Our acquaintances. What exactly do they know about us? Do they understand who we are, how we feel, and what we want out of life? Or are they merely familiar with some image, some idea about us that they developed in their thoughts and emotions based on their superficial interactions with us?
We could philosophize on the matter for hours, but that’s not why you came to this page. You came here to learn how to answer a difficult interview question, and I’m going to show you seven sample responses. Remember to read the notes and suggestions underneath the answers as well. They will assist you in selecting the best one for you and the interview.
7 examples of responses to the question “What three words would your friends use to describe you?” interview query
- Responsible, kind, and indecisive. My pals know me well, and we have shared many highs and lows. Perhaps what they like best about me is that they can rely on me in difficult times, that they can discuss their issues with me, and that I will always be there to listen and share their joys and sorrows. But, like any other woman, I struggle to make decisions about my conduct. That’s something they’d probably mention when characterizing me.
- Friendly, outgoing, and creative. I have a large number of friends and do not have difficulty making new ones. I can walk into a pub and start talking to random people. It’s one of the reasons I’m looking for work in the hotel industry. Instead of attempting to modify my nature—which is difficult for an adult to do—I strive to find a position where I can be myself and where both my employer and I can profit from my extroverted personality.
- I don’t have many close buddies. As a result, it’s difficult to predict how they’ll characterize me, or what three words they’ll use. Because we haven’t aad any difficult times together, each of them may have a different perspective. It’s impossible to see how people truly are unless we face challenges and leave our comfort zone… To the best of my knowledge, I can only state how I would define myself. Accountable, ambitious, and composed. Having stated that, I want to emphasize that I have no difficulty forming relationships. It just happened in such a way that I haven’t made any close pals yet. Maybe I’ll discover one among my new coworkers.
- Patient, receptive, and upbeat. I constantly strive to see the good in people and situations, and I believe my friends are aware of this trait. Is it a flaw or a strength? I’m not sure, and I certainly paid a lot for my naiveté more than once. At the same time, life is wonderful when you do not automatically question others and believe them to be nice, at least in the depths of their hearts, regardless of their acts.
- Contemplative, astute, and gloomy. True friends admire us not only for our qualities but also for our flaws. And, while I can surely fix practically any problem and assist them in repairing anything linked to technology, I have days when I just don’t feel well and it hurts to talk to me, and this is well known among my friends. However, if someone is a true friend, they will understand. They do the same for me as I respect them for who they are and do not try to choose only the nice things and days for them. My friendships make me very joyful. Another thing I’d like to mention at this point is that I can overcome my negative attitude at work. When I’m at work I concentrate on the task at hand and do not think about anything else. I am moody at times, but it has no negative effect on my performance at work.
- To be honest, I’m not sure they’d come up with the correct words. Because I am very obnoxious and do not communicate my emotions to others. So I may appear to be fine, and it is enjoyable to be around me, or at least everything appears to be fine, while deep inside I suffer, or at the very least do not agree with what is going on around me. This is one of the reasons I’m applying for a mechanic job. I can concentrate on the machines and try to repair things here because I don’t have to interact with many people.
- Best pal ever. That’s how I’d like to be described. I try to be sensitive to my friends’ needs, be present when they need me the most, and accept them for who they are. I am also open to any type of action. They can rely on me in both good and bad times, and they like trying new things. However, only they know how they see my behavior and what they truly think of me and my acts.
In an ideal response, combine praise with criticism.
Finally, it’s impossible to say how someone would define us. Hiring managers understand that you are largely telling them what you think about yourself, your strengths and flaws as a human being and as a friend.
Show them that you see yourself completely, with all of your talents and weaknesses. Combining two positives and one negative (or slightly negative) trait is possibly the best way to answer this issue. Of course, you shouldn’t choose something that will be an obvious turn-off in the interview.
Always try to elaborate on your response and make references to your work.
Three words are hardly much, and interviewers may easily misinterpret your response. Being attentive, for example, might mean many different things to different people. However, after you explain that you are sensitive to your friend’s needs and that you always attempt to understand and support them, the meaning of the statement becomes crystal evident.
Furthermore, expanding on the three terms allows you to demonstrate to the interviewers how your attributes can benefit you in your new employment. To use the same example, being sensitive to the needs and feelings of others is a big asset in sales, customer service, or social work.
Most interviewers will recognize the link, but making it easier for them will only benefit you in the interviews.
They will not contact your pals.
You don’t have to be concerned about what your friends think of you. In 99% of circumstances, hiring supervisors will not contact your pals to compare your interview response to reality. That is simply not how recruitment works.
They may contact a former colleague or employer to acquire comments on your abilities and work attitude. However, this is more of a reference check and has little to do with this specific interview question.
Alternative question: What do your family and friends think you do well?
Both the employment interview and the school admissions interview are always evolving. Because everyone is very well prepared for the “What are your strengths?” inquiry, hiring managers and interviewers try to shake things up a little. However, they are asking about the same thing with this inquiry. When you tell them what your family and friends think you do well, you are telling them what your strengths are—from your perspective. That is precisely how you should handle this subject.
Consider your strengths and how they connect to the position you are attempting to obtain. Then you can state that your family, friends, boyfriend, girlfriend, or whoever thinks you do A, B, or C well. It could be communication, presentation, math, team leadership, or an activity such as teaching, sketching, singing, designing, or creating… Simply choose something that is at least marginally relevant to the work. And, if you want to make the interviewers chuckle, you can always remark that your buddies believe you make good coffee—or anything like that:).
Interviewers pay attention to more than simply your words.
What you say in an interview should, at the very least, relate to what they observe. Let me provide an example. They would not trust you if you claimed to be a great listener and then struggled to remember the interviewers’ questions, frequently interrupted them, or failed to speak to the point. They would no longer regard you as trustworthy. That would be the end of your chances in any employment interview.
Please keep it in mind. It is always preferable to remain humble rather than talk about your abilities and how terrific you are. Say less and then positively surprise them with your behavior and reactions during the interview. That is the only way to succeed.
