sample essay about myself for job application

How to Describe Yourself (Smart Examples for Job Interviews)

By Status.net Editorial Team on July 26, 2023 — 14 minutes to read

• 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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Interview Questions

Comprehensive Interview Guide: 60+ Professions Explored in Detail

How to Describe Yourself: 40+ Examples for Interviews

By Biron Clark

Published: December 15, 2023

A lot of employers will ask you to describe yourself as one of the first questions in the job interview. As a former recruiter , I’m going to walk you through the best ways to answer, examples of how to describe yourself, and the common mistakes to avoid. Then we’ll also look at how to describe yourself in a more casual setting like a networking event or meetup.

Let’s get started…

How to Answer the Interview Question: “Describe Yourself”

1. know & research your audience.

The first step in how to describe yourself is to know your audience! You don’t want to describe yourself as a quiet person who prefers working alone if you’re interviewing at a highly-social company that emphasizes teamwork . At least not if you want to get hired!

Now, you don’t need to lie and say you’re the most outgoing, energetic person in the world, but you’d want to show a bit of both sides, so they at least know you can handle some basic teamwork. So prepare for your job interview by researching the company and figuring out what type of work environment they seem to have.  If you don’t know how to research a company, this article will help you. I’d recommend checking out their website, Facebook page, YouTube, and maybe other social media such as LinkedIn. This will give you a sense of their overall company culture , which will help you do a better job of describing yourself in a way that’ll be attractive to THEM.

2. Describe traits that fit their job and team

When you describe yourself in the interview, you want to be honest and true to yourself. There’s no need to lie. However, you do want to think about which traits they’ll find most exciting or impressive. The key is to think about what they’ll view as most relevant. If the job requires a lot of multi-tasking (you’ll know from the job description most likely), you’ll want to describe yourself as someone who works well with a high number of tasks going on. If the job seems to be very fast-paced, you could talk about someone who is highly organized, works well under pressure, and has succeeded in fast-paced environments in the past. (FYI, here’s an entire article on answering, “ what type of work environment do you prefer” ). This is how to describe yourself while being honest but also making sure your interview answer will get them excited to hire you. I personally do NOT work well under pressure. But I’ve still said it in interviews because I knew they wanted to hear it. And the job didn’t end up being very high-pressure anyway. If you’re concerned that the job isn’t the right fit, don’t take the job. But your only goal in the interview is to sell yourself and get invited to the next round in the process, and this is how you do that.

3. Always pick positive traits

You never want to describe yourself as shy, unconfident, stressed, anxious, etc. When the interviewer asks you to describe yourself, you should always be naming positive traits and things that make you attractive to the employer.

This should be obvious, but I want to make sure you know to never mention negatives when answering this interview question.

4. Back up your claims with an example

The fourth and final step when answering, “how would you describe yourself?” is to give an example of how that trait has helped you in a real situation. We’ll look at many examples of how to describe yourself in the next section, but here’s the basic idea for now…

Imagine you say that you would describe yourself as someone who solves problems and loves thinking outside the box and taking initiative. You might conclude your answer by saying:

For example, in my last job, there was a software failure and more than 40% of our clients were reporting outages. I took the initiative to look at the software error logs and spotted the issue before my Manager had a chance to look. As soon as my Manager became available, I told him I had already found a solution. This saved our clients money and saved my Manager time.

It’s one thing to say, “I take initiative” or something like that, but it’s MUCH more powerful to give a real example of how you took initiative to help your past employer save money or make money.  Now let’s look at some more sample responses:

Watch: How to Describe Yourself

How to describe yourself: answer examples.

Now that you know the four key steps to use when describing yourself in a job interview, let’s look at some sample short descriptions about yourself . Remember, research is the first step. Here’s why this is so crucial:

Imagine they ask, “How would you describe yourself?”… and because you did your research… you know that this particular job requires a lot of teamwork and collaboration. You know from the job posting that this is not a role  where you sit quietly and work by yourself all day. So in your answer, you’d want to give a short description about yourself that shows you’re collaborative and that you enjoy working as part of a team. Then, you’d give an example of a real-life situation where you demonstrated this.

Hopefully that last piece sounds familiar – it was step #4 above. That’s how you stand out when answering “describe yourself” in your interview.

Here are two examples of how a full answer should sound:

How to Describe Yourself – Example Answer #1:

I would describe myself as someone who is highly motivated, and I particularly enjoy working as a part of a team. In my last job, I was part of a group of 12 people and we communicated multiple times per day to work as a unit, and I also interacted frequently with other groups like Sales , Customer Service, and more. I enjoy a fast-paced, team-oriented environment like this.

How to Describe Yourself – Example Answer #2:

I’d describe myself as being very resourceful and ambitious at the same time. I find solutions, get creative, and solve problems without needing the help of coworkers or managers. I know when to ask for help and I don’t stay quiet if I do need assistance. But when it is possible to handle something without occupying the time of others, I do it and I consider myself very good at it. It’s one of the things my last boss would say they liked most about me if you asked them to describe my style of work.

How to Describe Yourself With One Word

There’s another similar interview question you should be ready for: “If you only had one word to describe yourself, what would it be?”

Here is a list of one-word answers you can use to describe yourself:

• Resourceful
• Cooperative
• Detail-oriented

Choose whichever suits you best (and fits with the role you’re interviewing for), and just remember that you can repeat this same word in every interview. Then, whichever word you pick to describe yourself, prepare an example and a reason for why you chose it. Don’t just say one word and then stop talking. This is a question where they’ll want you to explain your answer.

Here’s a word-for-word example of how to describe yourself if they ask for one specific trait or word:

How to Describe Yourself – Example Answer #3:

The word I’d use to describe myself is ‘ambitious’. One of the reasons I’m looking for tech jobs right now is that I want to work on large, important projects and challenge myself. I like to seek out learning opportunities and I’m not afraid to fail and struggle as a part of learning. I feel the tech industry is the best place to do this right now, and I did some reading on your founder and thought the work culture here sounded like a great fit for my style.

It’s always great if you can end your answer by explaining why you applied for the position and showing them you did your research. Sure, it’s more than they asked, but it’ll impress them.  So keep this in mind in your next interview. The interviewer or hiring manager may also ask, “What are three words you’d use to describe yourself?” So you can adapt the sample answers above but include three positive words to describe yourself, and you’ll have an answer that sounds like this:

How to Describe Yourself in Three Words – Sample Answer

Three words I’d use to describe myself are hard-working, creative, and I’m also a people person. In my previous job, team members often said that my presence boosted team morale, and they also appreciated my ability to come up with new ideas to solve complex problems, so that’s why I chose those three descriptive words above.

Note that you’re technically using more than three words to describe yourself above. That’s fine. You can use short phrases like “people person” as one word. You’ll still give a positive impression. It’s okay to use positive adjectives that are two to three words as long as it’s one trait.

How to Describe Yourself With One Word for Different Industries

Healthcare: 

• Compassionate
• Patient-focused
• Knowledgeable
• Collaborative
• Responsible
• Solution-driven
• Data-oriented
• Trustworthy
• Results-driven
• Fiscally-responsible
• Compliance-focused
• Approachable
• Sales-driven
• Merchandising-savvy
• Customer-focused
• Inventory-aware
• Trend-conscious
• Team-player

Customer Service:

• Solution-oriented
• Clear-communicator
• Conflict-resolver

Mistakes to Avoid When Answering, “How Would You Describe Yourself?”

The first mistake to avoid is: Don’t ramble on or be too long-winded in your answer and don’t share your entire life story. Try to keep your answer to around 60-90 seconds. If they ask for one single word to describe yourself, you may want to keep it even shorter than that. And stay focused on telling a clear, concise story when you describe yourself. Don’t get sidetracked or go off in many different directions with your story.

I’d recommend keeping this simple structure that we talked about above:

• How you’d describe yourself and why
• An example of you using this to help a past employer or succeed in a past project

Otherwise, you might fall into a common trap that exists for this question, and also questions like “ tell me about yourself “. The trap is: They’re trying to see if you can tell a clear story without getting sidetracked and distracted. If you ramble on for too long, they’ll take it as a sign you can’t keep a clear train of thought and are difficult to communicate with. And that can cost you the job even if they like the actual word(s) you chose to describe yourself.

If you’re not sure whether your answer is getting too long, you can stop and ask for feedback! Just give your best shot at an answer, and then say, “does that answer your question, or did you want more info?” That way, you’re not stopping before they’re satisfied, but you’re not talking for an extra two minutes after you’ve answered their question, either. (Talking for too long after each answer will frustrate the interviewer FAST and is a common mistake that can cause people to fail interviews ).

Overall, if you follow the tips above you should pass this question easily and move on to the rest of the interview.

FYI, you should also read this article on how to answer, “tell me about yourself” because it’s another common question that employers ask.

How to Describe Yourself in Networking Opportunities and Events

We’ve covered how to answer “describe yourself” in job interviews, but what about networking events? Describing yourself in a non-interview environment is a bit different. To start, you should read this article on how to develop a great elevator pitch. Part of it is about job interviews, but it also includes scripts for networking and more. When you’re describing yourself in a meetup or networking event, the steps we looked at to begin this article are still good steps to follow. You should try to research the people you’re meeting, or at least think about your audience before answering. (Even if you just met them – think about what type of background they have, what might interest them, etc.) Then when you describe yourself, talk about the pieces of your background that they’ll be able to relate to, or that they’ll find relevant. This is how to capture someone’s attention when first speaking with them. Then you might find some common ground or common interests, and you’ll both enjoy the conversation a lot more.

If you follow the four basic steps at the beginning of this article, you’ll be able to describe yourself confidently to anyone you meet in a professional setting, whether it’s a job interview or not.

Other recommended resources:

• How to write the best elevator pitch for networking and interviews
• How to follow up by email after your interview
• The 16 top reasons you can’t find a job

About the Author

Read more articles by Biron Clark

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How to Write a Compelling Myself Essay for Job Applications

In today’s competitive job market, a strong job application is essential to land your dream job. A “myself essay” or personal statement is a key component of a job application that helps hiring managers get to know you beyond your resume. Writing a compelling myself essay can be daunting, but with the right approach, it can set you apart from other applicants. In this article, we’ll explore the steps to write a compelling myself essay for job applications.

Table of Contents

Step (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); By Step Guide To Write An Essay About Yourself For Job Application

1. understanding the purpose of a myself essay.

A myself essay is a personal statement that provides an opportunity to introduce yourself to a potential employer. It’s an opportunity to showcase your personality, qualifications, and achievements that are not reflected in your resume. The purpose of a myself essay is to make a positive impression on the hiring manager and convince them that you are the best candidate for the job.

2. Research the company and the job

Before you start writing, research the company and the job you are applying for. This will help you tailor your essay to the specific job and company. Find out what the company values and what they are looking for in a candidate. This will help you highlight your qualifications and achievements that are relevant to the job.

3. Develop a compelling introduction

Your introduction should grab the hiring manager’s attention and make them want to read more. Start with a strong opening sentence that summarizes who you are and what you can bring to the job. You can also use a quote or a story that relates to the job or the company.

4. Highlight your achievements and qualifications

In the body of your essay, highlight your achievements and qualifications that are relevant to the job. Use specific examples to showcase your skills and experience. Avoid general statements and clichés. Use numbers and data to back up your achievements.

5. Tell a story that showcases your personality

A myself essay is an opportunity to showcase your personality and what makes you unique. Tell a story that highlights your strengths and demonstrates how you can contribute to the company. Use personal anecdotes that relate to the job or the company.

6. Emphasize your passion and motivation

Employers want to hire candidates who are passionate about the job and motivated to succeed. Emphasize your passion and motivation for the job in your essay. Explain why you are interested in the job and what you hope to achieve.

7. Address any gaps or weaknesses

If you have any gaps or weaknesses in your resume, address them in your essay. Explain how you have overcome challenges and what you have learned from them. Emphasize your strengths and how they compensate for any weaknesses.

8. Keep it concise and avoid clichés

Keep your essay concise and to the point. Avoid using clichés and generic statements. Use specific examples to illustrate your points. Stick to the word limit provided by the employer.

9. Proofread and edit

Before submitting your essay, proofread and edit it for grammar and spelling errors. Make sure it flows well and is easy to read. Ask a friend or mentor to review it and provide feedback.

In conclusion, a compelling myself essay is an essential component of a job application. It provides an opportunity to showcase your personality and convince the hiring manager that you are the best candidate for the job. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can write a compelling myself essay that sets you apart from other applicants.

Example: Myself Essay for Job Application

As a recent college graduate with a degree in Marketing, I am excited to apply for the Marketing Assistant position at XYZ Company. With my passion for creativity and experience in content creation and social media management, I believe I am a strong candidate for the role.

1. Qualifications

In addition to my degree in Marketing, I have completed several internships where I gained practical experience in the field. At ABC Agency, I created social media content for multiple clients and increased their engagement rates by 20%. At XYZ Corporation, I conducted market research and assisted with developing marketing strategies for new products. These experiences have prepared me for a role in a fast-paced environment where I can utilize my skills to drive results.

2. Achievements

During my time at college, I was a member of the Marketing Club and served as the Vice President for one year. In this role, I organized events and fundraisers that helped the club grow its membership by 50%. I was also awarded the Marketing Excellence Scholarship for my outstanding academic performance.

3. Relevant Skills and Experience

My skills in content creation, social media management, and market research make me a strong candidate for the Marketing Assistant position. I am proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and have experience using Hootsuite and Google Analytics. Additionally, I am familiar with SEO and SEM strategies and have worked on projects where I implemented these tactics to improve website traffic and conversions.

4. Personal Anecdotes

My passion for marketing stems from my love of storytelling. I have always been fascinated by how brands can tell their unique story through creative campaigns and engaging content. One of my proudest moments was when I created a video campaign for a local non-profit organization that resulted in a 30% increase in donations. Seeing the impact of my work and knowing that I was able to make a difference was incredibly rewarding.

5. Motivation and Passion

I am excited about the opportunity to work at XYZ Company because of its reputation for innovative marketing campaigns and its commitment to community involvement. I am eager to be part of a team that values creativity and is dedicated to making a positive impact on the world.

6. Conclusion

In conclusion, I believe that my qualifications, achievements, skills, personal anecdotes, and passion make me a strong candidate for the Marketing Assistant position at XYZ Company. I am confident that I would be a valuable asset to your team and look forward to the opportunity to contribute to your organization’s success.

Hello! Welcome to my Blog StudyParagraphs.co. My name is Angelina. I am a college professor. I love reading writing for kids students. This blog is full with valuable knowledge for all class students. Thank you for reading my articles.

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How to Write About Yourself in a College Essay | Examples

Published on September 21, 2021 by Kirsten Courault . Revised on May 31, 2023.

An insightful college admissions essay requires deep self-reflection, authenticity, and a balance between confidence and vulnerability. Your essay shouldn’t just be a resume of your experiences; colleges are looking for a story that demonstrates your most important values and qualities.

To write about your achievements and qualities without sounding arrogant, use specific stories to illustrate them. You can also write about challenges you’ve faced or mistakes you’ve made to show vulnerability and personal growth.

Table of contents

Start with self-reflection, how to write about challenges and mistakes, how to write about your achievements and qualities, how to write about a cliché experience, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about college application essays.

Before you start writing, spend some time reflecting to identify your values and qualities. You should do a comprehensive brainstorming session, but here are a few questions to get you started:

• What are three words your friends or family would use to describe you, and why would they choose them?
• Whom do you admire most and why?
• What are the top five things you are thankful for?
• What has inspired your hobbies or future goals?
• What are you most proud of? Ashamed of?

As you self-reflect, consider how your values and goals reflect your prospective university’s program and culture, and brainstorm stories that demonstrate the fit between the two.

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

Writing about difficult experiences can be an effective way to show authenticity and create an emotional connection to the reader, but choose carefully which details to share, and aim to demonstrate how the experience helped you learn and grow.

Be vulnerable

It’s not necessary to have a tragic story or a huge confession. But you should openly share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences to evoke an emotional response from the reader. Even a cliché or mundane topic can be made interesting with honest reflection. This honesty is a preface to self-reflection and insight in the essay’s conclusion.

Don’t overshare

With difficult topics, you shouldn’t focus too much on negative aspects. Instead, use your challenging circumstances as a brief introduction to how you responded positively.

Share what you have learned

It’s okay to include your failure or mistakes in your essay if you include a lesson learned. After telling a descriptive, honest story, you should explain what you learned and how you applied it to your life.

While it’s good to sell your strengths, you also don’t want to come across as arrogant. Instead of just stating your extracurricular activities, achievements, or personal qualities, aim to discreetly incorporate them into your story.

Brag indirectly

Mention your extracurricular activities or awards in passing, not outright, to avoid sounding like you’re bragging from a resume.

Use stories to prove your qualities

Even if you don’t have any impressive academic achievements or extracurriculars, you can still demonstrate your academic or personal character. But you should use personal examples to provide proof. In other words, show evidence of your character instead of just telling.

Many high school students write about common topics such as sports, volunteer work, or their family. Your essay topic doesn’t have to be groundbreaking, but do try to include unexpected personal details and your authentic voice to make your essay stand out .

To find an original angle, try these techniques:

• Focus on a specific moment, and describe the scene using your five senses.
• Mention objects that have special significance to you.
• Instead of following a common story arc, include a surprising twist or insight.

Your unique voice can shed new perspective on a common human experience while also revealing your personality. When read out loud, the essay should sound like you are talking.

If you want to know more about academic writing , effective communication , or parts of speech , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Academic writing

• Writing process
• Transition words
• Passive voice
• Paraphrasing

 Communication

• How to end an email
• Ms, mrs, miss
• How to start an email
• I hope this email finds you well
• Hope you are doing well

 Parts of speech

• Personal pronouns
• Conjunctions

First, spend time reflecting on your core values and character . You can start with these questions:

However, you should do a comprehensive brainstorming session to fully understand your values. Also consider how your values and goals match your prospective university’s program and culture. Then, brainstorm stories that illustrate the fit between the two.

When writing about yourself , including difficult experiences or failures can be a great way to show vulnerability and authenticity, but be careful not to overshare, and focus on showing how you matured from the experience.

Through specific stories, you can weave your achievements and qualities into your essay so that it doesn’t seem like you’re bragging from a resume.

Include specific, personal details and use your authentic voice to shed a new perspective on a common human experience.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Courault, K. (2023, May 31). How to Write About Yourself in a College Essay | Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved April 2, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/college-essay/write-about-yourself/

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How to Answer “Tell Us About Yourself” in a Job Interview? (5 Sample Responses)

• Klara Cervenanska , 
• Updated October 31, 2023 7 min read

Learning how to answer "tell us about yourself" is a crucial step in preparing for any job interview . It's the most commonly asked interview question and it's usually the very first thing the hiring managers ask.

But don't be fooled. This question isn't just an ice breaker to make you feel comfortable. Instead, they want to see:

• who you are as a professional;
• how well you can pitch yourself for the job.

Your answer to this question sets the tone for the entire interview. It’s your chance to showcase your strengths, experiences, and why you’re the perfect fit for the position. 

In this article, we will provide sample answers for practice, help you tailor an answer that best represents your professional journey, and avoid common mistakes. 

Table of Contents

Click on a section to skip

Understanding the question

How to prepare your answer.

• How to answer "tell us about yourself"
• Common mistakes to avoid when answering "tell me about yourself"

Tips for delivering your answer confidently

• Key takeaways: How to answer "tell us about yourself"

When interviewers ask "tell us about yourself," they're not asking for your life story.

They want a brief but comprehensive summary of your professional journey, tailored to the job you’re applying for.

What they look for:

• Relevant professional experience. Highlighting past jobs and responsibilities that are pertinent to the role you're interviewing for. Sharing the skills that make you an asset to their team.
• Confident communication. Clearly and confidently articulate your thoughts, ensuring you provide a well-structured and thoughtful answer, rather than being quiet or unprepared.
• Cultural fit. Showing traits that prove you'd blend well with the company’s values and work environment.

It’s a simple question, but it’s easy to misstep. Some might think it’s a casual ice-breaker and start delving into personal stories. That’s a common pitfall.

This question is not about making you comfortable; it's a structured opportunity for you to sell yourself from the get-go.

Why it can be tricky:

• Misinterpretation. Thinking it’s a casual conversation starter when it’s actually a strategic interview question.
• First impression. It’s usually the first question, so nailing it sets a positive tone for the rest of the interview.
• Lack of structure. Failing to provide a concise, well-thought-out response.

To ace this question, recognize it for what it is: your moment to shine professionally right from the start, setting a strong and positive first impression.

Prepare for your next interview with AI.

AI interview questions generator will help you practice answering the most common interview questions for your job position.

Preparing for how to answer "tell us about yourself" question is a step you shouldn't skip. By planning ahead, you gain control over how you present yourself, ensuring clarity and relevance in your response.

Here's how to structure your answer to "tell me about yourself" in 4 steps:

Begin by discussing your current role, explaining why you are a great match for the job, and highlighting your top three qualifications. Example: "I'm a data analyst with seven years of experience, now part of the team at TechSolutions. In this role, I manage extensive datasets and analyze them to guide strategic decisions. I bring to the table strong expertise in R, a solid grasp of data visualization, and the ability to demystify complex data for stakeholders without a technical background."

Next, you want to highlight examples of past successes, ensuring they are relevant to the position you're aiming for. Example: "What I'm really proud of is a project back at DataGen, where we got to unravel customer feedback layer by layer. We put advanced predictive analytics to work, honing in on ways to amp up our product game. It was a huge win, with customer satisfaction scores soaring by 20%"

After that, pick one thing from this particular job or company that excites you. Example: "I am particularly drawn to this role because of your company’s innovative approach to data analysis, and the opportunity to work with big data applications, something I am very passionate about."

Connect your future career aspirations with the potential role. You can also connect this to the previous point. Example: "Looking forward, I’m eager to dive deeper into predictive modeling and I believe this position offers the perfect platform to expand my skills and contribute to innovative solutions."

By preparing your answer and structuring it, you not only showcase your technical expertise but also your enthusiasm for the role.

How to answer "tell us about yourself"

Now that we've walked through how to structure your answer, let’s put theory into practice.

Below are five sample answers tailored to different job positions, applying the strategies we discussed in the previous chapter.

We highlighted the best opener sentences for each part of your answer:

• Introduction to your current role and top skills
• Highlighting your past achievements
• Pin-pointing one thing that excites you about the job/company
• Discussing your future career aspirations

1. Marketing manager

Example answer:.

“ I’ve been spearheading the marketing team at TrendingNow for over seven years, really honing in on digital advertising and SEO.

I’m particularly proud of how we managed to boost our main product line’s organic traffic by 40% last year, all thanks to a solid strategy and a bit of elbow grease.

When I look at your company, I’m genuinely excited about your commitment to data-driven decisions. It’s right up my alley, especially with my experience in analytics and content creation.

Looking ahead, I’m keen on bringing my skills to your team, growing with a company that’s as forward-thinking and innovative as you guys.”

2. Software developer

“ I’ve dedicated the last five years to honing my software development skills at DevSolutions, primarily working with Python and Java to solve complex challenges.

Just recently, we successfully implemented a new feature that significantly enhanced our user experience, a project I played a key role in.

I’ve been following XYZ’s work closely and am impressed with your dedication to agile methodologies, something I value highly as a developer.

I’m at a stage in my career where I’m looking to elevate my skills and contribute to innovative projects, and I believe XYZ provides the perfect environment for that growth. The challenging and innovative work you do here is precisely what I am seeking in my next role.”

3. Project manager

“ I’ve spent the last six years immersed in project management at BuildRight, where I’ve successfully led teams through the entire lifecycle of numerous projects, always ensuring we stay on time and on budget.

One of my proudest moments was steering a project that was initially behind schedule back on track, ultimately delivering it two weeks early and 15% under budget.

I’m particularly drawn to GlobalInnovate due to your commitment to sustainability and innovative tech. This aligns with my passion for eco-conscious project management.

I see a great opportunity to contribute my skills here, and I’m eager to be part of your innovative journey, further developing as a project manager.”

4. Graphic designer

“ In my four years as a graphic designer at CreativeSolutions, I’ve mastered various design tools and developed a keen eye for aesthetics, which has greatly enhanced our visual content and branding efforts.

A project I’m particularly proud of involved rebranding a client’s visual identity, resulting in a 30% increase in their customer engagement.

I’ve been following your work at DesignInnovate, and I’m really impressed with your commitment to creativity and innovative design solutions.

I’m excited about the chance to bring my unique style and skills to your team, and I believe this role is the perfect opportunity for me to further refine my design capabilities.”

5. HR specialist

“ Over the last five years at PeopleFirst, I’ve honed my skills in employee relations, benefits administration, and talent acquisition, playing a key role in creating a positive work environment and improving our employee retention rate by 25%. I’ve successfully implemented various employee engagement programs that have not only boosted morale but also enhanced productivity across departments.

I’m particularly proud of the mentorship program I spearheaded, which has significantly aided in the professional development of our staff.

I’ve been keeping an eye on the innovative HR practices at TalentInnovate, and I’m thoroughly impressed by your commitment to employee well-being and professional growth.

The chance to bring my expertise to your esteemed team, contributing to your progressive HR initiatives, is an exciting prospect.”

Of course, you need to tailor your answer to "tell us about yourself" according to the job you're applying for. The samples provided are just a guide to show you how you might structure your answer in various roles.

Aim for your answer to be concise yet comprehensive, typically lasting between 1-3 minutes . This length allows you to provide enough detail without losing the interviewer’s attention.

Rehearsing is key – practice your response out loud until you feel confident.

Common mistakes to avoid when answering "tell me about yourself"

Navigating through the "tell us about yourself" question in an interview can be tricky, and even the most confident speakers might find themselves stumbling.

To make sure you don’t fall into common traps, here’s a rundown of mistakes to steer clear of:

• Being too vague or too detailed: You want to hit that sweet spot. Give them the “just right” amount of information to showcase your qualifications without turning it into a monologue. A rule of thumb is to stay in a 1-3 minute range.
• Turning it into a personal story-time. While it's nice to add a personal touch, this is not the time to delve deep into your personal life. Share a tidbit if it's relevant, but keep the spotlight on your professional self.
• Forgetting to tie it back to the job. It’s not just about you; it’s about ‘You + Job’. Every skill or experience you mention should be a breadcrumb leading them straight to why you’re perfect for the role.
• Saying "I don’t know," "ummm," or "sooo". These filler words are conversation killers. Practice makes perfect, and perfect means no unnecessary 'umms' and 'uhhs.'
• Memorizing a script. Practice, but don’t memorize. If you sound like you're reading off a teleprompter, it’s not a good look. Remember, it’s a conversation, not a performance.

Delivering your answer with confidence is just as important as the content of your answer.

Here's how to nail it:

• Master your body language. Stand tall and make eye contact. No slouching or fidgeting; show them you're confident and engaged.
• Practice, practice, practice. Run through your answer multiple times. Use your mirror; it won’t judge you, but it will help you judge yourself.
• Watch videos. YouTube is your friend. Watch how others do it, and pick up on their confidence-boosting techniques. Here's a great example .
• Role-play. Grab a buddy and practice. Let them throw curveballs at you so you’re ready for anything.

Remember, the goal is to seem comfortable and in control, even if your stomach is doing somersaults.

Practice in front of a mirror. It might feel a bit awkward, but it’s a tried-and-true method that really helps in presenting yourself clearly and confidently.

Key takeaways: How to answer "tell us about yourself"

Wrapping up our journey on how to answer "tell us about yourself", it’s clear that this common interview opener is more than just a casual question.

It's a strategic opportunity to present yourself as the ideal candidate.

Here’s a quick recap of the structure for your answer:

• Introduction to your current role and top skills. Clearly state your current position and emphasize the skills that make you excel in your role.
• Highlight your past achievements. Showcase specific achievements from your past roles, demonstrating your capability and experience.
• Pin-point something exciting about the job/company. Express genuine enthusiasm for the job or company, highlighting what specifically excites you about the opportunity.
• Discuss your future career aspirations. Illustrate how this role fits into your broader career plans, showing alignment and long-term interest.

And while you're at it, don’t forget to prepare for other common interview questions like:

• Why should we hire you?
• Why did you leave your previous job?
• Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Klara graduated from the University of St Andrews in Scotland. After having written resumes for many of her fellow students, she began writing full-time for Kickresume. Klara is our go-to person for all things related to student or 'no experience resumes'. At the same time, she has written some of the most popular resume advice articles on this blog. Her pieces were featured in multiple CNBC articles. When she's not writing, you'll probably find her chasing dogs or people-watching while sipping on a cup of coffee.

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How to Write About Yourself

Last Updated: July 31, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Lucy Yeh . Lucy Yeh is a Human Resources Director, Recruiter, and Certified Life Coach (CLC) with over 20 years of experience. With a training background with Coaching for Life and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) at InsightLA, Lucy has worked with professionals of all levels to improve the quality of their careers, personal/professional relationships, self marketing, and life balance. There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 5,682,111 times.

Whether you're writing an essay about yourself for a scholarship, a self-introduction, or a personal bio for a job application, coming up with the right words to capture what makes you unique can feel challenging. Fortunately, there are tips and tricks that can make writing about yourself a breeze. Want some help getting across just how impressive, interesting, and skilled you really are? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about putting yourself into words effectively, complete with examples.

Writing of the Autobiographical Nature

• Who are you?
• What is your background?
• What are your interests?
• What are your talents?
• What are your achievements?
• What challenges have you faced?

• What is your most interesting or unique quality? What word(s) describes you the best? Choose that topic.

• Bad: I like sports.
• Ok: I'm a fan of basketball, football, tennis, and soccer.
• Good: My favorite sport is football, both to watch and to play.
• Better: When I was growing up, I would watch Big Ten football with my dad and brothers every Saturday, before we'd go outside and toss the football around. I've loved it ever since.

• Braggy: I'm the best and most dynamic worker at my company right now, so you should want to hire me for my talents.
• Humble: I was lucky enough to be awarded three employee of the month awards at my current job. Turns out it was a company record.

Writing Personal Essays for School

• Common themes or prompts for autobiographical essays include overcoming obstacles, great successes or spectacular failures, and what you learned about yourself.

• Depending on the assignment, you may need to connect a personal anecdote to a reading or an idea from class. Start brainstorming topics that are connected to that idea, to give yourself a variety of options to choose from.

• Common autobiographical essay cliches include sports stories, mission trips, and dead grandmothers. While these can all make for excellent essays if done well, it is difficult to stand out when telling the story of how your lacrosse team lost a big game, then practiced hard, then won. It has been written before.

• If you want to tell the story of your nasty break-up, start with the break-up, do not start with the star-crossed way you met. You have got to get immediately to the tension in the story.

• When you have an idea of your topic, start writing a "memory list" of specific things that you remember about the event. What was the weather like? What did it smell like? What did your mother say to you?
• Your opening paragraph will set the tone for the rest of the essay. Rather than telling the dull biographical details (your name, your place of birth, your favorite food), find a way to express the essence of the story you are going to tell and the themes you are going to explore in your essay.

Writing a Cover Letter for an Application

• Outline your qualifications and highlight your talents in a cover letter.
• Write about who you are.
• In a cover letter, describe how your education and experience qualifies you for this position.
• Explain how this opportunity will benefit your career goals.

• When in doubt, keep it brief and serious. If you are unsure whether or not telling an amusing anecdote about your friend's bachelor party is appropriate in a cover letter, it is probably best to leave it out.

• "I'm writing to apply for the entry-level position with Company Inc. advertised on your website. I think my experience and training makes me an ideal candidate for this position."
• Contrary to popular belief, it is not necessary to include your name in the body of the letter: "My name is John Smith and I am applying...." Your name will be included in the signature , as well as the header of a cover letter, so there is no need to put it in the text itself.

• Who you are and where you come from.
• Where you want to go.
• How this opportunity would potentially help you get there.

• Be as specific as possible. It is alright to note that you are "A passionate leader in all walks of life" but it would be much better to write about an example of a time you lead in a surprising way.
• Stay focused on skills and talents that connect specifically to the thing you are applying for. Extracurricular involvement, leadership roles, and other types of outstanding achievement may be important to you personally, but it may be totally extraneous. If you include something, ensure to connect it specifically to the goal of the cover letter.

• Be as specific as possible. If you are writing a university cover letter, it is obvious that you have to have a degree to get a job as a doctor, but how did you come to choose this field? Why did you choose this school? What, specifically, do you want to take away from the experience?

• Be careful about using a cover letter to critique a business. It is not the time to describe the suffering of a particular brand over the previous fiscal quarter, then promising that you will be able to turn it around with your ideas. That might not go over well if you are hired, and then you are unable to live up to the promise.

• Even if it is impressive, a high GPA or class ranking does not belong in a cover letter. Highlight it on your resume, but do not include it in two different places of the application.

• Mailing address
• Telephone and/or fax number

Expert Trick : Save time and effort by creating one generic format that you can use for many different job applications by tweaking the specific content for each one. Start with a general introductory paragraph , then a section or two fleshing out your resume and expertise as it relates to the job, and finish it off with a closing paragraph and a note of thanks.

Writing a Short Biography Note

• Pretend you are writing about someone else. Write your name and start describing that person like a character or a friend: "John Smith is the Executive Vice President of Company Inc..."

• If you are a jack of all trades, say so. Do not be afraid to list "actor, musician, mother, motivational speaker, and professional rock climber" if they all apply equally.

• It is common to list degrees that you have received. Pay particular attention to anything that ties into the work you are writing about. If you have special training, include it here.

• "John Smith is the Executive Vice President of Company Inc., in charge of marketing and overseas acquisitions. He received an MBA with distinction from Harvard and lives in Montauk with his cat Cheeto."
• Do not overshare. It can seem funny to immediately start with "John Smith loves rafting and hates eating Cheetos. He's a total boss" and such bio notes can be appropriate for some venues, however be careful to avoid awkward oversharing. Telling everyone about your killer hangover might be best left for after work talk.

• Stephen King, who is one of the most successful and popular authors in recent history, has a bio note that just lists the name of his family members, his hometown, and his pets. Consider leaving out the self-congratulation entirely.

Community Q&A

• Remember that you’re supposed to talk about yourself, it’s the main topic. Don’t talk about your friends or family, even though you may feel tempted to. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
• If you are having a difficult time writing about yourself, search online for examples of personal writing, in order to get some ideas and inspiration. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
• Don't think about how others feel about you. Everyone thinks from a different perspective. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/how-to-write-about-yourself
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/brainstorming/
• ↑ https://ohiostate.pressbooks.pub/choosingsources/chapter/narrowing-a-topic/
• ↑ https://www.yourdictionary.com/articles/essay-about-self-writing
• ↑ https://writingcommons.org/article/using-first-person-in-an-academic-essay-when-is-it-okay/
• ↑ https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/6-unconventional-ways-start-cover-letter/
• ↑ https://english.washington.edu/writing-cover-letter
• ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/career-goal-statement-examples
• ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/resume-vs-cover-letter
• ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/whats-the-ideal-cover-letter-length
• ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/how-to-format-a-cover-letter-example
• ↑ https://writingcenter.uagc.edu/first-vs-third-person
• ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/how-to-write-bio/

About This Article

If you have to write an autobiographical description of yourself, write down a list of your talents, interests, and accomplishments. Use this list to help you choose one specific topic for your description, such as your academic achievements or your leadership qualities. Use specific, unique details to support your topic, such as being awarded an academic scholarship or the fact that you were president of the newspaper in high school. You can list bits of your personal life, but be careful not to overshare. If you want to write about yourself a cover letter or personal essay, keep reading the article! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Essays About Myself: Top 5 Essay Examples Plus Prompts

We are all unique individuals, each with traits, skills, and qualities we should be proud of. Here are examples and prompts on essays about myself .

It is good to reflect on ourselves from time to time. When applying for university or a new job, you may be asked to write about yourself to give the institution a better picture of yourself. Self-understanding and reflection are essential if you want to make a compelling argument for yourself.

Reflect on your life: look back on the people you’ve met, the places you’ve been, and the experiences you’ve had, and think about how they have shaped you into the person you have become today. Think of the bigger picture and be sure to consider who you are based on what others think and say about you, not just who you think you are. 

If you are tasked with the prompt, “essays about myself,” keep reading to see some essay examples.

1. It’s My Life by Ann Smith

2. how i see myself by leticia woods, 3. the truth about myself by madeline dyer, 4. what we see in others is a reflection of ourselves by sandra brossman, 5. a letter to myself by gladys mclaughlin, 1. introducing yourself, 2. describing your strengths and weaknesses, 3. what sets you apart from others, 4. your beliefs and values, 5. an experience that has defined you as a person, 6. what family means to you, 7. your favorite pasttime.

“Sure, I’ve had bad experiences in my life too, but this is exactly what made me the way I am now: grateful, full of love, with a desire to study well because it will help me become a successful person in future and have a high quality of life. I believe that it is manifesting day by day and I feel even more responsibility for what I do and where I go. With all I already have, I know that I’m on the right path and I will do my best to inspire others to live the way they feel like living as well.”

In her essay, Smith describes her interests, habits, and qualities. She writes that she is sociable, enthusiastic about studying, and friendly. She also touches on others’ opinions of her- that she is funny. One of Smith’s hobbies is photography, which allowed her to meet her best friend. She aims to study hard so she can be successful on whatever path she may follow, and inspire others to live their best life. 

“It is this drive that will carry me through my degree program and allow me to absorb the education that I receive and develop solid practical applications from this knowledge. I feel that I will eventually become highly successful in my chosen field because my past has clearly shown my commitment to excellence in every endeavor that I have chosen. Because I remain incredibly focused and committed for future success, I know that my future will be as rewarding as my past.”

Woods discusses how her identity helps her achieve her career goals. First, her commitment to her education is a great asset. Second, prior education and her service in the US Air Force allowed her to learn much about life, the world, and herself, and she was able to learn about different cultures. She believes that experience, devotion, and knowledge will allow her to achieve her dreams. 

“I’m getting better as I recover from the brain inflammation which caused my OCD, but I want to have a day like that. A day where I can relax and enjoy life fully again. A day where I haven’t a care in the world. And for that, I need to be kind to myself. I need to relax and remove any pressure I place on myself.”

Dyer reflects on an important part of herself- her Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Brain inflammation has made her a perfectionist, and she cannot relax. She is constantly compelled by an inner voice to do things she “should” be doing. She wants to be happy, and will try to shut off this voice by practicing self-affirmation. You might also be interested in these essays about discovering yourself .

“Believe it or not, forgiving YOURSELF is the most effective way to disengage from negative interactions with people.  We can only love and accept others to the degree that we love and accept ourselves.  When you make it a habit to learn from your relationships, eventually you will discover that you can observe negative traits within others without judgment and without getting hooked into someone else’s drama.”

In her essay, Brossman writes how we see what we desire for ourselves in others. Our relationships help us understand ourselves better; we see people’s bad qualities and criticize them, professing that we will not be like them. On the other hand, we see qualities we like and try to imitate them. To become a better version of yourself, you should learn from your relationships and emulate desirable qualities. 

“I never tell anyone that I am tired of work or study. Success will come to those who get up and go far. This is my life motto which always reminds me of how vital it is to be hard-working and resilient towards failures. I learn that no matter what others say (even mother and father) if their

thoughts contradict my goals, I don’t have to listen to them. Nobody will live your life, and nobody should tell you who you are and what you are.”

Mclaughlin writes a letter to her future self, explaining what she envisions for herself in the coming years. She writes about who she is now and describes her vision for how much better she will be in the future. She believes that she will have great encounters that will teach her about life, a loving, kind family, and an independent spirit that will triumph over all her struggles

Writing Prompts For Essays About Myself

Write a basic description of yourself; describe where you live, your school or job, and your family and friends. You should also give readers a glimpse of your personality- are you outgoing, shy, or sporty? If you want to write more, you can also briefly explain your hobbies, interests, and skills. 

Each of us has our own strengths and weaknesses. Reflect on what you are good at and what you can improve on and select 1-2 from each to write about. Discuss what you can do to work on your weaknesses and improve yourself. 

An essential part of yourself is your uniqueness; for a strong essay about “myself,” think about beliefs, qualities, or values that set you apart from others. Write about one or more, but be sure to explain your choices clearly. You can write about what separates you in the context of your family, friend group, culture, or even society as a whole. 

Your beliefs and values are at the core of your being, as they guide the decisions you make every day. Discuss some of your basic beliefs and values and explain why they are important to you. For a stronger essay, be sure to explain how you use these in day-to-day life; give concrete examples of situations in which these beliefs and values are used. 

We are all shaped by our past experiences. Reflect on an experience, whether that be an achievement, setback, or just a fun memory, and explain its significance to you. Retell the story in detail and describe how it has impacted you and helped make you the person you are today. 

More often than not, family plays a big role in forming us. To give readers a better idea of your identity, describe your idea of family. Discuss its significance, impact, and role in your life. You may also choose to write about how your family has helped shape you into who you are. This should be based on personal experience; refrain from using external sources to inspire you.

Our likes and dislikes are an important part of who we are as well; in your essay, discuss a hobby of yours, preferably one you have been interested in for a long period of time, and explain why you enjoy it so much. You should also write about how it has helped you become yourself and made you a better person.  

Grammarly is one of our top grammar checkers. Find out why in this Grammarly review . If you’re stuck picking your next essay topic, check out our round-up of essay topics about education .

Martin is an avid writer specializing in editing and proofreading. He also enjoys literary analysis and writing about food and travel.

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How To Write An Essay About Yourself For A Job

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Whether applying for scholarships or writing a cover letter, there will be many instances where you will be writing about yourself. Most of the time, tasks like such can leave you stumped. Worry not! You can follow these tips that will help you write an essay about yourself.

Write Your Essay Paper in Simple Words

They get thousands of personal essays. Differentiating a genuine essay from the one you are trying too hard at is not very tricky.

A good piece of advice is to keep it simple. You should easily convey your story to the reader.

Some students make the mistake of using several quotes. There are cases where applications contain numerous jokes to impress the person on the other end. You should avoid this.

A helpful tip would be to steer clear from going overboard. Use simple words and terminology while writing your essay. Taking risks is nice, but this is not the place to experiment.

If you are still unsure, find someone who can write it for you. There are a variety of essay services to choose from online.

Brainstorm and Outline Your Essay Paper

Start by answering small questions. Paper and pen will be your best friends in this phase. It is all about freewriting and free associations.

Try to formulate questions about yourself or check if there are pre-formed questions in your essay's instructions. Take some time to answer each of the mini-prompts. If you think you don't know enough about yourself and wonder what your traits and weaknesses are, you should try out a free personality test on websites such as Personality Data. It can help you reflect on your inner thoughts and aid you in the essay.

It is okay to ignore the order in this case. You can always come back and rearrange the essay. To have a clear path, you can include an introduction as well.

If you have always struggled writing an essay and think that this is too important to take a risk on. Do not worry! Try to figure out who can write essays for you .

It has to be someone who knows about your personality, goals, and accomplishments. Do not outsource your essay to a stranger.

Write Your Essay Paper in First Person

Providing an overview of your learnings from life experiences is a good idea. However, while answering the given prompt, you are recommended to use a personal tone.

Use “me” and “I” throughout your text. This is highly engaging. This will make readers feel like they are directly involved in your story. They won't feel left out, and it will increase the chances they will read it to the end.

After all, you are narrating your experience; why write an essay any other way?

Include Educational Background in Your Essay

When you write an essay about yourself, one of the most highlighted sections is the level of education. It would help to remember that the employer is sorting through several similar essays. Hence, you must make sure to represent your background in the brightest light possible.

The institute you graduated from, the discipline you majored in, and the year you graduated in should be visible to the reader so they can determine whether or not you are a good fit for their company. You can also mention your courses and what you learned from them.

If there are any extracurriculars that you took part in, be sure to include those to make you seem well-rounded. If you had any passion projects or any social/volunteer work you have participated in, elaborate on that in detail.

It gives the recruiter a little more insight into your personality. Your educational background is a cumulation of years of hard work, so do not let it go to waste by scrimping on essential details that might help you stand out in a sea of applicants.

Don't Forget to Add Skills and Knowledge

Ultimately, if you can add value to the company in any way, the recruiter is automatically more interested in you than an average graduate. These skills can either be related to your major or complement it somehow.

In your about me essay, make sure you are not only emphasizing the hard skills. They are undoubtedly very crucial for your essay. However, soft skills have been gaining immense recognition and significance lately.

So make sure you nail both of them while preparing your piece. Hard skills would include software skills, coding, spreadsheet management, and anything that has to do with technical skills. The soft ones should lean more towards your attributes like teamwork, communication skills, diversification, etc.

Life Goals Should Be in Your Essay About Yourself

What you have achieved until now and the milestones you intend on reaching in the short and long term. This way, you will be judged if your personal goals align with the organization's.

Employers seek candidates who are not only job fit but also organization fit. This area will convince them to hire you if done the correct way.

In a personal essay about yourself, include personal development goals. It is a great way to hone your application and make an impression on employers.

You should do this by identifying the areas that need work. Define a clear plan and the strategy you will use to attain it.

Nonetheless, make sure that these defined goals are SMART. By “SMART,” you should set objectives that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based. Including any unrealistic goals to impress the reader should not be done. This will do you more harm than good.

Taking the first step in this highly competitive job market can be pretty overwhelming. You need a great CV along with an unmatched essay about yourself.

The tips and tricks above are a great way to learn how to write about yourself. You can also find samples online to take inspiration. Let’s get started!

Do you know how to write about yourself professionally?

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About Home Jobs By Mom

Krystle Cook – the creator of Home Jobs by MOM – put her psychology degree on a shelf and dived into a pile of diapers and dishes instead. She is a wife and mother to two rambunctious boys, sweating it out in her Texas hometown. She loves cooking, DIY home projects, and family fun activities.

Reader Interactions

April 19, 2021 at 12:53 pm

Thanks so much for sharing these very useful tips. Its not always easy to write about yourself!

April 20, 2021 at 2:28 pm

Have you ever wrote a cover letter about yourself?

April 15, 2021 at 12:04 pm

Hey, that’s quite interesting and helpful too. Writing about myself is always challenging but after reading this, I am damn sure I can write now about myself.

April 20, 2021 at 2:23 pm

Have you ever had to write about yourself in a job application?

April 20, 2021 at 10:07 pm

Yes, Once. I went for an interview in a MNC where they gave me a form to fill which includes to write about myself and my future plans.

May 1, 2021 at 3:54 pm

I hope you ended up getting the job!

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, tell us about yourself essay examples.

I'm applying to some scholarships, and some of them have a 'tell us about yourself' essay prompt. I'm a little unsure of where to start and how to structure this essay. Can anyone share some examples or tips on how I can write an engaging, effective essay without sounding cliché or braggy?

Sure, I can provide some guidance on structuring a "tell us about yourself" essay and provide tips on making it engaging and effective without sounding cliché or braggy.

1. Start with an attention-grabbing hook: Open your essay with a brief anecdote, piece of dialogue, or thought-provoking statement that reveals something interesting about you.

Example: "As I stood on the roof of my family's house in [hometown], peering through my homemade telescope, I was struck by the vastness of the night sky."

2. Focus on a specific aspect of yourself: Rather than trying to cover every aspect of your life, pick a theme or personal characteristic that plays a major role in your interests, experiences, and goals.

Example: "My curiosity about the universe and the natural world led me to volunteer at a local science center, where I conducted hands-on experiments with visitors of all ages."

3. Provide a brief background: Give some context to the topic you're discussing, such as your upbringing, community, or family background, if it's relevant to the theme.

Example: "Growing up in a small, rural town, I didn't have the same access to resources and educational opportunities as kids in larger cities, but my determination to learn about the world around me never waned."

4. Showcase your growth and accomplishments: Talk about specific experiences, achievements, or events that shaped your development, values, or interests. Be humble but honest about your achievements, and focus on how they've impacted your growth rather than dwelling on the awards themselves.

Example: "Despite the challenges, I pursued my passion for astronomy and managed to secure a coveted summer internship at a renowned observatory, where I worked alongside professionals and contributed to a research project."

5. Connect your past experiences to your future goals: Explain how the things you've learned and accomplished thus far have motivated and prepared you for your future academic and career aspirations.

Example: "My experiences have confirmed my passion for science and astronomy, leading me to pursue a degree in astrophysics and dedicate myself to researching the mysteries of our universe."

6. Close with a memorable statement: Finish your essay by leaving a lasting impression on the reader, perhaps by tying back to your opening hook or sharing an inspiring thought.

Example: "As I continue to explore the cosmos, both academically and personally, I'll never forget those nights spent stargazing in my hometown and the curiosity that propelled me forward."

Remember, a well-rounded and engaging "tell us about yourself" essay will focus on a specific aspect or theme, be genuine and personal, and effectively showcase your growth and future aspirations. Good luck with your scholarship applications!

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CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

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15 Tips for Writing a College Essay About Yourself

What’s covered:.

• What is the Purpose of the College Essay?
• How to Stand Out Without Showing Off
• 15 Tips for Writing an Essay About Yourself
• Where to Get Free Feedback on Your Essay

Most students who apply to top-tier colleges have exceptional grades, standardized test scores, and extracurricular activities. How do admissions officers decide which applicants to choose among all these stellar students? One way is on the strength of their college essay .

This personal statement, along with other qualitative factors like teacher recommendations, helps the admissions committee see who you really are—the person behind the transcript. So, it’s obviously important to write a great one.

What Is the Purpose of the College Essay? 

Your college essay helps you stand out in a pool of qualified candidates. If effective, it will also show the admissions committee more of your personality and allow them to get a sense of how you’ll fit in with and contribute to the student body and institution. Additionally, it will show the school that you can express yourself persuasively and clearly in writing, which is an important part of most careers, no matter where you end up. 

Typically, students must submit a personal statement (usually the Common App essay ) along with school-specific supplements. Some students are surprised to learn that essays typically count for around 25% of your entire application at the top 250 schools. That’s an enormous chunk, especially considering that, unlike your transcript and extracurriculars, it isn’t an assessment of your entire high school career.  

The purpose of the college essay is to paint a complete picture of yourself, showing admissions committees the person behind the grades and test scores. A strong college essay shows your unique experiences, personality, perspective, interests, and values—ultimately, what makes you unique. After all, people attend college, not their grades or test scores. The college essay also provides students with a considerable amount of agency in their application, empowering them to share their own stories.

How to Stand Out Without Showing Off 

It’s important to strike a balance between exploring your achievements and demonstrating humility. Your aim should be to focus on the meaning behind the experience and how it changed your outlook, not the accomplishment itself. 

Confidence without cockiness is the key here. Don’t simply catalog your achievements, there are other areas on your application to share them. Rather, mention your achievements when they’re critical to the story you’re telling. It’s helpful to think of achievements as compliments, not highlights, of your college essay.  

Take this essay excerpt , for example:

My parents’ separation allowed me the space to explore my own strengths and interests as each of them became individually busier. As early as middle school, I was riding the light rail train by myself, reading maps to get myself home, and applying to special academic programs without urging from my parents. Even as I took more initiatives on my own, my parents both continued to see me as somewhat immature. All of that changed three years ago, when I applied and was accepted to the SNYI-L summer exchange program in Morocco. I would be studying Arabic and learning my way around the city of Marrakesh. Although I think my parents were a little surprised when I told them my news, the addition of a fully-funded scholarship convinced them to let me go. 

Instead of saying “ I received this scholarship and participated in this prestigious program, ” the author tells a story, demonstrating their growth and initiative through specific actions (riding the train alone, applying academic programs on her own, etc.)—effectively showing rather than telling.

15 Tips for Writing an Essay About Yourself 

1. start early .

Leave yourself plenty of time to write your college essay—it’s stressful enough to compose a compelling essay without putting yourself under a deadline. Starting early on your essay also leaves you time to edit and refine your work, have others read your work (for example, your parents or a teacher), and carefully proofread.

2. Choose a topic that’s meaningful to you 

The foundation of a great essay is selecting a topic that has real meaning for you. If you’re passionate about the subject, the reader will feel it. Alternatively, choosing a topic you think the admissions committee is looking for, but isn’t all that important to you, won’t make for a compelling essay; it will be obvious that you’re not very invested in it.

3. Show your personality 

One of the main points of your college essay is to convey your personality. Admissions officers will see your transcript and read about the awards you’ve won, but the essay will help them get to know you as a person. Make sure your personality is evident in each part—if you are a jokester, incorporate some humor. Your friends should be able to pick your essay from an anonymous pile, read it, and recognize it as yours. In that same vein, someone who doesn’t know you at all should feel like they understand your personality after reading your essay. 

4. Write in your own voice 

In order to bring authenticity to your essay, you’ll need to write in your own voice. Don’t be overly formal (but don’t be too casual, either). Remember: you want the reader to get to know the real you, not a version of you that comes across as overly stiff or stilted. You should feel free to use contractions, incorporate dialogue, and employ vocabulary that comes naturally to you. 

5. Use specific examples 

Real, concrete stories and examples will help your essay come to life. They’ll add color to your narrative and make it more compelling for the reader. The goal, after all, is to engage your audience—the admissions committee. 

For example, instead of stating that you care about animals, you should tell us a story about how you took care of an injured stray cat. 

Consider this side-by-side comparison:

Example 1: I care deeply about animals and even once rescued a stray cat. The cat had an injured leg, and I helped nurse it back to health.

Example 2: I lost many nights of sleep trying to nurse the stray cat back to health. Its leg infection was extremely painful, and it meowed in distress up until the wee hours of the morning. I didn’t mind it though; what mattered was that the cat regained its strength. So, I stayed awake to administer its medicine and soothe it with loving ear rubs.

The second example helps us visualize this situation and is more illustrative of the writer’s personality. Because she stayed awake to care for the cat, we can infer that she is a compassionate person who cares about animals. We don’t get the same depth with the first example. 

6. Don’t be afraid to show off… 

You should always put your best foot forward—the whole point of your essay is to market yourself to colleges. This isn’t the time to be shy about your accomplishments, skills, or qualities. 

7. …While also maintaining humility 

But don’t brag. Demonstrate humility when discussing your achievements. In the example above, for instance, the author discusses her accomplishments while noting that her parents thought of her as immature. This is a great way to show humility while still highlighting that she was able to prove her parents wrong.

8. Be vulnerable 

Vulnerability goes hand in hand with humility and authenticity. Don’t shy away from exploring how your experience affected you and the feelings you experienced. This, too, will help your story come to life. 

Here’s an excerpt from a Common App essay that demonstrates vulnerability and allows us to connect with the writer:  

“You ruined my life!” After months of quiet anger, my brother finally confronted me. To my shame, I had been appallingly ignorant of his pain. 

Despite being twins, Max and I are profoundly different. Having intellectual interests from a young age that, well, interested very few of my peers, I often felt out of step in comparison with my highly-social brother. Everything appeared to come effortlessly for Max and, while we share an extremely tight bond, his frequent time away with friends left me feeling more and more alone as we grew older.

In this essay, the writer isn’t afraid to share his insecurities and feelings with us. He states that he had been “ appallingly ignorant ” of his brother’s pain, that he “ often felt out of step ” compared to his brother, and that he had felt “ more and more alone ” over time. These are all emotions that you may not necessarily share with someone you just met, but it’s exactly this vulnerability that makes the essay more raw and relatable. 

9. Don’t lie or hyperbolize 

This essay is about the authentic you. Lying or hyperbolizing to make yourself sound better will not only make your essay—and entire application—less genuine, but it will also weaken it. More than likely, it will be obvious that you’re exaggerating. Plus, if colleges later find out that you haven’t been truthful in any part of your application, it’s grounds for revoking your acceptance or even expulsion if you’ve already matriculated. 

10. Avoid cliches 

How the COVID-19 pandemic changed your life. A sports victory as a metaphor for your journey. How a pet death altered your entire outlook. Admissions officers have seen more essays on these topics than they can possibly count. Unless you have a truly unique angle, then it’s in your best interest to avoid them. Learn which topics are cliche and how to fix them . 

11. Proofread 

This is a critical step. Even a small error can break your essay, however amazing it is otherwise. Make sure you read it over carefully, and get another set of eyes (or two or three other sets of eyes), just in case.

12. Abstain from using AI

There are a handful of good reasons to avoid using artificial intelligence (AI) to write your college essay. Most importantly, it’s dishonest and likely to be not very good; AI-generated essays are generally formulaic, generic, and boring—everything you’re trying to avoid being.   The purpose of the college essay is to share what makes you unique and highlight your personal experiences and perspectives, something that AI can’t capture.

13. Use parents as advisors, not editors

The voice of an adult is different from that of a high schooler and admissions committees are experts at spotting the writing of parents. Parents can play a valuable role in creating your college essay—advising, proofreading, and providing encouragement during those stressful moments. However, they should not write or edit your college essay with their words.

14. Have a hook

Admissions committees have a lot of essays to read and getting their attention is essential for standing out among a crowded field of applicants. A great hook captures your reader’s imagination and encourages them to keep reading your essay. Start strong, first impressions are everything!

15. Give them something to remember

The ending of your college essay is just as important as the beginning. Give your reader something to remember by composing an engaging and punchy paragraph or line—called a kicker in journalism—that ties everything you’ve written above together.

Where to Get Free Feedback on Your College Essay 

Before you send off your application, make sure you get feedback from a trusted source on your essay. CollegeVine’s free peer essay review will give you the support you need to ensure you’ve effectively presented your personality and accomplishments. Our expert essay review pairs you with an advisor to help you refine your writing, submit your best work, and boost your chances of getting into your dream school. Find the right advisor for you and get started on honing a winning essay.

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Job Interview Essay

As one would expect during a job interview, your employer may be asking you to write something . This would be in the form of an essay. This is usually about your experiences, your skills and all the basic information they need to know more about you. They do this to see and to understand you as a person. Here are some 7+ job interview essay examples you can check out for some tips on what to write and what to avoid.

7+ Job Interview Essay Examples

1. job interview essay template.

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2. Sample Job Interview Essay

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3. Basic Job Interview Essay

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4. Job Interview Question Database Essay

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5. Job Interview Essay in PDF

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6. Printable Job Interview Essay

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8. Formal Job Interview Essay

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Define Interview

An interview is a meeting face to face. It is usually a conventional conference . A conversation or a questioning for the purpose of getting information from the interviewee. 

Define Job Interview

A job interview is a dialogue between an employer and the applicant. In a job interview, the employer asks questions about the applicant’s work history, educational history, and skills. 

Things to Avoid in Writing a Job Interview Essay

Some of us get so excited when writing essays, like that of a job interview, but one thing we must remember is to summarize the job interview essay   We often forget that an essay is nothing but a short summary of what we wish to write. But that’s okay. It’s nothing different. But unlike some of the essays you may be used to, there are some things to avoid when writing for a job interview essay. Here are some of the things you need to avoid at all cost.

• Lying about your answers – when writing about what is asked, be careful. Interview questions in an essay may be tricky. Do not make up anything to make your essay sound nice. The interviewer would not be amazed one bit if you lied in your essay. Rather, there is a bigger chance they will not accept you.
• Flowery words – Most of us are guilty with this when writing the essay. It is best to avoid putting flowery words to make it sound like we did these things. Again, your employer has a way of knowing you are being truthful or lying. Avoid this at all costs.
• Too proud – this is often taken for granted but I want to put it right here. Do not boast about the experiences you may not have and write it off as yours. Do not boast about the experiences you have in your essay. You have to remain open and humble.

Things You Should Remember When Writing an Essay

• Voice – keep it professional. The tone in your essay has to be in a professional setting. If you write in a childish manner or as if you are angry at someone, your employer or anyone reading it will surely see that you are not fit for the job.
• Information – write what is asked in the essay. Do not put any other information that is not required nor needed. Example for this information is through a question that goes like this “why should we hire you?” This may sound easy but be very careful as to what you are going to write or say. Do not forget to introduce yourself in your essay.
• Explaining – In some questions in an essay, you are required to explain. Like the sample question above, you must give an explanation in your own words as to why they should hire you. However, avoid saying explanations like “because I am the best”, “I am better than anyone.” This will not only make you lose your opportunity, it is also very rude to tell that to your employer.
• Descriptive – keep your essay as  descriptive as possible . When you are to general in your writing, you are making the person reading confused. Put a little effort to what you are writing.
• Be prepared – when you are going to a job interview, always expect the unexpected. Answer questions as honest as possible.
• Reflect – reflect on what you have written . Understand what you have learned and done. A job interview essay is simply one of many essays you are going to go through.

I want to write about my experiences related to the job, should I write down everything?

Yes you may. As long as you remember that what you are writing is true and correct. As well as be careful on how you word it. Your tone in writing should be professional.

Why am I not allowed to show off my skills in my essay?

Employers are interested in what you have, but they are not interested in the way you talk about it. They prefer to see someone professional talking about their experiences in the same professional tone. Rather than being too cocky.

Is it necessary to know your skills? What if I don’t?

It is better to know what you are good at. When your employer may state you need to write your skills in the essay, you have to be prepared to do so. Ask yourself what you are good at and write it down.

Is there a time limit to writing the essay?

Most companies give a certain amount of time for the applicant to finish the job interview essay. This is so that neither of the two parties are wasting time. Be prepared to write a good essay within a limited amount of time.

Writing a job interview essay can be difficult. It can also be rewarding knowing you did a good job and you have done what you were told to do. Though a job interview essay may not give you the outcome of getting that job, but it is good practice on showing off your skills. Once you find out how to write a good essay for a job interview, all you need to do is to remember the guidelines.

To remember not to be too cocky when writing about your experiences. Do not be too shy either, rather be professional about it. Employers do read your essay, so be careful what you write. Watch your grammar and how you word things as well. This can affect the opportunity of getting that job. With all that being said, I wish you luck.

Job Interview Essay Generator

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

Describe your preparation process for a job interview in your Job Interview Essay.

Reflect on a successful job interview experience in your Job Interview Essay.