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Typical Interview Questions and Answers: ‘Describe
Yourself’

Posted on February 5th, 2010 in

Frequently asked interview questions and answers

Some of the most

common job interview questions

are the ‘describe yourself’, ‘describe your boss’, ‘describe

your deal job’ and ‘describe your management style’

.

This article provides the best answers for these typical job interview questions.
You can find more frequently asked questions reading the articles located in the topic –

frequestly asked

interview questions and answers

.

The article is divided to 4 parts:

Typical Interview Questions and Best Answers

1. How to Answer the ‘Describe Yourself’ interview question

An important question that is asked during a job interview is the ‘How Would You Describe Yourself’ question.
When asking this question, the interviewer tries to find out what the interviewee thinks about himself/herself. It
is very important that the interviewee answers this question in a manner that is logical without bragging or

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lessening his/her value.

In many cases, the interviewer can also phrase the question as ‘tell us 3 words to describe yourself’ or ‘give us
3 adjectives to describe yourself’.

In such a situation you can use positive words that bring about your most positive characteristics.
The words that you can use are: “Hardworking, loyal, quick learner, well adjust to changes, efficient team
player, multi tasking, self-motivated and self confident”
The answer should also be ground in solid logic and should reference professional achievements.
Refer to the article –

what is your greatest achievement

.

Another good answer to this question is, “I would describe myself as a professional who is easy to get along
with, and who can handle stressful situations and a heavy

load.”

Further reading – “

examples of strengths and weaknesses

”

2. Typical interview question: ‘Describe Your Boss’?

Describing your manager or your boss is another tricky question that is generally asked by most of the
interviewers.
Basically, these are not questions, but ways to gauge your comfort level in discussing your previous jobs, as well
as a way to evaluate your experiences at your previous place of

.

If you show signs of complete dissatisfaction, the interviewer may think that you need the job desperately and it
might reflect negatively toward your candidacy and/or

package.

Therefore, if you are asked to describe your boss, you should answer the question in the most diplomatic manner
that is possible.
You can answer the question like this:
“My manager/boss was a good combination of professionalism and the personal touch. Having risen from the
entry level of an employee, he knew most of the problems that employees faced. He was a good leader and had
strong communication skills. He motivated me to come up with new ideas and always provided helpful feedback.
He always set, changed, evaluated and monitored our work goals to improve our bottom line and I learned a lot
from him”
The next questions could be – so, why do you want to leave

?

Read further –

why did you leave your current job

?

3. Typical interview question: How would you describe your ideal job?

While this question may seem inconsequential at the time of the interview, this one can actually keep you apart
from others who share the same educational qualifications or even have the same experience.

If asked about your ideal job, you should ensure the interviewer that you wish to have a

that gives you

professional progress as well as creative satisfaction, along with providing a stability that is required by every
person.

Your answer to this question should be:
“I would describe the ideal job as a job that makes the most of my qualifications and abilities, and gives me a
chance to constantly challenge myself. I look for a stable job with quality supervision, a positive work culture at
a successful company that will encourage me to work at my best.”
Other good answers to the ‘dream job’ interview question could be:
• A job that provides opportunity to learn, progress and contribute to the organization.
• A teamwork-oriented environment in a company that empowers employees to create and take initiatives.
• A job that my skills are utilized to the maximum and allows me to grow within the organization.

4. How would you describe your management style?

work

employment

salary

your job

job

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This question is generally asked to interviewees who are applying for executive positions or managerial jobs.
However, in some companies, this question may be asked to everyone, simply because they wish to know
whether some professional who is joining at a lower level has the potential to manage a team.

The correct answer to this question would be:
“I work to inspire and motivate teamwork for achieving goals and influence valuable changes. I am always open
to new ideas coming from team members. I consult with them frequently and encourage and support independent
thinking. I believe in establishing an open discussion for decision-making. I recognize the skills of key team
members and utilize their strengths to the benefit of the team.”

The questions can be phrased: “please describe your management experience”. Find the best answers reading the
articles:

work experience question

and

tell me about yourself

.

You may find good information reading the article –

what makes a good team leader

?

The findings of extensive research on what makes a team effective point to the fact that: teams that have the
talent and skills to manage themselves do better.
This means a dominate team leader doesn’t seem to lead to consistent and better performance – it’s the
organizational support makes a difference.
Therefore, a good team leader should design and support/balance the talent of the individuals to work together in
harmony so that the team ends up managing itself…

If you are looking for management positions read:
•

What makes a good team leader

?

•

Leadership interview

•

The difference between a manager and a leader

And other articles located in

Management Skills Interview

topic .

See More About:

Job Interview Qustions and Answers

&

Job Interview Tips

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1.

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Read a review of a Job Interview Guide

Click here for a Review…

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