Understanding how you’re perceived at work can offer valuable insights into your work habits and interpersonal skills. It’s a question that interviewers love to ask: “How would your coworkers describe you?” Sometimes, they might ask it in other ways, like “How would your colleagues describe your personality?” or “What would your boss say about you?”
Let’s explore why interviewers ask this tricky question and the best way to answer it. We’ll cover it all and share some sample answers below.
Why do interviewers ask about how your coworkers would describe you?
Interviewers ask this question to get a sense of how you integrate into a workplace and how others view your professional demeanor. It helps them judge whether you’ll fit well with their team and the company’s culture.
They’re also checking if your self-perception matches the views of those who work with you. For instance, if you consider yourself detail-oriented and your colleagues affirm that, it reinforces your reliability. However, discrepancies between your view and that of your references might raise red flags for the interviewer.
What hiring managers look for in your answer
Interviewers are looking for insights into your personality and work style. They want to see if the traits you mention align with the company’s needs. For example, if you describe yourself as reserved in a role that requires extensive teamwork and communication, there might be concerns about fit.
How to answer “How would your coworkers describe you?”
Ask your coworkers
The easiest way to prepare an accurate answer to this question? Ask your actual coworkers! Before your interview, reach out to a few colleagues and ask them how they would describe you. This not only gives you genuine material to discuss but also helps you understand how you’re perceived at work.
Identify relevant traits
Once you have some feedback, match the traits your coworkers highlight with the job description. Choose traits that align with what the job requires, showing the interviewer that your strengths are suited to the role.
Highlight your value
Use examples to show how these traits have positively impacted your workplace. Anecdotes that demonstrate your skills in action can make your answer more compelling.
How not to answer
- Listing irrelevant traits: While being known for making great coffee or being the office DJ might be cool, these aren’t the traits to highlight in your interview unless they directly relate to the job.
- Being overconfident: It’s great to be confident, but avoid coming across as boastful. Instead of saying, “I’m the best,” provide balanced feedback that includes how you contribute to team success.
Sample answers to “How would your coworkers describe you?”
Example #1
“My colleagues would likely say that I’m meticulous with finances. For instance, when our department needed new software outside our budget cycle, they turned to me. I reviewed our expenses and identified savings that allowed us to purchase the software without affecting our annual financial goals.”
Example #2
“My team would describe me as punctual and a strong manager of time. I’m often the one who ensures meetings start and end on time. This habit has helped our team maintain productivity without missing deadlines, which I believe is crucial in any fast-paced environment.”
Example #3
“My supervisor would probably say I’m very self-sufficient. He knows he doesn’t need to micromanage me—I keep him updated on my projects and ask for input when necessary. This independence allows him to focus on more strategic issues, which would be beneficial in a role that requires managing multiple projects simultaneously.”
Be concise, be candid, and establish a connection between your positive traits and the qualifications for the job. These answers not only provide a clear picture of how you’re seen by others but also tie directly back to qualities that are valuable in any professional setting. Be ready to expand on these points with more examples if follow-up questions, like “What are your greatest strengths?” and “What are your biggest weaknesses?,” arise.