How to Answer “What Would Your Previous Boss Say About You?” with Sample Answers

In job interviews, it’s common for hiring managers to ask, “What would your previous boss say about you?”

This question offers insight into your work ethic, relationships with coworkers, and how you were perceived in your previous role.

Employers want to understand if you will fit into their team and culture based on how you performed previously.

Preparing a strategic response can make a positive impression and boost your chances of progressing in the hiring process.

Why do employers ask “What would your previous boss say about you?”

When hiring managers ask this question, they aim to evaluate your organizational skills, interpersonal abilities, and overall value as an employee.

Your response can provide a glimpse into how others view your work, making it a key component of interviews.

Employers are also testing your ability to reflect on past feedback and align it with the job description of the position you’re applying for.

Additionally, your answer can reveal how you handle relationships with supervisors—an important factor in any job interview strategy.

A well-crafted response demonstrates that you are self-aware and receptive to feedback, both critical attributes for the ideal candidate.

Steps to answer “What would your previous boss say about you?”

Steps to answer “What would your previous boss say about you?” in an interview include being honest, yet strategic, aligning your response with the job description, focusing on positive feedback, and preparing for follow-up questions.

Be honest, yet strategic

It’s essential to be truthful when answering this question, as your previous employer could be contacted during reference checks.

However, focus on highlighting your strengths or key achievements from your list of tasks.

Avoid exaggerating or embellishing, as this could raise red flags during the entire interview process.

Authenticity paired with strategic thinking will help build trust with the interviewer.

Align your response with the job description

Tailor your answer to the role you want. If you’re applying for a technical job, for example, mention attributes like problem-solving skills or attention to detail.

For customer-facing roles, focus on your communication abilities or empathy.

Highlighting attributes relevant to the forthcoming interview position ensures that your response makes a positive impression.

Focus on positive feedback

If you have performance reviews or feedback from your previous role, draw from these to provide concrete examples.

Specific praise your current manager or previous employer gave you, such as exceeding expectations or handling complex tasks, will make your answer more credible.

For instance, citing your administrative skills or business management accomplishments shows you’re backing up your statements with facts.

Prepare for follow-up questions

After you answer, the interviewer may ask for further details, such as, “Can you give an example?”

Be ready to expand on your response with specific stories that highlight your achievements.

By preparing examples, you demonstrate that you’re not only making claims but can also prove them—whether it’s a 30- or 60-minute interview period or an extended discussion.

Common mistakes to avoid when answering “What would your previous boss say about you?”

Common mistakes to avoid when answering “What would your previous boss say about you?” include being vague or too generic, negative or self-deprecating responses, and/or embellishments.

Avoid being vague or too generic

Statements like “They would say I’m hard-working” are too broad and won’t leave a lasting impression.

It’s crucial to back up these claims with examples that demonstrate your beneficial skills in action.

Use examples that align with the list of interview questions you anticipate in the upcoming interview.

Steer clear of negative or self-deprecating responses

While it’s important to be humble, this is not the time to downplay your skills.

Self-deprecating comments may reflect poorly on you during the interview scenario.

Instead, focus on the positive traits your boss would highlight, showcasing your contributions and skill level.

Don’t embellish or lie

Remember that employers can contact your previous employer for verification.

Misrepresenting yourself can harm your chances throughout the interview process.

Keep your answers realistic, so if your references are checked, they align with your statements.

Sample answers for “What would your previous boss say about you?”

For a candidate applying for a leadership position

“My current manager would describe me as a natural leader who is always willing to mentor and guide the team. During my last project, I stepped in as an interim project manager, leading a team of six to complete a product launch ahead of schedule. This role helped me develop strong problem-solving skills and taught me how to empower others to achieve their goals.”

For a candidate applying for a technical role

“My boss would likely say I’m incredibly detail-oriented and always focused on efficiency. In my previous role, I developed an automation system that reduced manual errors by 30%. This solution not only improved productivity but also demonstrated my strong technical skills, which are key in a developer interview.”

For a candidate applying for a customer-facing role

“They would say I’m empathetic and excellent at building client relationships. In one of my performance reviews, my boss highlighted how I consistently turned around unhappy customers, leading to increased retention. My ability to listen and respond effectively has always been a strong suit, essential for maintaining positive customer relations.”

For a candidate with little work experience

“Although I’m new to the workforce, my boss would describe me as a fast learner with great administration skills. They often pointed out how quickly I adapted to new processes and contributed to team goals. My eagerness to take on challenges and willingness to learn has been noted in feedback from my co-op role.”

Answering “What would your previous boss say about you?”

Answering this commonly-feared interview question is an opportunity to highlight your strengths while staying aligned with the job.

The best responses draw from past feedback and relate directly to the role you’re applying for.

By practicing your response, you can avoid the pitfalls of sounding overly rehearsed while ensuring you leave a positive impression.

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