During your interview, the hiring manager will ask certain questions to determine if you embellished any of the qualifications on your resume or application. They are using this information to help them determine if you are the perfect candidate for the job.
Employers want to know how others perceive you so they can learn more about your personality, your ability to work with others and if you are a people-oriented person who can communicate effectively with others.
Points to Emphasize
When answering this question, be sure to emphasize any personality traits, skills and experiences that are relevant to the position you are applying for.
• Talk about your communication skills and how you use them to interact and collaborate with your coworkers.
• Emphasize your leadership skills and experiences.
• Don't forget to include information about your work and lifestyle balance as it pertains to the role you are applying for.
• Simply point out the skills and attributes that your friends would point out about you and how they pertain to the position.
Employers want someone who can answer the question and get straight to the point.
Mistakes You Should Avoid
Don't rush while answering this question and be considerate. You never know if the person interviewing you is going to be your future manager or supervisor.
• Do not waste time reminiscing about every experience you've had with your friends.
• Be specific and keep your responses relevant to the position.
• Be confident and remain professional at all times. This includes your demeanor, attitude, gestures, and language.
• Do not get caught up in reliving every moment of your experiences with your friends.
Tell the truth and be honest. Do not put yourself in a position where your credibility is in question.
Sample Answer
Don't overthink your response to the question. A good answer would be:
My friends would say that I am very persistent in going after what I want. When I worked as a program director, I experienced a lot of rejection when recruiting others to sign on as sponsors and contributors for different company programs and events. Although this is something to be expected, I did not let those rejections deter me from achieving my goals. I kept asking contacting and pursuing old and new clients with new and improved presentations and proposals until they said yes. I know that you have to work at some things, be persistent and be prepared to encounter a few rejections before you get the response you are looking for.
Get straight to the point and always try to use a good example to highlight what your friends would say and how it pertains to the position.
