"What would your previous manager say about you?" answer template (A2, B1, B2)
How to use this template
Choose the level that fits your English and fill every blank with a true detail from your own work, in 3 parts: Their words, Why and Honest note. Plan your example on the STAR worksheet, tick the checklist, then say the answer out loud.
A2 template: simple English
Short sentences, one idea in each. Good if your English is basic or you feel nervous.
- Their words: My manager would say I am ________ (word 1) and ________ (word 2).
- Why: This is because I ________ (what they saw).
- Honest note: My manager also said I can improve ________ (area). Now I ________ (action).
B1 template: linked sentences
Joins your ideas with because, and, then and so. Good for most interviews.
- Their words: I think my last manager would say I am ________ (word 1) and ________ (word 2).
- Why: They would say ________ (word 1) because I ________ (what they saw), and ________ (word 2) because ________ (reason).
- Honest note: In my last review they asked me to improve ________ (area), so I ________ (action).
B2 template: fuller answer
Adds a reason, a result and a little more detail. Use it if you can say it without reading.
- Their words: If you asked my previous manager, I expect they would describe me as ________ (word 1), ________ (word 2) and ________ (word 3).
- Why: That comes from ________ (what they saw), and my last review mentioned ________ (specific feedback).
- Honest note: They also encouraged me to work on ________ (area), which I have done by ________ (action).
STAR worksheet: plan your example
Your answer needs one true example. Plan it here in notes, not full sentences, then use it in the "Why" part of the template.
Situation
A moment at work when this strength was needed.
Task
What you had to do in that moment.
Action
What you did that shows the strength. Write the verbs: I checked, I organised, I explained.
Result
What happened, and who noticed.
Checklist before you say it
Tick each point when it is true for your answer.
- Their words: Choose two or three words your previous manager would really use about you.
- Why: Give the reason behind each word: something your manager saw you do, or feedback from a review.
- Honest note: If it is true, add one thing your manager asked you to improve and what you did.
- Avoided: Saying things your manager would not confirm. The employer may call them for a reference.
- Out loud: I said the whole answer out loud, with only true details, in about one minute or less.
A finished answer to compare
This is one way a retail assistant might answer. Compare it with your template: the same parts, with real details. Do not copy it.
Retail Assistant answer
My store manager would say I am trustworthy and good with customers. She trusted me to cash up and close the store on my own. She also told me to ask for help sooner when the queue gets long, and now I call for a second till before it builds up.
Learn more about this question
- How to answer "What would your previous manager say about you?" — the short answer, the steps, mistakes and phrases
- Template: What is your greatest strength?
- Template: What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- All answer templates
- Example answers for your job: Care Worker · Hospitality Staff · Kitchen Porter · Barista · Hotel Receptionist · Retail Assistant · Warehouse Operative · Delivery Driver · Customer Service Advisor
Questions people ask
Should I learn the template answer by heart?
No. Learn the order of the 3 parts (Their words, Why and Honest note) and your own details, then say it in your own words. A memorised answer can sound flat, and an interviewer may ask a follow-up question.
Which level should I use for "What would your previous manager say about you?"?
Use the level you can say without reading. If you are not sure, start with A2, say it out loud twice, and move to B1 when it feels easy. A short, clear answer is better than a long one that is hard to follow.
How do I print this template?
Use the Print or save as PDF button near the top of the page, or your browser's print menu. Only the template is printed, without the menus and buttons.
Practise this answer aloud
Say your answer to "What would your previous manager say about you?" out loud or type it, and see what an interviewer may notice and what to fix first. Free to start, no card needed.