What’s the biggest misconception your coworkers have about you and why

Introduction

The question “What’s the biggest misconception your coworkers have about you, and why do they think that?” is designed to assess your self-awareness and how you perceive others’ perceptions of you.

Why Interviewers Ask This Question

Interviewers ask this to:

• Understand your self-awareness and ability to reflect on how others view you.
• Gauge your interpersonal skills and how you handle misunderstandings.
• Assess how you navigate workplace relationships and perceptions.

How to Answer the Question

1. Choose a Misconception: Select a common misconception that you’ve encountered, but avoid anything that could cast you in a negative light.
2. Provide Context: Explain the situation or behaviors that led to this misconception.
3. Explain Resolution: Discuss how you addressed or clarified this misconception.
4. Focus on Positive Aspects: Turn the misconception into an opportunity to highlight positive traits or skills.

Example Answer

“In my previous role, some coworkers initially thought I was reserved or unapproachable due to my quiet nature during meetings. This was mainly because I prefer to listen and process information before speaking. I recognized this misconception and made an effort to be more vocal about my thoughts in meetings. I also started engaging more with my colleagues during breaks. This not only dispelled their misconceptions but also allowed me to form stronger connections with the team.”

Takeaway Messages

• Self-Reflection and Awareness: Demonstrate your ability to understand and reflect on how others perceive you.
• Positive Traits and Adaptability: Highlight the positive aspects of your personality and your adaptability in the workplace.
• Interpersonal Skills: Show your skill in navigating and improving workplace relationships.

This question allows you to showcase your emotional intelligence and how you positively manage perceptions in the workplace.