Question forms part of
Civil Service Question Bank
Project Manager Question & Answer Sheet
Other interview questions that are similar
- How would your colleagues describe you?
- How would your previous manager or supervisor describe you?
- How do you think others perceive you in a team setting?
- How would your family members describe you?
- What three words would your best friend use to describe you?
- How do your coworkers benefit from your presence in the workplace?
- If I were to ask your teammates about your strengths and weaknesses, what would they say?
- What personal qualities do you think are most important for success in this role?
- Can you give an example of a time when you received constructive criticism? How did you react and what did you learn from it?
- How do you handle conflicts or disagreements with colleagues or team members?
What the interviewer is looking for by asking this question
There are probably an infinite number of questions that the interviewer could ask you on the day. Some questions are incredibly common appearing in almost every interview you will have, while other questions you might hear once and never again regardless of how many jobs you apply for.
Fundamentally though all interview questions are really trying to find out one of 3 things:
1 – Can you do the job? (Do you have the skills/experience needed?)
2 – Will you do the job? (Do you have the drive/motivation to get the job done?)
3 – Will you fit in? (Does your personality match the workplace culture? Are you likeable?)
That’s it. Those are the 3 things that the interviewer is trying to ascertain. Every question that is asked of you will fundamentally be trying to resolve one (or more) of these 3 things.
So, let’s take a closer look at the interview question, “How would your close friends describe you?” and see how it relates to one or more of the things the interviewer is trying to find out.
When asking this question, the interviewer is primarily focused on the third point – “Will you fit in?” By understanding how your close friends perceive you, the interviewer can gain insights into your personality, values, and interpersonal skills. This information can help them determine whether your personality will align well with the company culture and if you’ll be a good fit within the team.
Moreover, your answer to this question may also provide some indirect information related to the first two points – “Can you do the job?” and “Will you do the job?” For example, if your friends describe you as detail-oriented, it could indicate that you have the skills needed for a position that requires attention to detail. Similarly, if your friends see you as highly motivated and passionate, it suggests that you have the drive to get the job done.
How Best To Answer ‘How would your close friends describe you?’
To provide a well-structured answer to the interview question “How would your close friends describe you?”, consider the following approach:
- Start with a brief introduction: Begin by acknowledging the question and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share insights about yourself from your close friends’ perspectives.
Example: “That’s an interesting question! My close friends know me very well, and their perspective can provide valuable insight into my personality.”
- Choose relevant attributes: Select 3-4 attributes or qualities that your close friends would use to describe you, ensuring they are relevant to the job and company culture.
Example: “My close friends would likely describe me as adaptable, reliable, and a good listener.”
- Provide examples: For each attribute, briefly explain why your friends would describe you that way and, if possible, share a specific example or story that illustrates the quality in action.
Example: “They would describe me as adaptable because I’m always open to change and enjoy learning new things. For instance, when our group had to quickly switch to remote work due to the pandemic, I was among the first to embrace the change and help others adapt. They would also say I’m reliable because I’m always there for them when they need support, whether it’s lending a listening ear or assisting with a project. Lastly, they appreciate my ability to listen attentively and provide thoughtful feedback during conversations, which has helped strengthen our friendships over the years.”
- Connect to the job and company culture: Briefly explain how these qualities make you a strong fit for the role and the organization.
Example: “I believe these qualities, such as adaptability, reliability, and strong listening skills, will help me excel in this role and contribute positively to the team dynamic and overall company culture.”
- Wrap up: Conclude your response by reiterating your enthusiasm for the role and expressing confidence in your ability to meet the job requirements.
Example: “I’m excited about the opportunity to bring these qualities to your team and am confident they will serve me well in achieving success in this role.”
By following this structure, you can provide a well-rounded, organized, and impactful answer that showcases your personality and your fit for the job and company culture.
What You Should NOT Do When Answering Questions
Do not avoid the question.
Do not describe a failure (unless specifically asked).
Do not downplay the situation.
Do not overhype the situation.
Do not say you have no experience with the subject matter.
Do not reject the premise of the question.
Do not have a passive role in the situation.
Do not give a one-sentence answer.
Do not overly describe the scenario and miss the action
How would your close friends describe you? – Example answers
Reliable & Honest Answer
Innovative and Hard-working Answer
“Thank you for asking that question. My close friends often describe me as innovative and hardworking, as well as a team player and a problem-solver.
They’ve seen my innovative side through various personal and professional projects, such as when I developed a new solution to automate a time-consuming task at my previous job, ultimately improving our team’s efficiency. My hardworking nature is evident in my dedication to achieving goals and consistently delivering high-quality results, even during tight deadlines.
My friends also appreciate my team player attitude, as I’m always willing to collaborate, share knowledge, and help others succeed. As a problem-solver, I take pride in tackling complex challenges and finding effective solutions.
I believe these qualities – being innovative, hardworking, a team player, and a problem-solver – will greatly contribute to this role and align well with the company’s values. I’m eager to apply these strengths to help drive success within the organization.”
Other Interview Question and Answers
79 Civil Service Interview Questions (And Example Answers)
94 Project Manager Interview Questions (And Example Answers)
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