What do you say when asked "describe yourself"?

[pectacon]

Am I the only one who hates being asked that?

I remember once a teacher called on me in class and said "describe yourself" and I just locked up and couldn't think of a thing to say. His point was most people describe themselves primarily by their job, but I have never really placed a sense of identity in that. I have no great list of credentials & accomplishments to rattle off, I'm fine just being "a person" but it makes for a lousy answer to that question.

[dreamyxo]

If it's for a job interview I'd say something pertaining to the type of worker I'd be.  For example say something like I'm dependable, punctual, a fast learner yada yada. 

[nickylanena]

During interviews I usually say that I'm outgoing, organized and great at multitasking.

[1imaginarygirl]

If someone asked me, I'd say I'm an animal lover. My pets are one of the highest priorities to me, and my life kind of revolves around them.

My current job is just a paycheck to me. I don't define myself by it at all. Maybe if I enjoyed it, it would be different. My husband tells people I'm a vet tech, even though I'm not working as one presently. Technically I am still licensed so it's true, but it feels weird to say it when it's not what I do every day.

[oldbuddy]

I am just an old retired guy that enjoys staying home and working just when I feel like it on the Internet, to make a few bucks and be able to enjoy life on my own terms.

[judylucas]

I'd say I'm a retired mom and grandma

[BATISTAGIRL663]

I also hate that question I don’t know what to say when I get asked that are usually say I’m blunt to the point and I try to treat people the way I want them to treat me and I love to laugh and I love people who have a great sense of humor

[stevensm4]

Well...if someone were to ask me that...I would say I am an agnostic, misanthropic, existential nihilist.

[ancmetro]

   It is unfair to ask you that question.
   It is simply: An invasion of your personal privacy.
   Politely say: I decline to answer your question!

[killers2]

I would say I am fun loving.  I like to joke around with people.

[kvanwert]

This question definitely gets people thinking. I find that it helps to think of how other people may see you. For example, loyal or trustworthy.

[countrygirl12]

If it's for a job interview I'd say something pertaining to the type of worker I'd be.  For example say something like I'm dependable, punctual, a fast learner yada yada. 

Most employers see this as a BS answer. I am not sure how to answer that question. It is a good way to get you to volunteer info that they cannot ask you. Things such as marital status, kids, religious beliefs. I do hate when in an interview you are asked that and you say something along the lines of what you said above and when you finish speaking they just sit there and look at you. smh  I am like if you want to know something specific ASK.

[NRAJOE]

I hate job interviews....

[santa7]

I always hated job interviews too.  I always gave them the answers I thought they would want - want they were looking for, whether I had those qualities or not - it would get me the job. 

[countrygirl12]

I always hated job interviews too.  I always gave them the answers I thought they would want - want they were looking for, whether I had those qualities or not - it would get me the job. 

Doing that is stupid for more than one reason. First off you don't KNOW what they want.  And second when IF you are hired and you start working and you cannot do what you said you could then you will be let go.

I can see saying "I am a people person" when you really aren't if it is a retail job that requires you to work with people but saying I can do this or this with computers or software when you do not have a clue just to get a job will only cause you problems down the road.