When interviewing for a new job many times interviewer panel asks this question “How would your boss describe you?”, well in this blog we will help you to formulate your answer and also understand the physiology of why the interviewer asks this question. We will also provide some sample answers for “How would your boss describe you?”.
Table of Contents
Why does the interviewer ask, “How would your boss describe you?”
Your boss’s opinion of you is important for several reasons. First, it can give the interviewer some insight into your work ethic and how well you get along with authority figures. Additionally, your boss’s opinion can speak to your ability to take direction and work well within a team.
How to answer “How would your boss describe you?”
There are a few key things you should keep in mind when answering this question:
- Be honest.
- Keep it positive.
- Avoid criticism of your boss or previous employers.
You need to show your employer that you are a positive, hard-working individual who is able to take direction and work well within a team. Below are some of the positive descriptions you can use to formulate your answer.
Great problem solver
If you can focus on what’s going wrong in a difficult topic rather than why it’s going wrong, you’re already well on your way to being a great problem solver. So much can be done with this method that, many times, the best ideas come from people who aren’t experts in the field at all. Their way of thinking is often so different that they can find solutions that others might never have thought of.
This means you don’t have to be a genius engineer working on an innovative product or technology to develop better ways of doing things. Sometimes, the most revolutionary ideas come from that outside of the industry. For example, how many products do you know of that were invented by someone completely unrelated to their industry?
Perhaps some solar lanterns? Or maybe something a bit more high-tech like super-thin smartphone screens? Surprisingly enough, these advancements were made possible because people looked at these problems from a new perspective and got creative when it came time for them to solve them.
Easy-going attitude
You won’t succeed in business if you can’t handle stress. If you’re the type to panic or break down when things don’t go as planned, you’ll create extra work for yourself and others. The best employees are calm and level-headed, even when under pressure.
When we say “easy-going,” you shouldn’t sweat the small stuff. Your boss might have to explain himself or apologize after making a mistake; it doesn’t help anyone if he’s met with eye-rolling and exasperated sighs from his subordinates.
Helpful to coworkers
If you have time to spare and a coworker needs help, your boss would appreciate it if you went over to their desk and offered them assistance with whatever they were doing. A good way to show your willingness to help is to ask, “Can I do anything for you?” Even if someone doesn’t need assistance at the moment, they’ll know that they can come to you when they’re in a jam.
One of the main reasons bosses like helping coworkers is because it shows that you’re a team player and can be relied on when needed. It also demonstrates that you care about other people’s success rather than your own.
Makes time for people.
When you make time for people, bosses notice. Whether it’s a quick email reply, an impromptu time to chat about a project, or having lunch with a colleague who needs advice, being available makes people feel like they can trust you. You have demonstrated that their time is as important to you as yours. They feel taken care of and valued.
Imagine the potential impact on your team if everyone was consistently available to each other and their colleagues in other departments? There would be no confusion about roles, expectations, or priorities—everyone would be on the same page and headed in the same direction.
You’re already setting an example: make sure that example is one of compassionate leadership.
Initiative Taker
Taking the initiative is a trait that bosses expect from all employees in the workplace. This quality comes with a multitude of benefits. It shows your boss that you can observe problems and find solutions on your own instead of always being told what to do.
Taking the initiative also shows that you’re proactive and want to see yourself and your company succeed. You can show off this desirable skill by giving examples like how you were able to improve a work process or save money or time while staying on top of your other responsibilities.
Your boss will be impressed that they don’t have to come up with ideas for you but instead has to guide them along when they come from you!
Self Motivated
Self-motivation is one of the most important traits to have as a professional. It means that you are willing and able to push yourself forward even when no one else supports you. For example, if you’re self-motivated, you might attend professional development seminars on your own time rather than waiting until someone tells you to go.
It brings a sense of humor to the office, and everyone loves being around.
The first thing to note is that you don’t want to become the office clown. Everyone needs a laugh, but no one wants to feel like an extra on the set of Saturday Night Live. You also don’t have to be funny all the time—just bringing moments of fun into the workplace can be enough.
Injecting humor into your day can even help make you friends at work. From friendly banter during a water cooler break to sharing funny stories at a team lunch, having laughter in your work environment makes it more fun and enjoyable.
Generally wonderful
Regardless of what your boss says, you want them to think of you as a positive employee and all-around good person. If they say something negative, try not to get defensive or make excuses.
Often, their assessment will be based on opinion rather than fact, so instead, use it as an opportunity to see how they view you and what you might be able to work on. You don’t have to be perfect or do everything exactly by the book for your boss to like you—but if there’s something that needs improvement or if you’re wondering whether there’s anything that could help boost your performance at work, ask your boss for feedback is one way to find out.
How would your boss describe you? Answers
In Short
Some possible answers to this question could include:
- Dedicated, hardworking, and always willing to lend a helping hand.
- A good listener who can also take the initiative and develop creative solutions.
- A team player who is always looking out for the company’s best interests.
- A positive person who brings a sense of humor to the workplace.
- Easy to work with and always willing to go the extra mile.
Explanation
Answer 1
“My boss has told me that I am one of her most reliable employees. She knows that she can count on me to get my work done, and she trusts me to take on additional responsibilities when needed. She also appreciates my positive attitude and sense of humor.”
Answer 2
“My employer has described me as dedicated, hardworking, and always willing to lend a helping hand. He knows that he can rely on me to get the job done, and he appreciates my willingness to go above and beyond what is expected.”
Answer 3
“My boss has told me that I am a good listener and that I can take the initiative when needed. He also said that I work well as part of a team and always have the company’s best interests at heart.”
Answer 4
“I once had an employer who described me as easy to work with and always willing to go the extra mile. He said that I was always upbeat, even in challenging situations.”
Answer 5
“My current boss has told me that I bring a lot of energy and enthusiasm to my work. He appreciates my dedication to the job and my willingness to take on new challenges. He also enjoys my sense of humor and thinks it makes the workplace more enjoyable for everyone.”
These are all great qualities that your boss is likely to appreciate! If you can think of any other examples from your own experience, include them as well.