Top self-descriptive words for resume

Describing yourself is tricky, especially when you apply for jobs and want to present yourself in the best light. Some people find it difficult to pick the right words to describe themselves persuasively, while others simply do not know what qualities are worth being mentioned. 

Hiring managers would like to know not only your skills but also your personality, including negative and positive traits. So, it is essential to include a few descriptive words (also called powerful adjectives) in your resume to show off your personality, values, and approach to work. In this post, we will share the best words to describe yourself in a resume, cover letter, or a job interview. 

Need a resume that showcases your personality? At ResumePerk, we prepare custom resumes for professionals at all career levels. Our expert will adapt your resume to the target job description to help you stand out to a potential employer. Plus, we will focus on the valuable industry skills, achievements, and your educational background, presenting you as a valuable candidate to every hiring manager. 

Describing yourself on a resume: 20 right words to use 

Every word you use when writing your resume can make or break the overall impression. So, you should to choose words to describe yourself wisely. This is especially true for a Career Summary section - it serves as an introduction for your resume, so each word here is extremely influential. 

Here is a list of great words to describe yourself during your job search. You can use them on your resume or cover letter to attract the hiring manager's attention: 

1. Adaptable
2. Ambitious
3. Artistic
4. Compassionate
5. Charismatic
6. Creative
7. Dependable
8. Detail-oriented 
9. Determined
10. Dynamic
11. Emotionally intelligent 
12. Enthusiastic
13. Independent
14. Intelligent
15. Inventive
16. Motivated
17. Passionate
18. Reliable
19. Successful
20. Versatile

Example of using descriptive words on a resume

For your inspiration, check this example of using adjectives to describe your personality on a resume: 

Image source: https://www.resumehelp.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Education-Resume-Example-RH.svg

This resume uses the right words to describe a professional educator. All adjectives are concentrated in the Summary section, so that the work experience concisely lists professional duties and achievements. This candidate uses descriptive words along with specific examples from their work, which makes this resume persuasive and proves that the person excels in their role. 

How to use positive words on your resume effectively?

Now that you have a list of persuasive words to describe yourself, it's time to incorporate them into your resume. Here's how to do it best: 

Choose adjectives relevant to the job 

To choose effective words to describe yourself, you need to understand the employer's expectations from the candidate. Read the job description carefully, trying to envision the type of person they'd like to see on the team. Pay special attention to descriptive words the job posting uses, and consider mirroring them in your resume. 

For example, if the employer emphasizes that they have a positive work environment, you can use such descriptive words as optimistic, enthusiastic, or easy-going. If they look for someone who is responsible, ambitious, and willing to work extra hours, use the respective powerful adjective. Thus, you will persuade them that you are the right candidate. 

Give concrete examples 

Using adjectives can tell potential employers what kind of person you are. However, the best strategy is to combine descriptive words with specific examples. Simply stating that you are creative or detail-oriented is not enough. Explain in what situations and contexts you used these traits, or what results you've achieved using them. Thus, your self-descriptions will sound more persuasively. 

For example, if you want to say that you are helpful, specify that you served as a go-to person for all HR related matters and consulted senior management on the best staffing strategies. To show that you are a team player, mention that you worked in a team that finalized the important project a week ahead of deadline. Such details will serve as a proof of your positive traits. 

Don't overdo with descriptive words 

Even the best words won't make the right impression if you use them too often. Resume statements like "I am enthusiastic, dependable, and creative" sound too vague as they do not describe how exactly your skills will help the company if they hire you. Ideally, you should use no more than 1-2 descriptive words per sentence, and support your statements with examples. 

Add them to your personal statement 

The above-listed best words to describe yourself are most effective in personal statements. Your summary is the first thing that the hiring manager sees, so it makes a perfect place to showcase both your strengths and personality. Use no more than 4-5 adjectives in this section, otherwise, the employer might think that your resume lacks focus. 

Choose the most relevant words to describe your personal qualities to the hiring manager, and make sure that your professional experience and education prove these qualities, too. 

Use action verbs as well 

In addition to self-descriptions, use action verbs when describing your experience. Use powerful action words at the beginning of each bullet point to highlight the positive outcome of your work, and emphasize your initiative and contribution. It is extremely important to minimize the use of responsible for or worked on, replacing them with such impactful words as initiated, spearheaded, or directed. 

Using these proven best words to describe your personality will help you persuade the hiring manager that you are a good culture fit and have the right traits for the role. 

How to describe yourself during a job interview? 

"Can you describe yourself in three words?" is one of the most popular questions asked during a job interview. Such a question can puzzle if you aren't prepared. 

The best practices for using adjectives during your job interview are the same as in resume writing. Use the strong adjectives listed above to tell about your personality and working style. Avoid replying with a list of adjectives and back up each trait with a specific example of where you used it in the workplace. Great, if you can share accomplishments or a measurable positive impact of your work. 

The main difference is that during your job interview you can give a more detailed answer. Say, if the company is looking for a natural leader, you can tell about that important project where your leadership skills did shine. Thus, it is important to do your homework and think about personal qualities you'll describe during the interview. 

What should you do before searching for a new job?

Job-searching is a stressful and tedious process. And choosing words to describe yourself and polishing your resume is only one of the steps you should take. To speed up your job search and stay organized during the process, follow these tips:

Understand what job you're looking for

Before you start browsing new jobs, think about the position you'd like to get. Consider responsibilities you'd like to have, ideal company culture, and long-term goals. Clarify what kind of role, with what company, and with what salary you are aiming for. Thus, you will narrow down your search and will focus on exact job openings that meet your criteria. 

Reach out to your network

Reach our to your friends, former colleagues, mentors, and other industry contacts and let them know you're looking for new opportunities. Connect with recruiters on LinkedIn and wonder if your target companies have relevant job openings. The best jobs are usually found through networking, so use your network as a resource before you start applying on job boards. 

Clean up your social media

67% of employers will research you on social media. Check all your online profiles, both professional and personal ones. Update privacy settings or remove any content that might be seen by employers as unprofessional: party pictures, controversial comments, and so on. 

Show your Facebook, Instagram and other profiles to colleagues or friends and ask if they make a professional impression. 

Get your resume and cover letter prepared

Your resume and cover letter are the first touchpoint with an employer. Update the resume, ensuring that it reflects your most recent accomplishments and experiences. If not sure about what to include, seek a professional resume writing service. 

Our company can prepare a customized resume that positions you well for your target job. Plus, you can order a letter that showcases your enthusiasm, unique qualifications, and your fit for the organization.

Treat your job search as a full-time job

To land new employment faster, you need to devote plenty of time to job search every day. Looking for job postings on multiple platforms, adjusting your resume and cover letter, applying and communicating with hiring managers take time. Plus, you need to prepare for interviews and attend them, both in-person and online. Be sure to spend at least a couple of hours every day on these activities - it will help you get more interviews and a job offer sooner. 

Streamline your job search with a professional resume

Choosing the best words to describe your personal attributes is only the first step towards getting your dream job. If you want a resume that effectively sells your strengths to employers, our experts can prepare a compelling document for you. We offer custom resume writing at a price everyone can afford - chat with us to learn more and get your special discount!