In just about every interview, the interviewer asks the question, “How would you describe yourself?” While this is something that should be anticipated and practiced, many job seekers overlook the importance of this question and fail to take the time to formulate the right answers.
Moreover, when describing ourselves, we should approach our answers honestly and candidly. Even though some answers are laid out below, always ensure that you phrase these in your own words, as authenticity is important.
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Here are 15 ways to describe yourself for your next interview, especially for a sales and business development job, but the same principles can be used for any role. Pick one or some of these positive ways to describe yourself to use as a starting point.
15 Ways to Describe Yourself in the Best Possible Light
1. Revenue Generator
“I am confident in my abilities to produce, and while I prepare for the worst, I do the work necessary to tilt the odds that the best will happen.”
2. Top Performer
“I want to be judged by individual performance, and I want to be rewarded for my efforts based on my execution.”
3. Vision for Success
“I seek to work for a successful company that has strong leadership and vision and who recognizes and rewards performers.”
4. Growth and Development
“I am someone who is consistently growing themselves and who takes the time to continue learning even though it’s not a direct requirement of the job. I find that many times it’s a combination of what you study both directly and indirectly related to work.”
5. Goal Oriented
“I am modest but hard-working, and I consistently set firm goals for myself. Then, once I’ve defined the benchmarks, I take the necessary steps to achieve those milestones.”
6. Customer Focused
“I have a consultative selling style and am concerned with the client’s needs. I consistently ask questions to uncover the ‘what’ the client truly wants, then I am able to meet those requirements.”
7. Positive Self-Starter
“I think positively and can execute on difficult tasks. I’m not an individual who needs to be micromanaged. Rather, when given a specific task, I can figure out the best ways to solve the problem autonomously.”
8. Leadership
“I am a person who can control a situation rather than have a situation control me.”
9. Self-Determined
“I am someone who has an unwavering resolve. I am determined to do well in my job and am determined to have a successful career as well as make the company I work for more competitive.”
10. Results Oriented and Pragmatic
“I have a need to produce results. I am the type of person to meet challenges head-on rather than sweep them under the rug and hope they go away. While I’m an optimistic person, I am also realistic about the current situation and how satisfactory or unsatisfactory it is.”
11. Driven to Excellence
“I am someone who has been able to not only meet my employer’s expectations, but I would describe myself as a person who has consistently exceeded those markers.”
12. Accountable
“I take responsibility for my actions, and when things go wrong, I don’t look to outside forces to blame, rather, I’m someone who looks at where I can improve upon the next time around. Pointing fingers solves nothing.”
13. Resolute and Decisive
“I am someone who demonstrates an unwavering resolve to do whatever must be done to produce the best long-term results, no matter how difficult.”
14. Community Minded Team Player
“I am committed to building something larger and someone who puts aside personal gain for the well-being of the group.”
15. Strong Personal Values
“I am someone who is mature, candid, and who has integrity. Every day I work to improve myself and my skills, which is part of maturing and becoming better at what I do.”
No Longer Fear Describing Yourself
To wrap up, the key to a successful interview lies in how well you describe yourself and the authenticity and conviction behind your words. The 15 descriptors outlined here provide a solid foundation for showcasing your best self, especially in a sales or business development role. Remember, it’s not just about your chosen words but how you embody these qualities in your professional journey.
As you prepare for your next interview, reflect on these attributes and consider how they align with your experiences and aspirations. By doing so, you’re preparing to answer a common interview question and solidifying your understanding of who you are as a professional. In a world where skills can be taught but character and attitude are inherent, presenting yourself as a genuine, self-aware, and growth-oriented individual can truly set you apart. Now embrace these descriptors, make them your own, and step into your next interview with confidence and clarity!
Ken Sundheim is the CEO of KAS Placement Sales and Marketing Recruiters, a sales and marketing recruiting firm specializing in staffing business development and marketing professionals.
15 Ways to Describe Yourself in a Job Interview was originally published by the American Marketing Association, the pre-eminent force in marketing for best and next practices, thought leadership and valued relationships, across the entire discipline of marketing. Its online publications include posts on industry trends, career advice, and more.
FAQs on Describing Yourself in a Job Interview
Q: How should I prepare for the interview question, “How would you describe yourself?”?
A: Anticipate this question and practice your answer in advance. Focus on being honest and authentic, and tailor your response to highlight qualities relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Q: Why is authenticity important when describing myself in an interview?
A: Authenticity ensures your answers are genuine and reflect your true personality and capabilities, which is crucial for building trust with your interviewer.
Q: Can you give examples of how to describe oneself for a sales and business development role?
A: Examples include describing yourself as a Revenue Generator, Top Performer, Vision for Success, Growth and Development oriented, and Goal Oriented. Ensure to phrase these in your own words.
Q: What qualities are important to highlight for a sales role?
A: Key qualities include being customer-focused, a positive self-starter, leadership, self-determined, results-oriented, driven to excellence, accountable, resolute and decisive, community-minded, and having strong personal values.
Q: How can I show I am a good fit for a business development position during an interview?
A: Highlight your ability to generate revenue, your performance track record, your vision for success, your commitment to growth and learning, and your goal-oriented approach.
Q: What is the significance of continuous learning in a job role?
A: Continuous learning shows you’re committed to personal and professional growth, which is valuable for adapting to new challenges and advancements in your field. Have some initiatives picked out from your last role(s) that demonstrate this.
Q: How can I demonstrate my customer focus in an interview?
A: Discuss your consultative selling style, how you prioritize understanding clients’ needs, and your effective approach to meeting those requirements.
Q: What does being a “positive self-starter” mean professionally?
A: It means you have a positive attitude towards challenges, can work independently without close supervision, and are proactive in finding solutions to problems.
Q: Why is accountability necessary in a professional setting?
A: Accountability demonstrates your willingness to take responsibility for your actions and decisions, a quality that fosters trust and reliability in a team.
Q: How can I express my commitment to community and teamwork in an interview?
A: Share examples of prioritizing the group’s well-being over personal gain and your commitment to building something larger as part of a team.
