How would your previous employer describe you in one word?
If you have a letter of recommendation or performance review, you can see how your previous employer described you as an employee. The interviewer asks this question to see what top characteristic your previous employer would use to describe you to understand your greatest strength. When you share that one word, the interviewer can see if your top trait will benefit their organization.
Review the job announcement and find the keywords the company used in the job description to describe their ideal security manager. Suppose the job posting says they are looking for a Security Manager who has a strong work ethic, is honest, reliable, and has exceptional communication skills. In that case, you would choose one of those keywords in your response.
The interviewer will call your previous employer for a reference, so avoid using a word that your previous employer would not use to describe you. You should also avoid using a word that the interviewer might deem unprofessional for the position you are interviewing. For example, suppose you were constantly playing pranks at your former job, and your previous employer would say you are a jokester or prankster. In that case, the interviewer will feel that you may not be the best candidate for the position of Security Manager.
"My previous employer would describe me as honest. She knew she could rely on me to do what I said I was going to do, to show up to work on time every day, and keep my word at all times. She trusted me with sensitive documents and large amounts of money and knew I would never steal."
"In my letter of recommendation, my previous employer described me as a person with exceptional interpersonal skills. He said I was able to work with diverse teams, was patient, and provided valuable feedback and ideas to the organization. He recommended me for any position I applied to. I have a copy of the letter if you would like to have it for your file."
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