"How would you describe yourself in three words?" answer template (A2, B1, B2)
How to use this template
Choose the level that fits your English and fill every blank with a true detail from your own work, in 3 parts: Choose, Prove and Link. Plan your example on the STAR worksheet, tick the checklist, then say the answer out loud.
A2 template: simple English
Short sentences, one idea in each. Good if your English is basic or you feel nervous.
- Choose: My three words are ________ (word 1), ________ (word 2) and ________ (word 3).
- Prove: I am ________ (word 1). For example, I ________ (proof).
- Link: These words are good for this job because ________ (reason).
B1 template: linked sentences
Joins your ideas with because, and, then and so. Good for most interviews.
- Choose: I would say I am ________ (word 1), ________ (word 2) and ________ (word 3).
- Prove: For example, I am ________ (word 1): at ________ (workplace) I ________ (proof). I am also ________ (word 2), because ________ (proof).
- Link: I think these matter in this job because ________ (reason).
B2 template: fuller answer
Adds a reason, a result and a little more detail. Use it if you can say it without reading.
- Choose: Three words that describe me well are ________ (word 1), ________ (word 2) and ________ (word 3).
- Prove: Colleagues would probably mention ________ (word 1) first; for instance, ________ (proof). The second word shows when ________ (situation).
- Link: All three matter in a role like this, where ________ (what the job demands).
STAR worksheet: plan your example
Your answer needs one true example. Plan it here in notes, not full sentences, then use it in the "Prove" part of the template.
Situation
Your job now, where you do it, and how long you have done it.
Task
One task in that job that also matters in the job you want.
Action
One thing you did well in that task: a real moment, with a place or a number.
Result
What happened because of it: a result, a comment from someone, or a number.
Checklist before you say it
Tick each point when it is true for your answer.
- Choose: Pick three words that fit this job, for example "reliable", "calm" and "friendly".
- Prove: Give one short example for at least one or two of the words.
- Link: End by saying why those words matter in this role.
- Avoided: Saying three words and stopping. Without an example, they are just words.
- Out loud: I said the whole answer out loud, with only true details, in about one minute or less.
A finished answer to compare
This is one way a delivery driver might answer. Compare it with your template: the same parts, with real details. Do not copy it.
Delivery Driver answer
I would say punctual, careful and polite. I plan my route so I keep to my delivery times. I drive carefully and look after the parcels and the van. At the door I am always polite, because I represent the company.
Learn more about this question
- How to answer "How would you describe yourself in three words?" — the short answer, the steps, mistakes and phrases
- Template: Tell me about yourself
- All answer templates
- Example answers for your job: Care Worker · Hospitality Staff · Kitchen Porter · Barista · Hotel Receptionist · Retail Assistant · Warehouse Operative · Delivery Driver · Customer Service Advisor
Questions people ask
Should I learn the template answer by heart?
No. Learn the order of the 3 parts (Choose, Prove and Link) and your own details, then say it in your own words. A memorised answer can sound flat, and an interviewer may ask a follow-up question.
Which level should I use for "How would you describe yourself in three words?"?
Use the level you can say without reading. If you are not sure, start with A2, say it out loud twice, and move to B1 when it feels easy. A short, clear answer is better than a long one that is hard to follow.
How do I print this template?
Use the Print or save as PDF button near the top of the page, or your browser's print menu. Only the template is printed, without the menus and buttons.
Practise this answer aloud
Say your answer to "How would you describe yourself in three words?" out loud or type it, and see what an interviewer may notice and what to fix first. Free to start, no card needed.