The best way to respond to any interview question is to try and understand the question behind the question, that way you can respond with greater clarity and accuracy. However in this situation it's hard to determine what the interviewer wants to know or more to the point what they want to hear. Yes of course interviewers want to know that you've got some self insight, but seriously what are you going to say - that you're basically a grumpy, lazy, generally negative person?

How not to respond:

• Best not to say "bubbly" as you may come across as dizzy. It might also be unwise to go the other extreme and say you're serious and very conscientious (unless of course that's what the job demands).
• Additionally if you have any mental health issues it's best not to air them here (at least not at the interview) - remember it's on a need to know basis and this is not something the interviewer needs to know at this point - get the job first, then negotiate!! Of course if your issues don't affect your work then it's really none of an interviewer's business!!

How to respond:

• Keep you answer short and relevant to the job and the culture of the organisation eg you might want to say that you are the type of person who works well under pressure, enjoys a challenge, makes friends easily etc etc!!
• Make sure your words match your body language and demeanour i.e. don't say you cope well with anxiety if it's clear you're really nervous; or that you make friends easily if you've really poor eye contact and are clearly not a very social person!!
• Try and stay neutral without coming across as vague, obviously the interviewer will make up his/her own mind as to what they think your personality is.
• Examples include - "I'm generally a pretty happy person who enjoys a challenge, likes to finish what I've started and loves learning new things". Tip - always match your response to the job you're being interviewed for!
• If you want further insight try our free assessment using the "Psych evaluation" link on your resume page.