If I were to have a conversation about you with your previous employer, what would they say?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
How to Answer
Pro Tip
1st Answer Example
2nd Answer Example

This question tests how well you deal with stressful situations in real-time. Many who've had this question posed to them wonder if they've already conversed with their previous employer. If this question makes a candidate nervous, this will raise the question of how honest a candidate has been about their qualifications and accomplishments. If the interviewee comes across as confident and provides a notable answer that is consistent with the rest of the interview, then that may offer the interviewer greater confidence in what the candidate claims to offer.

In most states, previous employers will disclose very little about your previous employment and work history, out of the concern of defamation lawsuits resulting from heresy. Therefore, it is likely they do not know how you will answer. There is no need to feel nervous about this question. Answer with confidence, and stay on course with what you have to offer and contribute to Pfizer should they choose you to move forward to the next stage of the interview.

Exude confidence in your answer. Now is the time to display how well you cope with stressful situations. Don't ask them if they talked to your previous employers, or what they might have said.

"I have every confidence that they'd tell you the quality of my work is of the highest caliber. They'd say I am the posterchild of integrity, credibility, and that I'm innovative and open-minded. My old boss would look you in the eye and say, I'm the person you want on your team."

"They'd say I keep my head down and work hard. They'd probably say I'm a stealthy worker, quiet, contemplative, thoughtful, meditative, and the go-to clutch player on the team. They'd say if you needed something done fast and done right, that I'm your person."

How to Answer: If I were to have a conversation about you with your previous employer, what would they say?