How to describe yourself in three words

It comes up more often than you'd think: a job interview, a dating profile, a team icebreaker, the first slide of an "about me." Three words, no room to hide. Here's how to choose well — and a way to cheat honestly by finding out what other people would say.

The three-slot method

Strong answers rarely use three synonyms ("driven, motivated, ambitious" says one thing three times). Fill three different slots instead:

75 words that work

For interviews: adaptable, analytical, calm, collaborative, conscientious, decisive, dependable, diligent, disciplined, driven, efficient, meticulous, motivated, organized, persistent, practical, proactive, resourceful, self-aware, steady, strategic, thorough, versatile, focused, reliable

For character: honest, generous, loyal, patient, humble, fair, kind, principled, sincere, thoughtful, considerate, gracious, grounded, dependable, openhearted, candid, respectful, gentle, steadfast, warm, empathetic, forgiving, direct, trustworthy, genuine

For personality: curious, playful, witty, adventurous, optimistic, energetic, creative, observant, easygoing, spirited, imaginative, funny, bold, quirky, enthusiastic, calm, intense, wry, cheerful, inventive, spontaneous, thoughtful, lively, mellow, magnetic

Two traps

Words you can't back up. Every word invites the follow-up "tell me about a time you were ___." Pick words with a story attached.

Words you wish were true. Interviewers and friends alike can smell an aspiration dressed as a description. Which raises the real question…

What would other people say?

The most credible answer to "describe yourself in three words" is the one that matches what the people who know you would say — and there's exactly one way to find out: ask them.

— what ten colleagues and friends actually said