Netflix.

Consider including the one that speaks to whatever skills are most relevant for the job. In other words: What’s your approach to cooking? Do you meticulously measure every single ingredient, which underscores your obsession with organization and strict processes? Or do you just wing it, which speaks to your creativity? Either way, a line that says I’m so obsessive about organization [or, experimentation] that it carries over to my #1 hobby… makes a compelling, memorable point.

Or, it could be your Netflix obsession is worth mentioning (seriously!). Say, if you’re applying for a social media role, and you participate in tons of hashtag chats , mentioning how it grew your follower base could be a great way to show that you “get” Twitter.

The biggest mistake I’ve seen people make with this approach is taking it too far. It’s one thing to add personality to your cover letter, and another to skip spell check or not even mention how you’d be a fit for the open role.

So, even if your examples get a little unconventional, follow all of the other cover letter rules—like tailoring it to the position and using proper spelling, punctuation, and grammar. ( Here’s a great guide to proofreading it yourself.) Close attention to these details will show you that you still care enough to submit something polished, and that’s the very best way to stand out.

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Looking for Words to Describe Yourself? These 60 Examples Will Get You Inspired!

• Júlia Mlčúchova , 
• Updated June 13, 2024 7 min read

Choosing the right words to describe yourself can make all the difference in landing your dream job. 

Whether it’s on your resume, in a cover letter, or during a job interview, how you present yourself can set you apart from other candidates.

And, as everybody knows, words matter. Especially in a work environment!

But not all words are created equal! Some can make you seem more dynamic and capable, while others might come across as vague or clichéd.

So, which words are your best bet when you want to impress future employers?

Keep reading this article and learn: 

• How to pick the right words;
• 20 words to describe yourself in a job interview;
• 20 words to describe yourself in a cover letter;
• 20 more words for your resume;
• And, which words you should avoid.

Table of Contents

Click on a section to skip

How to choose the right words to describe yourself

Words to describe yourself in a resume, words to describe yourself in a cover letter, words to describe yourself in a job interview, words to avoid when describing yourself, key takeaways: words to describe yourself (in a resume, a job interview, or a cover letter).

Before we show you any lists or examples, we need to explore the million dollar question: “How do I know which words to use when describing myself?”.  

Instead of just spitting out random words and hoping that at least some of them hit the mark, take a more strategic and focused approach .

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how to identify the right words to describe yourself and impress even the most demanding of recruiters: 

Firstly, start by re-reading the job posting you're responding to. Pay close attention to the key skills and qualities the employer is looking for. For example , if the job posting calls for “adaptability” and “competitiveness”, adjectives like “adaptable” and “competitive” might be just the words recruiters want to hear.

In case the job posting isn't particularly generous with information, don't hesitate to look for answers elsewhere. For instance, you can skim through job listings regarding the same position but issued by different companies. Or look at the current trends relevant for your profession.

Thirdly, you need to take a good look at yourself and take account of your strengths. What qualities set you apart? Do you possess any unique traits? Or, which aspects of your personality can be valuable in the workplace?

When in doubt, ask a friend — or even better, a colleague! Because a set of objective eyes can sometimes see things that would otherwise stay hidden to us. And who knows you better as a professional than your coworkers?

Finally, write down all the words that came to your mind while completing the previous steps. The goal here is to generate as many ideas as possible, so don't limit yourself. This list will serve as a foundation from which you can then select the most appropriate words.

Struggling to find the right words?

Our AI Resume Writer is ready to land a helping hand! Suggesting missing words, formatting bullet points, or correcting your mistakes. It can do it all.

As you probably know at this point, a resume is the main document that makes up your job application.

When talking about resumes, the first things that come to mind would probably be the work experience section and the skills section . And each of these is crucial in their own right! 

But we want to draw your attention to a completely different section of your resume — the topmost part, to be precise. Because that's where your resume summary would be situated. 

A resume summary is a short text (usually 2-5 sentences ) that serves at the highlight of your best qualities and achievements. Since its purpose is to persuade the hiring manager to keep reading your resume, it's the best place to sneak in those powerful adjectives. 

Here are 3 examples of what a good resume summary can look like:

#1 Resume summary example

“Highly competitive and results-driven marketing professional with over five years of experience in developing and executing innovative campaigns. Known for a conscientious approach to project management and an ability to meet tight deadlines without compromising quality. Resourceful in leveraging data-driven insights and creative solutions to inspire business growth and customer engagement.”

#2 Resume summary example

“ Thorough and accomplished architect with a decade of experience in creating innovative and sustainable designs for diverse projects. I lean on my meticulous attention to detail and a rigorous approach to every phase of architectural planning and execution.That’s what makes me independent and proactive , with a strong ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.”

#3 Resume summary example

“ Organized and efficient accountant with over ten years of experience in managing comprehensive financial operations. Competent in preparing accurate financial statements, conducting audits, and implementing cost-saving measures. Adept at utilizing advanced accounting software to enhance workflow and ensure precise financial reporting. Seeking to bring my skills to a forward-thinking accounting firm to drive success.”

And now, here's a list of 20 words to describe yourself on a resume:  

• Collaborative
• Competitive
• Resourceful
• Decisive 
• Customer-focused
• Strategic-minded
• Data-driven
• Experienced
• Conscientious
• Responsible
• Attentive 

To see how a great resume summary works in practice, check out this sample that's been submitted by a real person who managed to secure a job thanks to our sleek resume templates .

Front Desk Receptionist CV Sample

This resume sample was contributed by a real person who got hired with Kickresume’s help.

Like what you see? Your resume can look just like this! Click on the red button and adjust this sample to your liking.

Your cover letter is yet another opportunity to showcase that you're the right person for the job. 

But when it comes to the placement of descriptive phrases and adjectives, a cover letter offers you more space to work with. And that's what makes it the ideal place to demonstrate your personality as well as professional attributes.  

To make these words more impactful, we recommend putting them into a specific context . Firstly, you can mention your chosen word. And, secondly, follow it by a concrete example from your previous employment. Simple!

And of course, you can also support your achievements by including quantifiable data whenever possible. This is the surest way to turn empty phrases into poignant evidence of your expertise.

For your inspiration, here are 4 examples of words to describe yourself used in cover letters:

How to describe yourself in a cover letter examples

“My diligent work ethic ensured all financial reports were 100% accurate, contributing to a 15% reduction in audit discrepancies.”  

“My innovative thinking led to the development of a new product line that increased company revenue by 25% within the first year.”

“With my charismatic leadership style, I motivated my team to exceed our annual sales targets by 20%, fostering a positive and productive work environment.”

“My resourceful nature has allowed me to develop cost-saving initiatives that reduced departmental expenses by 15%.”

And, of course, here are 20 more words to describe yourself in a cover letter. Boom!

• Industrious
• Investigative
• Disciplined
• Imaginative
• Self-reliant
• Communicative

And how could we forget! Here's a cover letter sample to show your exactly how it's done:

Marketing and Brand Manager Cover Letter Sample

This cover letter sample was provided by a real person who got hired with Kickresume’s help.

For more cover letter samples, you can just search through our cover letter database . Who knows, maybe you'll find your inspiration there.

Imagine you're at a job interview, and one of the questions is: “ If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?”

Well, here's your 'words to describe yourself in a job interview' cheat sheet:

• Persevering
• Engaging 
• Independant
• Constructive
• Open-minded
• Cool-headed

Pro tip: Don't just list three adjectives and be done with it! Instead, you should take this opportunity in your stride and talk about professional situations when you've capitalized on these qualities. 

For example, your answer could look something like this:

#1 How to describe yourself during a job interview example

“ Hmm .. let me see. The first word could be adaptable . In my previous role as a project manager, I faced a pretty serious challenge when our company underwent a sudden software transition. And while some team members struggled with the change, I was able to quickly learn the new system. And I also helped create a training program to help my colleagues. At the end of the day, my adaptability not only ensured a smooth transition but also resulted in a 20% increase in overall team productivity within three months.

Another word that comes to mind is proactive . because I’m always looking for ways to improve our processes. Like the time I noticed that our client onboarding process was inefficient and led to delay. I took the initiative to redesign the workflow, incorporating feedback from clients and team members. And, as a result, we reduced the onboarding time by 30%. And this significantly boosted client satisfaction and retention rates.

And the last one …. Well, let’s go with thorough. Apart from all other responsibilities, I used to prepare monthly financial reports. And thanks to my accuracy, I ensured that our reports were always error-free. And this ended up being instrumental in securing a $1 million investment from a key stakeholder. So, I guess I could say that I helped maintain our company’s reputation for reliability and precision.”

Or like this: 

#2 How to describe yourself during a job interview example

“Well, the first word would be pragmatic . Simply because I always take a practical approach to problem-solving. For instance, we once faced budget cuts that threatened to derail a major campaign. Instead of seeing it as a setback, I reassessed our strategy and reallocated resources efficiently. In the end, we still achieved a 15% increase in brand engagement.

The second word would definitely be conscientious . To be honest, I pride myself on being thorough and reliable in my work. For example, when I worked as an operations coordinator, I was responsible for overseeing supply chain logistics. As time went by, I started noticing certain inefficiencies in our approach. So I tried to correct them. And it worked — we managed to reduce delivery times by 25%. 

And ,,, I think the third word could be decisive . I know, it sounds like a cliche. But as a team leader I had to learn how to make decisions on the spot. For example, the time I decided to delay a product launch because of technical issues. And it ended up being the right call. Because it prevented potential customer dissatisfaction. And after another review, we finally launched the product and received plenty of positive feedback. This led to a 20% increase in initial sales.”

Besides that, you should also probably prepare for all the other classic interview questions like:

• Why should we hire you?
• Why are you looking for a new job?
• Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Now that we've given you plenty of examples you can use during your job hunt, we're still not finished! 

In fact, we're about to give you a friendly warning !

There isn't any magic crystal ball that could tell you exactly which words will make the employer want to hire you. But there are certain words that will guarantee you a well-deserved eye roll.

So, when you're describing your qualities, try to avoid the following : 

• Clichés. Do you know what recruiters hear when you tell them that you're a “team player” or “hard worker”? Absolutely nothing! Because of how overused they are, these words actually lost all their meaning. Instead, opt for more precise language that provides a clearer picture of your abilities.
• Vague phrases. What exactly does it mean to be a “strategist” or that you're “motivated”? Remember to always provide a specific context to expressions like these. Otherwise your self-description might come across as too generic. 
• Words that carry negative connotations. Finally, steer clear of double-edged expressions. For example, does “headstrong” mean determined or stubborn to the point of no return ? Or, when you say that you're “assertive,” are you implying you're a passive-aggressive jerk?  

To give you a less vague idea (wink wink) of which words to avoid when describing yourself at all costs, here's a short list of examples and the potential red flags they carry:

• Passionate . This expression is far too common and doesn't really provide any specific value.
• Strategic . Again, without a specific context this is just another empty can. 
• Perfectionist . Although well-meant, it can imply that you're inflexible.
• I'm a go-getter . OK Karen, calm down. 
• Guru . Tell me you're delulu without telling me you're delulu. 
• Visionary . Hi, I'm Pete and my favorite hobby is ego tripping. 
• Thought leader . The heck does this even mean? Do you have a cult? Or worse, a podcast?
• Synergistic . LOL

Knowing the right words to describe yourself can mean the difference between standing out or blending in.

Plus, the words you choose can make a lasting impression on potential employers and colleagues. Use specific, impactful words to show that you understand your strengths and can articulate them effectively. 

Some of the most effective words you can use to describe your professional qualities include: 

Julia has recently joined Kickresume as a career writer. From helping people with their English to get admitted to the uni of their dreams to advising them on how to succeed in the job market. It would seem that her career is on a steadfast trajectory. Julia holds a degree in Anglophone studies from Metropolitan University in Prague, where she also resides. Apart from creative writing and languages, she takes a keen interest in literature and theatre.

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• Resume and Cover Letter
• How to Describe Yourself on a...

How to Describe Yourself on a Resume (With Examples)

8 min read · Updated on January 23, 2024

It doesn't have to feel like nails on a chalkboard when trying to describe yourself on a resume!

How you describe yourself on your resume directly impacts whether you land that interview you so eagerly want. It's essential to describe your qualifications and experience in such a way as to grab the employer's attention without hesitation. 

How do you do that, exactly? By incorporating self-descriptive words on your resume that stand out to hiring teams and showcase that you're the best fit for the job. 

In this post, we start off with tips for developing self-descriptive words for your resume, followed by examples of descriptive words to use and avoid. 

Tips for developing self-descriptive words for your resume

It's not uncommon for individuals to struggle with talking about their accomplishments and strengths. We tend to share about another's skills and abilities easily, but when it comes to describing ourselves, we fall short. Fortunately, below are some steps you can take to boost your creative juices and find the words for your resume to help you stand out from the competition. 

Ask friends and peers for help

One way to come up with ways to describe yourself is to ask your peers, friends, and managers for input. For a comprehensive perspective, ask for feedback from those in your personal and professional lives. Here are some questions you can ask to receive the information you need:

What are three adjectives you would use to describe me?

How would you describe me to a coworker or friend?

If you could sum up my personality in one word, what would it be, and why?

Consider past performance reviews

Another way to develop self-descriptive words for a resume is to reflect on past performance reviews. What did supervisors have to say about you? What about coworkers who provided input? What were some of the strengths and achievements emphasized?

Make a list of your past accomplishments and strengths

Brainstorm to come up with a list of all your strengths, so you can more easily refer to them when describing yourself on a resume. Do this by first listing some of your key achievements and considering what strengths allowed you to achieve them. 

For example, suppose you implemented a new customer service rating system two weeks ahead of schedule, which led to a 10% increase in customer feedback. In that case, you might describe yourself as efficient and productive. 

Refer to the job description

If you're struggling to come up with the best self-descriptive words for your resume, refer to the job description. Highlight any skills, knowledge, and requirements you possess that align with the job. By incorporating these keywords into your resume, you're not only emphasizing that you meet the job qualifications but are also improving your resume's chances of getting past an employer's  applicant tracking system , or ATS.

Think positive

It's good to be humble and clear on your strengths and weaknesses. However, when it comes to self-descriptive words for a resume, you want to focus on the positives only - your strengths. 

Save sharing your weaknesses for the interview, when you'll likely be asked about them. During an interview, you can - and should - give your weaknesses a positive spin with context, which is challenging to do on a resume.

As you develop your list of strengths and how you'd describe yourself, work to develop some unique adjectives to use that are specific to your qualifications. Refer to the list of strengths you've developed, and look up synonyms for those words that could help you to stand out from other applicants. 

For example, instead of incorporating the commonly used term “creative,” you might use words like inventive or prolific. A word of caution is to avoid words that come across as boastful or exaggerating your qualifications.    

Review example resumes

An excellent resource to refer to when you're attempting to craft your own resume is to look at  resume examples  online. The resume examples you review don't need to be specific to your field, since self-descriptive adjectives and descriptive verbs aren't industry-specific, as shown in the examples below. This approach not only helps to generate ideas for self-descriptive words for your resume but also provides guidance on  how to write your resume  as a whole.

Self-descriptive words for a resume - examples

When it comes to self-descriptive words for a resume, technically, we're referring to adjectives, since adjectives describe a noun. However, two additional categories of words are essential to fully describe your abilities and work history: descriptive verbs and skills.  

Powerful adjectives for a resume

Here are only a few of the many adjectives you could use on your resume, with examples of how you might include them in a sentence. 

Adaptable:  Adaptable professional with ability to move from project to project within different departments. 

Compassionate:  Compassionate caretaker with 10 years of experience, working with hospices and providing end-of-life services. 

Knowledgeable:  Knowledgeable mechanic with 3 excellence awards for superb service and quality, earned in less than 6 months. 

Perceptive:  Perceptive speaker with ability to navigate an audience to know where to direct attention to garner the best outcome. 

Tech-savvy:   Tech-savvy Visual Artist with ability to bring together ideas and people to produce valuable and thought-provoking content, including images, videos, and graphics. 

Top tip: For an extensive list of 100 power adjectives, refer to “ 100 Powerful Resume Adjectives that Can Make Your Resume More Compelling .” 

Descriptive verbs for a resume

Action verbs  are vital in really making your work section stand out. Each bullet point you include for the jobs you list should begin with a power verb that emphasizes your role in the activity or achievement. Power verbs are also used in the resume summary to highlight accomplishments. 

Skills for a resume

Skills on your resume  should include a combination of soft and hard skills. In many instances, hard skills are spelled out and soft skills are inferred based on our past achievements. 

Unusual words to describe yourself on a resume

As mentioned, be creative and specific when selecting self-descriptive words for your resume, to help set you apart. A great way to do this is to use a thesaurus to gather synonyms for the list of self-descriptive adjectives you come up with. Some interesting choices that aren't used as often yet can still sound good on a resume include:

Inventive 

Self-descriptive words for a resume: what NOT to use

Yes, there are some words to leave off your list of self-descriptive words for your  resume. These words tend to be overused, generic, highly subjective, or boastful. Here are a few examples:

You might think you're likable, but likability is in the eye of the beholder. Instead of using likable, consider adjectives that refer to being likable, yet add value, such as team player, compassionate, and energetic. 

Intelligent 

Don't flat-out state you're intelligent, at risk of coming across as overly confident. Also, it should be inferred that you're intelligent by the other adjectives and proof you provide to back them up on your resume. Words like big-picture thinker, agile, and quick learner are better word choices.

Saying you're successful is very broad. Instead, you want to narrow your successes to specific skills and strengths with qualifiers and quantifiable data. 

Here are a few more self-promotional adjectives to leave off your resume. 

Got-to-person

Outside the box thinker

Instead of using these types of adjectives, come up with alternatives where you can show results linked to them. A good place to begin is by asking yourself, "What have I achieved that shows I'm a go-getter, the best, and so on?"

Where to incorporate self-descriptive words on a resume

Now that you've seen some examples of self-descriptive words, where do they belong on your resume? There are three main areas to place them:

Resume summary. Your  resume summary  falls just below your contact information and is the main area where you'll incorporate self-descriptive adjectives, with a few skills and power verbs. 

Competencies and skills list. Your  core competencies or skills list  should include the soft and hard skills required for the job, based on the job description. 

Work experience section. The  work experience section  is where you'll include the power verbs that describe what you did on the job, as well as some of the skills that supported you in doing so. You might also include some adjectives in this section, though generally, the adjectives are inferred. For example:

“Motivated team of 10 to implement an enhanced customer booking log project on time, resulting in an 8% increase in positive customer experience ratings”

From this achievement, one can infer that the person is motivational, a leader, and efficient. 

Apply a variety of self-descriptive words on your resume

Now you have some tips to help you discover the best self-descriptive words for your resume, with examples. You also know where to include them. As a final tip, when you incorporate your descriptive words, be sure to use a variety of adjectives and power verbs so your resume doesn't sound redundant. Good luck! 

If you're wondering if you're using the right self-descriptive words throughout your resume, why not submit it for a  free resume review ? Our  TopResume team of experts  will help to ensure your resume describes you in a way that lands you interview after interview!

Recommended reading:

How to List Certifications on a Resume with Examples

What Are the Best Fonts for a Resume

How to Include Relevant Coursework on a Resume (with Examples)

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

Why You Lose When You Lie on Your Resume: Learning From Mina Chang

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Jobscan > Cover Letter Writing Guide

How To Write A Cover Letter in 2024 (Expert Tips and Examples)

Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to write a cover letter that will get you noticed by recruiters.

Trusted by:

A survey revealed that 77% of recruiters prefer candidates who send in a cover letter, even if submitting it is optional. Additionally, 90% of executives consider cover letters invaluable when assessing job candidates.

So, if you think cover letters are no longer important and necessary in 2024, think again.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you write a cover letter that effectively sells your skills and professional experience, increases your chances of getting interviews, and gets your foot in the door.

Table of Contents

What is a cover letter and do you still need one in 2024?

A cover letter is a letter of introduction accompanying your resume that paints why you are the best person for the job, what you bring to the table, and how you can help move the company forward.

Is the cover letter dead? No! In fact, a recent study by ResumeLab revealed that 64% of job vacancies still require that you include a cover letter in your application and 83% of HR pros said that cover letters are important for their hiring decision.

The bottom line is that a cover letter is still a valuable piece of your job search collateral. Nail your cover letter and you could end up getting that dream job.

So what exactly do you need to accomplish in your cover letter?

What is the purpose of a cover letter?

According to 49% of HR managers , your cover letter is the second best way to call attention to your resume and distinguish yourself from other applicants.

So the main purpose of your cover letter is to compel the recruiter to read more about you on your resume and move you to the next part of the hiring process.

Further, according to award-winning resume expert Melanie Denny , your cover letter is your value proposition letter. It proves why you are the best candidate to address the company’s needs with the professional skills and qualifications to succeed in the job.

Here’s an example of a great cover letter:

Now let’s get into the details of what your cover letter needs to include.

Cover Letter Structure Checklist

Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to include in your cover letter.

• Contact Details Name Address (or City, State with zip code) Phone number Email address
• Greeting Whenever possible, address the hiring manager by name.
• Opening Who are you? What are your relevant skills and accomplishments?
• Body (1-2 paragraphs) What do you know about the company? Why are you applying for this job? What value can you bring to the company? Include measurable results when possible.
• Closing Reiterate your interest. Add a Call to Action. Mention any attachments. Use a professional sign-off like “Best” or “Sincerely” before your full name.

Here’s an example for the visual learners out there:

Now that you know the basics of what to include in your cover letter, let’s go through the process from start to finish to see how you can write a cover letter that will make you stand out from the rest of the candidates.

How to write a cover letter in 9 steps

It can be intimidating to try to parse down all your best qualities into a few quick paragraphs for your cover letter.

Here are 9 steps you can take to make sure you’re headed in the right direction:

Step 1. Do your research

Before writing your cover letter, thoroughly read the job description and the requirements for the job.

Melanie Denny , award-winning resume expert, likens the job description to your cover letter cheat sheet. And when checking the job description, she says you need to consider the following:

• What are the company’s priorities?
• What are their goals for the role?
• What outcomes and accomplishments in your previous roles match the goals?
• What are the key phrases and verbiage the company uses?

This will help you customize your cover letter, angle yourself and your narrative to fit the role better, and impress the hiring manager.

Try reaching out to the recruiter, hiring manager, or someone working in the company if you want more in-depth information about the company and the position you are applying for.

Step 2. Customize your cover letter for every job

Make sure your cover letter matches the job you are applying for. Writing a generic cover letter is a missed opportunity as this will not appeal to the recruiter or hiring manager. According to research from ResumeGo , 81% of HR professionals value job-specific cover letters over generic ones. Jobseekers who had tailored cover letters received a 53% higher callback rate compared to those who had no cover letter.

Remember, your cover letter is your chance to prove that you are passionate about working for a given company, so take the time to write a tailored cover letter for each position . You can do this by mentioning your skills and experience that are directly related to what’s mentioned in the job description. If you’re applying for a data analyst role that requires expertise in Microsoft Power BI, cite an example of a Power BI dashboard you built and how it helped the company.

Read our full guide: How to Optimize Your Cover Letter

Step 3. Include all of your contact info

You should make it easy for the hiring manager to reach you. In your cover letter, list these three things:

• Address (including zip code– for ATS purposes )
• Phone number with area code
• Email address
• Name of the Hiring Manager
• Name of the Company
• Address of the Company

Traditionally, your contact information is included in the upper left corner of your cover letter if you’re writing in a document. If you’re writing an email, this can be included beneath your signature at the end of the message.

Cover Letter Header Example:

Jane Jobscan Seattle, WA 98101 (555) 555-5555 • [email protected] linkedin.com/in/jane-jobscan

February 25, 2024

Lavinia Smith Hiring Manager Media Raven, Inc. Plantersville, MS 38862

Step 4. Address your cover letter to a real person

According to Melanie Denny, resume expert and President of Resume-Evolution, addressing your cover letter to a real person and addressing them by their name feels more personal and shows recruiters and hiring managers that you took time and did the research.

You can usually find the hiring manager’s name by searching the company website or LinkedIn profile, or by calling the company and asking which hiring manager is assigned to the particular position.

Once you learn the name, a simple greeting of “John” or “Hello John” is all you need.

If you can’t find the hiring manager’s name, you can use any of the following:

• Dear Hiring Manager
• Dear (Department) Team
• To whom it may concern

Read our full guide: How to Address a Cover Letter

Step 5. Write a strong opening statement

Melanie Denny suggests that you start your cover letter with a bang. This will hook the hiring manager’s interest and show them how you can be a valuable addition to the team.

Here are things you can do:

• Open with a thought-provoking question
• Make a big claim about what you can do for the company
• Say something relevant and specific to the company

For example,

“I want to bring the marketing department of Media Raven Inc. to the next level and help the company exceed goals and reach more customers as Marketing Manager.”

Step 6. Prove how your professional background and skills help the company in the body of your cover letter

Take advantage of this real estate and prove to the prospective employer how your background, values, and professional experiences position you as the best fit for what the role requires.

This is especially important if you are switching careers. Highlight your relevant accomplishments in your cover letter, showcase your transferable skills, and explain how you can help the company address its challenges and succeed.

For example:

“As the Director of Marketing at ABC Company since 2018, I directed all phases of both the creative and technical elements of marketing initiatives, including data mining, brand creation, print/web collateral development, lead generation, channel partner cultivation, customer segmentation/profiling, as well as CRM and acquisition strategies.

Perhaps most importantly, I offer a history of proven results, as evidenced by the following marketing accomplishments for my current employer:

• Captured a 28% expansion in customer base since 2018, achieved during a period of overall decline in the retail industry.
• Led national marketing campaign (comprised of trade shows, media, and PR initiatives) for my company’s newly launched technology services division
• Developed and executed SEO strategy that achieved and sustained top 3 rankings on Google (organic, nonpaid results) for key product search terms.
• Oversaw the creation of a new company logo and rebranded 100+ products to cement a cohesive corporate identity and support new company direction.”

Just like when writing a resume, your cover letter should only include the most relevant and positive information about you. To home in on the right skills and qualifications to mention, try scanning your cover letter .

Read our full guide: What Do You Put in a Cover Letter?

Step 7. Write a strong closing statement and a call to action

Use the closing of your cover letter to:

• Thank the hiring manager for their time
• Mention any attachments (resume, portfolio, samples)
• Invite to schedule an interview
• Let the hiring manager know that you will follow up

Keep the closing professional and try not to sound too eager since that can come off as desperate. You must also keep in mind the tone and personality of the company you’re communicating with.

“Given the opportunity, I’m confident I can achieve similar groundbreaking marketing results for Media Raven, Inc.

Ms. Smith, I would welcome the chance to discuss your marketing objectives and how I can help you attain them. Feel free to call me at (555) 555-5555 or email me at [email protected] to arrange a meeting. I look forward to speaking with you.”

Read our full guide: How to End a Cover Letter With a Call to Action

Step 8. End with a professional closing salutation

To finish out the closing , use a formal signature. You can use “Sincerely,” “Best,” “Regards,” “Yours,” or any other professional signoff.

Use your first and last name as your signature. If you’re sending your cover letter in the body of an email, make sure it’s your personal email account that does not list your current work signature beneath the email. Your other option is to write the cover letter in a word document, save it as a PDF, and attach it to your email.

Step 9. Optimize your cover letter for the ATS

The Applicant Tracking System or the ATS is a software that companies use to screen applications and shrink their pool of applicants. Through the ATS database, a recruiter or hiring manager can just search for specific skills and keywords and the ATS will return a list of the top candidates who match the search criteria.

To optimize your cover letter for ATS, you need to:

• Carefully read the job description
• Take note of skills and resume keywords frequently mentioned
• Incorporate these keywords into your cover letter

Read our full guide: How to Optimize Your Cover Letter to Beat the ATS

Does your cover letter pass the test?

Scan your cover letter to see how well it matches the job you're applying for. Optimize your cover letter and resume with Jobscan to get more interviews.

How to Format Your Cover Letter

A cover letter is a letter, but that doesn’t mean you should just plop everything onto the page in a stream-of-consciousness flow. After all, cover letter formats determine the order in which the hiring manager learns about you, which can significantly influence their first impression. Use the format order below as a guideline for building the structure of your cover letter.

Notice how the topics flow like a conversation? When you first meet someone, you introduce yourself, tell them your name and a little about yourself, and then leave the conversation open for future meetings.

Your cover letter is just a like having a conversation with someone for the first time. Keeping that in mind will help you to keep things simple and focus on the right information.

Below are some examples of how to format your cover letter for different types of applications.

How to format your cover letter for a job

• State your name
• Explain your work history
• Tell them what you can do for their company
• Say goodbye

How to format your cover letter for an internship

• Explain your coursework history and education
• Explain what you can gain professionally

How to format your cover letter with no experience

• Explain your skillset and character qualities that make you well-suited for the role
• Outline entry-level achievements

You can also check out our cover letter templates to help you as you write your own cover letter.

Do you want to save time and receive instant feedback on your cover letter? Check out Jobscan’s cover letter tool .

Read more : How to Write a Resume for Today’s Job Market

Cover Letter Examples

Here are some examples to help you create a cover letter that will make you stand out and give a strong first impression.

1. Internship Cover Letter Example

2. Career Change Cover Letter Example

3. Operations Manager Cover Letter Example

4. Communications Professional Cover Letter Example

5. Software Engineer Cover Letter Example

Cover Letter Do’s and Don’ts

Aside from the basic steps of how to write a cover letter, there are some things you definitely need to make sure you avoid – and things you can’t skip! Follow these do’s and don’ts for writing a cover letter, and you’ll end up with a much better result.

• Customize a cover letter for every job application that asks for one.
• Incorporate the top skills or keywords from the job description in your cover letter.
• Include the company name and address, the job title, and point of contact’s name on your cover letter.
• Incorporate relevant and compelling measurable results in your cover letter.
• Explain, briefly, any dramatic shifts in a career (i.e. you are changing industries or job titles).
• Use company information to relate your interest in the job.
• Keep your cover letter concise.
• Convey WHY you are right for the position.
• Use a cover letter unless one was requested.
• Attach a cover letter directly to your resume unless requested to do so.
• Use the same boilerplate cover letter for multiple job applications.
• Over-explain your work history, employment gaps, or qualifications – save it for the interview.
• Badmouth any of your past employers.
• Use the cover letter to complain or tell about your job search journey.
• Use non-standard formatting like tables, columns, or graphics. (ATS can’t read those and your cover letter copy might not be scannable by the system.)
• Use long paragraphs.

More Cover Letter Tips

• When emailing your cover letter, be strategic with your subject line. Never leave the subject line blank, and double-check for specific instructions in the job posting. If possible, use the email subject line to sell yourself. For example: “Experienced Software Engineer Seeks Senior Level Mobile Position.”
• Keep your cover letter brief and to the point. The hiring manager will be reading many cover letters. By carefully selecting your words and experiences to include, you can stand out from the crowd of applicants.
• Be confident. Let the hiring manager know the reasons why you deserve this position, and make yourself believe them too!
• Your cover letter should not be simply a rephrasing of your resume. Let your personality show and go into further detail about your most valuable skills and experiences.
• Do your research on the company and position before writing the cover letter. It should be customized to that specific company’s values and needs. Hiring managers can spot a generic resume from a mile away.
• Use the job posting as your guide for what topics, skills, and experience to focus on.
• The best cover letters include keywords from the job posting. Applicant tracking systems may scan your cover letter along with your resume and will be using these keywords to sort through the applicants.
• Check for spelling and grammar errors.
• Send your cover letter as a PDF to avoid readability issues and to present the most professional application package.
• Scan Your Cover Letter with Jobscan to make sure you’re checking all the boxes.

Optimize Your Cover Letter with Jobscan’s Cover Letter Scanner

In addition to resume scans, Jobscan Premium users can also scan their cover letters against a job description.

This generates a report of the top hard skills and soft skills found in the job description that should be included in your cover letter, plus additional checks for optimal length, contact information, measurable results, and more.

Here’s how it works:

Key Takeaways

Your cover letter gives recruiters, hiring managers, and prospective employers an overview of your professional qualifications and relevant accomplishments that position you as the best candidate for the job.

So you have to make your cover letter powerful and interesting enough to make the recruiter or hiring manager read your resume and move you to the next step of the hiring process.

Here are key pointers when writing your cover letter.

• Make sure you’ve read the job description and done your research about the company.
• Get to know the name of the recruiter or hiring manager so you can address your cover letter properly.
• Include relevant and measurable accomplishments in the body of your cover letter to prove to the hiring manager that you have what it takes to succeed in the job.
• Keep your cover letter short and concise.
• Your cover letter is not a substitute for your resume so don’t just copy and paste whatever is in your resume into your cover letter.

One last important reminder!

Having a strong cover letter is not enough. You also need to create a killer resume to make sure you stand out and land job interviews.

Learn more about writing a cover letter

How to Address a Cover Letter

10 Tips for Writing a Cover Letter

The Career Change Cover Letter: How to Get it Right

What Do You Put in a Cover Letter?

Is Your Cover Letter Robot-Approved?

How to End a Cover Letter with a Call to Action

Frequently asked questions, what are the different types of cover letters.

There are four types of cover letters.

• Application cover letter An application cover letter is what you send to the recruiter or hiring manager along with your resume.
• Prospecting cover letter You send this when you want to inquire prospective employers about open positions in their company or put yourself top-of-mind when they do decide to hire.
• Networking cover letter You will send this to professionals in your network in hopes of getting referrals, introductions, job search advice, and job opportunities.
• Career change cover letter This is what you send when you are switching careers or industries.

What tense should I use when writing a cover letter?

It can be appropriate to change tenses throughout your cover letter.

For example, you can explain who you are in the present tense and explain important aspects of your work history in the past tense. You can switch to future perfect tense when discussing the ways you would perform if given the position.

Think of it like this, “I am ABC, I did XYZ previously, and I look forward to doing EFG in this position.”

What to include in a cover letter

Our cover letter guidelines above explain how to write a cover letter more deeply, but in summary, you should always include your name, relevant work experience, and reasons why you are right for the job in your cover letter.

When not to include a cover letter

• When the job posting clearly states not to include a cover letter
• When you don’t have the time and energy to customize your cover letter. It’s better not to send a cover letter than to send a half-baked and mediocre one.
• When you are applying online and there is no field to upload your cover letter.
• When your cover letter has a lot of typos and errors.

What should you send first: a cover letter or a resume?

Typically, your cover letter and resume will be sent as a pair, but your cover letter is meant to be an introduction to your resume. If it is an email, use the cover letter in the body and attach your resume, otherwise, attach both.

Pro Tip: Be sure to review all instructions in the job description to follow the hiring manager’s requests.

How long should a cover letter be?

According to 70% of recruiters, a cover letter should not exceed 250 to 300 words.

Although there is no hard and fast rule about this, the ideal cover letter length should be around half a page to one full page in length to keep your message concise, clear, and easy to digest.

Should a cover letter be sent as a file attachment?

If it is not specified in the job posting, a cover letter can be sent either as an attachment (PDF is best) or in the body of an application email with your resume attached.

How to share a cover letter with a potential employer

There are several methods of sharing a cover letter with potential employers, depending on their application process.

Cover letters can be written on a document and turned into a PDF to be uploaded to a job application website or attached to an email along with your resume.

In other cases, your cover letter can simply be written in the email message to a hiring manager, with your resume attached.

How to title and save your cover letter

The key in every aspect of job applications is to make yourself an easy “yes” for your potential employer. That means making it easy for the hiring manager to keep track of your application materials for later review. With this in mind, make sure your full name and the phrase “cover letter” are included in the file label. Other helpful details might include the job title you’re applying for or the year of your application.

Here are a few examples:

• Your Name_Cover Letter_Job Title.pdf
• Cover Letter_Your Name_Job Title.pdf
• Job Title_Your Name_Cover Letter.pdf
• Your Name_Cover Letter_2024.pdf
• Cover Letter_Your Name_2024.pdf

Explore more cover letter resources

Cover Letter Formats

ATS-Optimized Cover Letter

Cover Letter Templates

Generate a personalized cover letter in as little as 5 seconds

Say goodbye to the stress of writing a cover letter from scratch. Our AI-powered cover letter generator uses GPT-4 technology to create a personalized and ATS-friendly cover letter in one click. Stand out from the competition and land more job interviews.

8 Best Sample Answers to “How Would You Describe Yourself?” Interview Question

When it comes to interviewing, some questions are bound to come up. One of the most common is the dreaded “describe yourself” question. This job interview question can be challenging to answer because it’s not always clear what potential employers are looking for. Some people might be tempted to give a generic answer, but that’s not the best way to stand out from other candidates.

To prepare for this question, job seekers can start by researching the company culture and values. The job posting and company website can provide insight into the type of person the company seeks. It’s also helpful to review the list of words and positive adjectives used in the job posting and include those in a personal statement or cover letter. However, it’s important to avoid using generic sample answers found on social media and instead find new ways to highlight unique personality traits and experiences from previous jobs. Keeping an open mind and being willing to try new things can demonstrate that you’re the best candidate for the job.

How to answer the “How would you describe yourself?” interview question.

Answer by referencing the job description, identifying your best qualities, tailoring your answer appropriately, using specific examples, and being honest and authentic.

At MatchBuilt, we have worked with 1000s of job candidates and 100s of hiring managers, and we know why it’s a good idea to prepare the right words for this question. Here are a few reasons why:

• It’s an opportunity to showcase your strengths and qualifications.
• It’s a chance to stand out from other candidates.
• It’s a way to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively.

How to answer “How would you describe yourself in 5 words?”

Dedicated, Driven, Creative, Adaptable, Ambitious.

One of job applicants’ most common mistakes when answering the “describe yourself” question is not including specific examples from previous roles. Using strong adjectives and positive words to showcase your natural leadership abilities and other positive qualities that make you a great fit for the job is important. Additionally, mentioning difficult tasks you’ve tackled and how you contributed to the success of a project team can demonstrate that you’re a creative thinker with new ideas. These strategies are helpful for job interviews and can be used in a college application. We’ll provide a list of adjectives that will allow you to present yourself in the best light possible and highlight the most important things employers are looking for.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some strategies for answering the “describe yourself” question in a way that showcases your strengths and qualifications. We’ll also look at examples of how to answer this question effectively so that you can feel confident and prepared for your next interview .

The Best Strategy to Answer the “How Would You Describe Yourself” Interview Question

When answering the “describe yourself” question in an interview, it’s essential to consider the job description and select the qualities that best align with the position’s requirements. At MatchBuilt, we have helped many candidates answer this question and effectively showcase their strengths and qualifications . Here are a few tips for how to do this:

• REFERENCE THE JOB DESCRIPTION: Before the interview, take the time to review the job description and identify the key qualifications and responsibilities listed.
• IDENTIFY YOUR BEST QUALITIES: Think about your own skills, experiences, and accomplishments, and identify the qualities that are most relevant to the job you are applying for.
• TAILOR YOUR ANSWER: Use the job description and your own qualifications to tailor your answer to the “describe yourself” question. Emphasize how your skills and experience align with the requirements of the position.
• USE SPECIFIC EXAMPLES: Provide specific examples of how you have demonstrated your relevant qualities in the past, whether through your work experience, projects, or education.
• BE HONEST AND AUTHENTIC: While it is important to tailor your answer, you should never exaggerate or lie about your skills or experience. Be genuine and original in your response while highlighting you’re a good fit for the job.

At MatchBuilt, we have extensive experience helping candidates to communicate their qualifications and stand out from other candidates effectively. By following these tips, you can effectively communicate how your skills and experience align with the position’s requirements and stand out as a strong candidate for the job.

8 Best Examples Answers When a Hiring Manager Asks “How Would You Describe Yourself?”

Example 1: hardworking.

REFERENCE THE JOB DESCRIPTION: I reviewed the job description and saw that the position requires a hardworking candidate committed to meeting deadlines.

IDENTIFY YOUR BEST QUALITIES: I am a hardworking individual dedicated to getting the job done. I am known for my strong work ethic and ability to meet deadlines.

TAILOR YOUR ANSWER: My hardworking nature aligns well with the requirements of this position. I am confident I can work diligently to achieve goals and meet deadlines.

USE SPECIFIC EXAMPLES: For example, I was able to meet a tight deadline on a previous project by working extra hours and staying focused. I’m always eager to go the extra mile to ensure the success of a project.

BE HONEST AND AUTHENTIC: I am confident that my hardworking nature and dedication to meeting deadlines make me a strong candidate for this position. I am always looking to take on new challenges and make meaningful contributions to the company.

Example 2: Results-Oriented

REFERENCE THE JOB DESCRIPTION: I reviewed the job description and saw that the position requires a results-oriented candidate who can drive success.

IDENTIFY YOUR BEST QUALITIES: I am a results-oriented individual who is focused on achieving success. I am known for my ability to set goals and work diligently to achieve them.

TAILOR YOUR ANSWER: My results-oriented nature aligns well with the requirements of this position. I am confident that I can set goals, devise a plan of action, and achieve successful results.

USE SPECIFIC EXAMPLES: For example, I increased sales by 20% in my previous role by implementing a new strategy and consistently tracking progress. I am always looking for ways to improve and drive results.

BE HONEST AND AUTHENTIC: I am confident that my results-oriented nature and ability to drive success make me a strong candidate for this position. I always look to take on new challenges and impact the company’s success.

Example 3: Team Player

REFERENCE THE JOB DESCRIPTION: I reviewed the job description and saw that the position requires a team player candidate who can work well with others .

IDENTIFY YOUR BEST QUALITIES: I am a team player who is known for my ability to collaborate and work well with others . I can build strong relationships and work effectively in a team.

TAILOR YOUR ANSWER: My team-player nature aligns well with the requirements of this position. I am confident I can work effectively with colleagues and contribute to a positive team dynamic.

USE SPECIFIC EXAMPLES: For example, I successfully completed a project as part of a team by effectively communicating and collaborating with my team members. I am always looking for ways to support my team members and help the team succeed.

BE HONEST AND AUTHENTIC: I am confident that my team-player nature and ability to work well with others make me a strong candidate for this position. I always want to build strong relationships and contribute to a positive team dynamic.

Example 4: Self-Motivated

REFERENCE THE JOB DESCRIPTION: I reviewed the job description and saw that the position requires a self-motivated candidate who can take initiative.

IDENTIFY YOUR BEST QUALITIES: I am self-motivated and can take initiative and drive projects forward . I am known for my ability to set goals and work independently to achieve them.

TAILOR YOUR ANSWER: My self-motivated nature aligns well with the requirements of this position. I am confident I can take the initiative and drive projects forward with minimal supervision.

USE SPECIFIC EXAMPLES: For example, I increased productivity by 15% in my previous role by implementing a new process and working independently to improve it. I am always looking for ways to improve and achieve success.

BE HONEST AND AUTHENTIC: I am confident that my self-motivated nature and initiative ability make me a strong candidate for this position. I always look to take on new challenges and impact the company’s success.

Example 5: Adaptable

REFERENCE THE JOB DESCRIPTION: I reviewed the job description and saw that the position requires a candidate who is adaptable and able to work in a fast-paced environment .

IDENTIFY YOUR BEST QUALITIES: I am adaptable and can work well in a fast-paced environment. I am known for quickly learning new skills and adapting to changes.

TAILOR YOUR ANSWER: My adaptable nature aligns well with the requirements of this position. I am confident that I can quickly learn new skills and adapt to changes in a fast-paced environment.

USE SPECIFIC EXAMPLES: For example, I quickly learned and implemented new software in my previous role, which helped the team increase efficiency by 20%. I am always looking for ways to improve and adapt to new challenges.

BE HONEST AND AUTHENTIC: I am confident that my adaptability and ability to work well in a fast-paced environment make me a strong candidate for this position. I am always looking to take on new challenges and impact the company’s success.

Example 6: Organized

REFERENCE THE JOB DESCRIPTION: I reviewed the job description and saw that the position requires a candidate who is organized and able to manage multiple tasks effectively.

IDENTIFY YOUR BEST QUALITIES: I am an organized individual who can manage multiple tasks effectively. I am known for my ability to prioritize and stay on top of deadlines.

TAILOR YOUR ANSWER: My organized nature aligns well with the requirements of this position. I am confident that I can manage multiple tasks effectively and stay on top of deadlines.

USE SPECIFIC EXAMPLES: For example, I successfully managed multiple projects at once in my previous role by creating a detailed schedule and prioritizing tasks. I am always looking for ways to improve and manage my workload effectively.

BE HONEST AND AUTHENTIC: I am confident that my organized nature and ability to manage multiple tasks effectively make me a strong candidate for this position. I am always looking to take on new challenges and make a meaningful impact on the company’s success.

Example 7: Detail-Oriented

REFERENCE THE JOB DESCRIPTION: I reviewed the job description and saw that the position requires a detail-oriented candidate who can pay attention to small details.

IDENTIFY YOUR BEST QUALITIES: I am detail-oriented and can pay attention to small details and ensure accuracy. I am known for my ability to catch mistakes and correct them.

TAILOR YOUR ANSWER: My detail-oriented nature aligns well with the requirements of this position. I am confident I can pay attention to small details and ensure accuracy in all tasks.

USE SPECIFIC EXAMPLES: For example, I caught and corrected a mistake in a previous project that would have cost the company thousands of dollars. I am always looking for ways to improve and ensure accuracy in my work.

BE HONEST AND AUTHENTIC: I am confident that my detail-oriented nature and ability to pay attention to small details make me a strong candidate for this position. I am always looking to take on new challenges and make a meaningful impact on the company’s success.

Example 8: Passionate

REFERENCE THE JOB DESCRIPTION: I reviewed the job description and saw the position requires a passionate and dedicated candidate.

IDENTIFY YOUR BEST QUALITIES: I am a passionate individual who is dedicated to my work and always looking for ways to improve. I am known for my enthusiasm and energy in my career.

TAILOR YOUR ANSWER: My passion and dedication align well with the requirements of this position. I am confident I can bring enthusiasm and energy to the job and strive for excellence in all tasks.

USE SPECIFIC EXAMPLES: For example, I increased customer satisfaction by 15% in my previous role by going above and beyond in my customer service. I am always looking for ways to improve and exceed expectations.

BE HONEST AND AUTHENTIC: I am confident that my passion and dedication make me a strong candidate for this position. I am always looking to take on new challenges and make a meaningful impact on the company’s success.

Tips To Improve Your Answer To “How Would You Describe Yourself?”

• Highlight your best qualities and values in your answer
• Research the company and the job to tailor your answer
• Be clear, detailed, and specific
• Give a relevant description

Describe Yourself Example Answers Info Graphic

How Would You Describe Yourself? Interview Answer Final Thoughts

Answering the “how would you describe yourself?” interview question can be daunting, but with the right preparation and practice, you can provide a thoughtful, confident, and accurate response.

By understanding the context of the question, considering your strengths and weaknesses, and focusing on your most relevant qualities, you can craft a response that will give your interviewer a better understanding of who you are and why you are the best fit for the job. With the right preparation, you can make a lasting impression and stand out from the competition.

At MatchBuilt, we’ve explored other  common interview questions , such as “ Why do you want to work here? “, “ Why do you want this job? “, “ Tell me about yourself ,” “ What are you passionate about? “, “ What areas need improvement ?” and “ Why should we hire you? ” We invite you to review them as well.

Looking For More Information About Common Interview Questions? Check Out These Videos

About Mark Matyanowski

As the founder of MatchBuilt, with over 18 years of recruiting and coaching experience and 8+ years in executive roles at a leading Fortune 100 company, I am deeply committed to guiding professionals in their career paths.

Our team at MatchBuilt offers expert support in enhancing resumes, optimizing LinkedIn profiles, and preparing for interviews. Our blog, drawing on our rich experience and industry insights, is a valuable resource for job seekers.

We take pride in successfully guiding job candidates to top-tier company roles while empowering individuals to achieve their career ambitions, irrespective of their background or educational level.

Are you seeking one-on-one college counseling and/or essay support? Limited spots are now available. Click here to learn more.

How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself” with Examples

June 30, 2024

You’re sitting down for your interview and the interviewer says, “Tell me about yourself.”  What’s the first thing you think of when you hear those words? It’s a question about who you are, so it’s bound to be easy. Right? “Tell me about yourself” is often the very first thing you’ll hear during your interview. After all, you and the interviewer are both new to each other. What they do know about you so far consists of details on your resume, cover letter , or possibly, already, recommendations. They’re posing this question to get to know you as a person, and you’ll most likely be asked this for every new interviewer you have, from the first introductory screening up until the very last interview with the head of the department. Let’s dive into the very nature of this question and explore how to answer “Tell me about yourself” (examples below) successfully.

Why do they need to hear my answer when they already have my resume and cover letter?

Just as you’re figuring out who your interviewer is, your interviewer is doing the same. The interview will begin with friendly small talk to get you both situated. “Tell me about yourself” then becomes a way to ease into the rest of the interview. It can help inform the interviewer on how to steer the next questions.

What you say can catch enough of their interest to ask a relevant question. Or they’ll move on from it. The details and the story you choose to share will help them assess what types of questions they should ask you. Throughout the entire time, they are noticing what makes you different from other candidates.

Other ways they’ll ask “Tell me about yourself”

During the interview, you could hear those exact words, or the interviewer can say:

• “Tell me a bit more about your background.”
• “Could you summarize your most important achievements?”
• “I’m going through your resume, but would love for you to walk us through it.”
• “I already looked at your resume and cover letter, and it’d be great to know more about who you are.”
• “Describe your journey so far.”
• “Is there something unique you’d like to share about who you are?”

It’s challenging to decide how to answer “Tell me about yourself” because you need to be confident about the examples you’re choosing. Much like a personal statement, you’re giving them a snapshot into your life. You’re in control of what you choose to say.

Know how to answer “Tell me about yourself”

Choosing the right parts of your life to talk about can pave the way for a successful interview. Let’s dive into the key points you should cover:

1)Talk about the experiences, achievements and skills you have that are relevant to the job. This then leads into how you would be the best candidate for the position.

2) Explain the previous jobs you’ve held and how that led you to your current one. Then go into how your current job has brought you to this new role you are applying for. This can also be a good opportunity for you to mention what your goals are in the future.

3) Show your personality while you’re speaking, making sure you’re communicating clearly and positively, while giving examples of how you’ve connected with people throughout this time. Presenting this proactive side of you will only strengthen your profile.

4) Demonstrate what you’ve researched about the company by explaining how you see yourself in the job. Share about what you’re most looking forward to in the job and the company.

“Tell me about yourself” in the past, present and future

Finding the right flow in relaying your own narrative can be a tricky task. It’s helpful to have a general format of which times of your life you’re pulling your examples from.

Two recommended ways of how to “tell me about yourself” in an organized format are:

1) Present – Past – Future

• You can begin by describing what your current job entails and what your responsibilities and accomplishments are. Then you can share how you got to where you are with your current job, which will lead you to describe more of your professional background. To conclude, you’ll then talk about what your goals are and why you’re so interested in this new position.

2) Past – Present – Future

This format would have you begin with how you arrived at your current job, giving you a chance to explain your professional history right away. You can also mention what has always inspired you to become who you are today. This leads right into what you do in your current role, what responsibilities you have and what achievements you’ve accomplished. Then you’ll finish off, just like the “tell me about yourself” format above, with why you’re the right person for this new job.

Tell me about Yourself Examples (Continued) 

There’s no “fixed” order for how to tell this to your interviewer, but it’s important to choose the examples that highlight your best skills and attributes relevant to the new job. What’s most crucial is to always tie it back to the new job and the new company you’re applying to. This means that if your past work experience ties more directly to the new job, then it makes sense to begin there. Similarly, if your most recent work experience is more related to the new role, then you can start with that example.

The interviewer is there to assess whether or not you’re the ultimate fit for their team. In that sense, it’s always helpful to end your “tell me about yourself” story with why you’re the right person for the job.

Key advice for “Tell me about yourself” answers

Now you’ve got a general timeline structure set in place. But before we dive into “tell me about yourself” examples, let’s look at some quick ways to strengthen your response:

1) Your first impression will make a difference.

2) You are your own curator.

3) Understand who your interviewer is.

4) Remember this is a professional interview.

5) Tone can influence the entire conversation.

6) Stay focused: everything should point towards the new job.

7) Be authentic but prepared.

8) Speak with positivity and enthusiasm, but don’t overdo it.

“Tell me about yourself” examples

Every “tell me about yourself” answer will be different depending on the person, but having some examples on hand can help. Take a look at these examples below that make for a strong answer.

1) You are applying to a completely new industry:

For over seven years, I’ve worked in business development and have focused on building longstanding relationships with clients. My most recent role was as the senior manager for a startup tech company that ran a database platform for journalists around the world. I helped connect the right partners to our company and promoted our mission on global trips across Africa, Asia and Europe. Now I’m interested in branching outside of business development and stepping into fundraising to broaden my scope. Fundraising is a field I’ve worked very closely alongside throughout my career and have always found fascinating. I’ve been wanting to join a team where I could apply my business development skills into a fundraising leadership position, and this is why I’m so interested in this role at your company.

How to Answer “Tell me about Yourself” Examples (Continued)

2) If you are searching for a similar job to the one you have now:

Since I was in college at the University of Michigan, I’ve been absolutely passionate about journalism and media . As you can see on my resume, I was the editor-in-chief of our student newspaper and I helped to create an incubator on campus for students who wished to become investigative journalists. This only spurred my love for journalism, and upon graduating, I began working as an intern at the Los Angeles Times, assisting some of the lead journalists covering politics across the Southern Californian region and eventually being able to help write and edit copy for newsletters.

I worked my way up to become an assistant editor, which made me fall in love with the editorial process and editing for a large newspaper. After working as an assistant editor for the past three years, I knew I wanted to start finding work as an editor. With what I’ve learned as an intern and assistant editor at the Los Angeles Times over the past several years, I always imagined myself covering news back home in Michigan. When I saw this opening for the editor position, I knew I had to apply because it’s been a dream of mine to work with your company.

 3) Maybe you are going from an agency to an in-house position:

I’ve been an account manager at Paris Parties for five years now, and I’ve been responsible for overseeing our top client accounts. I’ve established long-lasting relationships with each of Paris Parties’ biggest clients, as going above and beyond for our client has always been my first priority. Prior to Paris Parties, I worked at Hollywood Events, where I managed over 50 of their largest clients across the creative sector. I always loved the work I did as an account manager at both agencies. But I’ve been looking for a new challenge, to step into more of a leadership role, so as soon as I saw the opening at your company, I knew I had to go for it.

4) You’ve just graduated and you’re applying to your first job

I graduated from New York University in May, and I majored in English and American literature and minored in Spanish. I always knew that I wanted to work in a nonprofit organization that helped promote literature around the world. Throughout my time at NYU, I volunteered and interned at several nonprofits such as UNICEF, where I helped organize events for donors in New York City to help raise funding for girls’ education. One of the greatest experiences I had while interning was when my team and I were able to increase our donations from last year by 35%, compared to the 12% the previous year.

We were able to send more books and educational materials to girls around the world who otherwise would have not had access to these resources. It made me wonder what else I could do with my English literature degree, my foreign language skills and my passion for education. I wanted to truly make a difference. Since then, I became passionate about fundraising for children’s rights and access to education, which is what led me to apply for the associate fundraiser role at your organization.

 5) Searching for a new role in the healthcare sector:

My work experience in customer service had unexpectedly led me to pursue a career in the healthcare sector . Working as a waitress for three years made me understand how to listen to the needs of people. When I was serving a table of pediatric nurses one day, I heard them talk about their work and I knew I had to explore this field. I’ve always been someone interested in improving the lives of others, whether it’s through providing perfect customer service. After three years at the restaurant, I was promoted to restaurant manager because my supervisor noted my dedication and passion for serving others.

Every night after work, I studied on my own to see how I could enter the healthcare industry as an administrator. And that’s how I went back to school. Upon graduating, I began to build my career in health administration, working my way up to get to where I am today at Mountainview Hospital. I’ve been overseeing the office and managing staff and patient relations for nine years now.

This past April, I worked with the interns and senior management to create a “career day” to bring our office closer together. It has been an immense pleasure to hold our weekly meetings and regularly involve the IT team to ensure our computer systems are all up to date. As it’s now the end of my ninth year at Mountainview Hospital, I’ve been searching for new ways to branch out, grow and contribute. And I was incredibly interested when I learned about this position at your hospital.

 6) If you’re looking to change careers:

For over a decade, I’ve worked in marketing as a marketing director, leading campaigns and amplifying my current company’s messaging through high-level engagement. Throughout the past five years, I’ve been leading a team of fifty in our marketing department to reach and surpass our monthly, quarterly and yearly goals in ROI. It has been one of my greatest joys to watch the employees under my care grow into the professionals they are today, and it’s always fulfilling to see such professional and personal development. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed watching my team work across departments to ensure that we meet our goals, and especially, working closely with the public relations department.

Since I first came to my company as a marketing associate, I learned quickly how intertwined the marketing and public relations teams are, and I’m incredibly grateful to have had the career in marketing that I’ve managed to build. The more I worked with our public relations director, the more I also realized that I’ve gravitated towards developing more creative, media-facing solutions to campaigns for the company. Together, we were able to create significant events and turnarounds for our entire team, and I found myself eager to focus on media strategies and improving our company’s public image. After much consideration, and with our public relations director’s recommendation, I know that making this switch into public relations is the path I’m now meant to pursue. And I can’t think of a better place to work for than your company, which combines the best of both worlds.

Show them who you are

So where do you even start? How much should you actually say about yourself in an interview? Prepping for the inevitable “Tell me about yourself” can be a stress-inducer, especially for a job with a heavy workload. But it doesn’t have to be, even if you’re applying for one of the happiest jobs in America . Hopefully, with the information shared above, you’ll now have a better idea of where to begin.

Remember, you don’t want to share with the interviewer every single detail from your professional life. However, you do want them to know about certain experiences that have shaped you to be the professional you are today. Striking the right balance is key.

How to Answer “Tell me about Yourself” Additional Career-Related Resources

•   Sample Resignation Letter 
• How to Reschedule an Interview
• Condolence Messages for a Coworker – 60 Samples 

Joanna Hong

With a BA from Pitzer College and an MA from University College London, Joanna has worked in London, Berlin, and Los Angeles covering many cultural and political issues with organizations such as Byline Media, NK News, and Free Turkey Media. A freelancer for The New York Times, her work has also appeared in Newsweek, Dazed and Confused Magazine, and The Guardian, among others. In addition, Joanna was the recipient of the 2021 PEN America Emerging Voices Fellowship in Fiction and is currently completing her first novel.

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Recruiters specializing in data storage systems & networking, cover letters.....differentiate yourself.

• Describe yourself in terms of likes and dislikes, both personal and professional. (hobbies, training, special interests, etc.)
• Describe your strengths.
• Describe what excites you.
• Describe personal and professional goals.
• Describe what you're looking for in a new situation.
• Describe your work habits.

If you can paint a clear picture of what you're like as a person, you are miles ahead in the game. I've often asked hiring authorities and human resource managers, "What gets your attention when looking through a stack of resumes?" The most common answer by far is "A good cover letter." It is definately an excellent way of moving your resume to the top of the stack! Below is an example of what a cover letter may look like.

To whom it may concern, I noticed your advertisement for a software systems engineer at the virtual career fair. The reason it caught my eye was not only because it's in an area that I have over five years experience in, but it looked as though long term, it may fit in with my personal career goals as well. I am a dedicated worker and take a great deal of pride in a job well done. I prefer to work in a close-knit team environment and thoroughly enjoy a challenging assignment. My current situation does not offer the team environment that I'm looking for, although the work is challenging and stimulating. I would prefer to stay in an area that allows me to contiue coding in addition to the more strategic aspects you mentioned in your description. If I were to make a move right now, it would be to a company that is definately forward looking with a strong team environment, that still offers the opportunity for individual achievement. My future goals are to move more toward the business side, possibly into product management or strategic planning, but that is still a few years down the road. Right now, I still feel like I have alot to contribute on the technical side. I'm really looking forward to meeting with you to discuss the details of the position at your earliest convenience. Please feel free to call me at work or home if you have any further questions. Sincerely, R. Michael Lewis

This type of letter is straight forward and to the point. It gives them a number of reasons why they should talk to you and lets them know that your serious about the opportunity and not just "window shopping." Which, by the way, is one of their main concerns. There are many different formats to use, this was just an example of one. Get creative, come up with one of your own or use this as a guideline, but use one. It could be the difference in getting you through the door.

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When applying for a job , your cover letter is as important as your resume . It’s your chance to present yourself and showcase the skills that make you a good fit for the role you’re applying for. While your resume lists your qualifications, a cover letter allows you to customize your application and explain how your skills align with the company’s needs.

Now, the question you may be wondering is: What kind of skills should you be adding to the cover letter? This blog will present 10 skills that can make your cover letter impressive.

Possessing good communication skills is important in almost every job . Recruiters always look for professionals with clear communication skills. Whether you’re applying for a role in customer service, marketing, or management, being able to communicate efficiently is key. Mention how your communication skills are clear and engaging, and highlight times when your communication has helped in achieving business results.

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Leadership is not just for managers to mention in their cover letters. Companies look for candidates who can take charge, inspire teammates, and push projects ahead. If you have led a team, planned an event, or managed a project, include that in your cover letter. Highlight your leadership qualities by sharing examples of past projects you led and the outcomes you achieved.

The reality is that every job has its own challenges and tasks that you might have to deal with at some point. Recruiters believe that problem-solving ability is one of the best qualities a candidate can have and seek those who are good at thinking clearly and solving problems. Share an example of a time you encountered an issue at work and describe how you handled it. This shows your ability to remain calm and come up with effective solutions.

Managing time well is important in every job. If you have multiple projects or need to meet strict deadlines, good time management helps you finish everything on time. Talk about the strategies you use to stay organized and prioritize your tasks. Also, give examples of how your time management skills have benefited your past employers.

In a company, every position requires teamwork. Whether working on a project together or assisting with any tasks, teamwork is always involved. When crafting a cover letter, highlight this skill, as recruiters appreciate candidates who can work well with a team. You can mention your ability to collaborate, share ideas, and support team goals.

In today’s fast-paced work environment, being adaptable is a must-have skill. Employers look for candidates who can swiftly adjust to changes and manage new challenges that might arise. If you have experienced any major changes in your job, like switching to remote work or learning a new method, include that in your cover letter.

Attention to detail is a skill that can set you apart, especially in roles that require precision and accuracy. Whether you’re working in finance, engineering, or writing, employers want to know that you can spot errors and deliver high-quality work. Share examples of how your attention to detail has made a positive impact in previous roles.

Technical skills can differ from one industry to another or as per the requirement of the role. Including technical skills in your cover letter is important because it shows your ability to handle different tools and software, demonstrating your expertise in your area. While adding technical skills, consider reviewing the job description and customizing your letter accordingly. You can list relevant technical tools, programs, and systems that you are familiar with.

Creativity is not just for artists. In areas like marketing, product development, or tackling challenges, having a creative mindset is essential. Mention any unique ideas you’ve contributed or innovative solutions you’ve applied in the past. This will show employers that you can provide fresh insights for the position and think outside the box.

For roles that require client interaction, having strong customer service skills is very important. The ability to listen, show empathy, and fix problems can significantly enhance customer satisfaction. If you’ve received positive client feedback or have a solid background in customer service, make sure to include that in your cover letter.

A well-written cover letter gives you the opportunity to present the skills that qualify you for the job. By focusing on these ten essential skills—communication, leadership, problem-solving, time management, teamwork, adaptability, attention to detail, technical expertise, creativity, and customer service—you can effectively convey your value to employers.

Looking for a job? Consider using Apna . This app is designed to support job seekers in discovering opportunities that match their skills and interests. Apna offers diverse job listings that can suit your needs, plus it helps you create resumes and cover letters that simplify the application process.

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How to write a professional resume in 2024, a professional guide to resume formats (with best examples), 15 best skills to put on a resume.

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3 tips for including internship experience in a cover letter.

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How to stand out from the crowd as a new grad with internship experience

If you are a fresh graduate looking for a new job, a cover letter can help paint a helpful context of who you are and why you would be an excellent fit for the company. For seasoned professionals with considerable career milestones, resumes are often adequate to show their skillsets and how they would perform at a new job. Indicators like the type of company, pace of promotion, and scope of responsibilities paint a picture for the hiring managers of how they can expect the candidate to perform even before the interviews.

The good news for new graduates is that they are on an even playing field as they embark on a new career path with their peers. The downside is the need for additional information for the candidate to stand out from the crowd. Internship experience can be an advantage if leveraged and narrated correctly. When a company hires a new graduate, it knows the lack of experience and proof points to consider in the candidate. They are therefore looking for genuine interest, willingness to learn, and potential in new grads. If you have internship experience, including them in your cover letter is an excellent opportunity to feature these qualities. Here are a few tips on how to do this best.

Showcase Your Decision-making Process

One risk of hiring new graduates is that they may quit quickly if they find that the industry or the job function is not what they expected. If you have interned at a similar company, you can explain how that experience solidified your interest in the field and helped you narrow down the jobs you are genuinely interested in. By discussing your decision-making process and how the internship provided real-life perspective, you can demonstrate that you are a knowledgeable decision-maker rather than someone who is simply influenced by outside perspectives.

On the other hand, if you interned in an entirely different industry and position, you can use this experience to demonstrate that you discovered what you truly want to pursue. Highlight the positive lessons learned during the internship and avoid speaking negatively about past opportunities. The crucial point is to showcase what you gained from the experience and how it has strengthened your interest in the current company and role.

Be Truthful About The Scope Of Your Experience

Internship experiences can vary widely depending on the company, from simply shadowing an employee to conducting in-depth analysis or participating in structured rotational programs. However, it's important to note that internships typically don't involve holding leadership positions or having significant decision-making authority. It's essential to be honest about your role and responsibilities during an internship, as exaggerating or misrepresenting your experience will likely be noticed by hiring managers.

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In addition, you should not disclose any confidential information about the company at any time. Keep your account of the experience brief and truthful.

Highlight Relevant Skillsets And Potential

If your previous internship provided you with the skills described in the job requirements for the position you are applying for, be sure to emphasize this and explain how you used those skills, as well as your eagerness to further develop them. For example, if you gained experience in analyzing complex datasets during your internship, highlight how you enhanced the company's training through your independent learning efforts, express your enthusiasm for the skill, and illustrate how it contributed to the team's goals to demonstrate your understanding of the practical application of your work. This can show your potential for growth, desire to learn, and proactive orientation towards your job, attributes all hiring managers seek.

When hiring recent graduates, hiring managers are aware that the candidates do not have extensive pre-existing skill sets or decision-making experience. They are hired with the expectation to learn quickly, contribute enough to offset the onboarding and training efforts, and hopefully grow within the company. Including an internship experience in your cover letter can help alleviate any concerns the hiring manager may have about your genuine interest in the company and role, and your desire to learn. It also provides a context for the kind of employee you will be, in ways a resume cannot for new grads.

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