Strengths & Weaknesses · UK 2026
How to answer "How would your colleagues describe you?"
Interviewers also phrase it as:
- "What would your team say about you?"
- "How would your peers characterise you?"
- "What would your manager say about you?"
Why interviewers ask
Tests self-awareness with a third-party framing. Strong answers describe specific, balanced characterisations — usually one strength + one limitation — with evidence (real feedback you've received). Weak answers default to flattering self-description ('they'd say I'm hard-working and helpful') without acknowledging that real colleagues describe people in mixed terms.
Model answer
I think they'd say two things. The strength most of them would name first is [specific behaviour — drawn from real feedback you've received]. They notice it most when [specific situation]. The honest limitation they'd add is [specific thing — also from real feedback]. Some people on my team would phrase it as [colleague's actual phrasing if you have it]. Both feel accurate to me; I work with the strength deliberately and I'm working on the limitation.
What to avoid (common bad answer)
They'd say I'm hard-working, reliable, and a good team player. (Three generic claims, no balance.) Or: My colleagues love working with me. (Empty self-praise.) Both fail.
Structure of a good answer
- 1 Strength + limitation framing (signals balance)
- 2 Each grounded in specific feedback you have actually received
- 3 A colleague's actual phrasing if you have it (lifts the answer)
- 4 Self-aware acknowledgement that both are true
- 5 Brief mention of working on the limitation
Common mistakes
- ✗ Pure flattery — colleagues describe people in mixed terms
- ✗ Limitations that are humblebrags ('they'd say I work too hard')
- ✗ Generic descriptors without evidence
- ✗ Strength without limitation — flags poor self-awareness
- ✗ Limitation that's a core requirement of the role
Recruiter pro tip
The strongest answers I've heard quote a colleague directly. 'My current manager said in my last review that I'm one of the most trustworthy operators on the team but that I can come across as abrupt in writing.' That direct quote signals genuine feedback engagement. Most candidates can't quote a colleague because they haven't had real feedback conversations.
FAQ
Should I mention specific colleagues by name? ▼
By role, not name — 'my current manager' or 'a peer engineer'.
What if I haven't had a recent performance review? ▼
Then use 1:1 feedback or peer feedback. If you have neither, that itself is a signal — start asking for it.
Should the limitation be the same as the 'biggest weakness' answer? ▼
Different angle is better. The weakness question is about your honest self-assessment; this is about how others see you.
Related interview questions
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