In addition to learning about the skills you have that qualify you for a job, interviewers also want to know about how you work to determine if you're a fit for the role and the organization. Asking candidates to describe their work style is a way to decipher whether they are a good match. Show
While this open-ended question might seem vague, it allows you to show yourself in a positive light. In your response, you can strategically highlight how your work style is a good fit for the company at hand. Get tips on how to answer interview questions about your work style, what (and what not) to say when you respond, and review examples of the best responses. Key Takeaways
What the Interviewer Really Wants To KnowThis question helps interviewers decide whether you will fit in well with the company culture and the requirements of the job. For instance, if you require complete silence and focus to work, but the office has a bustling, collaborative atmosphere (and an open floor plan), you might not be a strong fit. How To Answer Interview Questions About Your Work StyleWhen answering this question, it is important to keep the particular job in mind. Avoid clichés (like “hard worker” and “good communication skills”) and focus on specific elements of your work style that fit with the position and company. 0:59 Watch Now: 4 Tips for Answering Questions About Work StyleThis question is far easier to answer if you do some research before the job interview. Analyze the job listing to match your qualifications with their requirements, and prepare answers that show how your work style makes you the best candidate for the job. Then, go a little further. Review the company’s website, media kit (almost always available on their site), and social media presence to learn which qualities are most valued at the organization. NoteMost employers have a good idea of the kind of person who’ll succeed on their team, whether it's someone willing to do "whatever it takes" or a worker who'll build "lasting relationships." It’s also important to be honest, while still highlighting the positive. Don’t claim to be a perfectionist if you’re a big-picture person; instead, emphasize your vision and commitment to quality. Examples of the Best AnswersExample Answer #1My work style is extremely flexible—working on so many different projects requires me to be adaptive. In general, I try to work on one project at a time, working as quickly and efficiently as possible to achieve the best results. All of my projects require collaboration, so I use the team environment to check for errors. I am a perfectionist and a driven worker, and I think my clear communication skills allow me to bring out the best in any team, on any project. Why It Works: This answer establishes the candidate's preferred work style (one project at a time) while also highlighting other key workplace skills, such as flexibility and collaboration. Unless the job description specifically calls for multitasking, this response ticks off a lot of positive in-demand qualities for candidates. Example Answer #2I am extremely dependable. I have rarely missed a day's work, and am known for coming in early and staying late to finish important tasks and achieve results. This dependability extends to my collaborative work as well. I always meet deadlines and help my teammates to meet theirs as well. For example, on my last project, a teammate was struggling to complete his assignment for the team, and I stayed late every day that week to help him not only complete his assignment, but exceed our initial estimated turnaround time for the project. Why It Works: This answer gets its power from the examples provided. Hiring managers value employees who show a willingness to go the extra mile and support co-workers. Example Answer #3I always keep on top of my projects. Owing to my organizational skills and efficiency, I can successfully juggle multiple projects at once. While I complete most of my work independently, I greatly value input and will consult with team members to ensure we're all on the same track. I also appreciate checking in regularly with my boss to update her on my progress and ask about any issues that have arisen. This open communication helps me complete tasks efficiently and accurately. Why It Works: This answer highlights the candidate's strengths and shows a flexible nature. Tips for Giving the Best ResponseThink through your work style: Do you work fast? Enjoy collaboration? Try to do your hardest project in the early morning? Have a preferred way of engaging with your manager? These are all things you can discuss in your answer. Be brief: You can't mention every aspect of your work style in your response, most likely, so focus on the elements that demonstrate your best qualities and fit with the job at hand. Give examples: Consider including a brief example that emphasizes your work style. For example, mention a time when your efficiency and ability to multitask helped you complete an assignment a week before the deadline. Be honest: If you truly can't work when your desk is piled up with documents, be upfront. But do try to be cautious about any overly firm statements about your work environment needs. If you're still not sure how to frame your response, consider focusing on one of these areas:
What Not To SayGive overly specific, rigid responses: Unless you can very precisely nail down both the company and the interviewer's preferred work style, it's best not to be too definitive. If you say, "I work best alone" and the manager wants a team player, you'll have automatically disqualified yourself. Use clichés: During interviews, everyone is a hard worker, detail-oriented, and a team player. It's fine to claim these traits for yourself, but since these words and phrases are uttered so frequently, back them up with examples if you use them. Be dishonest or fail to answer the questions: While you do not want to be too specific and make yourself seem rigid, it's also unwise to be so vague in your response that the interviewer doesn't get a sense of you as an employee. We all have preferences when it comes to our workplace. This is your moment to share yours. If you truly dislike morning meetings, or have some other quirk, it may be worth mentioning it in your response. Possible Follow-Up Questions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)What should I do if my work style doesn't fit with the company's work environment?You have a couple of options if the position doesn't seem like it's a good fit. You can think it over and consider whether you would be able to adjust your work style to mesh with that of the organization. If it doesn't seem feasible, you may want to withdraw your application for the position and consider other jobs that are a better match. Should I send a thank-you note after a job interview?It's always a good idea to send a thank-you note after an interview. The easiest way to show your appreciation for the interviewer's time is to send an email relaying your thanks and reiterating your interest in the job. You can also mention some of your key qualifications for the role. What are the benefits of transferable skills?Transferable skills are the fundamental skills that go beyond a specific role or business. They are beneficial in most roles and help prepare people to work in a range of different work environments. These skills include things like communication skills, teamwork, critical thinking, initiative, and resilience.
Which of the following is an example that is related to career?A career could mean working as a doctor, lawyer, teacher, carpenter, veterinary assistant , electrician, cashier, teacher or hairstylist.
Which analogy best represents the relationship between jobs and careers?Which analogy best represents the relationship between jobs and careers? A career is like "a muffin or a cookie," and a job is like "baked goods."
Why is choosing a career based on interests and skills important?Research has shown that individuals who choose majors and careers that are closely aligned with their interests, skills, values and personality tend to be more satisfied in their careers and enjoy greater career success.
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