How will your co-workers describe you question

I think this question is overthought. Most candidates turn it into a list of nice adjectives, but interviewers are really trying to understand how you show up in a team.

A good answer is something your coworkers would actually say behind your back.

For me, the best answers are concrete and work-related, for example:

• “Structured” – because I tend to bring order when things are messy
• “Reliable under pressure” – because I deliver even when timelines are tight
• “Direct but fair” – because I am honest in discussions and feedback, without politics

What matters is not the words themselves, but whether you can explain why they are true with simple examples.

I would avoid generic personality traits like “kind,” “hard-working,” or “caring.” They are not bad traits, but they do not differentiate you in a consulting interview.

That is a fantastic observation. You are right that this question is showing up constantly, and it’s a critical self-awareness check that separates generic candidates from those who truly understand team dynamics at a firm.

The issue isn't that your adjectives are "bad"—"detailed-oriented" and "inclusive" are fine traits—but they are generic when delivered alone. An MBB interview is not grading you on the word itself; they are grading you on the evidence you provide. When they ask for three words, they are requiring you to deliver three mini-stories that validate the core consulting competencies (Impact, Team Leadership, and Execution).

The best approach is to choose traits that align with how consultants generate value and immediately anchor them with a short, high-impact anecdote. Instead of "detailed-oriented," which is a baseline expectation, use words that show strategic rigor and impact, like Rigorous, Force Multiplier, or Calm Under Pressure.

Here is the strategic delivery structure: Trait 1 (Impact-focused). "They would describe me as [Rigorous]. I say this because I am the person who consistently catches the subtle model assumptions that change the overall client recommendation." Trait 2 (Leadership/Team). "They would also say I am a [Force Multiplier]. I focus on coaching the junior team members to speed up their analysis so the team hits its deadlines early, not just on time." Trait 3 (Delivery/Execution). "Finally, they would call me [Direct]. When we are off track, I cut through the noise quickly to propose the necessary pivot." That approach tells the reviewer exactly how you contribute to a successful engagement.

Hope it helps!

This question is about self-awareness. Interviewers want to know if you understand how others see you.

The words you listed are too generic. "Detail-oriented" and "great work ethic" could describe anyone.

Pick words that show how you actually work. Then give a quick example.

Don't just say "empathetic." Say "I'm the person people come to when things get messy. Three colleagues have asked me to help sort out team conflicts."

Don't just say "detail-oriented." Say "I'm obsessed with getting the small things right. My manager told me I'm the only person she trusts to send work to clients without checking it."

Follow this structure: Your word + proof + why it helps in consulting.

Don't use words that sound like hidden weaknesses. "Perfectionist" or "brutally honest" can hurt you.

Ask yourself: if someone called your colleagues right now, what would they actually say? Start there.

Any answer is good as long as it comes across as genuine and can then be supported by evidence. If it has clear parallels to the sort of skills that are critical in consulting, then even better. 

But oftentimes these questions are more of a vibe-check rather than a skill-check. They want to get a sense of how you approach the question, how genuine you are and how effective you are at backing up your claims. 

Best,
Cristian

Hey,
This is a common question! Your words like "empathetic" or "detail-oriented" are perfectly fine. In consulting interviews, almost any positive trait can work—but only if you immediately back it up with a short, specific story. The story is what makes you memorable and credible. Think of a trait that genuinely fits you and is useful in consulting, like being calm under pressure, resourceful, or a great simplifier. Then, in 1-2 sentences, give a real example. 

For example:

A colleague called me resourceful. To validate a market trend, I once reached out to my alumni network instead of just doing desk research, which gave us unique insights.

Think of it: trait - concrete example - result.

Hope this helps and good luck in your interviews!

Kateryna

Hi there,

This is a very common question and you’re right to be careful with it. There’s nothing wrong with the words you’re using, but on their own they can sound generic unless they feel clearly true to how you actually show up at work.

What interviewers really want to hear is how others experience you day to day. So instead of worrying about finding unusual words, focus on picking two or three traits that people genuinely give you feedback on, and be ready to explain them briefly. For example, “empathetic” works well if you can explain how that shows up in practice, like adjusting your communication or supporting teammates under pressure.

It also helps to balance your traits. One about how you work, like reliable or structured, one about how you work with others, like collaborative or calm, and one about your mindset, like proactive or thoughtful. That usually feels more real than listing many positives.

If the words sound like something a colleague would actually say about you in a meeting or feedback session, you’re on the right track.

Best,
Evelina

Hi!

your answers are good! Make sure you have examples prepared for further questions - this makes sure that the words are authenthic for you.

In general, I would just recycle your strengths / weaknesses - it is basically the same question in a different wording! (also: what would your friends say / former team lead). 

Also make sure you have one weakness prepared colleagues would mention! :)

Alessa :)

Hi there,

There is no one perfect answer to this. As long as you are honest and if they probe further, you can elaborate why then it should be good enough. By pivoting away from the truth, you are at risk of answering something that's considered generic.

Here's how to address this. 

Have a story ready on how you perform in a team setting or how you helped out a peer.

You mention 2-3 things that people would say about you - and then you use that story to illustrate why they say that.