How Would Your Boss Describe You?

Have you ever heard the saying, “Tell me who your friends are and I will tell you who you are”?

The principle behind this common phrase is, the people we associate with, and the things they say about us reveal a lot about who we are.

Within an interview context, this takes the form of employers asking, “What would your boss say about you” or “How would your boss describe you?”

1. Why do employers ask this question?

Employers ask this question to see if you have the ability to build meaningful professional relationships. If you are asked this question, it means your work personality and potential for camaraderie could factor into their decision-making process. When you can confidently say that your current or previous employer sees you as a valuable team member, the person interviewing you may see potential in you as someone easy to get along with well at work.

Here are tips on answering the “How would your boss describe you” question;

2. Think Carefully Before You Speak

Take your time with this one. Don’t rush an answer because you feel quicker is better. Instead, you need to craft a response that is suitable, realistic and of course, truthful. Therefore, your answer to this question cannot be too fanciful or flattering. Nevertheless, it must be appealing and convey positivity.

3. Remember Your Past Compliments

Think back to past compliments, praises, positive recognition and notes of appreciation you would have received from former bosses and colleagues. When you use their own words of praise to answer this question, it strikes the perfect balance of authenticity and positivity.

4. Mention Employer Keywords

Employers normally list keyword adjectives such as ‘honest’, ‘proactive’, ‘attention to detail’ or ‘customer-focused’ on their job descriptions to describe the personality they want to hire. Ensure these keywords are included in your response to make them notice.

5. Tell A Story

Now that you’re ready to answer, don’t generically respond by saying, “Well, my boss would say I’m very hard-working and honest”. Instead, provide some context in your answer. Tell a story about a time you were praised or recognised for something you accomplished that earned your boss or colleague’s appreciation.

For example; “I’m very assured that my boss and colleagues would describe me as helpful and accommodating. During seasonal times of the year, whenever we had Christmas, Easter or other promotions, I would work overtime to help out with the increased workload. There were also times I was personally requested to be part of a project team as my colleagues were confident about my abilities to execute and complete projects within time and budget. My colleagues would therefore say I’m very skilled in team working, client satisfaction and relationship development. These are things I learnt from my boss.”

6. Keep It Real and Relevant

Chances are your former boss’ contact is listed on your CV as a reference. Any story or description you tell on their behalf is likely to be compared to what they will say when your prospective employer reaches out to them. The two answers must therefore align otherwise you risk being seen as dishonest. Only provide details that are true and can be corroborated by former bosses.

7. Offer Relationship Insights

The interviewer is not looking for just adjectives. They want insight into what that working relationship was like. Therefore, a worthwhile tip after telling your story is to mention something that you admired in your former colleague. For example, you could end your story by saying, “My boss was really impressed with the work I had done and complimented my creativity. Naturally, I respected him for his leadership and taking me under his mentorship during my time there”.

Bottom line;

Keep it positive and relevant. 

Are you nervous about tackling such interview questions? Worry not! Let an interview coaching expert guide you and give you the confidence to answer any interview question that comes your way. All the best in your upcoming interview!

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