How to Answer: What three words would your former employer use to describe you?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a FBI job interview.
3. What three words would your former employer use to describe you?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer asks this question to see if you have the qualities they are looking for. To answer this question, review a letter of recommendation or job performance review from your former employer and choose three words that align with the FBI's requirements. The knowledge, skills, and abilities required for this position are listed under the FBI Intelligence Analyst candidate information on the FBI website. There are multiple skills listed, including professionalism, excellent communication skills, analytical thinking, detail-oriented, dependability, collaboration, and adaptability.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 25th, 2022
What to Avoid
Avoid using three words that do not align with the FBI's requirements. For example, suppose you say your previous employer would describe you as comical, consistently tardy, and prone to forgetfulness. In that case, the interviewer will question if you have the qualities they are looking for in an Intelligence Analyst.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 25th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"My former employer provided me with a letter of recommendation when I left, and she described me as a dependable team player with excellent communication skills. She said she could always count on me to show up and complete assignments before their deadline while adding valuable skills to the team. She also said that I have excellent written and verbal communication skills and would highly recommend me for any position I apply to."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 25th, 2022
2nd Answer Example
"In my last performance review, my supervisor described me as an analytical thinker with exceptional interpersonal and problem-solving skills. He described me as an employee who could take complex assignments and present them clearly and concisely while working with diverse teams. He said my problem-solving skills added value to the organization, and he suggested I should consider promoting to a leadership position."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 25th, 2022
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