How would your former employer describe you in three words?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Focus Your Answer On
What to Avoid
Entry Level Example
Answer Example
Experienced Example

The interviewer asks this question to see how others view you in the workplace. They want to hear the top three qualities that your former employer would use to describe you to know if you will be an excellent asset to their team. Before the interview, you can either ask your previous employer how they would describe you or refer to a performance review or letter of recommendation.

Review the job announcement before your interview and look at the keywords the organization used to describe its perfect candidate. Then, choose three words that you believe your former employer would use to describe you that align with the keywords used in the job description. You want the interviewer to know that you have the characteristics they are looking for in a Court Clerk.

Avoid using words that are not in the job description. Suppose the job announcement says the organization is looking for a detail-oriented Court Clerk who has strong organizational skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills, is positive, proactive, and is a professional team player. In that case, you should avoid using words that are not in the job description or not relevant to the position.

"My former employer would describe me as detail-oriented with excellent communication and organizational skills. He said he could assign me any task and know I would complete it on time and with the utmost professionalism."

"When I reviewed a letter of recommendation I received from my former employer, she described me as a positive, detail-oriented, and professional team player who can work with any team member I was assigned. She wrote that I was a pleasure to work with, and she highly recommends me for any position I am seeking."

"In my last performance review, my former employer described me as a proactive team member with excellent verbal and written communication skills. She said I was extremely professional and recommended me for a leadership position when one opened up."