How to Answer: What is the kindest thing a boss has ever said to you? How did the compliment make you feel, and did you agree with the praise?
5. What is the kindest thing a boss has ever said to you? How did the compliment make you feel, and did you agree with the praise?
The Goal
The interviewer wants to know if you can accept positive feedback. They also want to hear about your most significant strengths from the perspective of a former employer. The first goal of your response is to show that you are appropriately humble, coachable, and responsive to positive praise. The second goal of your answer is to highlight a compliment focused on a specific strength that you know is important to this role.
Written by Rachelle Enns on March 16th, 2022
What to Avoid
Avoid sounding too modest or humble when you respond. Remember - the interviewer wants to know if you are the type of person capable of seeing your strengths. It's good to be a humble person, but it's also essential to graciously accept people's kind words about you and your work ethic.
Written by Rachelle Enns on March 16th, 2022
Pro Tip
This question is another way for the interviewer to discover your greatest strengths. Since this question aims to find out the best qualities that others see in you, be prepared to talk about a compliment that spotlights a skill or strength that you know is important for the hiring company to see in their next hire.
Written by Rachelle Enns on March 16th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I recently completed a client project one week ahead of schedule. My client was so impressed that they wrote me a glowing review online that my company published on its website. The review discussed my prompt communication, phone and email etiquette, and strong organization and time management skills. I agreed with the praise, and it felt wonderful to have my hard work recognized. It can be hard for me to accept compliments at times. I am a naturally humble person; however, it does feel nice to earn verbal recognition for a job well done."
Written by Rachelle Enns on March 16th, 2022
2nd Answer Example
"The nicest thing a boss has ever said to me was that they could wholeheartedly trust me to do my work autonomously. I did agree with the praise. I am a very focused individual. I take pride in everything I do, whether the task is large or small. This compliment meant a lot to me and motivated me to continue delivering my utmost work, even when nobody was around to see the effort."
Written by Rachelle Enns on March 16th, 2022
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
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The praise I totally agreed with, I work really hard and made me feel so good that my work is what was expected and that I went above and beyond. I knew I was a great fit for this team."
Cindy's Feedback
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The first time when my IGT Business leader visited my site he made comments and same time asked questions. "I travel from airport to your site and I saw total chaos on the roads. Once I enter your site, the site looks like a perfect German factory. How do you drive this transformation to excellence in building this culture?"
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