For the first time ever in an interview, I was asked to describe myself in just three words. I was caught off guard. I think it was the only point in the entire interview where I stumbled over my own words. “I, I, I, well… let’s see now….uhhhhh.”

What can I say? During my entire career, I have always focused on the client, the benefits of product, the process by which to reach a goal … but I’ve never had to actually sell MYSELF. Needless to say, I was put on the spot and managed to force out clichés like “goal-oriented”, “creative” and “hard working” – trying to think of words that described the type of person right for the job. Of course, afterwards I was spouting off words to no end. I came up with Diligent, Empathetic, Reliable, Ambitious, Honest, Agile, Optimistic, the list goes on. I wanted to call the guy back and give him my list. Yeah, I know….

I tried to consider what I would do in my interviewer’s shoes. I thought, “If someone shot off three words in rapid-fire succession, you KNOW they had that list ready and waiting. They were prepared for that question. So then you have to wonder how “true” they are. On the flip-side, if someone has to think about it, does that mean they lack confidence, are ill prepared or that they can’t think on their feet?”  For me, it was simply a question that I’ve never been asked.

People are complex individuals – each with their own tastes, style, personality, morals, character, idiosyncracies,  etc. To compress one’s entire existence into three little words on the spot is quite a feat in my book. So how do you boil down to just three simple words all that you are? But here’s my real question, “What can you really derive about a person from the three words they rattle off?”

I once read that “…whatever you perceive yourself to be, other people are the best judges.” I think it’s a matter of fact that no matter what words you may come up with to describe yourself, others will ultimately make their own decision. It’s your job to prove them wrong… or prove them right.

Take it from a Pragmatic, Empathetic, DORK  (think that will get me hired?)